Mathew J. Fitzpatrick 1885-1928

FITZPATRICK, DRUMHILLER, THOMPSON, FOLEY, FORAN, OCONNOR

Posted By: Judy Moyna (email)
Date: 4/28/2011 at 17:32:30

Dr. Mathew J. Fitzpatrick, who died at Mercy hospital in Mason City Sunday evening, May 20th, was the oldest son of Matthew and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, of Elkader, deceased some years ago. He was born here September 20, 1885. He was educated in the parochial and public schools of Elkader; the University of Iowa where he received his pre-medical work; and the Northwestern university, where he was graduated from the medical school. Following his scholastic work Dr. Fitzpatrick served two years of internship at Michael Reese hospital, Chicago. In 1911 he located in Mason City and built up a large practice, continuing in it until his illness prevented.

He was appointed health physician of Mason City in April, 1925, and served in that capacity until his death.

He was also associated with the Park hospital of Mason City until the fall of 1922, was president of the Mercy hospital staff during the years of 1926 and 1927 and was the local surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee railroad and the Lehigh Portland Cement company.

Dr. Fitzpatrick was commissioned first lieutenant during the war and served in company 14, fourth battalion, Medical corps. He was first stationed at Greenleaf, Ga., and later was transferred to New York where he, with other physicians, cared for wounded soldiers who were returned from France and was in charge of trains carrying the wounded to various hospital stations.

He enlisted in 1918 and was discharged in 1919 and at that time returned to Mason City where he resumed his practice.

Leaves Two Children

Dr. Fitzpatrick is survived by his widow, two children, Mary Suzanne 11, and Matthew Robert, 8, three sisters, two brothers, an aunt, and an uncle. The sisters are Mrs. T. J. Foley, Salt Lake City, Utah; Sister Agatha Marie, Holy Names Order, Pasadena, Cal., and Sister Annunciata, Sisters of Charity, St. Vincent De Paul, Dallas, Texas.

The brothers are James F. and Edward F. Fitzpatrick, both of Elkader. The aunt and uncle are Mrs. Mary Foran, Elkader, and James Fitzpatrick, Sutton, N. Dak.

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s first wife, Inez B.. Drumhiller, died February 3, 1920. The children, Mary Suzanne and Matthew Robert, were born to this marriage.

The doctor was married to Rilla Thompson, June 7, 1922.

Dr. Fitzpatrick was a charter member of the Clausen-Worden post, American Legion, and the 40 and 8. He was also a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, Ben Hur fraternity, M. B. A., Catholic Foresters, Austin Flint Medical Association, the Cerro Gordo Medical Reserve, the Minnesota State Medical association, Association of American Railroad Surgeons, The American Medical association, The American Public Health association and the Phi Sigma Pi Medical fraternity.

The funeral services were held at the St. Joseph’s church at Mason City and were conducted by Rev. Father P. S. O’Connor. They were very largely attended and evidenced the high regard in which Dr. Fitzpatrick was held. Burial was made in the St. Joseph’s cemetery at Mason City.

~The Clayton County Register, Elkader, Iowa, Thursday, May 31, 1928, p. 8.