Kokenge, Alfred 1904-1971

KOKENGE, BRUYN, HIDDLESTON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Source: Alton Democrat (12-30-1971)

Born: March 18, 1904
Died: December 26, 1971

Funeral services for Mr. Alfred H. Kokenge, age 67 of Sheldon, were held Wednesday, December 29, at 1:30 P.M. in the Church of Christ in Sheldon. The Reverend David Peterson officiated with the assistance of the Reverend Raymond Corlew of the Sheldon Parkview Assembly Church.

John G. Vanden Berg of Sheldon, sang two numbers and was accompanied by Mrs. Dorothy Feyerabend on the organ. Songs chosen were “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”

Pallbearers were his friends, Ralph Kamphoff, Gerald Koele, Don Burton, Frank Van Steenwyk, John Boerhave, and Lawrence Feyerabend, all from Sheldon. Burial was in the Westside Cemetery at Orange City with the Andringa Funeral Home of Sheldon in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mr. Kokenge was born March 18, 1904 at Alton, and was the son of the late Henry Kokenge. He spent his childhood in Alton and also received his education there. In spite of the fact that as a young man, he left for Chicago, he was well remembered when he returned to his old stomping grounds, but retired in Sheldon. His wife, the former Helena Bruyn of Orange City, was in full agreement to return, both having many dear friends and relatives in this area and neighboring towns.

Although Mr. Kokenge was employed with Graver Meat Packing in Chicago for 26 years, his last employment was in the Chemistry Department at the University of Chicago for approximately 7 years and remained one year beyond retirement as was the wish of this Department.

On July 31, 1937, he married Helena (Bruyn) Hiddleston, and on their last anniversary, they were elated, having received a card of congratulations from President Nixon and his wife… their 34th anniversary.

Survivors include the widow and one son, John Hiddleston of Downers Grove, Illinois and two grandchildren, John William and Karent Christine. Surviving brothers are Mathew Kokenge of George, Joe Kokenge of Granville, and Cyril Kokenge of Hartley. Surviving sisters are Edna (Mrs. Gerald McCarthy), Frances (Mrs. Theodore Klein) both of Granville and Maureen (Mrs. Wilfred Van Bergen) of Worthington, Minnesota.

Mr. Kokenge passed away in the Sheldon Community Hospital December 26 after a lingering illness which began shortly after his retirement.

He loved the outdoors (fishing) was a Sports enthusiast, and his hobby was writing poetry and articles. His articles appeared in the Democrat and often when they were presented with one of his poems, they called it “Kokenge Poetry.” His thoughts lingered on many unusual subjects…some of which dealt with memories…