Martz, Francis 1854-1915

MARTZ, JACK, BLEAKLEY, STEIG

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 5/24/2016 at 14:44:50

December 31, 1915 - Storm Lake Buena Vista Vidette - Francis Martz was born at Lebanon, Pa., June 25th, 1854 and died Thursday morning, December 23rd, 1915. At the age of five years he moved with his parents to Shelley, Illinois, where he lived for some time.

He was united in marriage to Amy Jack at Ottawa, Illinois, November 25th, 1880 and came to Iowa that same year, in which state he has since lived. To this union eight children were born, six of whom survive him: Albert of Adaza; Mrs. George F. Bleakley and Ernest of Storm Lake and Fred, George and Raymond of Sulphur Springs.

Mr. Martz was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church at Sulphur Springs and was Elder there for three years. He had always enjoyed good health, having never been seriously ill in his life, until on September eighth when he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never recovered. For the past fifteen weeks he has been under the care of a trained nurse and all that human hands could do was done to relieve him from his suffering but without avail. On December first he was taken to the Swallum hospital where he received the best of care until his death on Thursday morning.

Besides his wife and children, Mr. Martz leaves to mourn his loss five brothers and one sister: Will of Sioux City; Adam of Denver, Colo; Aaron of St. Paul, Minn; George of Sioux Rapids; Henry of Nemaha and Mrs. Fred Steig of this city. He also leaves five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at two o'clock conducted by his former pastor. Rev. Holden of Newell, assisted by Rev. T.A. Ambler. A choir sang Mr. Martz's favorite songs, "Jesus Lover of My Soul," "Abide With Me", and "Beautiful Isle." Interment was made in the Storm Lake Cemetery beside the two daughters who had preceded him. The sincere sympathy of the community is extended to the family in their sorrow.