Molumby, John K. 1857 - 1940

MOLUMBY, LYONS, MURPHY, COGLEY, BINK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/30/2023 at 00:31:26

Clayton County Register, 25 Dec. 1940.

Funeral services were held last Saturday morning at St. Joseph's church for John K. Molumby, one of Elkader's older residents, who had been actively connected with the development of this community.

Burial was made in St. Joseph's cemetery with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. P. Taken officiating. Casket bearers were: C. F. Murphy, E. C. Fitzpatrick, M. J. Hurley, James Cain, J. F. Maley and W. H. Walch.

Mr. Molumby died last week Wednesday afternoon after an illness of eight days at the age of 83 years, three months and seventeen days - a man well preserved for his years.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Molumby, he was born in Boston, Mass., on August 31, 1857. In the year of his birth he came to Clayton county, where his parents settled on a farm. Thirty years later - 1887 - he came to Elkader and this place has been his home ever since.

Here in Elkader he was associated with various business enterprises and the construction - in 1897 - of the building which bears his name expressed his faith in Elkader.

An active man, he was always interested in athletics and the development of youth. That was one reason which prompted him to give to this community the athletic field -"Molumby Field" - which is monument to his memory.

Mr. Molumby was married twice. His first marriage was with Mary C. Lyons in McGregor on June 04, 1890. Following her death he was united in marriage, here, with Mary A. Murphy, who also preceded him (in) death.

Five children were born to the first union of whom only two survive, namely, Mrs. E. A. Cogley of Great Falls, Mont., and Mrs. Walter P. Bink of this place. One son, Loy J. Molumby and two daughters, Sister Mary Jeanine (Helen) and Marie Anna preceded him in death, the latter in infancy.

Besides the two daughters he is survived by one brother, F. H. Molumby of Waukon, and one sister Miss Agnes Molumby of Elkader, as well as kve (five ??) grandchildren.

Mr. Molumby was a devout Catholic, was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus and the Rosary Society.

Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the services were: Dr. and Mrs. E. A. Cogley of Great Falls, Mont., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Molumby and James Molumby of Waukon.

Mrs. Wade O. Preece of Waterloo, Mrs. Anne Molumby, Miss Grace Molumby and Leo Molumby of Canova, S.D., Ray and Donald Molumby of Madison, S.D.

Mrs. Julia Comfort and John Lyons, Mason City; Mrs. Esther Raftis and Melvin Weigle of Oelwein; Dr. and Mrs. Leon Molumby, M. J. Molumby and Miss Patricia Molumby, all of West Union.