Becker, August C. 1854-1936

BECKER, SHIEFELBLEN, KUCHYNKA

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/28/2025 at 15:39:13

The Algona Upper DesMoines
Tuesday, September 1, 1936

AUGUST BECKER DIES OF HEART ATTACK, SUNDAY.
Funeral Services Tuesday at German Lutheran Church.
ONCE SAILED THE HIGH SEAS.

August C. Becker, a resident of Kossuth county for the past 55 years, died at his home in Algona Sunday morning about 11:30 o’clock from a heart attack.

The death of Mr. Becker marks the closing of a life filled with adventure and interesting experience during a time America was truly a pioneer county, and Iowa especially so.

Funeral services have been set for Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 1, at 2:30 p.m. at German Lutheran church with Rev. P. J. Braner officiating. Interment will be in the Lu Verne cemetery.

Led Sailor’s Life.
August C. Becker was born in 1854 at Danzig, West Prussia, Germany. When about 18 years of age he left home and sailed the oceans in one of the old-style sailing vessels now a thing of the past. He traveled the world, and visited every major port around the globe, from Finland to the South Seas.

When his vessel was at an American port, 55 years ago this year, he decided along with a group of other energetic young men from the ship’s crew, to settle in the United States, and he went into Pennsylvania, where he learned something about railroad construction. Then he kept moving west and came to Algona in 1882, living in the P?????en hotel, where Mrs. Rose Brown is now living. Then he went to LuVerne and became a section foreman on the Northwestern.

Wed LuVerne Girl.
In 1885 he took as his wife, Amalia Shiefelblen, of LuVerne. The couple became community leaders, and their family grew, three of five children now residing in Kossuth county. Two died in infancy. Surviving in addition to Mrs. Becker are William and Henry Becker of Algona, sons; and Mrs. Charles Kuchynka, Algona, a daughter.

Some years ago the Beckers moved to a farm four miles south of Algona, where they remained until 1913, when Mr. Becker retired and moved to Algona. His sons, Henry and William, own and operate the Elk Cleaners in Algona.

None of Mr. Becker’s brothers or sisters are living.

He was a member of the German Lutheran church and the I. O. O. F. During his life he worked industriously, raised a fine family and by all standards of American judgment and success has left behind the heritage of a full life, well lived.

Old Time Fiddler.
Many old timers will recall with regret the passing of one of the most popular musicians for old-time country dances in the death of Mr. Becker. He played the accordion and violin and years ago his fiddle kept dozens of happy feet, gay and light.

His death came quickly, silently. He arose as usual, Sunday, and gave no hint of feeling ill. He had, in the past week, enjoyed a trip with his son, William, and his usual habits. He was found in a room of his home. Death had evidently been instantaneous, and without pain, as his heart ceased to function.

Kossuth Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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