MOLINE, Francis Dale 1911-1950

MOLINE, RISSER, WILLITS

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/17/2014 at 16:28:36

FRANCIS DALE MOLINE

Francis Dale, son of Harvey and Lottie Risser Moline, was born on a farm near Farmington January 3, 1911, and departed this life at Graham Hospital in Keokuk, June 11, 1950 at the age of 39 years. His death followed a 10 weeks illness.

Francis attended country school and later Farmington High school where he graduated in 1928.

Following graduation he farmed and served as a substitute mail carrier. Around 1934 he started working in Farmington for Swift and Company and in 1944 became manager of the Farmington Lockers and owner of the Farm Maid Ice Cream Bar.

On October 19, 1935 he was united in marriage to Berniece Willits. To this union were born two sons, Bernard Dale, age 11, and Larry Dean, age 6.

At an early age he joined the Methodist Church to which he remained a member until his death, serving as a Trustee of the church for the past several years. Other memberships included Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 27 A.F. and A.M. of Farmington where he served as Worshipful Master during 1941 and 1942, Lafayette Chapter No. 61, Royal Arch Masons in Bonaparte, and El Chanan Commandery No. 28 at Keosauqua, holding office there at the time of his death. He was also District Lecturer for the Grand Lodge of Iowa at the time of his death.

He leaves to mourn his untimely passing the devoted wife Berniece, the two sons, Bernard and Larry, his mother, Mrs. Lottie Moline, and one brother, Donald Moline of Argyle; besides these a host of relatives and friends. At the age of 9 he suffered the loss of his father.

Francis was a kind and devoted husband, father and son, and will be sadly missed in his home. He was always deeply interested in his home and surroundings, working tirelessly for anything which made the betterment of the community. He served on the town council two years, and had given much valuable assistance in numerous Boy Scout and Bond drives.

Remember life is like a rare
And ever blooming flower,
It blooms, then the petals fade.
But it will bloom again
If we have the patience
And the faith to wait till then.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. from the Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Fay Marriott. Interment in Greenglade Cemetery.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 100