EDDY, Douglas W. (1910-1971)

EDDY, GEESMAN

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 9/26/2022 at 12:35:33

'Bill' Eddy died Saturday; rites held Tuesday

Long-time Forest City businessman, Douglas William Eddy, died late Saturday morning at Forest City municipal hospital. Death was attributed to complications from arteriosclerosis, which "Bill" had been battling the last 10 years. He was buried Tuesday on what would have been his 61st birthday.

Mr. Eddy and his family moved to Forest City in August, 1946, and operated a roller skating rink in what is now the Sieg auto supply store on Highway 69. Because of his earlier experience in the glass construction field, Mr. Eddy started Eddy's Paint and Glass in September, 1947. The business was first located in one of the ground floor rooms of the Hotel Forester, moved to "main street" in March, 1953, occupying the building next to the Summit Printing Co. until 1967, when they moved to the present location at Sixth and K streets.

Mr. Eddy was a partner with his son in Eddy Enterprises, an investment holding company.

Before his long illness, Mr. Eddy was active in the Forest City Chamber of Commerce, the Forest City Golf club and the Forest City Masonic lodge. He served as master of the Masonic lodge in 1951. He was a member of the Congregational church.

He was born April 20, 1910, at Curry, Minnesota, the son of Walter and Minnie Eddy. He married Gena Irene Geesman Feb. 12, 1932, at Mason City. They lived in Mason City until moving to Forest City in 1946.

Mr. Eddy served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the Forest City American Legion post.

Survivors include his wife, a son, Douglas Eugene Eddy; two granddaughters, Brenda Lee and Linda Lou; a brother, Walter Eddy of Eagle, Wis.; three sisters, Hazel, Temple, Calif.; Irene, Portland, Ore., and Edna, Windom, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an older brother, George.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the Fireside room of Immanuel Lutheran church with the Rev. Owen Gangstead officiating. Burial was in Madison township cemetery.

Honorary casket bearers included Kermit Balvance, Donald Eymann, Ralph Guild, M. A. Hocum, John K. Hanson, Frank Ransom, Joseph Reynolds, Hubert Webb and Perry Webb.

Casket bearers were John Blaine, Roger Drugg, Carroll George, Marvin George, Dr. Jack Soderling and Joseph Westby.

Graveside rites were conducted by the Forest City Masonic lodge with Harry Cribbs serving as chaplain. The American Legion honor guard, under the command of Fred Smith, conducted military rites.

The Olson funeral home was in charge of arrangements.

source: Summit, Forest City, Iowa, 22 Apr 1971, page 1, column 6