Willis Edwin Zink, 1853-1923

ZINK, BARBER, KNUDSON, EMERSON

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/27/2013 at 07:54:29

W. E. Zink, a resident of Clay county for more than fifty years, died at his home, 608 East Second street, or Saturday morning. July 28, 1923. His death was due to progressive muscular atrophy and for the past three years he had been an invalid, during all of which time he bore his sufferings patiently and without complaint. His son, B.R. Zink, has been with him constantly during his illness and gave up his position three years ago with R. L. Cobb, funeral director, in
order to care for his father. The past year Mr. Zink has had lo do everything for his father as he has not boon able to be up and around at all.

Funeral services wore held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock at the home and Rev. Robert Lee Stuart pastor of the Methodist church, conducted the services. The services were in charge of the I.O.O.F. lodge and G. R. Spletter, W. Ashburn, G.S. Brown, L.C. Harris, H. Gallaher and W. Diggins were the pall bearers.

Willis Edwin Zink was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th day of February, 1853. When 14 years of age he moved with his parents to Toledo, Ohio, where they resided about one year, then they removed to East Decorah, Iowa. In the spring of 1871, when he was 19 years of age, with his parents he came to Clay county, settling on a government homestead on what is part of section four in Lake Township.

On November 8th, 1876 he was united in marriage with Sarah Osborne in Excelsior Township, Dickinson county Iowa. In the spring of 1877, he moved with his wife to Worth county, Iowa, where they resided nearly four years.

On January 31st, 1881, they returned to Clay county, where they have since made Spencer their home. His wife departed this life on the first day of July, 1908, leaving Mr. Zink to finish the journey of life alone.

For ten years he was engaged in the grocery business in partnership with C. P. Buckey, Mr. Zink having entire charge of the business. He was City Marshall of the City of Spencer for four years, performing the duties of the office in a fearless impartial manner.

He was a member of Spencer Lodge I.O.O.F. for over 30 years, his faithfulness to the principles of the Order being attested by the possession of a Veteran Jewel.

He was a good citizen, a kind neighbor and a true friend, and while not holding membership in any church organization, he held the greatest respect for the religious convictions of others and never spoke highly of sacred things.

He leaves surviving him, one son, Bert R. Zink of Spencer, Iowa, three sisters, Mrs. O.P. Barber of Kenmere, North Dakota, Mrs. K.H. Knudson of Donnybrook, North Dakota, Mrs. Dan Emerson of Spencer, Iowa, one brother, William Zink of Logan, Iowa; and a host of friends will miss his always cheerful salutations.

Source: Spencer News Herald, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; August 2, 1923.

Interment in Riverside cemetery
 

Clay Obituaries maintained by Kris Meyer.
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