Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Stithem, Earnest Milton] Bedford Times-Press Thursday January 17, 1957 [p. 1] E. M. Stithem Rites Held Here Jan. 12 E. M. Stithem, a native of Taylor County, died Thursday, January 10 at the home of his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Laurel Stithem near Bedford. Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, January 12, conducted by Rev. Ralph Yadon of Blockton. Burial in Fairview cemetery. Earnest Milton Stithem, son of Isaac and Rachel [Coddington] Stithem, was born Jan. 7, 1870 at Bedford, Iowa and died at the age of 87 years, three days. In 1880, at the age of 10 he moved with his parents to Palco, Kansas. At the age of 21 he returned to Bedford, which has been his hometown since. On March 1, 1894 he was married to Rhoda Brewer, and moved to a farm in Ross Township, where four sons were born. In the year 1902 he obeyed the gospel and [words unreadable] membership in Church of Christ at Berea, where he held membership until his death. Mr. Stithem spent most of his married life farming near Bedford. He was a devoted husband and father, was always seeking to be a better neighbor for the betterment of his church and community. He was preceded in death by his wife, two sons, Paul and Floyd. He leaves to mourn his passing, two sons, Laurel of Bedford, Azel [Leo] of Burlington, Wash.; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren; six brothers, Henry of Topeka, Kans., Omer of Loma Linda, Calif., Carl and Sam of Anselmo, Nebr., Daniel of Studley, Kans., Jesse, who was with him at the time of death; three sisters, Mrs. Etta Rogers of Emmett, Idaho, Mrs. Jane Hadley of Palco, Kans., Mrs. Melvina Pywell of Zurich, Kansas. Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 26, 1968 [p. 1] Laurel Stithem Rites Friday Funeral services for Laurel Stithem of Bedford will be held Fri. Sept. 27 at the east Shum-Novinger funeral Home. Mr. Stithem died September 23 at his home in Bedford . [Stithem, Laurel L.] Bedford Times-Press Thursday October 3, 1968 p. 3 Laurel L. Stithem Final rites Held Here Sept. 27 Funeral services for Laurel L. Stithem, 64, lifetime Taylor County resident, were held September 27 at Shum-Novinger funeral Home here with Rev. Richard Viney officiating. Mr. Stithem died at his home in Bedford September 23, 1968. Interment was at Fairview cemetery, Bedford. Laurel Stithem, son of E. [arnest] M. [ilton] and Rhoda [Ellen Brewer] Stithem, was born April 3, 1904 in Ross Township. In 1924 he was married to [Zoa] Rita McCormick. To this union four children were born: Mrs. Harold Christensen (Doris), Council Bluffs, Iowa; Eldon D., Seattle, Washington; Mrs. William Minnick (Lois), Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Robert C. [lifford], Bedford. He is survived by his wife; four children; eight grandchildren; one brother, A.[zel] L. [eo] Stithem, of Burlington, Washington. His parents and two brothers preceded him in death. Although his interests were varied, most of his life was spent on a farm near Bedford. The Stithems moved to Bedford in 1967. Because of his talent and creativeness combined with his love for his fellow man, especially the young people, made way for a charter 4-H Club in Jackson Township. Later he was made youth director of Taylor County and through his work with F. F. A. in Bedford school was an honorary member of F. F. A. He had the highest esteem for those many good friends he made while in the meat processing business and spoke often of them. He was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need. Bedford Times-Press Thursday July 11, 1946 [p. 1] Mrs. E. M. Stithem Dies In Oregon Mrs. E. [arnest] M. [ilton] Stithem, who in company with her husband, left Bedford a few weeks ago, planning to spend a year at Eugene, Oregon, with their son, A [zel] L.[eo] Stithem and family, died at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene Friday, July 5. The body was returned to Bedford and the funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ralph Yadon. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery. Rhoada [Rhoda] Ellen Brewer, daughter of John and Ellen Brewer of New Market, Iowa, was born on December 25, 1866, being aged 79 years, 6 months and 11 days at the time of her death. When seven years of age her mother passed away. She was then taken to the home of her uncle, Joe Foreman, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. Growing to young womanhood, she united with the Church of Christ at Berea at the age of fifteen, where she held membership the remainder of her life. In 1894 she was married to Earnest Milton Stithem of Palco, Kansas. To them four sons were born: Floyd Charles, who died in infancy; [Alfonso] Paul Stithem of Omaha; A. [zel] L. [eo] Stithem of Eugene, Oregon; and Laurel Stithem of Bedford. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and three brothers. Surviving are her husband, three sons, two brothers, Joseph and John Brewer of Rosendale, Mo.; a half-brother, Marcell Brewer; six grandchildren. In life she was greatly devoted to helping in providing the comforts and necessities of her family, ever ready to lend a helping hand in sorrow and trouble among her friends and neighbors.
