Frank Howard Sunderlin 1874-1928

SUNDERLIN, HOLMES, TUTTLE, COLEMAN, HURD, SKINNER, HUBBARD

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/29/2010 at 22:11:42

Sunderlin Dies; Superintendent Here 10 Years
Paralytic Stroke Cause of Death

F. M. Sunderlin, district agent for the Central Life Assurance Society and former Superintendent of Schools, died Thursday [August 2, 1928] evening from a paralytic stroke. He has been in ill health for many months as a result of an attack of the flu, and his condition during the past three weeks was considered critical.

Mr. Sunderlin was a prominent business man in Estherville and one who has always been associated with public activity. He always took a great interest in young people, and even after his retirement from school work six years ago continued to exert a splendid influence in the community. He was a profound student and a man of sound judgment. He was reserved and quiet by nature and had a large circle of friends in this community and other places where he had lived. Any project intended to further the best interests of the community always received his whole-hearted support.

Born at New Hampton
Frank Howard Sunderlin was born March 17, 1874, at New Hampton, a son of Daniel and Mary Tuttle Sunderlin. When he was eighteen years of age the family moved to Nora Springs where he received higher education. He received credits a LaSalle University and the State Teachers College and held a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He taught in the schools of Cerro Gordo county and was made Superintendent of Schools in Thornton, Iowa, in 1898. On July 10, 1901, he was married to Miss Belle Holmes. He retained his position as Superintendent of Schools at Thornton until 1904, when he removed to St. Ansgar where he was Superintendent of Schools for eight years. He then went to Garner where he held a similar position for two years. In 1912 Mr. Sunderlin became superintendent of Estherville public schools, which position he retained for ten years, and during which time the Estherville Schools made unusual progress. The new high school building was dedicated during his first year in office.

Was District Agent
Since 1922 he has been district agent of the Central Life Assurance Society of Des Moines, having supervision over Emmet, Palo Alto, Dickinson, and Clay counties.

Mr. Sunderlin was baptized and received into the Methodist Episcopal church in 1901 at Nora Springs and transferred his membership to the local Methodist church when the family came here. He was active in church work and had been teacher of the Brotherhood class in his church for five years. He was a member of the Elks lodge and was affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Dorothy; sisters, Mrs. George Coleman of Nora Springs, Mrs. Norman Hurd of Elkland, Pa.; Mrs. H. H. Skinner of Lyndenville, New York; a half sister, Mrs. Orville Hubbard of Portland, Iowa; and a nephew, the Rev. Marion L. Sunderlin of Emmetsburg. A sister, Clara; half-brothers, William, Eugene, and Lucien; and a half-sister, Susie, preceded him in death.

Services Held Sunday
Funeral services were held Sunday at the Sunderlin home, and were conducted by the Rev. P. A. Davies. The quartet consisting of members of his Sunday School class, Henry Mahlum, Albert Mahlum, Cliff Hedrick, and E. L. Erickson, accompanied by Miss Buck, and George Buck, sang at the services. Burial was made in Oak Hill cemetery. Those who acted as pall bearers are Fred Robinson, C. E. Person, N. J. Lee, M. H. Schloeman, J. W. Edge, and R. E. Gardinier.

Relatives who were able to attend the funeral were Mrs. George Coleman and children, Miss Mary Coleman and Harold Coleman of Nora Springs, Mrs. Orville Hubbard of Portland, Rev. and Mrs. Marion L. Sunderlin of Emmetsburg, Mrs. Herman Hurd of Elkland, Pa., Mrs. H. H. Skinner of Lyndenville, N.Y., and Miss Ada Holmes, a sister of Mrs. Sunderlin, of Des Moines. (Estherville News, Estherville, IA, August 8, 1928)

F. H. Sunderlin Died Thursday Evening After a Long Illness
Frank Howard Sunderlin, one of Estherville highly respected citizens, passed away at the Coleman hospital last Thursday evening. Mr. Sunderlin had been in the hospital for sometime past. His condition was known to be serious when he was taken to the hospital for treatment. The day of his death he appeared some better and was sitting up talking to his wife. He complained of feeling dizzy and his wife stepped out to call a nurse. He evidently endeavored to reach the ----ber himself and fell. He passed away that evening.

Mr. Sunderlin was born near New Hampton on August 2, 1874. He was reared on a farm and attended public schools there and in latter years, the teachers college. Some sixteen years ago he was elected superintendent of schools in this city and held that position for ten years. He was well liked by the student body and was always agreeable and pleasant with them but firm in his views which he insisted they follow.

After he left the school work he engaged in the sale of life insurance and at this he was very successful. He maintained an office here and did a great amount of work in the country and surrounding towns.

The funeral services were held on Sunday from the home, the Rev. Davies officiating in the absence of his regular pastor, Rev. Chipperfield, who has been ill. The remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, August 8, 1928)