Arnold N. Kiersch, 90, Silver City

Arnold Nicholas Kiersch, age 90, of Silver City, died on Feb. 3, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Home in Red Oak. Funeral services were held at Hertz Funeral Home in Glenwood on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. Officiating was Pastor Michael Stevens of Silver City United Methodist Church. Interment was in the Silver City Cemetery. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 439 of Silver City.

One of four children of Margaret (Hilbert) and Harry Nicholas Kiersch, he was born on Oct. 13, 1918, in Council Bluffs. He grew up near Mineola 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, he 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, Mr. Kiersch enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed as a ship-fitter for the Seabees. In 1945, he was discharged from the Navy, returned home, and began work for Union Pacific Railroad. He and Lucille Amelia Thieschafer were married on Aug. 11, 1945, in Omaha. They made their home in Silver City and were blessed with a son, Larry Arnold. In 1946, Mr. Kiersch opened a small blacksmith shop behind his home. His skills as a welder and fabricator were well known in the area and he eventually purchased a building on Main Street for his business.

He and his wife were members of the Silver City United Methodist Church and he served on the City Council in Silver City from 1956 to 1958. Mr. and Mrs. Kiersch had been married 13 years when she died on Aug. 2, 1958.

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

Mr. Kiersch 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 Dec. 12, 1981, he and Edna (Reuter) Boehm were married in Council Bluffs. He retired from the blacksmith business in May of 1989 giving the couple more free time to enjoy dancing and one another’s company. They had been married nearly nine years when she died on May 29, 1990.

Mr. Kiersch 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 Oct. 17, 2007, his health forced him to move to the Good Samaritan Home in Red Oak.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Lucille, Carrie and Edna; an infant daughter; and brother Leonard Kiersch. He 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 of Clarinda; other relatives, and several dear friends.