Fremont County Herald
Sidney, Fremont Co., Iowa
30 December 1920
"Bartlett News".
"PASSING OF A PIONEER". -- After a sudden illness, Michael Dempsey, Sr., passed away at his home in Imogene, Thursday evening, December 23, at 9 o'clock at the age of 79 years 2 months and 18 days.
Mr. Dempsey took sick on Wednesday but on Thursday morning it was thought that his condition was improved, and his sudden death was a shock to his many friends.
Michael Dempsey was born in Ireland, October 5, 1841, and at the age of six years he came to this country with his parents where they settled near Peoria, Illinois. About 30 years ago he moved to a
farm south of Sidney where he resided until moving to a farm near Imogene several years ago. He has been retired from active farm work for a number of years and has been living at his home in
Imogene surrounded by his family and friends.
He was married to Miss Kathrine Driscoll fifty-five years ago and to this union were born nine children, eight of whom are still living. His wife preceded him to that bourne from whence no
traveler ever returns, September 11 of the present year.
Eight of the children mourn the loss of their father, six daughters and twosons: Mrs Anna Otte of Omaha; Mrs. Con Ryan and Mrs. B. L. Ryan of Imogene; Katie and Mary at home and Mrs. W.A. Leahy
of Imogene; Peter S. Dempsey of Omaha and John of Imogene. Besides these are left to mourn thirty grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and one brother, Charles Dempsey of Grand Island,Illnois.
Many of the older residents of this section will remember Mr. Dempsey when he was a resident of this community, living south of town. He was known as a man of sterling intergrity,
who lived a serene, wholesome life and whose word was as good as his bond. He was one of those many of whom are now passing to the great beyond, who helped to build this state into
the great commonwealth it is today. The younger generations owe men such as these a debt that cannot be repaid except through like services rendered to the coming generations.
Funeral services were held from the Catholic church in Imogene at 10 o'clock Sunday morning, conducted by Father Hayes assisted by Father Kane of Omaha.
Interment was made in Mount Calvary cemetery in Imogene.
Source:Submitted by anonymous volunteer
