Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 

Bicknell, Washington Frank -

Washington F. Bicknell, 96, of Kansas City, Mo., father of Mrs. Catherine Rogers of Lenox, died Feb. 9, 1970, in a hospital in that city.

Mr. Bicknell was born Feb. 20, 1873 to Thomas and Catherine Bicknell in Alexis, Illinois. When a boy the family moved to Clearfield. There he grew to manhood and married Mary E. Joneson of Creston, Iowa. To this union ten children, seven girls and three boys, were born.

His wife and two daughters preceded him in death.

He lived most of his life in Taylor County, being a farmer, carpenter, cabinet maker and eventually operated a photography studio in Lenox. One of his life's highlights was being able to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Fickess at Gravity in October, 1969.

Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Cora Reckart of Kansas City, Mrs. Mildred Daston of Los Angeles, Mrs. Daisy Fickess of Gravity, Mrs. Catherine

Rogers of Lenox and Mrs. Frances Askins of Kansas City, Mo. Three sons, Frank of Los Angeles, Thomas of Emporia, Kan. and George of Kansas also survive. Also mourning his loss is a sister, Mrs. Susie Fett of St. Paul, 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Feb. 11th at the Newcomer chapel in Overland Park, with graveside rites in the cemetery at Gravity, Iowa.

Sunlight Masonic lodge of Gravity participated in the graveside services, Mr. Bicknell having been a member of the Masonic Order over 70 years.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 19, 1970

 

Borland, John -

John Borland, 68, well-known resident of this area died Tuesday, February 24th at the Greater Community hospital in Creston after a long Illness.

Survivors include his widow, Merle, a son, John W., of Lenox, a daughter, Catherine at home, two sisters, Mrs. Merton Miller and Mrs. Carl Hood both of

Creston, four brothers, Robert of Ellenburg, Washington, Kenneth of Long View, Washington, Harry and Carl of Caldwell, Idaho. Five grandchildren also

survive.

Mr. Borland was born March 18, 1901 in Union County and had resided on farms in this area most of his life.

The family will be at the Bender Funeral Home tonight (Thursday). A memorial fund has been established for the United Presbyterian Church,

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 p. m. in the United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Floyd Newtorough, pastor of the Lenox United Methodist Church, officiating.

Music will be furnished by Forrest Whlpp and Guy Henderson with Roberta Lockhart accompanist.

Bearers will be Merton Hood of Creston, Robert Bryant of Des Moines, Paul Brokaw, Walter Brokaw, Kenneth McFee and Wayne McFee of Lenox.

Burial will be in the Lenox cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 26, 1970

 

Gordon, Alma Hansen -

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wyant and Mr. and Mvs. John Drain received word of the death of their cousin's wife, Mrs. Leigh Gordon at Marshall, Missouri.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at Marshall.

Leigh will be remembered by many here, having attended the Lenox schools in his youth.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 19, 1970

 

Gordon, Alma Hansen -

Mrs. J. Leigh (Alma) Gordon, 1053 South Lafayette, Marshall, Mo., passed away early Sunday morning, February 15, at the Fitzgibbon Hospital, after an

illness of two weeks.

Funeral services were on Tuesday at the Odell Avenue United Presbyterian Church, with interment in the family lot in Ridge Park cemetery. Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Gordon was born in Brayton, Cass County, Iowa, August 19, 1899 the daughter of Hans and Luella Hansen, who preceded her in death. She was graduated from high school in Atlantic, Iowa, attended college at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, graduating in 1922 in the Home Economics department. She taught Home Economics in the high school of Missouri Valley, Iowa, for two years. She was married to J. Leigh Gordon November 29, 1924 in her parents' home in Atlantic, Iowa.

They began housekeeping in Marion, Ohio, where Mr. Gordon was apprenticing, in his field of agriculture, the hatchery business. In September 1926 they moved to Marshall, Mo., where they established their business, operating it until September 1, 1967, at which time they retired.

Mrs. Gordon was a faithful and devoted member of the Odell Avenue United Presbyterian Church, now the Covenent Presbyterian Church. She was a charter

member of Chapter GM of PEO Sisterhood, a charter member of the Marshall Branch of the A.A.U.W., member of Monday Club, an honorary member of Xi Gamma Omicron Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She enjoyed entertaining in their home and always tried to be a friend and counselor to her many friends and associates.

Surviving besides her husband, J. Leigh of the home, are a son, Hans Edward Gordon, daughter-in-law, Janet, two grandsons, James Edward and Daniel Roger Gordon of Marshall, sister-in-law, Mrs. Adele Hansen of Atlantic, Iowa, niece, Mrs. Carol Walker and her husband, Dr. John Walker of Des Moines, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and two brothers.

