Buckles, Frank A., 1882-1928

BUCKLES, TYSSELING, LUCAS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

From the Rock Valley Bee, February 10, 1928:

THE PASSING OF FRANK A. BUCKLES

The people of Rock Valley and vicinity were grieved and shocked when the sad news came of the death of Frank A. Buckles. Mr. Buckles was alone in his furniture store during the noon hour last Thursday. When his partner returned from dinner to the store he found Mr. Buckles dead, having taken his own life in the upstairs room of the furniture store. Mr. Buckles had been in poor health for a long time, and was gradually growing worse.

Funeral services were held Friday morning in the Methodist Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Lyman F. Focht, and the remains were then taken to Knoxville, Iowa, Mr. Buckles’ former home. The services were largely attended by sympathizing friends who in this way endeavored to express their sympathy for the bereaved wife and daughter. Many beautiful floral offerings were presented, the business men of Rock Valley gave one beautiful floral wreath. All business places in Rock Valley were closed during the hour of the funeral services.

Mr. Buckles was a man whom everybody liked. He was kind and generous and always had a pleasant word of greeting for all. He came with his family to Rock Valley about eight years ago and since that time has conducted a furniture store and undertaking business in partnership with G. Van Nimwegen, and he has made many friends while in business here.

Mr. Buckles was born at Bellflower, Ill., August 7, 1882, and had attained the age of forty-five years, five months and twenty-six days. When a young man he moved to Knoxville, Iowa, where he spent several years coming from there to Rock Valley.

On December 1, 1909 he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Tysseling. One daughter was born to this union, who with her mother is left to mourn. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Clara Gibson, of Bellflower, Ill., and three brothers, Edward of Conway, Ohio, Orren Thomas, of Latham, Ill., and Lloyd, of Detroit Lakes, Minn.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Alton Democrat, February 10, 1928, Rock Valley news:

Shortly after the noon hour the town of Rock Valley and vicinity was shocked by the tragic news that our beloved townsman, Frank A. Buckles had tired of life here and had hung himself on the elevator rope in the Rock Valley furniture store on Thursday, February 2, 1928.

Deceased was born at Bellflower, Ill., August 7, 1882 where he lived until his early teens when he moved to Knoxville, Ia., where he engaged in the barber business and later joined the Roberts Undertaking Company. He was married to Miss Minnie Tyseling at Knoxville on September 1, 1909. His home life was ideal as he enjoyed 19 years of happy married life to which union one daughter, Harriet, was born. The family moved to Rock Valley April 1st, 1920 when Mr. Buckles came here as undertaker and manager of the Sioux Furniture Co., and later Mr. Buckles and Gerrit Van Nimwegen bought the stock and re-organized as the Rock Valley Furniture and Undertaking Parlors. The Buckles family and also the combined company soon won the esteem of the people of this town and surrounding community.

He leaves to mourn his companion and daughter; one sister and three brothers. He was a member of the Methodist church as there was no church of his faith in Rock Valley. He was converted and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and joined the Presbyterian church of Knoxville in 1908. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. About three years ago deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis from which he never recovered and although able to be about his business he gradually became more paralyzed and it is thought this prompted the tragic act.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church Friday morning at 9:30 and at Knoxville Sunday. Funeral services were conducted here by Rev. Lyman F. Focht, pastor of the M. E. church. The body was in care of Van Nimwegen, assisted by County Coroner Duven, and left at noon Friday for Knoxville where interment was made.

* * * * * * * * * *

FindaGrave.com gives his parents as Peter Leander Buckles (1857-1885) and Emma Alice Lucas Buckles (1862-1925); lists several siblings and half-siblings; and gives his spouse as Minnie Tysseling Buckles (1883-1968).