Blessin, Dr. Otto James 1879 - 1920

BLESSIN, ROBERTS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/26/2013 at 14:05:47

Postville Review, Fri., 13 Feb. 1920. From the Evening Mail, Galesburg, Illinois. (condensed).

Doctor Blessin Passes Away. Community Shocked by Death of Much Loved Physician - House in Order.

After a day in which his chances of recovery from the attack of pneumonia which had stricken him down grew steadily less, the soldier-physician died as he had lived - bravely - in the full realization of his condition, and without a sign of a break in the splendid courage which has always been one of his characteristic qualities. The end came at three o'clock this morning.

Dr. Blessin was attacked by the flu late last week, for three days running a temperature of 105 degrees. On Sunday his condition was such that he could not leave his bed. On Tuesday he was much better and his temperature much lower. Yesterday his condition worsened and his three doctors, in consultation, all agreed all hope was gone.

Dr. Blessin told his doctor, and best friend, "I know my condition, and I am going quickly. Tomorrow I will not be here. It is hard to leave my wife and daughter but I can do it...and I will".

Dr. Blessin then called his office assistant to his bedside and gave to her careful instructions needed to finalize his business affairs.

Then Mrs. Blessin was called to his bedside and given minute directions as to his buisness affairs, insurance policies, funds and quick assets. All the information which would be necessary in settling up his affairs without loss to her.

His "house in order" he then resumed the fight he knew he had lost, the end arriving at three o'clock this morning.

Dr. Otto James Blessin, the son of Rev. and Mrs. G. Blessin of Minneapolis, Minn., was born May 7th, 1879, at Eldorado, Iowa. He was married to Miss Bessie Roberts of Postville, Iowa, in June 1903. One daughter, Ruth Evelyn, fifteen years old, was born to this union. His wife, daughter, together with his parents and five brothers and five sisters survive.

Dr. Blessin practiced in Postville for 17 years. On the outbreak of the World War he entered the air service, where he served 15 months as a flight surgeon. On his discharge from the army he came to Galesburg and opened up a fine suite of offices in the Hill Arcade, specializing in the eye, ear, nose and throat.

He was a member of the Central church, the Masonic and Elks lodges, and of the Galesburg club. He was a charter member and director of the Kiawana club in which he took a very active interest. His death comes as a distinct shock to his large circle of friends and acquaintences in Galesburg, who feel that his passing is a very real loss to this city.

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Note: Dr. and Mrs. Blessin are buried in Area D of Postville cemetery. His death date in the Woodmansee burial book is given as 1-29-1920.

See obit of Blessin, Bessie (Roberts) 1875 - 1979.

Submitter is not related.

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