Rees, Edward John "E. J." or "Ted" 1870-1940

REES, BARRETT, WEIDENFELLER, OKERSTROM, KAMMERER, WEIDAUER, BEHREND, SIMONS

Posted By: Ardythe Rees Stoesz (email)
Date: 8/6/2007 at 13:28:16

From the LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, June 4, 1940, Page 1, Column 2:

Popular Salesman Claimed by Death

Ted Rees Dies from Heart Ailment

E.J. Rees, 69, well-known resident of Plymouth county since early boyhood, died at his home, 426 Second Avenue SW, Sunday night from a heart ailment for which he had suffered in recent years. He was up and around in spite of his infirmity until four days prior to his death.

Edward John Rees was born November 17, 1870 at Carnarthen, Wales, a principality of the Kingdon of Great Britain.

With his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rees, he came to America in 1881. They were members of the English colony which located in this part of northwestern Iowa in the late seventies and early eighties.

They farmed near Seney and Ed Rees attended the rural school and later graduated from the LeMars Normal school known as the predecessor and nucleus of the now flourishing Western Union College.

Industrious all His Life

E.J. Rees, brought up under pioneer conditions, early learned to take care of himself and was willing to take any job which came within his ken. Competent farm worker and skilled at other jobs, he had no difficulty in obtaining employment.

Mail Carrier Many Years

He was rural mail carrier out of LeMars for over fifteen years and if a patron on the route ever uttered a complaint it is yet to be recorded.

He later was engaged as salesman with the International Harvester Company and was known over the northwest territory as a good worker and pleasant associate.

Possessed of a sense of humor, ready at any time with a quip or merry jest and a delightful story teller, he gained hosts of friends.

In earlier days Mr. Rees was a member of the Odd Fellows. In babyhood he was christened into the Episcopal church.

Mr. Rees was married in 1893 to Sarah Alice Barrett who, with eight children, survives him. They are Edward J. Rees, William Frederick Rees, Robert Rees, Mrs. Oscar Weidenfeller, Mrs. Gus Okerstrom, Mrs. John Kammerer, Mrs. Lloyd Weidauer, and Mrs. John Behrend. One daughter, Mrs. Harry Simons, preceded him in death. There are thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. in the Mauer funeral chapel with Rev. W. M. Hubbard of the First Methodist church officiating and interment made in the city cemetery.