Rodney Alan Theesfeld 1948

THEESFELD, MCLAUGHLIN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/22/2013 at 16:06:11

Triplets Born Today to Mr. and Mrs. Al Theesfeld
It happens only once in 7,100 births, but Mr. and Mrs. Al Theesfeld became the parents of triplet sons born at 6 o’clock this morning in Holy Family hospital. Born two months prematurely, the babies were placed in an incubator immediately and are receiving oxygen. The attending physician said they were apparently all right but added that they were very small. Their weights were 3 lbs.; 3 lbs. 5 ½ oz.; and 3 lbs. 11 oz.

A possible multiple birth had been expected but the triplets were a surprise. Mrs. Theesfeld is “excited and feeling fine,’ they reported.

When asked what the boys would be named, the proud father said he couldn’t even think of that many names at once. He also was contemplating the increased cost of living for his sudden enlarged family and said he would probably need two jobs to support them. The Theesefelds have another daughter, 14 months old.

Mrs. Theesfeld’s physician said the delivery was normal and was completed in approximately half an hour. As nearly as could be determined the Theesfeld triplets were the first born herein eight years. Mrs. Ralph Schacherer of Estherville gave birth to two girls and a boy, in 1940 in what is now Holy Family hospital. One little girl did not survive.

Mrs. Theesfeld is the former Leona McLaughlin of Milford. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, July 2, 1948)

Triplets Named
The triplet sons of Mr. and Mrs. Al Theesfeld born yesterday at Holy Family hospital are reported as “just fine” by hospital attendants today. They are in an incubator and receiving oxygen. The boys have been named Roger Keith, Rodney Alan and Robert Marvin. Mrs. Theesfeld is also said to be “doing very well.” (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, July 3, 1948)

Two of Theesfeld Triplets Die, Rites Held Today
Only the smallest one of the Theesfeld triplet remained alive today but he was reported in good condition by hospital attendants. The other two, Robert and Rodney, died Saturday afternoon, one early in the afternoon and the other at about 6 p.m. Roger is still living.

Funeral services for the two little boys were held at 8 o’clock this morning with burial in the Catholic cemetery.

The babies, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Al Theesfeld, were born two months prematurely Friday morning in Holy Family hospital. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, July 6, 1948)