Herbert Prehn's Obituary
Herbert B. Prehn, 91, of Clinton, died Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at the Hiawatha Care Center, Hiawatha, Iowa. Memorial Services will be 11:00am, Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Holm officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am to the service time at the church. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Herbert Burgoyne Prehn was born on December 27, 1917 on his Grandfather Jacob Kindig’s farm south of Welton. His parents were Hans and Muriel (Kindig) Prehn. Herb was only a year old when his mother Muriel died. Herb was loved and cared for by his Great Aunt Elizabeth Burgoyne at her home in DeWitt. His dad and stepmother, Margaret, took him back to the farm south of Welton to start first grade. Herb rode to school from the farm on a horse drawn school bus. During Herb’s early school years he lived in houses in Welton and on the Seven Day Hill with two of his sisters, his father and stepmother. Herb was a grade school student at Welton for eight years. He graduated from Welton High School in 1935. He attended Maquoketa Junior College for one year. Herb spent his summers working on area farms doing chores, building a cow barn, and making hay. Herb moved back to his Grandpa Kindig’s farm south of Welton on March first, l938. The farm was now his responsibility. While attending junior college Herb became acquainted with Ben Lary, a farm boy who lived south of Maquoketa. Herb also met Ben’s sister, Mildred Lary. Mildred graduated from Jane Lamb Hospital School of Nursing in Clinton in 1940. She had earned the rank of RN. Herb and Mildred began spending time together in 1941. Root Park in Lyons and Finton Gardens south of Maquoketa were favorite romantic spots. Herb and Mildred were married on May 21, 1942 at the First Congregational Church in Keokuk, IA. The day after their wedding the couple had to return to the farm to plant corn. Herb and Mildred had two daughters, Phyllis Ann and Ellen Marie. Mildred returned to private duty nursing in DeWitt, Maquoketa, and Davenport after their two daughters started to attend school. When the steers were ready for market, Herb would ride the livestock truck into the Chicago Stockyards. He would return home the following day by train to Clinton. Herb was elected to represent Welton Township on the Clinton County Agricultural Extension Council. He served as treasurer of that organization. Herb and Mildred were elected to membership in the American Angus Association. After thirty-two years on the farm Herb and Mildred had a farm auction. They moved to Clinton in March, 1974. Herb was employed by Mulholland Landscaping and Clinton National Bank before retiring in 1984. Mildred worked for Dr. Jensen and Dr. Wulf at Medical Associates before retiring in 1984. Herb and Mildred were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. For many winters they enjoyed spending time in Ft. Myers Beach, Fl. In June, 2009 after thirty-five years in Clinton Herb and Mildred moved to Ridgeview Assisted Living Community 2975 F Avenue NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. Herb was preceded in death by his mother, Muriel (Kindig) Prehn, his father, Hans Prehn, his stepmother, Margaret, his brother, Tom Prehn, a sister Florence Schroeder, and a son-law, Gregory Caldwell. Survivors are his wife, Mildred (Lary) Prehn, daughters, Phyllis Caldwell of Lohrville, Ellen Collins and husband, Everett of Cedar Rapids, granddaughters, Sarah Shepherd (Chris), Christina Conner (Todd), grandson David Caldwell (Miranda). Great grandchildren are Jeffery and Kimberly Conner, Elizabeth Caldwell and Blake Shepherd, and Nathaniel and Rebecca Caldwell. Family and friends appreciated Herb for his kindness and thoughtfulness. He was truly a selfless man, always concerned about the needs of others. His caring concern included the land. Herb nurtured the soil, trees, and flowers with his hands and heart. Herb was a dedicated farmer, who gave his livestock, his machinery, and his land careful attention. To honor Herb for his stewardship of the land, his family is requesting ( in lieu of flowers) memorial funds be given to the Clinton Bicklehaupt Arboretum, 340 S. 14th St. Clinton, IA 52732.
What’s your fondest memory of Herbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Herbert?
Share a story where Herbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Herbert you’ll never forget.
How did Herbert make you smile?