WILLIAM WILLARD "BILL" FELKNER (1888 - 1918

FELKNER, WORK, LESTER, COFFEEN, HALL

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/6/2020 at 07:12:48

BILL FELKNER CALLED HOME

Yesterday morning before the new day had completed its first hour, big, genial, hearty, “Bill” Felkner, one of Iowa City’s best beloved citizens was gathered home to his father, as one of the victims of pneumonia following influenza. Perhaps no death will bring a feeling of keener loss to the community, for no more public spirited citizen has been counted among its people. Where good was to be done, where light hearted entertainment was to be given he was one of the first to respond, and none did the work better.

William Willard Felkner was born Dec. 10, 1888 and was the grandson of Iowa’s earliest settlers, Henry and Elizabeth Felkner. His father, Wm. J. Felkner, preceded him in death two years ago last May; his mother Jessie Work Felkner has been called home from Pasadena whither she went for a visit last June. The funeral arrangements await her return.

Three sisters and one adopted sister Margaret, now ill at the University hospital, two aunts, one niece and two nephews are among the survivors. His sisters are: Ida, (Mrs. H.C. Coffeen, of Chicago, a gifted musician), Wilma, of New York, and Ann (Mrs. W.F. Hall) and her three children, Wilma Work Hall, Wm. Felkner Hall, and Teddy E. Hall.

The decedent was married on May 25, 1918 to Miss Lottie Lester, a daughter of Mrs. James Lester of North English, and a graduate of S.U.I., class of 1914. Hence he leaves a wife little more than a bride. To her so soon bereaved and to those others so greatly robbed of his love and protection goes out the sincere sympathy of all.

His aunt, Miss Elizabeth Felkner, long principal of the third ward school is now principal of the Horace Mann School.

Mr. Felkner was an active Mason, a Shriner, and one of the most prominent of the local lodge of Elks. He was past grand exalted ruler of the last named organization having held its highest office during 1917-1918. He was also a member of the local commercial club. He was county chairman of the first liberty loan committee and before that of the committee of relief of the families of soldiers in the Mexican border service. In short there was no public benevolent movement which failed to county Bill Felkner among its big workers. It will be very hard to fill the place he graced so well, great, big-hearted man that he was. He had studied mechanical engineering at S.U. I., had been school principal at North English, and in later years had conducted an insurance business.
Source: Press Citizen, Iowa City, IA, 14 Oct 1918