Iowa Old Press

Larchwood Leader
Larchwood, Lyon co. Iowa
April 7, 1921

ANOTHER PIONEER LAID AT REST
Mrs. Dennis Nicolai Passed Away Last Friday - Was a Residient of Larchwood Since 1887
Funeral Was Held Monday
Last Friday, when everyone thought that the Death Angel had done its work in Larchwood, it was announced that Mrs. Dennis Nicolai had passed away at the family home at 10:40 that morning. The word was met with a deep shadow of gloom as Mrs. Nicolai was an old settler in Larchwood and was known to a good many, who are mourning her loss very keenly.

Margaret Tolly was born at Tipperery, Ireland in the year of 1857. When yet a child, she came to America. Here she was united in marriage to Dennis Nicolai on February 23, 1884, at Cedar Rapids. The couple then came to Larchwood and arrived here on May 2nd, 1887. To this union one child, a daughter, was born who died when about 11 years old. Mrs. Nicolai at the time of her death was 64 years, 9 months and 25 days of age, of which some 34 years were spent in Larchwood. Mrs. Nicolai has seen the developing of our fields and the progress of our citizens. She was always a home loving woman and has a host of friends who admireid her greatly. Her health was always of the best. About a year ago she fell, suffering a broken hip and since then has been more or less under the tender care of friends and medical aid, but nothing alarming developed until some few months ago, when she was taken sick and all that could be done by those about her was done to relieve her suffering, but her condition would not respond and death claimed another of Larchwood's pioneer residents.

She was a faithful and devoted Catholic and the funeral services were held from St. Mary's church Monday morning. Rev. Fr. S. P. Roth sung Requiem High Mass. Interment was made in Larchwood Catholic cemetery, besides the remains of her daughter. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved husband who must mourn his loss nearly alone. He expects to make his home with his sister, Mrs. Roy Kitner and husband at Cedar Rapids.

[transcribed by D.J., July 2007]


Iowa Old Press
Lyon County