Gail A. Shoemaker 1896-1922

SHOEMAKER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/22/2010 at 00:52:54

Gail Shoemaker Died Yesterday Afternoon
Popular Young Man Is At Rest Following a Lingering Illness
Word was received in this city yesterday evening of the death of Gail Shoemaker at the University hospital at Iowa City. Mr. Shoemaker was taken to that institution some time ago in the hopes of relieving his trouble but his gallant fight for life was of no avail. He was a popular young man of this city, a general favorite with all who knew him. While his death was not unexpected it casts a pall of gloom over his large circle of friends. Mr. Shoemaker served in the world war. Following his discharge from the service he came to this city and was employed by different firms around town. His last position was with D. R. Alexander where he started upon the study of law. He had a brilliant mind, was a hard worker and was making rapid progress at the time he was stricken with heart trouble. He is survived by his father and mother who live in Montana and his brother, Ray, of this city. His untimely death is sincerely mourned in this city and the bereaved family have the deepest sympathy of the entire community. We are unable at this time to secure a complete obituary but will have it for the next issue. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, January 11, 1922)

Gail A. Shoemaker
Gail A. Shoemaker was born in Valeria, Iowa, February 15, 1896, and died in a hospital in Iowa City on Tuesday, January 10, 1922, at the age of 25 years, 10 months and 26 days.

He was the second in a family of four children and the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Shoemaker of Montana. Having moved with his parents to that state when he was about one year old, he received his grammar and High School education in his adopted state and took special courses in stenography in Minneapolis, and also received valuable instruction in regard to deeds and mortgages and became an excellent abstractor while working in his father’s office.

He entered into the military service during the late world war, going from Montana. He received his honorable discharge on December 31, 1918. After being discharged he came to Estherville and entered the service of the firm of Alexander & Soper as abstractor and was soon deeply attached to both his work and the friends he made here.

During the month of August, last, he was sent to a local hospital for a few days, and was continuously confined to his bed from the 8th of September until his death. At the suggestion of his physician he was taken to the hospital at Iowa City several weeks ago where he remained until January 10th when the end came. Although a great sufferer, he never complained or became impatient. He was always courteous to his nurses, and they without exception remarked that he was the best patient they had ever attended and was always cheerful, even to the end.

He leaves to mourn his untimely going, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Shoemaker; one brother, Ray of Estherville; two sisters, Vera and Erma both of whom still remain at home; his grandmother; five uncles and two aunts and many other relatives.

The body was brought back to Estherville on Thursday morning and funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church on Friday afternoon, Jan. 13th, with Rev. J. W. LaGrone in charge. Rev. LaGrone spoke appreciatively of the deceased relating certain instances when he had visited the young man both before his sickness and during the same. His general remarks were based on the “Strong Young Man.” He spoke of the day during the early part of his sickness when Gail definitely accepted Jesus Christ as his Savour and Lord. He pointed out that there is not on record a single instance where God ever called an old man in to His service, but always called young men, and that whatever successes an old man may have can be traced directly to years of preparation and devotion during the period of youth. Music was furnished for the service by a quartet composed of Mrs. Mauck, Mrs. Allison and Messrs. Tebow and Allison. Mr. Tebow, himself an ex-service man, also sang a solo.

The American Legion attended the funeral service in a body and furnished the pall bearers from their own ranks. They also had charge of the services at the cemetery where Military Honors were given by both the bugler and the firing squad. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, January 18, 1922)

The Vindicator and Republican adds: The Service Star Legion also attended the funeral in large numbers as did the K of P’s of which lodge he was a member. The floral offerings were very beautiful and bespoke the strong ties that bound this young man to the various organizations with which he was connected as also to his friends. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, January 25, 1922)

G. Shoemaker Laid to Rest
Following his death in Iowa City, Mr. Gail Shoemaker was taken to Estherville, Iowa, where he was buried. The young man was 25 years, 10 months and 26 days of age, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Shoemaker of Montana, who survive. His brother, Ray, who came here from Estherville after the remains, and two sisters, Vera and Erma, also mourn.

The decedent was a high school graduate and a commercial college student in Minneapolis. He was an abstractor in his father’s office in Montana before he entered the world war. He served until Christmas week, after the armistice, and then went to Estherville, to become a member of the office staff of David R. Alexander, law, 1894, S.U.I.

He was stricken while on duty there and entered a hospital, from which he ultimately came to an Iowa City hospital, where the end came. (Iowa City Press-Citizen, Iowa City, IA, January 26, 1922)