Bedford Times-Republican Thursday October 30, 1913 p. 5 John R. Switzer
John R. Switzer died at his home in Valley Falls, Kan., Tuesday October 28, aged 36 years. The remains were brought to Bedford and the funeral services were held at the First Baptist church Thursday afternoon, conducted by Dr. J. W. Neyman. Interment was made in the Fairview cemetery. Mr. Switzer was born
in Knox County, Ill., September 14, 1877. He moved to Kansas in the fall of
1886 and in 1890 moved to Iowa. October 5, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Baker. He met his death by
the accidental discharge of a gun, which he was repairing. He leaves to mourn
his death, his wife; father, Peter Switzer and two brothers, Joseph of Bedford and Robert
of Macksburg, Ia. He was a member of the Baptist Church. [Switzer, John R.] Bedford Free Press Tuesday November 4, 1913 p. 5 Robert Switzer, who now lives at Macksburg, was here a few days last week called by the death of his brother John. [Switzer, John R.] Mrs. John Switzer [Bertha Baker] returned to her home at Valley Falls, Kans., Saturday. Peter Switzer accompanied her and will assist her in looking after her affairs there for a few weeks. Bedford Free Press Thursday February 15, 1912 p. 4 Obituary Mary E. [llen] Smith was born in Clinton County, Ohio, October 31, 1853. In the year 1857 she moved with her parents to Knox County, Ill., where on December 3, 1868, she was united in marriage to Mr. Peter Switzer. To this union were born three sons, Joseph and John, of Bedford, and Robert of Corning. They moved to Rawlins County, Kansas, in 1886, where they resided until moving to Bedford in 1890, which has since been her home. Early in life Mrs. Switzer became a Christian. After an extended illness she departed this life on Monday, February 12, at 10 p. m., aged 59 years, 3 months and 12 days. She leaves to mourn her death her husband and three sons, besides a host of friends. The bereaved relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of all. Funeral services were held from the Baptist church Wednesday at 2 p. m. conducted by Dr. J. W. Neyman. Interment was in Fairview cemetery. [Switzer, Mary Ellen Smith] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday February 15, 1912 [p. 1] Mary E. Switzer
Mary E. [llen] Switzer died at her home in Bedford, at 10 o’clock P. M. Monday, February 12, 1912. Mary E. [llen] Smith was born in Clinton County, Ohio, October 31, 1853. When she was four years of age her parents moved to Knox County, Ill., where she grew to womanhood. On December 3, 1868, she united in marriage with Peter Switzer. To this union there were born three sons, Joseph and John of Bedford and Robert of Corning. In1886 Mr. and Mrs. Switzer moved to Rawlins County, Kansas, and in 1890 to Bedford, where they have since made their home. For the past six years Mrs. Switzer had been a continual sufferer and her death is regarded in the nature of a blessing, leavened with sadness. At the time of her death Mrs. Switzer was in her sixtieth year of age and had been an active member of the church since her fourteenth year. Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock P. M. Wednesday, February 14, at the Baptist church, conducted by Rev. J. W. Neyman, the pastor. Interment was in Fairview cemetery. Bedford Free Press Thursday July 3, 1924 p. 4 Peter Switzer Dead Peter Switzer, 79 years of age, died at his home in Denver, June 28th, death being caused by an automobile accident, we are told. He was a former resident of this city and his body was brought here for burial in Fairview cemetery. Funeral services were held this afternoon, Thursday, July 3, from the Baptist church. [Switzer, Peter] Bedford Free Press Thursday July 10, 1924 p. 8 Death of Peter Switzer
