Arnold N. Kiersch

Arnold Nicholas Kiersch, one of four children of Margaret (Hilbert) and Harry Nicholas Kiersch, was born on October 13, 1918 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He grew up near Mineola, Iowa and was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He attended Keg Creek No.7 Country School, also known as "Goos" or "Lone Elm." Following school, Arnold helped his father on the farm and attended diesel engineer training. He eventually began working at the blacksmith shop in Mineola for his Uncle Julius Kiersch.

In November of 1942, Arnold enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed as a ship-fitter for the Seabees. In 1945, Arnold was discharged from the Navy, returned home, and began work for Union Pacific Railroad.

Arnold and Lucille Amelia Thieschafer were married on August 11, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home in Silver City, Iowa and were blessed with a son, Larry Arnold. In 1946, Arnold opened a small blacksmith shop behind his home. Arnold's skills as a welder and fabricator were well known in the area and he eventually purchased a building on Main Street for his business.

Arnold and Lucille were members of the Silver City United Methodist Church and Arnold served on the City Council in Silver City from 1956 to 1958. Lucille and Arnold had been married 13 years when Lucille died on August 2, 1958.

Arnold and Carrie (Stortenbecker) Lucas were married on February 12, 1961 in Hiawatha, Kansas. Arnold continued to work at the blacksmith shop, enjoyed his garden, and refinishing furniture. He and Carrie had been married 17 years when Carrie died on August 2, 1978.

Arnold was always civic minded. He was an active member of the Silver City Fire Department as well as the Silver City American Legion Post No. 439. On December 12, 1981, Arnold and Edna (Reuter) Boehm were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Arnold retired from the blacksmith business in May of 1989 giving him and Edna more free time to enjoy dancing and one another's company. He and Edna had been married nearly 9 years when Edna died on May 29, 1990.

Arnold and his son Larry grew very close over the years and following Edna's death became constant companions. They enjoyed traveling to community events together and were always a welcomed addition to any group. In 2001, he was recognized for his "Outstanding Community Service" by the Silver City Community and in 2007 received his 60-year membership pin from the American Legion.

On October 17, 2007, Arnold's health forced him to move to the Good Samaritan Home in Red Oak, Iowa where he died on February 3, 2009 at the age of 90 years, 3 months, and 21 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Lucille, Carrie and Edna; an infant daughter; and brother Leonard Kiersch.

Arnold is survived by his son Larry Kiersch of Silver City; stepdaughter Sandra Vorthmann; stepson Keith Boehm; and sister Adeline Grudle Hemmerling, all of Council Bluffs; brother Herman Kiersch and wife Carol of Clarinda, IA; sisters-in-law Mary Kiersch of Rosalie, NE, and Christine Cole of Council Bluffs; and dear friends, Maxine Techau of Glenwood, and Jon and Paula Reeves and their daughters, of Silver City.

Memorials suggested to: Silver City American Legion Post 439, Silver City United Methodist Church, Silver City Volunteer Fire Rescue or Silver City Library.