Gee, William 1851-1927

GEE, BELL, PACKARD

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/20/2016 at 16:34:33

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - April 21, 1927 - Relatives and friends of William Gee were shocked and saddened Friday, April 13, to learn of his death which occurred that day at his home west Storm Lake. Mr. Gee was about his usual work last Monday. On Tuesday he complained of feeling poorly and became seriously ill very rapidly with the flu and passed away Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Gee have lived on their farm four miles east of Storm Lake since 1893 and have been one of the most active and efficient church workers in the Methodist church in this city. Mr. Gee possessed characteristics that endeared him to people all thru his life, he was a loving husband, good father and a kind neighbor to all.

The funeral was largely attended by relatives and many friends. One service was held at the country home at 1:30 and at the Methodist church at 2:30. The full vested choir sang numbers selected by the family. "Faith of Our Fathers" and "There is a Land of Pure Delight." Harold Miller, by special request, sang "In the Garden." The services were conducted by Dr. O.M. Bond, assisted by Dr. J.B. Trimble and Rev. George Wareham. A short service was held at the Mausoleum where interment took place. Miss Helen Banghart sang "My God the Spring of All My Joy." The large number of people who called at the home and the large number in attendance at the funeral services to express their sympathy bears witness of the esteem in which Mr. Gee was held by his neighbors and friends. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Mr. Gee, the second son of George and Lavina Gee, was born in a cabin on a farm near Tonica, Illinois September 17, 1851. The first son was born in England and died while the parents were crossing the ocean enroute to America and was buried in the Atlantic ocean. Mr. Gee was the oldest of eight children born in America.

He received his education in a little cable roofed country school house near Tonica. When a young man he was converted in a cottage prayer meeting and soon after joined the Methodist church.

He was united in marriage to Hannah Mary Bell in February, 1874 at Lostant, Illinois. To this union were born: George C Gee, of Dunnell, Minn.: Joseph C. Gee of Estherville; and Catherine Gee, of Storm Lake. They have resided on the same farm since coming to Storm Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Gee united with the Methodist church at Storm Lake during the pastorate of Rev. G.O. Pratt and together with their children have been very active.

Besides his immediate family Mr. Gee is survived by a sister, Mrs. George Packard of Cortland, NE, who was in attendance at the funeral. There are six grandchildren: Harold, Marion, Elisabeth, and Lloyd Gee, of Dunnell, Minn., and Vera and Dorothy Gee, of Estherville.

Those who attended the funeral from out-of-town were Mrs. Susan Ebner, a niece, of Tonica, IL; James Davey, of Lostant, IL.; Mrs. Sarah Cooper, of Sheldon; Mrs. George A. Packard, of Cortland, NE.; Mr. and Mrs. George Gee and family, of Dunnell, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Gee and family of Estherville; Ed Reeves of West Union; and Wm. Leslie of Iowa Falls; Mrs. E.D. Banghart of this city is a niece of the deceased.