Ray Conkling (1888-1943)

CONKLING, WELLS, NELSON, BITTNER, KEIL, BISDORF, KUETER, MOOTZ, ZEHTNER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/2/2010 at 21:16:16

Bellevue Leader, Bellevue, Iowa, December 23, 1943

CONKLING LOSES LIFE IN CHICAGO HOTEL FIRE

Ray Conkling, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Conkling, lost his life early last Sunday morning when he was burned to death in the fire which destroyed the Adams Hotel on West Madison Street in Chicago. His body was recovered from the top floor of the 4 story building.

The remains were shipped to the Kempter-Egelhof Funeral Home on Tuesday and the funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

Ray Conkling was born in Bellevue in 1888 and grew up here. He left Bellevue when a young man to seek his fortune in other parts. He is survived by his mother, who resides with a daughter, Mrs. Maud Wells and one brother, Roscoe. His father and a brother, Elmer preceded him in death.

Rev. L. Nelson conducted the services and the casket was borne by the following: Grover Bittner, Lloyd Keil, C. C. Bisdorf, H. J. Kueter, Ray Mootz and George Zehnter. Dr. and Mrs. E. A. Wells and daughter of Barrington, Illinois, accompanied the remains to Bellevue.