Perry William THOMPSON

THOMPSON, COEN, ALTAFFER, RABON, WOLF, BRAKEL, HINRICHSEN, WITT, CASPERSON, CASPERSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/22/2011 at 16:37:51

16 October 1899 --- 9 April 1938

Perry Thompson takes His Own Live, Saturday

Young Afton Man Drives to Mason City Where the Unfortunate Tragedy Took Place

The people of this community were shocked last Saturday evening when word was received of the tragic act of Perry Thompson, 38, near Mason City. He left Afton Saturday morning to go to Des Moines to look after some business matters. About three miles south of Mason City, he turned from the main highway, driving about a half mile east on a little used road, stopped the car, got out, and walked to the side of the road where he shot himself. The car was near a farm home and the farmer saw him stop, take a blanket from the car and walk to the side of the road, wrap the blanket around him and lay down. Almost immediately, he heard a shot and rushed out there. Seeing that he was beyond help he went back and called the sheriff, T. R. Phalen. The circumstances plainly indicated suicide and no inquest was held.

Relatives here were notified and Charles Coen left immediately for Mason City to bring the body. He was accompanied by Gordon and Walter Thompson and Robert Coen. It is hard to understand the reason for this rash act. It is known that he had been worrying the past few months, but no one realized that it was that serious. He had been operating the Royal Rose service station on highway 169 just south of the square and had a good business. His friends in this community were legion and all are grieved over the unfortunate tragedy. He was a lover of sports, especially baseball and enjoyed playing very much. Always square in his dealings, he had the confidence and respect of everyone. His family have the sympathy of the entire community. Following is a short sketch of his life:

Perry William, son of Chris and Dora Thompson, was born October 16, 1899, at Dows, in Wright County, Iowa and died April 9, 1938, aged 38 years, 5 months and 23 days. For the past few years Perry has made his home with his parents here in Afton where he has been in charge of the Royal Rose service station.

He leaves to mourn his passing the parents, three brothers, Gordon and Walter of Afton, and Leonard of Creston, two sisters, Mrs. Clara Altaffer of Red Oak and Mrs. Edna Rabon of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of the I.O.O.F., and has many friends in the community who regret his passing.

Funeral services were held at two o'clock Monday afternoon at the M.E. Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Frank Moore, and Interment in Greenlawn cemetery. Among those here from a distance to attend the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Thompson and son Martin of Lansing, Minnesota; Mrs. Ervin Wolf and Mrs. Fred Wolf of Austin, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Thompson and son Paul and Mrs. William Brakel of Mason City, Iowa; John Hinrichsen of Green, Iowa; William Witt of Nora Springs, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Casperson and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Caspersen of Rockwell, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Altaffer of Red Oak, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rabon of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Card of Thanks

We want to express our sincere thanks to the friends and neighbors for their many kind acts and comforting words in our recent bereavement. We want to especially thank the members of the Odd Fellow Lodge, the singers and those who sent beautiful flowers. Your kindness will ever be remembered.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Thompson and Family