Wayland R. BLAKE

BLAKE, PRESCOTT, DEXHEIMER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/25/2015 at 18:14:22

February 15, 1862 --- September 10, 1938

Wayland R. Blake, one of Eagle Grove's oldest active business men, died Saturday morning at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge. Mr. Blake came to Eagle Grove in 1896 and established a lumber and coal business which he has operated here ever since. He was born in Auburn, N. H. in 1862 and lived there and in Boston, Mass., during this young life, later coming to Turner county, South Dakota. There he was married in 1886 to Mary R. Prescott, who died in Eagle Grove in 1908. Four children were born to this union, two passing away in infancy. Bernice who teaches in a Sioux City high school, and Bruce, who is in his father's business here survive.

In 1910 Mr. Blake was married to Nettie L. Dexheimer of Spencer, So. Dak. They have been active in efforts for the betterment of social life in Eagle Grove, and in the Congregational church of this city. Mr. Blake was long a member of the city council, and was mayor from 1909 to 1916. During this time the city hall was erected, and street paving was vigorously set underway. He was a member of the Congregational church, the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen's organizations, and the Country Club.

Funeral services were held Monday at the Kubitschek – Kastler funeral home, his pastor, the Rev. Albert S. Kilboun officiating. Duets, “One Sweetly Solemn Thought” and ""Lead Kindly Light", were sung by Mrs. Fannie Cotton and Mrs. Vina Hall, accompanied by Mrs. Grace Middleton. Burial was at Rose Hill cemetery where the Masons conducted their ceremony.

While Mr. Blake had been in poor health for a number of years, his passing was unexpected. In fact, his health the past summer improved to the point where he was able to spend a major portion of his time at his place of business. He was one of the most pleasant and agreeable men to meet. Always genial, kindly and sympathetic, even to his own detriment. A high type citizen is lost through the passing of W. R. Blake, but all are grateful and benefitted by associating with him in business and social circles for so many years. He was always pleased with the success of others and was eager with a word of congratulation, just as h e was prompt with a word of sympathy for the less fortunate, hundreds of whom he has quietly aided with no thought of adulation or later personal reward. Now he is gone, but those who follow his example will make the world a little happier, a little brighter, and a little better. You do not replace the W. R. Blake, but their influence lingers on.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE -- Eagle Grove, Iowa
September 15, 1938

Source - Paul Wilde