Robert J. Eccles (1862-1912)

ECCLES, DEMINSKI, NORRIS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

From Nevada Evening Journal April 12, 1912 (page 4)

OBITUARY OF ROBERT ECCLES.

Former Nevada Man Passed Away at Norfolk, Nebraska.

Robert J. Eccles for many years a resident of and near this city, passed away at his home at Norfolk, Neb., on Thursday of last week and the funeral services were conducted Monday, after which interment was made in Prospect Hill cemetery of that city. The deceased was a brother of Mrs. C. V. Norris, of this city and she was at his bedside at the time of his death. The following obituary appeared in the Norfolk Press of Tuesday.

"Robert J. Eccles one of the best beloved men is dead. His body rested out at Prospect Hil. His chair at home is vacant. His place in the city council will soon be filled by another. But the soul of Bob Eccles still lives, he had taken his place in the Eternal life where death is unknown; where pain and partings come not, and where his real work opens with the dawn.

"Almost a year ago Mr. Eccles after a careful study of the Catholic faith, became a member of that church, and never was there a more devoted member. He died a beautiful death, fully resigned at peace with the world, and hopeful of what lies beyond the eye of human beings. He was given a beautiful burial, fully in keeping with the life and death of a true Catholic. A solemn requiem high mass with Rev. Father Buckley as celebrant and Father Walsh and McMahon assisting. Father Walsh preached the funeral sermon and it was an eloquent one paying splendid tribute to the deceased. Wm. McCune, John Larkin, John Koerber, M. R. Green, William Beck and Ralph Allen were the pall bearers, representing the Ben Hur lodge of which the deceased was a member the railroad fraternity, and city council. All the city officials and member of the Ben Hur the various railway organizations, and other friends were present and the floral offerings given as their last tribute were beautiful.

"Robert J. Eccles was born near Nevada, Iowa, November 29, 1862. He attended the schools there and was a graduate of the high school of that place He then entered the employ of the C & N W as a bridge man. He was married to Martha Demonski of St. Paul, Neb. November 29, 1899. One child, a daughter past three years old, is the fruit of that union.

"About a year ago Mr. Eccles went to the Hot Springs hospital for an operation and was then advised that his condition was hopeless.

"Mr. Eccles was the oldest bridge foreman in this division. He came to Norfolk in 1893. He always took a prominent part in the affairs of men and was one of finest men in the city. He will be much missed. He suffered much during his long illness but the tender care and careful nursing of his good wife alleviated this pain in part.

"He is survived by his wife and little daughter, Mary Adaleen, his brothers, J. C. of Bonesteel, W. H. of Wall Lake, Iowa and his sisters, Miss Jennie of Lake City, Iowa and Mrs. C. V. Norris, of Nevada, Iowa.