Howard V. Hurd

HURD, HAAS

Posted By: N Wagner (email)
Date: 12/18/2007 at 11:04:11

Howard V. Hurd, 50, died from a heart attack at 2:25 p.m. Monday in the basement of his store. The store was filled with Christmas shoppers and Mr. Hurd was waiting on trade. He went to the basement to get light globes, and when after some minutes he did not return a search disclosed his lifeless body on the floor.

A similar attack about two years ago, also in the store, was a first warning, at which time it was believed for a few minutes that death had occurred. After a long period of hospital treatment and rest Mr. Hurd appeared to be in about his former state of health, and his associates say that he appeared to be very prudent in guarding against undue exertion. However, he was attentive to his business affairs.

The body will be taken tomorrow, Thursday morning, to his former home at Decorah, where services will be held in the Catholic church at 10 a.m. There will be no services here (West Union).

Mr. Hurd is survived by his widow, who has been his associate in the conduct of the business. Two of Mrs. Hurd's nieces, Arledene and Genevive Haas, have of late made their home with the Hurds.

Mr. and Mrs. Hurd came from Decorah to West Union a little over 10 years ago and started the Ben Franklin store. He was known as one of the most alert and successful merchants in the city. He also had put in a great deal of work on civic enterprises, and served a term as president of the West Union Citizens' club.

His early home was at Maynard. Just before coming to West Union he was operating two variety stores, one at Decorah and one at Chatfield, Minn. He was a member of the Catholic church, and of upright personal character.

Fayette County Union, December 18, 1943