Wilson, Leonard 1872-1945

WILSON, BIRCH

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 10/15/2015 at 23:51:20

Source: Hawarden Independent (12-13-1945)

Birth: May 18, 1872
Death: December 7, 1945

Leonard H. Wilson, 73, for many years a Hawarden business man, died at his home about 2 o'clock last Friday afternoon following a heart attack. He had been at work as usual the day before, but had complained recently of not feeling well. He suffered the attack early in the morning but seemed to be resting easy when suddenly he passed away.

Funeral services were held at the Associated Church at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, with Reverend Noel Orcutt in charge. The Masons attended the funeral in a body and were in charge of the services at the grave. Members of the Eagle Lodge were pall bearers. Business houses of Hawarden were closed during the funeral services.

Leonard H. Wilson was born on May 18, 1872, near Alta, Iowa. His boyhood days were spent near Cherokee. On December 11, 1899, he was united in marriage with Nellie Birch in Chicago.

He came to Hawraden in 1912 and opened a bakery and cafe. In 1923, he sold this business to Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Betzenderfer. In 1927, he was back in the same business and continued until 1940, when he sold out and retired. For the past two or three years he has been employed as clerk in the Hawarden state liquor store.

Mr. Wilson affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in 1912 and later the Associated Church. He was a member of the Masonic and Eagle lodges.

He is survived by his wife; Freda Grace, an adopted daughter, preceded him in death in 1915, and his brother, Alvin, in 1933.

Out of town relatives and friends who attended the Wilson funeral were Mrs. William Lyness of Minneapolis, Arthur Zimmer of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Snyder of Kansas City, Miss Nena Snyder of Eldora, Iowa, Mrs. Elizabeth Cook of Fort Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn, Mrs. Freda Linn and Miss Ruby Breunea of Sioux City and Miss Lucy Ashley of Sioux Falls.