The family suggests memorials to the Covenant United Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services for Mrs. J. Leigh (Alma) Gordon, 1053 So. Lafayette, Marshall, Mo., who passed away recently at Fitzgibbon Hospital were held in the Odell Avenue United Presbyterian Church with Rev. William F. Pinkerton, pastor, officiating. Mrs. Cecile McQuiddy, pianist, accompanied, a quartet, Mrs. Charles Swisher, Mrs. Fred Cowen, Richard Kemm and Charles Fitzgerald, as they sang, "In The Sweet Bye and Bye" and "How Great Thou Art."

Pallbearers were H.H. Harris, J. W. Adams, Charles Swisher, Hobart Hill, Harold Lickey and Steacy PickelL Burial was in Ridge Park Cemetery. Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home was in charge.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday March 5, 1970

 

Grimm, Ada Pearl -

Grimm, Benjamin Harrison -

Services for Mr and Mrs Ben Grimm, both 81 years of age, were held Tuesday February 3 at the Hutchinson Funeral Home in Humeston, Iowa.

Mrs Ben Grimm was killed in a car accident Saturday afternoon [Jan. 31] while on her way to visit her husband who had entered the Corydon hospital Saturday morning.  Mr. Grimm died a short time after being told of his wife's death in the accident, but the death did not appear to be related.

Relatives attending the services from here were Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Grimm, Tom Grimm, Mrs. Lloyd Grimm, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Grimm, Wyatt

Grimm, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Anderson and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Boltinhouse.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 12, 1970

 

Holland, Wilber George -

Wilber Holland, 55, died Saturday evening at his home in Des Moines. Mr. Holland had been in failing health the past few years, but his death came suddenly.

A former Lenox resident, he farmed here for several years, and moved to Des Moines fourteen years ago where he worked in a factory.

Survivors include his widow, the former Ruth Beckett of Lenox, two sons, Howard and Benny of Des Moines. a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Rock of Tacoma, Washington, three grandchildren, his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. George Holland of Lenox.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday afternoon from the Bender Funeral Home in Lenox with Rev. Edward Tschetter officiating.

Bearers were Ron Wurster, Roy Camden, Thomas Perry, Loren Bolinger, Wilber Johnson and Kenneth Boltinghouse.

Burial was in the Lenox cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 12, 1970

 

Holland, Wilber George -

Wilber George Holland was born October 17, 1914 at New Market, Iowa, and passed away at the age of 55 on February 7, 1970 at his home in Des Moines.

He was the son of George and Myrtle Holland. He moved to Lenox at the age of 5 with his parents and his brother, Lawrence.

He graduated from Lenox High School. He was married to Ruth Beckett in 1934. To this union were born 3 sons and one daughter. He moved to Des

Moines with his family in 1953, where he lived until his death.

He is survived by his wife and 2 sons, Howard and Benny of Des Moines and his daughter, Mrs. Martin Rock, of Tacoma, Washington. Also there are 3

grandchildren and his father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. George Holland of Lenox. He was preceded in death by his mother, his brother, Lawrence, and an infant son, James.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 19, 1970

 

Johnson, Lester Ira -

Lester Johnson, 77, of Lenox, died Sunday morning at Rosary hospital in Corning where he had been a patient for the past three weeks. Mr. Johnson had

been in failing health for the past four years. He was a retired farmer.

Survivors include his wife, Beulah, a daughter, Mrs. Tip Lucas of Lenox, and three grandchildren.

Mr. Johnson was born near Hamburg and had moved to the Lenox area 56 years ago. He and Mrs. Johnson had celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary

recently.

Funeral services were conducted from the Christian Church in Lenox at 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. Don Briley officiating.

Burial was in the Lenox cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 5, 1970

 

Johnson, Lester Ira -

Lester Ira Johnson, son of R T and Elizabeth Johnson, was born March 29th, 1892, near Hamburg, Iowa, and passed away at the Rosary Hospital Feb. 1, 1970 at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 2 days.

When a young man he united with the Blue Grove Christian Church, later, after moving to Lenox, he transferred his membership to the Christian Church here.

On March 18, 1914, he was married to Beulah Stamets. To this union one daughter, Loleta, was born.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Beulah, his daughter and son-in-law, Loleta and Tip Lucas, three grandchildren, Larry and Roderick Lucas and Judy Sickler, Loretta Lucas and John Sickler, 5 great grandchildren, Lorena and Lane Lucas, David, Lestine and Shawn Sickler, two nephews, Meryle Johnson of Grant City, Mo., and Guy McCurdy of Montana, one niece, Mae Kuhn of Clarinda, Iowa, and a host of friends.

