Penfield, Wilfred Edwin "Fred" 1858-1923

PENFIELD, VANDERVEER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/30/2010 at 15:09:14

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Jan. 1, 1924

FRED PENFIELD PASSES AWAY SUNDAY

Former Grinnell Resident Dies After Undergoing Serious Operation

Word to Mrs. L.B. Vanderveer of the death of Fred Penfield, of Little Falls, Minn., at the Eitel hospital in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 30. Death followed a serious operation.

The body was brought to Grinnell this morning and the funeral was held this afternoon at 3:00 from the home of Mrs. Vanderveer, 1232 Main street.

The deceased was born and raised in Grinnell and is well known to many people here.
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Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Jan. 1, 1924

PENFIELD FUNERAL TO BE WEDNESDAY

Owing to the inability of relatives to reach Grinnell in time, the Penfield funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at three instead of this afternoon as announced elsewhere in this issue.
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Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Jan. 4, 1924

FRED PENFIELD'S FUNERAL HELD

Services Were Held Wednesday Afternoon from Home of Mrs. L.B. Vanderveer.

MR. PENFIELD LEAVES WIDE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Friends of His Youth Made Here Remained His Friends Through Life.

Funeral services for Fred Penfield, of Little Falls, Minn., whose body was brought to Grinnell, from Minneapolis, where he died Dec. 30 in the Eitel hospital, were held Wednesday afternoon from the home of Mrs. L.B. Vanderveer on Main street, conducted by Rev. E.W. Cross. The body was accompanied by Mrs. Penfield, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Ashcraft of Minneapolis and Neil Woodworth of Little Falls, Others who came from out of town to attend the funeral were Rolla Penfield, of Harvey, Ill., Mrs. Bertha Penfield Fields from Marshalltown, Mr. and Mrs. R.U. Vanderveer from Marshalltown, Ruel Rains from Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Ada Anthony from Sheridan.

The services were simple but beautiful. Dr. Cross spoke words of cheer and comfort. Helen Thomson sang very beautifully "Just for Today."

Pall bearers were Alva Ashcraft, Neil Woodworth, Carl Phelps, J.H. McMurray, A.M. Burton and W.J. Nelson.

Fred Penfield, son of Charles and Margaret Haworth Penfield, was born in Lee Center, Illinois, December 14, 1858. In his early childhood he came with his parents to Grinnell. Here he received his education in the public schools and made the friends of youth, who remained his friends throughout his life.

After finishing school he worked for a time in the First National Bank of Grinnell. Later he went to Des Moines where he became interested in the lumber business. Shortly afterward he became associated with the Pine Tree Lumber Company and removed to Little Falls, Minnesota. He disclosed unusual abilities and held responsible positions with the company by whom he was employed for thirty-two years.

He was married on November 26, 1903, to Miss Anna Vanderveer of Grinnell, Dr. E.M. Vittum performing the ceremony. They have made their home in Little Falls continuously with the exception of three years spent in Detroit.

Mr. Penfield was a member of the First Congregational church of Little Falls. He was active in fraternal work, having been a member of the B.P.O.E. No. 770 of Little Falls and of Masonic Lodge No. 19 and the Shriners of Minneapolis.

For some time Mr. Penfield's strength has been noticeable failing. An operation ten days before he died disclosed the fatal cancerous condition. He passed away at Eitel Hospital, December 30, 1923.

Mr. Penfield's friends speak of him as a strong, capable, generous, genial, free hearted man.

He is survived by his wife and two brothers, Herman Penfield of Los Angeles, and C.L. Penfield of Harvey, Illinois.