McIlrath, Walter R. 1901-1930

MCILRATH, OSTROM, MCGARRY, ELLIS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/9/2010 at 10:56:02

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) April 29, 1930

TAPS FOR WORLD WAR VETERAN

Walter McIlrath, One of Grinnell's Active Young Business Men, Dies Sunday.

HAD BEEN SERIOUSLY ILL ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

Funeral Will Be At 9:00 Wednesday Morning From Catholic Church; Burial at Hartwick.

Walter R. McIlrath, one of Grinnell's best know younger business men, died at his home Sunday morning at eleven o'clock, after an illness of three weeks. He was 29 years old. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 Wednesday morning from the Catholic church at Grinnell conducted by Rev. Father M.J. Hannon, and burial will be at the Hartwick cemetery. The Elks ritual and a soldier's final honors by Focht-Tennant Post, American Legion, will be offered at the grave.

Walter had been seriously ill for about three weeks, and though his death was not entirely unexpected, it was a great shock to his family and his many friends. His death resulted from kidney trouble, incurred while serving his country in France during the World War. He was seriousely wounded in action, and has been troubled with the injury ever since. Although suffering severe pain during his final illness, Walter never lost his smile, and was cheeful and courageous to the very end. He was always intensely interested in the athletic prowess of his younger brothers, and even during his last hours, wanted to know all about Howard's participation in the Drake Relays.

Ever pleasant and cheerful, sincere and generous, "Mac" was liked and respected by all who knew him. He was an active member of the local Legion Post, and played a prominent part in local and state Elk work, having been Esteemed Leading Knight of the Grinnell Chapter for the past two years. He was also a member of the Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. His philosophy of life was simple, but beautiful. He did all that he could for others and made the best of everything. A little motto which he admired and often spoke of, shows what he thought of life. "When the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, it isn't what you've won or lost, but how you've played the game."

Walter R. McIlrath was born at Lorimore, Iowa, on April 4, 1901, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. McIlrath. He attended the public schools at Grinnell, and at the outbreak of the world war enlisted, and was in active service at the front for a year with Battery D, 78th Field Artillery, Third Division, which saw some of the heaviest fighting of the war. Following his return from France, he attended Washington university at St. Louis. On July 11, 1920, he was united in marriage to Lysle Ostrom. To them was born a little son, Warren. Mrs. McIlrath died April 7, 1921 and Warren passed away Nov. 23, 1924. He was married to Helena McGarry of Victor July 3, 1928. During recent years, he has been prominent in business life of Grinnell, having been very successful in the sales department of the Grinnell Motor Car Company. A few months ago he was placed in charge of the Poweshiek Motor Company, and was making excellent progress.

Besides his widow, Mrs. Helena McIlrath, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. McIlrath of Grinnell; five brothers: Roy of Chicago; Azel, former representative to the state legislature, and now a resident of Norfolk, Neb.; Ellsworth of Jacksonville, Fla.; Howard and Arthur of Grinnell; and two sisters, Mrs. H.V. Ellis of Sac City; and Emma, a senior student at Iowa State college.

NOTICE

Members of the American Legion desiring to attend the funeral of our late comrade Walter McIlrath will meet at the Legion hall at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 to attend the funeral in a body.
E.E. Harris, Commander.

Note: His first wife died April 7, 1922 not 1921