JAMES PERRY MEDBERRY

MEDBERRY, ERNST, KERR, OLSON, DENNLER

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 11/8/2002 at 18:39:33

James Perry Medberry

SERVICES HELD FOR JAMES MEDBERRY

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Delbert Dawes Tuesday, August 27, 1974 at the Illyria Community church for James Perry Medberry, who died August 21, 1974 at the Good Samaritan Home in Postville. Burial was in the Elgin Cemetery with the Rev. Delbert Dawes and the Elgin Legion Post No. 352 conducting the graveside services.

James Perry, eldest son of Charles and Myrtle Ernst Medberry, was born on the home farm in Illyria Township, Fayette County, on March 11, 1891. He attended the local school and assisted his parents on the farm. He also attended Gates Business College and worked for a short time in the Elgin State Bank.

Entering the army during World War I, he served with the 347th Infantry and went to France, however, the war ended before he saw combat. Following his discharge he resumed farming.

On January 11, 1922, he was married to Agnes Kerr at the Methodist Parsonage in West Union. They farmed in Illyria at which time they united with the Illyria Community Church. Following her father's retirement in 1924, they moved to the Kerr homestead in Highland Township where they remained until 1949 when they retired and moved to Elgin. There they attended church services at St. Paul's Methodist church.

After the death of his wife in 1970 he remained at his home until he suffered a mild stroke in December of 1971. Following a brief hospitalization he moved to the Good Samaritan Home in Postville where he enjoyed daily walks, lots of company, numerous outings and special activities. On June 23, 1974 he suffered another stroke and was bedfast until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Agnes, an infant daughter, an infant grandson Mark Medberry and three brothers, Myron, Max and Howard.

He is survived by his two children: Glen of Volga and Mrs. Quinton (Arlene) Olson of Postville; five grandchildren: Linda, Polly and Robert Medberry, Teresa and Terence Olson; one sister, Mrs. Albert Dennler; three brothers, Alton, Edward and Kenneth of Elgin, many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection.