Arend's Obituary was in the Ostfriesische Nachrichten German Newspaper on 1 June 1906. The translation by Rev Kenneth DeWall is quoted as follows:

"It has pleased God in his wisdom to take from our side by death our dear husband and father, A.H. Merlien. He died on May 9, 1906 with full faith in his Lord and Saviour.

He was born in Weener, Ostfriesland on November 30, 1832. In 1854 he came to America. In 1863 he entered into (marriage with) Anna Wilhelms. This marriage was blessed with 10 children. Five preceded the father in death.

A short funeral service was held in our home (believed to refer to Rockford, Illinois) and then we went toward Freeport and German Valley where Pastor Thormann lead the church funeral and burial service. Pastor Thormann is the pastor of the Baileyville Reformed Church where the deceased was a member.

The deceased leaves behind a widow, five children, four daughters and a son. He is also survived by sons-in-law and a grandchild.

This blow has struck us hard, yet we do not weep as those who have no hope.

This notice is brought by the Widow and children."

Harlan Oelmann, [email protected]

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