The Superior Express -

Artha Irene (Kretchman) Ficken, daughter of Frank Burdette Kretchman and Bessie Imogene (Striggow) Kretchman was born Dec. 31, 1930, in the Hebron hospital. Annie attended District 65 Pleasant Hill Country School southeast of Davenport for eight years. She then attended Davenport High School for four years. She taught country school southwest of Deshler for two years, and stayed during the week with the Herbert and Hulda Pohlmann family.

She was united in marriage to Raymond Edward Ficken at Christ Lutheran Church on May 28, 1950, by the Rev. Henry Dumler. She joined the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in 1950. To the union were born two children, Roxann Rae and Martin Dale. The family lived in the Sedan area, then on the John Keim farm near the Little Blue River near Oak. Then they moved to the east edge of Davenport where she lived until 2019. At that time, she moved to Denton, Texas, to be nearer to her children.

She belonged to LWML, Home Engineers Extension Club, Davenport Bible Study Group, and TOPS Club. She participated in a Bible class led by Pastor Patrick Flynn. She was well known as a resource for cat information and cared for numerous furry friends during her lifetime. Annie died Dec.24, from COVID-related causes. Preceding her in death were her husband, Raymond Ficken, in 2003; her parents, Frank and Bessie Kretchman; and sister, Vada Joyce Pearson.

Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Leroy Brennfoerder (Roxann Rae) of Argyle, Texas; son, Dr. Martin Dale and of Flatonia, Texas; grandchildren; and great-granddaughters.

Services are pending