Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Mohler, Dale Winfred]

Wednesday     July 23, 1997    p. 5

Dale W. Mohler

Dale W. [infred] Mohler, 70, Gladstone, MO passed away July 3, 1997 at North Kansas City Hospital. Funeral services were Monday, July 7 at the First United Methodist Church of North Kansas City. Graveside services were also held on Monday at Old Bedford Cemetery, Bedford, IA. Dale W. (Bud) Mohler 70 was born March 19, 1927 at rural Bedford to Marion [Leonard] and Lucy [May Derrickson] Mohler. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1945.

He was a meteorologist for the National Weather Service for 36 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of North Kansas City, Joseph Warren Masonic Lodge #235, Tacoma, WA, the Ararat Shrine Temple, Oriental Shrine Club, Past President of the Shrine Club, the Shrine Legion of Honor, and the Garden Club of America.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Mohler, of the home; sister, Mary Beth Murphy, Bedford, IA and nieces and nephews.

[Mohler, Ida Ethel Bevilhimer]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     March 19, 1908     [p. 1]

Mrs. M. L. Mohler Dead

Ida Ethel Bevilheimer [Bevilhimer] was born in Worth county, Mo., February 24, 1885, and departed this life March 1, 1908, being at time of death 25 years, and 22 days old.

She was married to Marion L. [eonard] Mohler of Taylor County, Iowa, Jan. 5, 1904. To this union one child was born, Edna M [arjorie], left without the care and love of her mother. She leaves her husband and little girl, her mother Mrs. Lizzie Bevilheimer [Bevilhimer], a sister Mrs. Chas. Wood, a brother Chas. Bevilheimer [Bevilhimer], besides a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

She confessed her faith in Christ at 14 years of age and united with the Christian church at Sheridan, Mo., in which connection she lived a constant Christian life until death. The deceased had been ailing for some time with that dreaded disease consumption and like all cases of that kind called for much patient suffering. She manifested the elements of the Christ life and character and died in the triumphs of faith.

The funeral took place in the Christian church at Bedford Wednesday, March 18, at 11 o'clock, conducted by Elder Challie E. Graham of Sheridan, Mo., an old time playmate in childhood, and pastor, assisted by Geo. A. Hendrickson. A quartette furnished appropriate music. A very large audience gathered to do honor to the memory of this good woman. C.

[Note:  The last name is spelled Bevilhimer on her gravestone.]

[Mohler, Ida Ethel Bevilhimer]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    March 19, 1908     p. 8

Young Wife Is Taken.

Mrs. Ida E. [thel Bevilhimer] Mohler, wife of Marion [Leonard] Mohler, died at their home south of Bedford, at six o'clock Monday evening.

Mrs. Mohler had been ill for many months, and her death was not unexpected, but nevertheless, it was inexpressibly sad. That dreadful white plague that carries away each year so many thousands of the fairest and the best, was the cause of her demise. For weeks she has been gradually growing weaker, each day the dread disease drawing her nearer the grave, until finally her frail body could no longer endure the strain, and she passed away, the end being painless and peaceful.

Mrs. Mohler was a wife of only a few years and leaves a little child motherless, a husband desolate and heartbroken.

The funeral was held yesterday at 11 a. m., at the Christian church. Interment was made at Bedford cemetery.

[Mohler, Katherine Beshara “Kate” Widner]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    August 26, 1920    [p. 1]

To That Great Beyond

After a lingering illness lasting for several months with cancer of the stomach, Mrs. Chas. Mohler passed away at her home south of Bedford Wednesday evening, August 25th at 10 o'clock. The family are among the oldest settlers in the county and have many friends who will share the grief with the family in their great loss.

The funeral services will be held at the family residence south of Bedford at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Arnold. Interment in old Bedford cemetery. Another good mother has been removed from our midst.

[Mohler, Katherine Beshara “Kate” Widner]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     September 2, 1920    p. 7

Mrs. Charles M. [arion] Mohler died at her home 3 miles south of Bedford Wednesday evening at 9:45 o'clock after a lingering illness. The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Mr. Arnold. Interment in the Bedford cemetery.

