Willis Ward Rankin (1898)

RANKIN, GILBRECHT

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 9/24/2008 at 17:04:02

Winterset Reporter – June 9, 1898
Pg 1

The End of Earth.

W. W. Rankin died at his home in this city last Monday of tuberculosis meningitis, after a serious and protracted illness. Deceased took sick the latter part of the winter and partially recovered, then took fatally ill again about two weeks ago.

Willis Ward Rankin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rankin, was born at Des Moines county, Iowa, May 1st, 1859. He came to Peru, this county with his parents in 1868. He was married to Mrs. Jennie Gilbrecht of Altoona, at Des Moines, December, 1897. They at once came to Winterset and bought a home, where they commenced the happy and prosperous life which now is so suddenly and sadly terminated.

Mr. Rankin was a member of four lodges, the Masonic, K. P., Woodman and Rathbone Sisters, being a charter member of the last named order in this county. He was at time of death serving a second term as foreman of the county bridges, and a better man than he never occupied that position. Everybody liked Willis Rankin. He was congenial and pleasant, always had a good word to say, and his strict integrity and enterprise combined with those abilities had made him a host of friends who now mourn his untimely departure.

The funeral occurred at the home at 3 o’clock yesterday, conducted by the K. P. lodge, and preached by Rev. Follansbee. The Midland Quartette, at request of the deceased before his death, rendered a selection or two.

And thus came the end of Willis Rankin, loved and respected by all who knew him in life and mourned by all at death.

Note: Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.

Gravestone Photo
 

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