Rees, Tom 1874-1935

REES, LANCASTER

Posted By: Plymouth CC
Date: 2/14/2004 at 11:39:14

Heart Attack Proves Fatal to Tom Rees
Well known Resident of Seney Drops Dead At Home
Monday Afternoon
Engaged As Patrolman
Second Death in Family Within a Few Days

Thos. Rees, well known resident of Seney, dropped dead Monday afternoon (Dec. 23, 1935) at his home. Mr. Rees was about his work as usual during the day and after dinner went out to chop some wood. About 2 o'clock he went into the house and telling his wife he felt faint, sat down in a chair and expired within a few minutes.

His death comes as a shock to the community, where he had lived all his life and was popular in a large circle of acquaintance. His brother, Fred Rees, died twelve days ago, December 11.

Mr. Rees followed the occupation of a farmer for many years and of late was filliing the position of road patrolman.

He is survived by his wife, who before her marriage was Miss Maggie Lancaster, a son, Kenneth Rees, and a daughter, Eva Rees of Seney. He also leaves two brothers and two sisters, Ted Rees of LeMars; William Rees of Elgin township; Mrs. Mary Wasmer (sic Wonser) of Unityville, Wisc, and Mrs. Mary Bowen of Tacoma, Wash.

The funeral will be held Thursday but final arrangements had not been completed Monday evening.

~Transcriber Note: Mrs. Mary Wonser was actually a sister-in-law to the deceased. Mary Wonser was a sister to Tom's wife, Maggie Lancaster Rees.
~Family Story Note: Tom's funeral & burial was delayed several days due to extreme COLD temperatures. The ground was just so frozen that it took the grave crew longer than usual to dig the grave by hand. Tom Rees was buried at the LeMars City Cemetery. Family members took turns with the round-the-clock vigil at the casket, which was laid out in the parlor at their home in Seney, Iowa. This lasted several days until the body could be buried.

~NOTE: Thomas J. Rees is buried in the LeMars City Cemetery. His wife, Maggie Rees who died in 1966, is buried in the Seney (Elgin Twp) Cemetery.