In last week’s Free Press brief mention was made of the death of Peter Switzer, a former resident of this community, which occurred at his home in Denver, Colo. Mr. Switzer, 80 years of age, was making his home in Denver with his son, Joseph. He had been visiting at the neighbors near by and was on his way back home when a car driven by Edward Foulk of Denver struck him down as he was crossing the street. The accident was pronounced unavoidable and the driver was not held responsible. It is believed Mr. Switzer’s advanced age, poor hearing and eyesight, were responsible for his stepping in front of the car. He was knocked to the pavement and rendered unconscious. He died in a short time as his skull was fractured. The body was brought here for burial. The services were held last Thursday afternoon at the Baptist church at 2:30 o’clock and burial made in Fairview cemetery. His son Joseph and wife of Denver attended the funeral here. Their two daughters, Myrtle and Marjorie remained at their home in Denver. Joseph formerly lived in this community, leaving his farm east of Bedford about ten years ago for his present home where he is now engaged in the carpenter business. Another son, Robert, and his wife and son, Gerald, of Kimball, Nebr., were also here. Robert left Bedford about fifteen years ago and is now farming near Kimball. The obituary as read at the services follows: Peter Switzer was born in the state of Indiana July 27, 1844 and died in Denver, Colo., June 29, 1924. When a lad he moved with his parents to Knox County, Ill., where he volunteered to serve his country at the age of 16, enlisting in Co. I, 72nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry and served 3 years. On December 3, 1868 he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Smith who preceded him to the better land February 12, 1912. To this union were born three sons, Joseph E., of Denver, Colo., John R. who has gone on before and Robt. I. of Kimball, Nebr., also three grandchildren, Myrle P. and E. Marjorie of Denver and Gerald R. of Kimball. From Illinois they moved to Rawlins County, Kansas in 1886 where they resided until 1890 when they moved to Taylor County Iowa, where they resided until the death of his companion, since which time he had lived with his sons in the west. He gave his heart to God and accepted Christ as his Savior in middle life and became a member of the Baptist East Mission before the church was built and remained a member to the time of his death. Since making his home in Denver his time had been taken up largely in visiting and casting sunshine upon the sick and afflicted and he will be sorely missed by his friends and bereaved ones left. [Switzer, Peter] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday July 10, 1924 p. 8 Peter Switzer Was Killed By An Auto Peter Switzer, whose funeral was held in Bedford last Thursday, was killed by an automobile in Denver, Colo., on June 29. He was struck while crossing the street by a car driven by Edwin Foulk, a dental student. Witnesses exonerated the driver completely. His obituary follows: Peter Switzer was born in the state of Indiana July 27, 1844 and died in Denver, Colo., June 29, 1924. When a lad he moved with his parents to Knox County, Ill., where he volunteered to serve his country at the age of 16, enlisting in Co. I, 72nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry and served 3 years. On December 3, 1868 he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Smith who preceded him to the better land February 12, 1912. To this union were born three sons, Joseph E., of Denver, Colo., John R. who has gone on before and Robt. I., of Kimball, Nebr., also three grandchildren, Myrle P. and E. Marjorie of Denver and Gerald R. of Kimball. From Illinois they moved to Rawlins County, Kansas in 1886 where they resided until 1890 when they moved to Taylor County Iowa, where they resided until the death of his companion, since which time he had lived with his sons in the west. He gave his heart to God and accepted Christ as his Savior in middle life and became a member of the Baptist East Mission before the church was built and remained a member to the time of his death. Since making his home in Denver his time had been taken up largely in visiting and casting sunshine upon the sick and afflicted and he will be sorely missed by his friends, which one can count by the score, as well as the bereaved ones left.
Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 1, 1946 [p. 1] Mrs. Minnie Thomas Dies At Wichita Mrs. Minnie Thomas, a resident of Bedford for many years, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. A. M. Garnett at Wichita, Kansas, Saturday, July 27. The body was brought to Bedford by the sister and funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Mrs. J. H. Gasson. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery. Minnie Van Scoy, daughter of Caleb and Amanda [Canfield] Van Scoy, was born May 12, 1881 at Grant City, Missouri, being 65 years, 2 months and 15 days of age at the time of her death. She moved with her parents to Ravenwood, Missouri, where she was married October 8, 1899 to Charles Thomas. They were the parents of six children, all of whom preceded their parents in death. Four of the children died in infancy, one at the age of five years, and Mrs. Bertha Nathman, who passed away in 1928. Mr. Thomas died December 21, 1938. Mrs. Thomas made her home in Bedford for many years, going to the home of her sister, where she could be cared for during her last illness. She had been in failing health for the past eight years, and had been seriously ill for many months. She was a home-loving person and had many friends in this community. She is survived by her sister, Mrs. A. M. Garnett of Wichita, Kansas, and by several nieces and nephews. She had been a member of the Methodist church for many years. Bedford Times-Republican Thursday March 1, 1917 p. 8 Death of Claude Van O’Linda Claude Van O’Linda, son of the late Fred Van O’Linda of Bedford, Iowa, died at his home in Santa Cruz, California, February 11, 1917. The first half of his life was spent in and near Bedford. Late in the autumn of 1901 he went to Shabbona, Ill., and entered the hardware store of his uncle. From there he went to the Pacific coast. The following clipping is taken a Santa Cruz paper dated Feb. 12: Claude H. Van Olinda, manager of the sporting goods department of Byrne Brothers’ store and a faithful, competent employee of the firm this past twelve years, died at his home, 277 Front street at 12:30 yesterday afternoon after a seven days fight [words missing] among his friends this morning, so suddenly had it come and so mercilessly. Mrs. Van O’Linda, after two weeks of illness at a local sanatorium, had just returned home last Thursday to find her husband very ill and his death yesterday has been a terrible blow to her and the little daughter, Claudine. The sympathy of the entire community is extended them in their great sorrow. Claude Van Olinda or “Van” as he was affectionately known to hundreds, was only thirty-one years of age. He knew the sporting goods business perfectly and was himself a lover of the streams and the hunters’ delights. He was born in Iowa, but came to Santa Cruz from the state of Washington and took a position with Byrne Brothers when a boy of nineteen. He was an extremely well met, popular fellow and his friends are scattered all over this end of the county. He was a member of the red Men and the congregation of the Presbyterian church. Besides his wife and daughter, Mr. Van Olinda is also survived by an aunt living in Napa. The funeral will be held from the Presbyterian Church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. Hugh Gilchrest will officiate. [Van O’Linda, Frederick W. “Fred”] Bedford Free Press Thursday January 17, 1907 [p. 1] F. W. Van O’Linda Dead Word was received here Saturday of the death of F. [rederick] W. Van O’Linda, at his home in Santa Cruz, Calif. The message gave no further particulars, except that the remains would be brought here for burial. Mr. Van O’Linda was a former resident of this county, having left the farm now occupied by W. C. Welch, a year ago last September. He was at one time in the grocery business in Bedford, and he has a wide acquaintance and a host of friends, who will learn with deepest regret of his demise. His daughter, Miss Leona, who is attending college at Des Moines, arrived Monday, to be here to meet the remains. He also has a married daughter living at Hatfield, Mo., Mrs. W. [illiam] M. [erritt] Golding, and a son, Claude, who was with him at Santa Cruz. His wife died and was buried here about eleven years ago. [Van O’Linda, Frederick W. “Fred”] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday January 17, 1907 p. 