Uriah J. Fike 1887-1959

FIKE, MILLER, ZUCK, BOHRER, THOMPSON, FORNEY

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 11/17/2016 at 08:50:42

22 October 1959 - The Clarence Sun

Uriah J. Fike, youngest child in a family of four, was born to John and Mary (Miller) Fike, on April 4, 1887 on a farm south of Waterloo, Iowa. He passed away October 15, 1959 at his home near Clarence, Iowa, at the age of 72 years, 6 months and 11 days.

His early school days were spent at a country school, later entering the Waterloo High School. From there he spent several years in Mt. Morris College at Mt. Morris, Illinois, then he entered the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1911.

At an early age he united with the Church of the Brethren in the South Waterloo Congregation. In this same congregation, in the spring of 1910, he was elected to the ministry, which was eventually to become his profession.

On June 21, 1911 he was married to Precious Jewel Zuck, daughter of the late John and Lydia (Bohrer) Zuck. For the first few years of their married life he spent as a teacher of science in Daleville College, Daleville, Virginia and at Mt. Morris College, Mt. Morris, Ill.

In the spring of 1915 they were persuaded to come to Clarence, Iowa, and locate on the Zuck homestead to care for Mrs. Fikes parents in their declining years, a task which was well and graciously performed. While engaged in farming he was also part time minister at the Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, later becoming full time minister. This position he held for over forty years.

While in the ministry he was a member for several terms on the Board of Administration of the Church of the Brethren, also a trustee for the Old Peoples Home at Marshalltown, Iowa. He was instrumental in organizing the Stover Memorial Church at Des Moines, Iowa.

Along with his other duties he never neglected the affairs of the community, but was active in Red Cross, Crop and the heifer project. He was active in making the county religious survey. For 9 years he served as president of the Clarence Cemetery Association.

U.J. as he was commonly known to his friends and neighbors was blessed with a kindly disposition. His home life was one of love and understanding without a fault. His pleasant smile and warm handshake were welcome in every home in the community, where his help was often sought in the time of sorrow.

Because of his love for young people it was always a pleasure for him to participate in holding chapel at the Clarence High School. Altho he had no children of his own he had a deep concern for them and he and his wife contributed much to various Children's Homes, as well as supporting an Orphan in the Holy Land.

Since his illness was of a lingering nature he spent much time the past year in different hospitals. Yet he bore it all in patience, never complaining. His utmost tho't was that he wanted to be submissive to Gods Will. Surely it may be said of him as of one of old, "Truly a good man has left us today".

Besides his wife he is survived by a sister-in-law Mrs. Marth Fike of Waterloo, Iowa; a nephew, Homer S. Fike of Waterloo and two nieces Mrs. Verda Thompson also of Waterloo and Mrs. Ruth Forney of Los Angeles, California.

A family service at the Chapel was conducted by Rev. Cyril Ashton of Clarence.

Funeral services were held at St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Clarence at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 1959, being conducted by Rev. Charles Lunkley, Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Merrill Bransen, Tipton, Iowa; and Rev. Edward J. Bowers, Clarence, Iowa. The music was furnished by a male quartet with Mary Bowers as organist. In charge of flowers were Mrs. Leo Fisher and Mrs. Frank Fisher, Jr. Pallbearers were: Leo Fisher, Howard McClellan, Richard Dircks, John Pfettscher, Walter Spear and Prentice York.

Interment was made in the Clarence Cemetery.