ZILK, Fred William 1875-1936

ZILK, MOTLEY, ROCHE, BYWATER

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 1/2/2011 at 16:11:48

Fred William Zilk 1875-1936

#1:

RITES FOR FRED ZILK, 61, INJURED 10 YEARS AGO, HELD IN RICEVILLE

Riceville – The funeral of Fred Zilk, 61, was held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. F. M. Garrett conducting the service and interment in Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Zilk has been in poor physical condition since being trampled by cattle in the feed yard about ten years ago. In addition to this he suffered two falls this spring.

He leaves, beside his widow, three children, Wilda; Charles; and Marion, all at home; four sisters; Mrs. John Roche; and Lizzie of Riceville; Mrs. Charles Bywater of David; and Helen of California; one brother, Henry of Wyoming; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom were present except Henry.

Mrs. Zilk’s father, A. Motley and her sister, Mrs. Robert Marshall of Osage and her brother, George Motley of Riceville, were also present, beside friends from Adams, Minnesota, Waterloo, Charles City, Nora Springs and other places.

Pallbearers were Grant Foster, Nelson Crum, Charles Schrode, Fred Sprung, Francis Moss and Gary Pingry, all neighbors.

Mason City Globe Gazette, Wednesday June 10, 1936
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#2:

Fred William Zilk, the eldest son of Charles and Matilda Zilk, was born on January 9, 1875, on the Zilk farm in Jenkins township. He lived there with the exception of one year in Rochester, Minnesota, until his death on Friday, June 5, 1936, at the age of 61 years, 4 months, and 26 days.

On June 20, 1875 he was baptized in the Lutheran Faith. When a young man he made the remark which he lived up to throughout his entire life -- "As for me, I mean to serve the Lord at all times." He joined the Congregational church at Riceville during the pastorate of the Rev. Theo. Hunt. In 1907 he transferred his membership to the Riceville Methodist church.

He was united in marriage to Ethel M. Motley, December 26, 1906. Three children came to bless their home -- Charles Alfred, Wilda Adell and Merwin Frederick -- who, with his devoted wife; four sisters and one brother, are left to mourn the loss of a patient, kind, helpful, and loving father, husband and brother. The sisters are Louis Zilk, Mrs. Mary Bywater, Mrs. Della Roche, and Helen Zilk, all of Riceville. The only brother, Henry C. Zilk, of Torrington, Wyoming, was unable to be present at the last sad rites, but came to visit Mr. Zilk when he was ill last October.

In 1928, as a result of being trampled by cattle, Mr. Zilk received a serious spinal injury, which caused him much suffering and crippled him for several years. He appeared to recover from this, largely through a determination to return to his duties. In the fall of 1935 he had a severe attack of influenza and complicaitons, which kept him confined to the house most of the winter. Early in April of this year while feeding the horses he was kicked against the manger and suffered injuries. His weakened condition caused him to fall on May 19th, after which he suffered severely in spite of all that loving hands could do until death released him.

He was a great lover of nature and happy when working in the fields and woods. He was always actively interested in his community's welfare, serving on the township board of trustees for a number of years, and on the local school board, where he held carious offices. In these capacities he rendered a great service to his community.

Fred Zilk was a man of quiet and unassuming nature, a man of his own affairs; always devoted to the best interests of his home and family, but a good friend and willing and helpful neighbor. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and a host of friends.

The body was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 1936, in riverside cemetery. The Rev. Garrett, assisted by the Rev. Bodenham, conducted the services.

Relatives and friends from out of town who were present at the funeral . . . . (omitted because the list did not mention how or if they were actually related.)

[ MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS - June 11, 1936 ]
(kk)
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#3:

WWI Draft Registration; September 12, 1918
Fred William Zilk , age 43 living in Riceville, Iowa, born January 9, 1875, self-employed farmer; nearest relative wife Ethel M Zilk.
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#4:

1925 Iowa Census: Jenkins, Mitchell, Iowa
According to this census Fred Zilk was the son of Charles Zilk and Matilda (Kaven) Zilk and his wife Ethel was the daughter of Alfred Motley and Edith (Hancock) Motley.
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#5:

Ancestry: Cemetery Record
Name: Fred W. Zilk
Death Date: 1936
Page #: 148
Birth Date: 1875
Cemetery: Riverside
Town: Riceville
Level Info: Mitchell County, Iowa Grave Records