Elmer Thompson (1924)

THOMPSON, SMITH, RIFE

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart (email)
Date: 8/17/2006 at 20:30:22

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
May 8, 1924

ELMER THOMPSON

Elmer Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Thompson of Elm Grove community, was born in Scranton, Iowa, Sept. 12, 1892. After thirty-one and one-half years he departed from this life April 29, 1924.

He is survived by his parents, and four brothers and sisters, Mrs. Henry Smith of Scranton, Clem, Harley and Florence. Oct. 17, 1913 he was united in marriage with Gertrude Rife of Rockford, Ill. She died of influenza. To this union was born one son, Bruce, who is now nine years old.

Elmer was a member of the 3rd Illinois Infantry, National Guard. At the time of the expedition into Mexico after the bandit Villa, he was mustered into the Federal army, and served on the border. Because of his health he was transferred to the Medical service, and mustered out Feb. 21, 1917. For the last five years he has been in failing health. The last months of his life were spent in the home of his parents where he had that tender care that can be gotten only in a home.

At about the age of fourteen he made a profession of religion and united with the United Brethern church at Scranton. He has had the nurture and care of a Christian mother who was interested in his spiritual, as well as his physical welfare. In the prime of life he has been called away.

Funeral services were conducted at Elm Grove church by the pastor, the Rev. L. M. Kirby, at two o'clock, Wednesday afternoon. The body was laid to rest in the King cemetery.