Forreston, IL newspaper, January 1920

It has again pleased Almighty God to take a dear member of our beloved Zion’s Ev. Church from our mist. Mr. Bernard Asche was born at Detzium, Ostfriesland, Germany March 6, 1854. In infancy he was received into the Communion of the Triune God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Six years old he began to attend the Public Schools of his birthplace until his 14th year when he renewed his baptismal vows at his solemn confirmation. Whereupon he devoted himself to farming. At the age of about 26 years he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Anna Gerken. God blessed this union with seven children, Hilke, Dietrich, Weert, Anna, Martha, Bernard and Rudolfina. In 1882 leaving the old country he came direct to Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., Illinois were he was engaged in farming. After a number of years of hard laboring he purchased a piece of land. The family was greatly afflicted, when the wife and mother was called by death in February 1890. He was reunited in holy matrimony with Mrs. Arentje Penning who had two sons from her first marriage, George and Richard. From this union came nine children, John, Elsa, Louis, Claus, Jennie, Ary, Fred, and two others, who in infancy preceded their parents into eternity. According to God’s unsearchable will our beloved brother was to be separated also from his second wife, Nov. 26, 1912.

His suffering condition caused Mr. Asche to sell his farm and move to Forreston six years ago. Since that time he has lived there together with his unmarried children. His diseases were heart trouble and dropsy, which became worse the older he grew. His relatives visited him very often especially in the last months. His pastor gave him spiritual comfort. He bore his illness patiently. Sweetly and calmly he breathed his last believing in his Saviour Jesus Christ Sunday morning January 19, at the age of 65 years, 10 months, and 12 days. His passing is mourned by his children, Mrs. Hilka Huisenga of Brooten, Minn. Dietrich and Weert Asche both of Forreston, Ill., Mrs. Anna DeWall of Forreston, Ill., Mrs. Martha Loats of Belmond, Ia., Bernard Asche of Harper, Ill., Mrs. Rudolfina Daniels of Adeline, Ill., George and Richard Penning both of Forreston, Ill., John Asche of Harper, Ill., Mrs. Elsa Miller from the State of Oregon, Mrs. Ary Snapp of Forreston, Ill,, Louis, Claus, Jennie, and Fred still at home. 20 grand children, his brothers, Mr. Louis Asche living in Germany, the father of our beloved member and trustee Mr. Weert Asche, Mr. Fred Asche, South Dakota, Mr. Weert Asche, Kanawa, Ia., his sisters, Mrs. Tobina Lursen, George, Ia. and Mrs. Hilka Schrader living in the State of Kansas as well as by many other relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Hebr. 13, 14 “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” The funeral services took place Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 12 o’clock at the mourning house and at 1 o’clock at the Church in Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., Ill. The mortal remains of the deceased were laid to rest in the cemetery of Zion’s Ev. Church, whose devoted member Mr. Asche has been for a number of years.
To the friends and neighbors who assisted us during our recent bereavement we express our gratitude.
The Children.

Contributed by Gregg Gropel

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