and is the daughter of Henry and
Mary Kregel, both natives of Germany. There have been
born to our subject six children, whose bright
vivacity and merriment have made his home more
inviting and happy than any other place to him, and,
as they are developing traits of character and mental
powers that promise much, there is doubtless a bright
and happy future yet in store for both them and their
parents. The names they have received are Amanda,
Minnie, Henry, also Laura and Lewis, twins, and a baby
unnamed.
Before closing this compendium
mention might be made for the encouragement of those
readers who may be beginning life, of some indicators
of the success that has crowned the efforts of our
subject. In addition to his business house Mr.
Rodenbrook has erected a large two-story building on
the southeast corner of Central avenue and Twelfth
street, upon a site of 50x60 feet; also another, if
anything more handsome in its exterior and complete in
its internal arrangements; this likewise is a
two-story building, upon the Southwest corner of
Central and Eleventh Streets, and having an elegant
front on Central avenue of 100 feet.
The early religious connection of
our subject was with the Lutheran Church of his native
country, and to this he has continued his adherence,
and, with his wife and family, is numbered among its
most firm adherents and hearty supporters. In
questions civic and governmental he is usually found
voting with the Republican party, which recognizes in
him an oft-tried and stanch friend. As a citizen, he
is ever ready to aid and support In every way possible
every enterprise, project or plan that will assure the
people of the city, precinct or county any
improvement, privilege or progress.
RED
DUERSCHNER, the pastor of the St Paul's Lutheran
Church, of Rock Creek, is a gentleman of fine
capabilities, good education, and more than ordinarily
intelligent. He assumed charge of this parish in July,
1882, and in the discharge of his duties has acquitted
himself in that creditable manner which has secured
for him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he
has associated. The parish at this time comprises
thirty families, an increase from eighteen since the
time the present pastor became connected with it. He
also conducts the school in connection with the
church, having an average attendance of about forty
students.
Mr. Duerschner was born at Galena,
Ill., Dec. 27, 1861, and completed his education in
the seminary at Mendota. The main secret of his
success has been his deep interest in his work,
laboring conscientiously and faithfully for the best
good of his people. His father, Rev. C. Duerschner,
was a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany,
whence he emigrated to the United States when a young
man, and completed his studies in the Universify of
Iowa, soon afterward entering the ministry and
devoting the remainder of his life to the service of
the church. He, however, only lived to be middle aged,
his death occurring about 1878, in Illinois, at the
age of forty-five years.
The mother of our subject was in her
girlhood Miss Catherine Hammerand, also a native of
Bavaria, and who came to America in her girlhood,
settling with her parents in Iowa. She is still
living, making her home in Pyrmont, Mo., with her son
John, and has about attained her three-score
years.
Our subject is one of the younger
members of a family of five sons and one daughter born
to his parents. His brother John, also a minister of
the Lutheran Church, stationed at Pyrmont, and
himself, are the only ones living. Frederick H., like
his brothers, pursued his studies in the common
schools of Galena, Ill., where he prepared himself for
his college course. Upon reaching manhood he was
married, at Wilton, Iowa, Oct. 13. 1886, to Miss
Sophia List, who was horn in Madison, Wis., Sept. 14,
1864. Mrs. Duerschner is the daughter of John and
Wilhelmina (Hahnen) List, who are now residents of
Wilton, Iowa, and the father a minister of the
Lutheran Church. They were natives of the German
Empire, the father of Bavaria and the mother of
Wurtenberg, and came to the United States in early
youth, and were married in Des Moines County, lowa.
Mr. List is a minister also warmly devoted to his
work, and is the means of doing much good in his
community.
Mrs. Duerschner was carefully
trained and edu-
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