Anna Margaret (Rasmussen) Pletcher (1894-1920) Alternate

KNUTSON, PLETCHER, RASMUSSEN

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:52

January 5, 1894 --- January 24, 1920

GOLDFIELD

Mrs. Otto Pletcher died Saturday morning after a brief Illness from influenza followed by pneumonia. The death is especially sad for the family because of the death of their little three year old son from the same disease complicated with scarlet fever the day before the mother passed away. The husband and father and the little daughter were also ill at the time. Mrs. S. Pletcher who was assisting in nursing the afflicted family also became ill. Every attention from doctors and nurses was immediately secured for them, but it was not possible to save the life of Mrs. Pletcher and her little son. The remaining members of the family continue in a serious condition. Private burial services were held for the deceased because of the nature of the disease causing the deaths.

Because of the prevalence of scarlet fever and influenza among the teachers of the Goldfield schools and about the community the schools are remaining closed for a few days. While there has been only a few very serious cases the rapid spread of the flu epidemic in the community during the past week has been alarming. Every effort to control the disease and to prevent contagion is being enforced.

Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
January 28, 1920
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Mrs. Anna Pletcher

Anna Margaret Rasmussen was born January 5th, 1894 and died on January 24th, 1920, aged 26 years and 19 days. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rasmussen were early settlers in Wright County having settled on their farm north of Goldfield upon which they now reside. Here Mrs. Pletcher was born and grew into womanhood in this community where her friends are numbered by her acquaintances. She was united in marriage to Mr. Otto Pletcher on March 12th, 1913. To this union were born two children, Ruth and Roy. This was an exceptionally happy family until this winter when the dreaded scarlet fever entered the home and laid its heavy hand upon the bright blossoms of the home. This calamity was added to by the dread flu bringing down the beloved husband and father. Mrs. Pletcher soon fell a victim to the flu and was compelled to go to her bed. Little Roy was also a victim with both the scarlet fever and flu at this time, and while his mother was tossing upon her fevered bed gave up the awful fight and passed on to the beautiful home above on Wednesday of last week. The little body was laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery the following day, Rev. W. G. Comin officiating. Roy was aged 4 years and 11 days.

On Saturday the mother’s spirit left her tortured body and joined Roy in the home above. On Sunday she was laid to rest by the side of her little son, Rev. J. S. Nicholson conducting the services. As this is written the father is hovering between life and death not knowing how soon he may be laid to rest beside his loved ones. This is a very sad bereavement and leaves a heavy pall over the entire community, as the Pletchers were esteemed and beloved by all who knew them.

Goldfield Chronicle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 29, 1920
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Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Knutson went to Goldfield Sunday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Otto Pletcher, who died with scarlet fever.

Eagle Grove Times Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
February 04, 1920
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Goldfield

The burial of Otto Pletcher, who died Thursday from a complication of diseases following the flu was at Glenwood cemetery Friday. Flu was fatal with the father, mother and little son in this family within a week leaving only the little daughter as a living representative. This is indeed a sad case. The sympathy of the community is expressed for the parents of Mr. and Mrs. Pletcher, who are so greatly bereaved.

Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
February 04, 1920
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The Goldfield Chronicle reports the death of Mrs. Anna Pletcher on January 24th. [1920] She died from flu. Her little boy died only a few days previous of flu and scarlet fever and at the time of publication Mr. Pletcher was hovering between life and death.

Renwick Times --- Renwick, Iowa
February 05, 1920

Source: E. Reed