Josephine Koch Ahlers 1887-1956

Josephine was born in 1887 in Saarbrucken, Germany. She is the oldest child of Joseph and Elizabeth. She was 19 when her mother died.

Josephine married Herman Ahlers on May 13, 1913, and they lived in Granville, Iowa, where she is buried in the Ahlers family cemetery plot. Their wedding picture is to the left. The bridesmaid is her sister Leona and the best man is Herman's brother.

Josephine is Herman's second wife. His first wife was Elizabeth Wieskercher who bore him 2 girls. One is Mrs. Mike Steffes of Lamoure, ND and the other Agatha Steffes (I haven't figured out why the names are the same).

Herman farmed south of Granville and also worked and helped manage the J.L. Wieskercher and Co. general merchandise store.

In honor of Josephine, her family donated the Westminster Chimes to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Granville. In her obituary she was called a devoted mother and kind neighbor.

Josephine and Herman had the following children:
Herman Joseph Jr. 1915 - 2006 (WWII vet - 90th Div Infantry under General George Patten. Won Purple Heart in Normandy Invasion. Never married.
Clarence 1919 - wife: Norma
Children:
David (Linda Langel) 10/14/45 children: Michael, Erin, Nicole, Jeremy
Daniel: 4/2/48 Not married
Margaret Mary (David Tucker - divorced): 7/31/49 Children: Holly and Douglas
Christine Norma (Scott Nielsen): 5/21/51 Children: Justin and Christopher
Barbara (Dennis Henrick): 3/31/54 Children: Noelle
Philip (Teryl Conover): 9/5/58 Children: Derek
Vincent Peter: 1917 WWII Army - mechanic in Iran. Never married.
Helen: 1929 - 1934
Bernard John: 1918-2006 Never married
Edward Michael: 1927 Never married
Rita (Reynold Theisen) of Canby, MN (she had 13 children) see below
Arnold Peter: 1916 Never married
Raymond N. 1921-2006 Never married
Urban John : 1920 WWII Air Corps . Never married
Clara Catherine: 4984 Marsh Ave, Granville 712-727-3281

Herman Ahlers and sons Arnold, Richard Koch, Urban, Edward, Ray

Back: Vincent, Arnold, Urban holding Gary Theisen
Middle: Richard Koch, Clara, Josephine, Rita holding Jim
Front: Mary Ann Theisen and Ken Theisen

Josephine's family

Rita Ahlers Theisen's family

Carol Norton, daughter of Rita, is my contact.