Lynott, Rev. Fr. Alexander J., 1887-1936

LYNOTT

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/23/2010 at 18:14:39

FATHER LYNOTT DIED IN OMAHA -- DEATH CAME FROM PNEUMONIA WEDNESDAY EVENING. Was Only 49 Years Old and Grew to Manhood in Hawarden.--Funeral Here Saturday Morning

Rev. Father A. J. Lynott of Vail, Iowa, passed away at St. Joseph's hospital in Omaha at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening [Oct. 28] from pneumonia. While he had been in ill health most of the summer, he did not contract pneumonia until last week and was removed to the hospital Sunday evening. His parents here were not appraised of the seriousness of his condition until Monday when, accompanied by two of their daughters, Misses Catherine and Loretta, they departed for Omaha and remained at his bedside until the end.

The body was brought to Hawarden this morning and was taken to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lynott. Friday afternoon the body will be removed to St. Mary's Catholic church where it will lie in state until Saturday morning. The funeral hour has been set for 9:30 Saturday morning but all of the arrangements have not yet been completed. It is known, however, that a large number of priests from over the diocese will be present for the service.

Alexander J. Lynott was the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lynott. He was born at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 16, 1887, so was but a few months past 49 years of age. He came to Hawarden with his parents when but three months old and grew to young manhood in this city. He attended the Hawarden public schools and was graduated from the high school here. He then attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, spent two years in study [two lines smeared and illegible] St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colo., where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1918. Following his ordination he was first stationed at Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and later served parishes successively at Rock Valley, Ruthven, Leeds and Vail, having served at the latter place since 1930.

He is survived by his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lynott of Hawarden; four sisters, Mrs. John McCarthy and Misses Catherine and Loretta of Hawarden, and Mrs. James Gehan of Rock Rapids, and two brothers, Sylvester J. Lynott of Chicago, and Emmet Lynott of Pierre, S.D.

All Hawarden was distinctly shocked by the news of Rev. Father Lynott's death. Having made his home in this city for so many years he had many close personal friends and admirers. His success as a priest was a matter of pride to Hawarden people. His generous impulses and the gentleness of his nature adapted him naturally for the priesthood and all his friends and acquaintances here mourn his death sincerely and extend deepest sympathy not only to the members of his family but to the members of the parishes which he has served and who held him in such high esteem.

Source: Hawarden Independent, Oct. 29, 1936.

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IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL RITES. Immense Throng Attends Service for Rev. Father A. J. Lynott

An immense throng of sorrowing relatives and friends gathered at St. Mary's Catholic church in this city for the funeral services for Father A. J. Lynott at 9 o'clock Saturday morning. Father Lynott, who had been pastor of St. Ann's church at Vail, Iowa, for the past six years, passed away in a hospital at Omaha on Wednesday evening, Oct. 28th. Hawarden business houses were closed during the funeral.

The funeral service was a most impressive one. After the Office of the Dead had been chanted by the clergy, the Most Reverend Edmond Heelan, Bishop of Sioux City, sang Requiem High Mass. [Omitted a list of assistants and deacons of honor.]

After the Mass, Father A. J. Roder of Akron delivered a most fitting sermon, pointing out to the congregation the splendid work of Father Lynott as a priest of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Burial was in the family lot in the cemetery here. Pall bearers were George Sawyer, F. L. Schiefen, Jack McManaman, W. P. Henkels, Paul Harding and Walter Muth. [Omitted lists of the clergy and the Sisters who attended.]

All the members of the Lynott family and their children were here for the funeral service. Other relatives and close friends of the family who were here included Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Lynott and Miss Eileen Lynott of Sioux City; Mrs. Philip Berger and Mrs. Frederick Berger of Cedar Rapids; Ed. Dealy, Misses Eileen and Anna Ward, George Hoffman and Harry Bruns, Sioux City; Miss Lucile Akin and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tuynman of Rock Valley; Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Wasmer and Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Tentinger of LeMars. In addition there were many other friends from the parishes which Father Lynott had served as pastor, including a large delegation from Vail.

Source: Hawarden Independent, Nov. 5, 1936.