He was a long time member of the Odd Fellow Lodge, The Encampment, and the Rebekah Lodge.

In March 1964, Les and Beulah celebrated their 50th anniversary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.

Funeral services were conducted at the Christian Church Feb. 3 at 3 o'clock, Rev. Don Briley officiating. Music was by Ruth Boltinghouse, Billie Jean Barker and Helen Brokaw.

Pall bearers were Milford Gray, Geo. Barrans, Evan Brannon, Wes Crouch, Spencer Peck, and Homer O'Connell. Honorary bearers were Lowell Wilson, Hugh Wyant, Erskine Blair, Ray Hayes, Marion Davis and John Drain.

Interment was in the Lenox cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 12, 1970

 

Lynam, Paul Thomas -

Paul Lynam, 56, long-time resident of this area, died of a heart attack at his home Thursday evening, Feb. 5th, 1970.

Paul Thomas Lynam was the son of James and Amelia Lynam and was born September 9, 1913, at Sterling, Oklahoma.

He attended school at Mercer Center and Lenox high school graduating in the year 1930.

He was married Oct. 4, 1947 to Monica Curnyn at St. John's Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home on a farm in Mercer township until the time of his death.

Mr. Lynam attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Lenox and at this time was serving as president of the Men's Club.

Survivors include his wife, Monica, son Tom, and daughters, Kay and Eileen. His sisters were (Mrs. Martin (Mary) Sullivan of Massena and Mrs. Howard (Margaret) Jacobs of Rapid City, South Dakota. Brothers include Oscar of Corning, Iowa, and Robert of Littleton, Colo. Preceding him in death were his father and mother and a

brother who died in infancy.

Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Church in Lenox, Iowa on Saturday, February 7, 1970 at 10 a.m. with Father Reginald Maslinski celebrating

the High Mass.

Interment was in the North St. Patrick's cemetery at Lenox, Iowa.

Pallbearers were Leo Ryan, Ivan Lucas, Art Schweers, Paul Schafroth, James Rychnovsky, and Robert Callahan.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 12, 1970

 

Peacock, Albert H (Bert) -

Albert H. (Bert) Peacock, 93, died Saturday afternoon in a Des Moines hospital where he had been under treatment since mid-January.

A pioneer Lenox businessman, he had operated an appliance firm here in recent years and had been in business in Lenox for over 60 years.

Mr. Peacock was born in Canada. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Ed Storey of Des Moines, and a son, Harold of Salt Lake City, Utah. A brother, Arthur,

Quebec, Canada, also survives. His wife, Grace, died four years ago.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 from the United Methodist Church in Lenox, with Rev. Floyd Newbrough, officiating.

Music was furnished by Marilyn Beck and Billie Jean Barker with Norma Paymal, accompanist.

Business houses of the town closed during the hour of service out of respect to Mr. Peacock.

Bearers were Paul Notz, Clark Moore, Cecil Maharry, Pearl Reynolds, John Genson and Eldred Cummings.

Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 5, 1970

 

Repplinger, Angela -

Mrs. Reldon Beadel received word Sunday of the death of her aunt, Miss Angela Repplinger at a nursing home in Creston.

Mrs. Beadel attended the funeral services Tuesday morning from the St. Malcahy's Church in Creston.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 12, 1970

 

Sobotka, Linda Renae -

A daughter, Linda Renae, was stillborn to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Sobotka Wednesday, Feb. 1th at the Rosary hospital in Corning.

Graveside rites were held Thursday with burial in the Lenox cemetery. Rev. Tschetter, pastor of the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, officiated.

Survivors besides the parents include grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Sobotka, Mrs. Geneva Beekett and a great grandmother, Mrs. Edith Brand of Clearfield.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 12, 1970

 

Sullivan, Charles L -

Charles L. Sullivan, 66, died at Hotel Lenox in this city Saturday, following a gradual decline in health.

The son of Joseph R. and Margaret Sullivan, he was born on August 11th, 1903 in Mercer Township, Adams County. He passed away at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 20 days.

Mr. Sullivan was raised in Mercer township and Corning, Iowa, and moved to Lenox where he had made his home for the past several years.

He was preceded in death by his father, his mother and one sister who died in infancy.

Survivors include one sister, Helen Eberle of Des Moines, a brother, Raymond who lives at Corning and a brother, Mark, of Spokane, Washington. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox, Tuesday morning, Feb. 3rd at 10 a.m., with Rev. Father Reginald Maslinski officiating.

