William M. "Bill" Bale 1905-1947

BALE, STEBBINS, BAYLEY, CRISSMAN, SCHROEDT, HOLMQUIST

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 1/20/2011 at 22:06:16

Bale Funeral Held Today at Episcopal Church

Funeral services for William M. Bale, who died suddenly Monday [November 3, 1947] evening at his home, were conducted today at 2:30 p.m. from the Episcopal church. The Rev. Donald F. Haviland of Oskaloosa, formerly of Estherville, and the Rev. Robert G. Purrington officiated at the services. Burial was in the Oakhill cemetery.

Mr. Bale is survived by his widow; three children, William George, John Thomas and Marilyn Hope; his mother, Mrs. George Bale, Sr., and his brother, George Bale, both of Estherville.

Those who arrived from out-of-town to attend the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. Milton G. Stebbins and family of Oelwein; Mrs. Bale’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Bayley also of Oelwein; Attorney and Mrs. William Crissman, Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Schroedt, Fort Dodge; Mrs. Charles Holmquist, Cedar Rapids; and George Buckingham, who attends the University of Iowa at Iowa City. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, November 5, 1947)

Atty. Wm. Bale Has Heart Attack
Died While At Dinner Table Monday Night

The entire community and, in fact, the entire county was shocked on Monday evening when out of a clear sky it was announced that Atty. Wm. Bale had died suddenly at his home. It was known he had had some severe heart attacks but they were not thought to be of a serious nature.

Mr. Bale had been about the street and in his office all day. He had not complained of feeling ill. He sat at the table talking about the football game to be played and which they were to attend. He was telling his boys stories of the days when he was a high school football player. When in high school he was a star player and a man on the team they could always depend on in a pinch.

Mr. Bale was born and reared in this city, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Bale. He was educated in our schools and graduated from high school in the class of ’23. He went to the State University and took a law course. He was a student and adapted to the profession he had chosen for his life work.

After his graduation he returned to this city to take up the practice of law. He was elected to the office of County Attorney and later was appointed to the office of City Attorney. He was considered among the profession as extremely apt and his advice was sought in many cases in county, city and school affairs.

Mr. Bale was always in his quiet way deeply interested in children and especially after they attained the age of Scouts. He was a leader in Scouts and counseled in all matters pertaining to conditions affecting the youth of the city.

Recently Mr. Bale had been deeply interested in the parties for the kiddies over Halloween. While he never seemed aggressive he did much work in many civic activities.

Among men he was a good fellow well met. He acquired a host of friends who will greatly miss him. He also will be greatly missed in a business way as his advice was sought by many in legal matters.

William M. Bale was born August 29, 1905, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Bale, longtime residents of this city. He was united in marriage to Marian Edith Stebbins on June 23, 1932. To this union were born three children, William George, John Thomas and Marilyn Hope.

Mr. Bale had a life of activities. He graduated from high school here with the class of 1923. While in college he captained the football team, the basketball team, and was an excellent track man. He received his B.A. degree in 1928 and his degree in law in 1931 from the University of Iowa. He commenced practice here in the year of graduation.

He was a member of the Order of Elks and an active member of the Masonic Lodge. He has headed many youth activities and especially the Scouts. His activities have been so numerous and varied. He will be greatly missed in this city.

Funeral services were held from the Episcopal Church on Wednesday at 2:30, the Rev. Donald F. Haviland of Oskaloosa, formerly of this city, and the Rev. Robert G. Purrington officiating. Interment was in Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, November 6, 1947)