5 An Old Resident Dead A message was received here a few days ago, announcing the death of W. F. [F. W.] Van O’Linda, which occurred at Santa Cruz, California, January 10th. The body was to have arrived here Wednesday, but the trains were delayed by the storm, and the date of its arrival is now uncertain. Mr. Van O’Linda was born in Troy, N. Y. Christmas day 1849. When only a small boy he came with his parents to Illinois. In 1878 he came to Bedford, and for many years was one of the leading businessmen of our city. It was while living here that his wife died and is buried in the cemetery here where his body will be laid. Three children survive their parents, Mrs. Maud Golding, Miss Leona, and Claud. At the time of his death, Mr. Van O’Linda was living with his son in California. The storms of the past few days have greatly delayed the
trains. On the Bedford line, however, we have been very fortunate, the trains
having been delayed only a few times, and then for no great length of time. [Van O’Linda, Frederick W. “Fred”] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday January 24, 1907 p. 6 Laid To Rest The body of F. [rederick] W. Van O’Linda arrived here Monday afternoon from Santa Cruz, California, from whence it was shipped on Wednesday of last week. The delay in its arrival was caused by the storms which blockaded many of the western railroads. The body was accompanied by Claud the only son of the deceased. The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at 10:30 Tuesday morning, conducted by Rev. Ashley Fitch assisted by Rev. Edgar Price. On account of the fact that the date of the arrival of the body was unknown, only a comparatively few were informed as to when the funeral would occur, and consequently the attendance was not so large as it would have been under other circumstances. Nevertheless, many old friends of the deceased were present to pay a last mark of respect to him they honored and loved in life. The interment was made at Fairview. [Van O’Linda, Frederick W. “Fred”] Bedford Free Press Thursday January 24, 1907 [p. 1] F. W. Van O’Linda Buried Tuesday The remains of Mr. F. [rederick] W. Van O’Linda arrived Monday evening, accompanied by his son, Claude. The funeral was held the following morning at the Presbyterian Church, conducted by Rev. Ashley Fitch, assisted by Elder Edgar Price. The burial took place in the Bedford cemetery, beside the remains of his wife. The death, of which mention was made in these columns last
week, occurred on the preceding Saturday at his home in Santa Cruz, Calif., and
the remains had been a week in transit, the delay being occasioned by belated
trains, causing important connections to be missed. The children, Mrs. W. [illiam] M.[erritt]
Golding, of Hatfield, Mo., Leona,
who is attending school at Des Moines, and Claude,
have the heartfelt sympathy of their old neighbors and many friends in this
their sad bereavement. Bedford Times-Republican Thursday May 29, 1913 p. 4 Obituary Mrs. R. M. Walker
Mrs. R. M. Walker died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. [orwin] C. [alvin] Corson, Monday, May 26. The funeral services were held at the Corson home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. William B. Thompson. Interment was made in the Fairview cemetery. Rebecca Johnson was born in Leesburg, Ohio, in 1842. When she was six years of age she came to Iowa. In 1863 she was united in marriage to Calvin Walker. To this union were born three children, all of whom survive. They are Coryl M. Corson and Loretta Scane both of Bedford and Andrew Scott Walker of Indianola. Mr. Walker died Jan. 5, 1877. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church when she was 16 years of age and lived a devoted Christian life each day. Besides her children she leaves to mourn her death six grandchildren, one sister and three brothers. Thomas Lowell Weir, 72, passed away in Des Moines, Iowa on April 16, 2011, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Born July 31, 1938, the firstborn of Guy Thomas Weir and Harriet Louise (Osburn) Weir, he grew up on a farm near Bedford, Iowa. Lowell spent many days in his youth at Grandpa Osburn's farm working with him. By the time he was 5 he was the water boy for the threshing crews and soon after drove the horses. Lowell actively participated in 4-H, most known for showing many Angus