Fleming, Thomas 1857-1946
FLEMING, KENNEDY, HUDDLESTON
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/10/2013 at 15:06:05
Source: Cresco Plain Dealer February 13, 1946, Page 2
Thos. Fleming
Mr. Thomas Fleming passed away at Mercy hospital on Sunday morning February 3, 1946, after a short illness. The funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock at the Assumption church and burial was in the family lot at Plymouth Rock. Rev. John J. Tobin, C. S. V. of Chicago, a grand nephew of Mr. Fleming was the celebrant of the Solemn Mass of Requiem, assisted by Rev. E. J. Supple, pastor of Assumption church as deacon, Rev. Loras Holmberg, former assistant at Assumption as sub-deacon and Rev. Philip Hamilton, present assistant as Master of Ceremonies. Also present in the sanctuary were the Very Rev. Monsignor E. J. Dougherty of Waterloo, Ia., who delivered the sermon; Rev. F. Leo O’Connell of Britt, Ia., Rev. A Stirn of Ionia, Ia., and Rev. W. Blessington of Cresco.
Born in Illinois
Thomas Fleming, second youngest son of John and Bridget Lyston Fleming, was born at Crystal Lake, McHenry county, Illinois, Nov. 22, 1857. The family moved to Frankville, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they lived for a few years, later moving to the old Fleming homestead in Fremont township, where Mr. Fleming lived for 60 years. After the death of his parents, he and his sister Ella continued to live on the old homestead until 1922, when they moved to Cresco. Here they enjoyed their home and friends until April 17, 1942, when Ella passed away. While greatly bereaved over the loss of his sister, Mr. Fleming continued to live in the home until the time of his death.
Very Rev. Msgr. E. J. Dougherty, an old friend and former pastor chose as his text “I am the resurrection and the life and he who believeth in me, even though he be dead, shall live; and every one who liveth and believeth in me shall not die forever,” St. John XI 25-26.
A Tribute
Msgr. Dougherty recalled his many years of acquaintance with Mr. Fleming and stated he was ever a practical and staunch Catholic, kind and charitable to those in need. He was keen to discover what he considered faults in others, but always ready to forgive. He was tolerant of the rights of others to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, but he always claimed that right for himself.
“That men should be called away in death is a great mystery. It is God’s way, however of dealing with mankind and who will question His wisdom? God speaks to the living and the dead. The mystery of life and death may be explained only under the light of faith in God. May we all live in this world worthily in the sight of God, so as to merit a glorious resurrection.”
Dignity and Solemnity
Msgr. Dougherty added that the funeral service embodied all the dignity and solemnity with which the church performs her ceremonies.
Mr. Fleming is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary A. Kennedy of Cresco and several nieces and nephews.
Casket bearers were Charles and Frank Ryan of Plymouth Rock, Dr. E. R. Damon, Dan Kennelly, E. J. Widman and Ole Anderson of Cresco. Out of town relatives attending were Mr. and Mrs. Vern Huddleston and Miss Kathryn Fleming of Minneapolis; Mr. Will Mullaney of Calmar, Ia.; and many relatives and friends from Plymouth Rock, Decorah, Harmony and the surrounding territory.
Card of Thanks
We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to the clergy, the choir members, the Sister in charge, the many who sent spiritual or floral bouquets, the neighbors and friends who assisted us in any way during the sickness and death of our brother and uncle.
Mrs. Mary A. Kennedy, Mary and Genevieve Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Vern Huddleston, Emmett Fleming.
Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.
Plymouth Rock Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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