Donald Herman Atenhan was born in Ruskin, on November
12, 1917. He was the son of John and Emma, nee
Maschmann, Atenhan. He was baptized on December 2, 1917,
by Pastor Meyer, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kiowa. On
May 28, 1933, he was confirmed by Pastor Meyer at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
On June 20, 1943, he was married to Doris Lowery. The
marriage took place in Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport,
with Pastor Dumler officiating.
This union was blessed with four children; however, one
died in early infancy.
Mr. Atenhan spent most of his life farming near Deshler.
From 1942-1945, he served in the United States Army and
was thus a member of the Deshler American Legion. Most
recently he served as financial secretary of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler.
Earlier this year Mr. Atenhan was stricken with cancer. After many hospital stays and numerous treatments, the Lord took him home on Friday, September 19, 1980. He reached the
age of 62 years, 10 months and 7 days.
Preceding him in death were an infant daughter, Cheryl; a
sister, Theresa; and his father, John Atenhan.
Those who survive are his wife, Doris; one daughter, Mrs.
Galen (Sheila) Reinke of Lincoln; two sons, Steven of
Kearney and Kevin of Deshler; his mother, Mrs. John Atenhan
of Deshler; two sisters, Mrs. Stanley (Delores) Hardegen of
Omaha, and Mrs. Thomas(Mildred) Beckler of Superior;
nine grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was conducted at St. Peter Lutheran
Church in Deshler, on Tuesday, September 23, 1980. Pastor
James Moll officiated. His message, "Kept in Faith," was
based on 1 Peter 1:5. Mrs. Charles Lieder served as
organist. Mr. Ronald Vieselmeyer sang "Softly and Ten-
derly Jesus is Calling," and "The Old Rugged Cross." The
congregation joined in singing the hymn, "Just As I Am."
Interment took place in Davenport City Cemetery. Ser-
ving as casket bearers were Martin Neuhart, Paul Schardt,
Donald Miesner, Harris Holle, Roland Koerwitz, and Vernon
Stelling.
Deshler Rustler September 24, 1980.