Earl John McGrath (1892-1975)

KNUTSON, LARSON, MCGRATH

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:00

November 20, 1892 --- August 10, 1975

Earl J. McGrath, 82, died Sunday in Marengo following a lengthy illness. He had been a patient in a nursing home for the past several months, and Mrs. McGrath had moved to nearby Williamsburg, where her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Larson, live.

Funeral services were held at the gravesite in Rose Hill Cemetery Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock and Rev. H. W. Schiller was in charge.

He is survived by his wife, one son, James W. of Keosauqua, two daughters, Mrs. Roy Larson, Williamsburg, and Mrs. Robert Knutson of New Ulm, Minn.; one brother, E. R. McGrath of Eagle Grove.

Mr. McGrath was born in Eagle Grove and his parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. J. W. McGrath. His father was the founder of the McGrath Law firm.

He was in the insurance business in Eagle Grove for a number of years and later was appointed City Clerk, which position he filled for 29 years or until his health forced him to retire.

He was appointed City Clerk when J. H. Martin was mayor in 1939 and served through the terms of many elected officials. He resigned April 16, 1968.

***
A fine public servant

Earl McGrath is dead but the city of Eagle Grove will remember him as a fine public servant, serving as city clerk for some 29 years.

McGrath was a man who knew his job well and performed unselfishly through the terms of a succession of mayors, always providing the stabling influence to our city government.

He gave much time and effort to the city beyond the call of his duties as city clerk from June 1939 to April 1968.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
August 14, 1975