Lester KERNAN

KERNAN, MOONEY, SMITH

Posted By: Mark KERNAN (email)
Date: 2/15/2004 at 14:14:50

Allamkee Journal
Lansing and Waukon, Iowa
Wednesday November 7, 1923

Sad Ending of a Noble Life

A great gloom was cast over the people of Taylor township Wednesday, October 31st, when the news came from Dubuque that Lester Kernan was dead. He was wounded Tuesday by an accidental discharge of a shot gun which he carried while delivering a message to Mr. J. H. Strub who had recently purchased his father's farm.

He was taken to Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, where all was done that was possible to save his life but to no avail. He died on the eve of his 17th birthday after having recieved the last sacrements of the Catholic church of which he had been a faithful member. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Kernan who with two sisters, Bernadine, at home, and Mrs. Adrian Hogan, of Minneapolis, mourn his departure.

The writer has known Lester since infancy, saw him grow to manhood and can truthfully say know of no boy who had more friends; he was bright, intelligent and manly, his society was sought by young and old and was always happiest when doing kind deeds for others. He was his father's constant companion and helper and the idol of his mother and sisters. He loved outdoor life and clean and healthful sports. The esteem in which he was held was proven by the large crowd of sorrowing friends and companions who constantly filled the parlor of his home to pay their last respects to one whom they loved.

The funeral at Wexford, Friday, was the largest we have ever seen there. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Laffin, assisted by Rev. Costello, of Wexford, after which Rev. Laffin preached a consoling sermon. The remains were then laid to rest by the side of his sister who preceded him in death some sixteen years ago. His pallbearers were: Ray Ryan, Vincent Callahan, Wm. Blanchard, Leo Colllins, Charles Hogan and Harold Mooney.

Relatives from away who attended the funeral are: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Smith and son Lawrence, Dougherty, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Smith, Greene, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Cook, Dubuque, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. Wm Watson, Thornton, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Kernan and daughter Dolores of Madison, Wisconsin.