Zismer, Gladys 1904-1925

ZISMER

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 5/18/2007 at 21:44:33

INJURIES RECEIVED LAST JANUARY PROVE FATAL TO MISS GLADYS ZISMER
After months of suffering marked by patience and hope for recovery Miss Gladys Zismer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. D.
Zismer, residing near Delmar, passed away at the home of her grandfather, John Zismer, on S. Olive Street in this city, at 9 o'clock Monday evening. The accident which caused injuries resulting in the death of Miss Zismer occured on January 19, 1925, at Ames, when she in company with seven girls, were riding into the city on a bus in which was an oil heater which exploded, igniting a stream of gasoline coming from the hose reaching to the filling pump while the helper at the station was filling the tank of the big omnibus. The burning gasoline sprayed over the clothing of the unfortunate girl, burning her fearfully before the fire could be extinguished. She was taken to a hospital where under tender care and treatment she seemed to improve, but the shock proved too great and the suffering too much and she began to fail rapidly last Sunday until death relieved her of her sufferings the following evening.
Miss Zismer was born near Delmar, June 20, 1904, and graduated from Delmar high school with the class of 1921. She then attended Ames college and would have finished her course in home economics last June. She remained in the Mary Greeley hospital at Ames until a short time ago when she was brought to the home of her grandfather here where her beautiful life closed. A sunny disposition and an ever gladsome smile was hers and appropriately she was called "Glad" by her classmates and friends. Her beautiful life in the school, college and church won hosts of friends who mingle their tears with those of the loved ones in this sad hour. Miss Gladys was a member of the Presbyterian church at Delmar and an active worker in the Sunday school. She was also prominently honored in numerous fraternaties and social circles of the college.
Besides her bereaved parents, she is survived by one brother, John of Delmar, and her aged grandfather of this city, besides many other more distant relatives. The funeral will be held from the Zismer home on S. Olive street at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon, and at the Presbyterian church in Delmar at 2 o'clock. Rev. D. F. Boomershile officiating.

A Tribute
(By a Friend)
There are friends who are to us like a great rock in a weary land. We flee to them in the heat of parching days and rest in their shadow, knowing they will never fail us, will never stint love in serving us, will always have healing tenderness for the hurt of our heart, comfort for our sorrow, and cheer for our discouragement. The aim of true friendship is not to be ministered unto but to minister.
Such a friend was Gladys Zismer, - selfishness had no place in her life; her every thought was for others. Hers was one of the sweetest characters it has ever been my privilege to know; the beauty of her life will live forever. In the home she was always a ray of sunshine. Her love for father, mother and brother was rarely and truly beautiful. During the long months of such suffering as comes to very few, she was so sweet and patient, that we marveled, and felt when in her presence we were on holy ground, for we knew that God was very near. With a fortitued that has graced none more fair, she took leave of life without a fear, with a heroism born of her supreme faith in Jesus of Nazareth she approached the end as one who knocks at the gates of eternal morning. We know the beautiful, perfect bud will blossom on the other side.
DEATH DATE: July 6, 1925
SOURCE:Private collection of newspaper clippings