Chris Fokken (1885-1976)

FOKKEN, WILSON

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR CHRIS FOKKEN

Chris Fokken, the son of Christian and Catharina Fokken, was born July 13, 1885 at Marienhafe in Ostfriesland, Germany. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Germany and attended school there.

He emigrated to America in 1911 to Kingsley. Iowa. He was united in marriage to Laura Wilson September 21. 1915 at Wytheville. Virginia. They came back to Kingsley and farmed until 1920, when they moved to a farm they purchased at Raymond. S.D. He was active in church work there, serving as elder and trustee for 11 years in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In 1934 they moved back to Iowa to a farm near Hartley. He again served in the church, as an elder of St. Paul's Lutheran for 21 years. He also served as chairman and treasurer of the building fund for 14 years.

Since 1956 he had lived in Spencer, until ill health forced him to become a resident of the Sioux Care Center at Sioux Rapids, in 1972. It was there he passed away on February 28, 1976 at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1952. and several brothers, including Paul Fokken.

Left to cherish his memory are one son and daughter-in-law. Harmon and Elaine Fokken of Remsen and one daughter. Mrs. Irene Bailey of Spencer: three grandchildren: two great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Services in memory of Chris Fokken were held on Tuesday, March 2, 1976 at St.Paul's Lutheran Church at Hartley. Iowa. Rev. Ronald Meyer was the officiating clergyman. The casket bearers were Hal Zaiser. Emil Lux. Virgil Middagh. Charles Peterson. Forest Knight and Ralph Fokken. Interment was at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Hartley. Iowa, with the Baumgarten Funeral Home in charge.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, Mar 4, 1976, p11