Frank J. Ash 1853-1935

ASH, MARKLEY, HILDEBRANDT

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 5/14/2011 at 20:00:11

Frank J. Ash, a pioneer Rock Island railroad man who has seen enough service for his company to be on the pension list, passed away suddenly last Sunday [November 10, 1935] while at mass, of heart failure.

Mr. Ash had not been considered in poor health, although he was eight-three years of age, he was able to be about and apparently was all right Sunday morning. He went to late mass and while sitting in his pew a worshiper across the aisle noticed him slump down and went to his assistance. It was too late for assistance as the attack was severe and he had passed away.

Mr. Ash was for many years a baggage man on a run between here and Albert Lea, Minn. He was beloved by all of his fellow workers and by all who knew him. He was a gentleman in every respect and was a fine man to visit with. He often came to the office and passed the time of day with us. Further it was a pleasure to have him call for a visit on old time subjects.

Mr. Ash is survived by his beloved wife, two sons, Bert and Lew of Kenosha, Wis., and two daughters, Mrs. Oscar Hildebrand of Delano, Minn., and Mrs. Earl Markley of this city. The funeral services were held from St. Patrick’s church Thursday morning at 9 o’clock and interment was made in the Catholic cemetery south of this city. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, November 13, 1935)

Frank Ash, Retired Railroader, Dies During Church Service
Frank J. Ash, 83, retired Rock Island baggage man, was stricken with a heart attack during second mass Sunday morning at St. Patrick’s Catholic church and died a few minutes later.

Mr. Ash had resided in Estherville for 35 years during his service with the Rock Island and since his retirement. He was born in Wisconsin on Oct. 8, 1853.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Oscar Hildebrandt of Delano, Minn., and Mrs. Celia Markley of Estherville, and two sons Bert and Lou of Kenosha, Wis., and his widow.

Funeral rites were held this morning at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick’s church. Rev. B. E. Eisceid of Armstrong read the mass.

Mrs. Ash Injured
Mrs. Ash was painfully injured last evening in a fall down the cellar steps of her home and was unable to be at the church for the funeral mass. The aged woman’s condition while not serious for a younger person is especially difficult for one of her years. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, November 14, 1935)