Holmes, Harry W 1865 - 1930

HOLMES, HANSON

Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 8/14/2016 at 14:31:33

Sudden Death of Public Opinion Worker

There's a vacant place in our office,
And a smiling face we miss;
All our force is greatly saddened,
For one is not in our midst.

The place where he worked is empty,
And never will he return;
He's gone on that last long journey
Man takes at the end of his term.

With sorrowful hearts we bore him
To the sunny slope on the hill,
And laid him to rest 'neath the daisies,
So peaceful, so calm and so still.

Some time we hope to meet him,
How glad will be the day
When we again are re-united
in our Father's house to stay.

L. L.

We are called upon this week to record the sad and unexpected death of one of our beloved and whole souled co-workers, and one Decorah's finest citizens, Mr. Harry Holmes, who passed away Thursday evening, June 19, at eight o'clock at his home, 201 Riverside Avenue.
Harry was a man who had always enjoyed robust health up to within a few days of his fatal illness, and his beloved wife and friends could not believe that the end was approaching when he was stricken, Friday, June 13th, he was at work as usual during the forenoon, but when he went to lunch complained of not feeling well, so remained at home during the afternoon and evening. He was one of those who did not give up easily and on Saturday morning came to the office and engaged in his regular routine for several hours. His co-workers observed that he wasn't himself and he was told that he had better go home and rest. Finally he decided he would and was taken home in a car. His condition was not alarming, he rested up Saturday and was out again Sunday morning taking a walk as far as the Public Opinion office. We conversed with him that morning, and he said he felt better, but didn't feel any too strong. He returned to his home about 10:30 and along about noon was taken very ill. Four physicians were called in and did every thing in their power for him, but they felt that he was seriously ill. He rallied Monday and received and visited with a number of his friends. Tuesday and Wednesday he grew worse, rallying again Thursday morning, and those near and dear to him felt that there was a change for the better. His death came suddenly, though, and unexpected. His physician had just stepped out of his room, leaving a trained nurse with him, when he collapsed and died instantly.
Harry W. Holmes was born in Cedar Rapids, Feb. 19. 1865, and when a youth, started to learn the printing business in the Cedar Rapids Republican, with his father who was a newspaper man and printer and connected with the Republican. After his apprenticeship in Cedar Rapids, he went to Chicago and worked in some of the largest printing establishments in that city, remaining there for eight years, and was there during the World's Fair. He also worked in several other Illinois cities. Harry came to Decorah about 40 years ago taking a position with the late Decorah Republican under A.K. Bailey & Son.
He remained with that paper for about 10 years, and then came to the Public Opinion, remaining with this office for some time, when he purchased an interest in the Decorah Journal with C.T. Meyers, who had bought the business from C.C. Coutant. This was in 1906 and he remained with Mr. Meyers until 1908 when Fred Biermann bought out Meyer's interest and Mr. Biermann became a partner with Mr. Holmes and they continued the business as partners until March 1, 1911 when Mr. Biermann purchased Mr. Holmes' interest and the latter remained as the Journal's foreman until 1914, when Mr. Holmes returned to the Public Opinion and had been one of the valuable men in this office since.
The deceased was married to Miss Julia Hanson of this city, 31 years ago, who survives him. No children were born to this union.
Harry Holmes was a man of sterling worth, a devoted husband, and one of Decorah's most esteemed citizens. He was beloved, respected and esteemed by all his co-workers, who miss him greatly. He was a home loving man and his family life was ideal. He was a whole-souled, congenial gentleman always and his integrity and honesty gained him the good will and confidence of all with whom he had business or social relations.
In his home life he was a helpmate and companion in the true sense of the term. If kind words from friends and acquaintances count, we know that his memory will be long cherished. He was a man who spoke no harsh words and his friendships were firmly cemented.
To his bereaved wife, who is bereft of his companionship, the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of all is extended, and to his brother, Frank Holmes, of Glendale, Cal., the only surviving member of his immediate family, the same sympathy is extended.
The funeral services were held from the home at 2:30 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. A large concourse of friends gathered to pay their last respects and the floral offerings were many and beautiful, illustrating the esteem in which the deceased was held. Rev. O. Glesne of the United Lutheran church officiated and interment was in the Norwegian cemetery.

Decorah Public Opinion, June 26, 1930

Decorah Lutheran Cemetery
 

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