Bert R. Lucas 1895-1966

LUCAS, VANVALKENBURG

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 3/24/2012 at 00:52:26

Bert Lucas Dies at 70 After Attack

Bert R. Lucas, 70, a retired Rock Island Railway machinist, died Friday after suffering a heart attack at the breakfast table in the home of a cousin, Philip Hughes, in Salamanca, N.Y.

He and a sister, Mrs. Thankful VanValkenburg of Estherville had been visiting in New York.

He was born June 18, 1895, [1894 per WW I draft records] in Estherville, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lucas. Receiving his education in Estherville schools, he was employed for many years by the Rock Island, living in Chicago, Fairbury, Neb., and Estherville. He retired approximately three years ago.

Mr. Lucas served with the U.S. Army in World War I and with the U.S. Navy in World War II. A Mason, he is also a member of the VFW and World War I Barracks.

Survivors include one sister, Mrs. VanValkenburg, and several nieces and nephews. His parents, five brothers, and two sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services are scheduled at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Reese Funeral Home, Rev. Rawlin Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, where military graveside rites are planned.

Masons are to meet at the temple at 7:30 p.m. Monday to attend 8 p.m. rites at the funeral home.

All veterans of World War I are to meet Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 9 a.m. Monday until time of services. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, April 16, 1966)

Out-of-town persons here Tuesday to attend the funeral services for Bert Lucas included Mr. and Mrs. Warren Lucas of Sioux Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Erickson of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. William McClintock of Rockwell City, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Allen of Mankato, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Emil Jensen of Truman, Minn.

Mrs. Pearl Wood of Lake Park, Mrs. Nellie Anderson of Fort Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Anderson of Manson, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lawyer of Terril, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Larson of Jackson, Minn., and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Allen of Petersburg, Minn.

Mr. Lucas died Friday [April 15, 1966] morning of a heart attack, suffered at the breakfast table, while visiting in the home of a cousin, Philip Hughes of Salamanca, N.Y. He had been making his home here with his sister, Mrs. James Van Valkenberg, who was visiting in New York with him at the time. Mr. Lucas was unmarried. He is survived by his sister and several nieces and nephews. Military graveside services were held in Oak Hill Cemetery. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, April 21, 1966)