cattle. He was also elected the youngest county president in his time. He still found time to do many things in the Y Indian Guides. Lowell loved to hunt and was an excellent shot. Just ask the rabbit trying to scamper over the hill. Reading anything -- books, newspapers, magazines - was a lifetime joy of his. At 15, Lowell took his first flying lesson on Christmas day. He had listened to his buddy rave for a week about his flying lesson and had to see what it was all about. This sparked his lifelong passion for aviation. Lowell thoroughly enjoyed being in the cockpit. After graduation from Bedford High School in 1956, he operated a custom combining service for a couple years. During this time, he also became a flight instructor, a pilot for charter flights, and served seven years in the Air National Guard. Lowell went to crop dusting training in Mississippi in 1961 and for the following two years he did crop dusting out of Honey Grove, TX. Crop dusting took him to Minot, ND the summer of 1964 and he spent the following three summers crop dusting in both Minot and Shenandoah, IA. Lowell attended Drake University for two years before moving to Ames, where he graduated from Iowa State University in 1969 in Engineering Operations. He married Glenda Kernen in 1963 and they had one son, Todd. They loved to go to ISU Basketball games, and were season ticket holders. The couple divorced after more than 30 years of marriage. Lowell served as chief flight instructor for Iowa State University, and also as a pilot for ISU, flying administrators and Cyclone athletic teams around the nation. Deciding to test his own wings, Lowell owned and operated Wings Over Iowa at Boone for 17 years, where he was one of the early Grumman Aircraft dealers, and also a Cessna dealer. Additionally, Lowell served three years as an engineer and corporate pilot at Quinn Wire and Iron in Boone. Despite the constant connection with flying, Lowell missed having more time in the air, so he began working in Des Moines in late 1980's and soon moved there. Here he became Chief Pilot, Check Airman, and Director of Operations at Elliott Aviation. At Elliott's, Lowell flew the Beechcraft line of aircraft, even their Burt Rutan designed Starship turboprop. Later he began to do some pilot service Beech jets. He eventually served as corporate pilot for Gordon Management and TMC until 2006. After that time he traveled the country doing pilot service and King Air Instruction for ATM. It was through flying that Lowell met his wife, Annette. They worked together as a Beechjet crew for over 10 years. In addition to flying Lowell and Annette enjoying traveling, astronomy, biking, beaches, mountains and sunsets. Their best joint venture was their lovely daughter, Justine. Lowell contributed to the aviation field in a number of other ways. He was a long time FAA designated pilot examiner and a test pilot for numerous types of aircraft over many years. Throughout his 53 years of flying he logged over 30,000 hours of flight time. Many of the entries are written with his signature purple ink fountain pen. Lowell was very proud of his flying, and he cared deeply for his students. He wanted to ensure they learned the correct information and proper practices to assure their safety. When giving check rides Lowell worked to put the student at ease so they could do their best job. He loved to give people their first airplane ride. Had it been possible, he would have spent every minute in an airplane’s cockpit, surpassed only with the time spent with his daughter and son. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Annette Kobliska and daughter Justine of Des Moines, son Todd Weir and daughter-in-law Jeanne Fenton of Poughkeepsie, NY, two grandsons James Weir and Michael Weir of Poughkeepsie, lasting friend Glenda Kernan of Des Moines, brother Lee Weir of Bedford, sister Joyce Weise of Council Bluffs and two aunts, Joanne Osburn of Bedford and Alice [Weir] Colyn of Sebatha, KS, many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and youngest brother Donald. Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Memorials are suggested to Lowell Weir Memorial Fund, which has been established as a scholarship for his daughter, Justine. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel provided arrangements.
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