Pallbearers were Art Schweers, Robert Callahan, Leo Ryan, Jack Williams, Harold Carey and Bing Miller.

Interment was in Calvary cemetery at Corning.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 5, 1970

 

Wiley, Clara Lucretia Hyatt -

Mrs. Ralph Wiley of Kenosha, Wisconsin died as the result of a sudden heart attack Saturday. She was a sister of Mrs. Frank Key.

Kenneth Key of Creston, Melvin Key of Atlantic and Reldon Key and Mrs. Homer Miller of Lenox attended the services Tuesday.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday March 5, 1970

 

Wilkin, Frank R -

Don Tyler, of Lenox, received  a letter last week, telling of the death of his uncle, Frank R. Wilkin, on Sunday, Feb. 1, at his home in San Diego, California. Mr. Wilkin, former banker and businessman in Lenox, would have been 101 years old this spring.

The son of Hugh and Charity Jane Wilkin, he was born in Washington County near Washington, Iowa, on March 28, 1869. He moved with his parents and sister, Jennie, to Lenox in 1878, when the town was  just six years old.

The father entered the feed and grain business here. From that time on for many years, the family name is interwoven with the history of the town. Frank was the last known survivor of those who witnessed the big fire in November of 1884 when most of the buildings on both sides of Main St. were destroyed. A boy of 15

then, he was awakened about 2 a.m. by the confusion up town, climbed out his window to the porch roof, slid down one of the posts and was off. Hours later his parents found him among the excited and grieving people who watched the devastation of a town.

The family home its porch intact, stood on E. Temple St., and only recently was torn down to make way for the new residence of the Dr. Kopp family.

Jennie, who later married Oscar D. Tyler, Sr., received the first diploma ever presented by Lenox high school. She was one of a class of 6 or 8 girls who

graduated in May of 1886. There were no graduates in 1887. Frank was a member of the class of 1888.

His business interests were many and varied. He worked as a banker, then about 1900 bought control of the First National Bank in Lenox, serving as its president until the spring of 1916.

He owned the first automobile agency in the town. He was associated with O. D. Tyler, Don's father, in organizing and establishing the Lenox and Clearfield

Telephone Company which was owned by the families until 1928. The two men were in the organizing group when the first light plant was built and the first water system. They helped with the remodeling of the city park and laying out of the sidewalks still in use today. The monument in the park was erected the year Mr. Wilkin

left for California, in 1916. He moved to Imperial Valley and went into the banking business.

His wife was the former Kathryn Brown, daughter of a United Presbyterian minister who was here in the 1890's. Their five children are Marc and Robert Wilkin, Martha, Eleanor and Maxine, all married and living in California. His wife died in 1930.

Mr. Wilkin was active in the United Presbyterian Church, on the board of elders for many years.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 19, 1970

 

Wurster, Walter G -

Walter G. Wurster, 59, of Lenox, died Thursday while in surgery at Rochester, Minn. where he had gone for a checkup and treatment.

The son of William and Friedericke Wurster, he was born December 31, 1910 near Lenox, Iowa, and died at the age of 59 years, 1 month and 13 days.

When a young man he united with the Presbyterian Church in Clearfield. Later after moving to Lenox he transferred his membership to the United Presbyterian

Church here.

On May 26, 1934 he was united in marriage to Letha Easier. To this union two sons and one daughter were born.

Mr. Wurster was a farmer and had spent the last 38 years on the same farm where he raised his family. He enjoyed hunting and his gun collection for a hobby, but his greatest joy was found in his family and especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Letha, sons, Gerry and Jim and daughter Mrs. Keith (Jean) Lindell, daughters-in-law, Joan and Judy and son-in-law, Keith Lindell. His grandchildren, Donna, Debbie and Michele Wurster, Kim, Kristi, Julie and Gregory Wurster, Troy and Brent Lindell also survive. Others include a sister, Mrs. Glenn (Anna) Brady of Des Moines, two brothers, George Wurster of Lenox and Herman Wurster of Avon Park, Florida, also nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were conducted from tine United Presbyterian Church Saturday afternoon, Feb. 14th at 2 p.m., with Rev. Floyd Newbrough, pastor

of the United Methodist church officiating.

Music was furnished by Forrest Whipp and Guy Henderson with Mrs. Forrest Whipp, accompanist.

Honorary bearers were Melvin Jacobsen, Henry Beck, Glen Gamel, Howard Riley and Elmer Bose.

Active bearers were Donald Bubb, Ernest Hufnagel, Orval Walter, James Brown, Wilson Longfellow and Harlan Riley.

Burial was in the Lenox Fairview cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday February 19, 1970