DERR, John J. Jr.

DERR, MOSER, HEMANN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 11/7/2016 at 07:07:37

Obituary ~ John J. Derr, Jr.
April 13, 1882 ~ October 04, 1935

Ottumwa Daily Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
Friday, October 04, 1935

Iowan Shoots Wife and Self

Mason City Man Dead as Result of Quarrel; Woman Seriously Wounded

Mason City - Mrs. John Derr, 34, is in a local hospital, seriously wounded, and her husband, about 45, is dead as the result of a double shooting shortly after 8 o'clock this morning at their home here.

No immediate motive for the shooting was known, except that the couple had been quarreling much lately, according to the neighbors. Coroner J.E. McDonald, who had been treating the man for some time said that he had been acting queerly and was quarrelsome.

The shooting occurred immediately after breakfast, the table showing where Mrs. Derr and the four children, Darlene, Junior, Calvin and Donnie had eaten. Derr's plate had not been touched and according to Mrs. Derr, he had not said a thing previous to the shooting.

Transcriber's Note: John J. Derr, Jr. was born in Clayton County, Iowa, the son of John and Nancy Derr. He married November 29, 1922, Manchester, Iowa, Clara B. Moser. John was a laborer at a Mason City cement mill. He was interred at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Clara Belle (Moser) Derr, was born in 1902, Delaware County, Iowa, the daughter of Jacob and Maria Anna Catharina (Hemann) Moser. She died on October 5, 1935 from her injuries, and was interred at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2016