Stephen Crittenden 1872-1939

CRITTENDEN, ROSSMAN, BOYES, HINKLEY, PFEIFER, RUMMEL, JANSSEN, HODGDON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/10/2013 at 18:26:10

2 February 1939 - The Clarence Sun

Stephen Sexton Crittenden, son of Charles and Eliza Crittenden, was born in Streator, Illinois, on the 6th day of December in 1872.

Several months ago a light stroke brought the first sign of physical difficulties. For a time tender care and attention appeared to bring encouragement, but reoccurances of the affliction made his condition extremely serious for the past several weeks. He peacefully passed away at nine o'clock Saturday morning, January 28th, 1939.

When two years old, he and his parents moved from Illinois to Glidden, Iowa. Here he spent his boyhood days, and graduated from high school. He taught in the rural schools of Carroll county for several years, after which he took up the study of law at Highland Park University in Des Moines, graduating, and being admitted to the bar in 1902. The following year he moved to Cedar county and located in Clarence beginning his practice of law, and the establishment of an insurance agency. He leaves a long and enviable business record in which he most faithfully served his community.

He was married to Elizabeth Rossman in 1904. To this union were born three children, Eloise, who died at the age of nine, Kathleen Ripley, and James Orphord in California, and Max at home.

He was again married in 1934 to Mrs. Maude Dean of Bronson, Iowa, who has been his faithful and tender companion, most bravely, in these last trying weeks.

Mr. Crittenden was a faithful member of the M. E. church. He served as Master of Mt. Hope Lodge for several years, and was also a member of the Consistory at Clinton, and the Order of Eastern Star.

He was elected as mayor of Clarence, and served as a member of the school board for several terms.

His love for music, for many years, was an inspiration to the town band, and other muscial organizations.

He always served his community most unselfishly and willingly. We lose a true friend and neighbor. He never complained in the face of obstacles and discouragement. He was an honest Christian man that so capably made life a bit brighter for those of his acquaintances. He loved the river; the flowers and trees; and all things good in our out-of-doors. He will be missed in the home, the church and the community.

He is survived by his wife and three children; Kathleen Ripley, and James Orphord of Long Beach, California, and Max at home. Three sisters: Anna Boyes and Grace Hinkley of Armour, South Dakota; Edna Pfeifer, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and one brother, E. W. Crittenden of Armour, South Dakota. He also leaves six grandchildren, and aunt Mollie Rummel; also four step-children, two sons, Ralph and Floyd Dean, and two daughters, Mrs. Velma Janssen and Mrs. Lucile Hodgdon.

The funeral was held at the Methodist church on Tuesday afternoon and was conducted by Reverend A. B. Chamberlin assisted by Reverend K. Fauth. J. Wesley Pritchard sang three songs, accompanied by Miss Alberta Bachman, "Rock of Ages, "Jesus Lover of My Soul" and "Abide With Me". Mount Hope Lodge No. 501 A.F.A.M. attended in a body. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful.

Burial took place in the Clarence cemetery with Masonic honors in charge of A. M. McCormick of Tipton.

The pallbearers were: Arnold Ruther, Edwin C. Schluter, Walter Ruther, Dr. J. E. Smith, Dewey Rhatigan and Harry Decker.

Professional friends paid their respects to their brother attorney by attending the funeral to almost the entire membership of the Cedar county bar.

Relatives who attended the funeral from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Pfeifer and daughter Winifred of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Mrs. J. W. Boyes, Armour, S. D.; Mrs. Henry Watt, Ralston, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Coppock, Storm Lake; Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Weed, Herring; Gladys Johnson, Washta; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Janssen, Lake City; Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Dean, Herring; Mrs. Floyd Dean, Carroll and Mrs. Don Hodgdon of Sioux City.