The Sun
Red Oak, Iowa
November 5th, 1926
W. F. Gassner Dead
He Was One of the Early Merchants of Red Oak--Funeral Held Sunday
Funeral services for W. F. Gassner, 81, who died Friday morning at 11:50
o'clock, at his home, 508 Hammond St., from diseases incident to old age, were
held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home. Rev. L. L. Weis, pastor of
the Methodist church, conducted the services and the I. O. O. F. Lodge had
charge of the service at the grave. D. G. Gunn, past Grand Master of Iowa, and
Byrl Ferguson, Noble Grand, were in charge of the ceremonies.
Friends who served as pallbearers were W. A. Umphrey, O. F. Hallcock, W. E.
Hunter, W. E. Zimmerman, Geo. W and J. W. Hagglund. Singing was by a quartet
from the Methodist choir, composed of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Stephenson,
Elizabeth Carey and M. B. Harris, with Mrs. Ray Cozad, accompanist.
Interment was in Evergreen cemetery. Those who were from a distance to attend
the funeral were his son and daughter, Roy D. Gassner of Boulder, Colo., and
Mrs Leah Woodward, Kansas City, and his sister, Mrs. Laura G. Craver, Mt.
Pleasant.
Wilbur Fisk Gassner, son of the late Rev. Joseph and Harriett Housel Gassner,
was born at New Haven, Ohio, Feb 6, 1845. At the age of 16 years he enlisted
in Co. B, 19th Iowa Infantry at Davenport, and served during the Civil Waar.
He was discharged in 1865 and entered Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt.
Pleasant.
Mr. Gassner came to Red Oak in the early 70's and had lived here for more that
50 years. For many years he conducted a general store in partnership with the
late John Malnberg. After the dissolution of that partnership he worked as a
bookkeeper for F. J. Brodby and Hiatt & Finley for several years.
While Mr. Gassner's health had been greatly impared for the past few years, he
had been confined to his bed for only a few days. On Saturday, he suffered a
slight stroke of paralysis and never regained consciousness.
In all his business dealings, Mr. Gassner was a fair and just man and was
highly respected by all who knew him. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Cora
Gassner, one son, Roy D., Boulder Colo; one daughter, Mrs. Leah Woodward of
Kansas City, and two sisters, Mrs. Laura G. Craver, Mt. Pleasant, and Mrs. W.
P. Gardner, Pasadena, Calif. He was a member of the Methodist church, I. O. O.
F. Lodge and the G. A. R.
Civil War Service:
19th IA Infantry Company B