Katherine B. [eshara] Widner was born in Prince William County, Va., March 16, 1857. She was a daughter of Henry [Thomas] and Mary Litteer Widner and as a small child witnessed many incidents of the great civil war, her father's home being near the Bull Run battlefield. In February 1877, when she was 20 years of age, she came with her father's family to Taylor County, Iowa, locating at Bedford, near which place she has since resided. October 26, 1879, she was united in marriage to Charles M. [arion] Mohler, who is left to mourn her loss. To this union were born 10 children, 3 having died in infancy and C. [harles] Dale Mohler in 1918. The surviving children are: Marion [Leonard] Mohler, Grover Mohler, Mrs. Jake Stewart and Bernie Mohler of Bedford; Ernest Mohler of Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. Roy Rains of Norfolk, Nebr. She is survived by 18 grandchildren and also by 4 sisters and five brothers, her death being the first in the family, with the exception of the first born, who died in infancy. The sisters and brothers are: Mrs. Irene Ulrich, Mrs. W. D. Griffith [Lula], Mrs. Jennie Daugherty, L. [ytle] C. [hristian] Widner, J. [ohn] H. B. Widner of Bedford; Mrs. C. [laude] B. Frantz [Ruth] of St. Joseph, Mo., R. [andolph] H. Widner of Kansas City, Kans.; A. [llen] H. Widner of Adrain, Mo., and R.[osenbery] B. Widner of Sutherland, Nebr. Mrs. Mohler united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Virginia when 16 years of age and has lived a quiet Christian life since. For more than two months little prayer meetings have been held nearly every day in the home, much to the liking of Mrs. Mohler. Her Christian experience was positive and she was certain that death for her simply meant going before. She was very happy in the thought that the family would all be reunited over in glory. Such a life is a lasting benediction, to a community. All friends and neighbors extend their deepest sympathies to the family.

[MOHLER, KATHERINE BESHARA "KATE" WIDNER]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 2, 1920
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Raines, who reside in Nebraska, were called here to attend the funeral of Mrs. Rain's mother, Mrs. Chas. Mohler, which was held from the residence south of Bedford Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Rains and son left Monday for their home at Norfolk, Nebr., after having been here to attend the funeral of her mother, Mrs. Chas. Mohler.
Mrs. R. W. Young and sons, Frank Young and Bert Young, accompanied by their wives, of Shenandoah and Will Young and his wife and two daughters of Randolph, were here Sunday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Chas Mohler. Mrs. Young is a sister of Mrs. Mohler.

[Mohler, Marion Leonard]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     October 7, 1965     p. 2

Final Rites Held Here For Marion Mohler

Funeral services for Marion Leonard Mohler, 84, lifetime Taylor County resident, held October 1 at the west Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. Ivo Randels. Mr. Mohler died Sept. 29, 1965 at Pearl Terrace Manor in Bedford. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Marion Leonard Mohler, son of Charles Marion and Kate B. [eshara Widner] Mohler, was born on a farm in Taylor County, March 4, 1881.

He spent his whole life in the vicinity of Bedford, Ia. He was married Jan. 5, 1904 to [Ida] Ethel Bevelhimer and to them one daughter Edna was born. Mrs. Mohler died March 6, 1908. He was married to Lucy May Derrickson on May 18, 1909. Their children were Harlan [Marion], Hazel, Charles, Mary Beth and Dale. Harlan, Edna and Hazel preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy, children Charles and Mary Beth Murphy of Bedford, and Dale [Winfred] of Kansas City, Mo.; brother, Bernie Mohler, of Clarinda, Ia.; a sister, Mrs. Roy Raines of Versailles, Mo., seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren; one grandson, Wm. Marion Murphy preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Mohler was a man who asked little of life. He was always appreciative of kindnesses done for him or for his family. He was pleasantly social and jovial in temperament. He accepted sorrow and loss of loved ones with faith and courage.

In his last illness he was uncomplaining and undemanding.

[Peach, Alan Dean]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     August 6, 1997     p. 5

Alan Dean Peach

Alan Dean Peach, the son of George and Naomi Adams Peach, was born November 25, 1943 on the family farm southeast of Bedford. Alan attended and graduated from the Bedford Community High School in 1962. Upon graduation, he continued the family farm operation with his father until his death in 1976. On December 22,1972, he was united in marriage to Diane Mauderly at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. To this union two sons were born, Todd [Alan] and Josh [ua George]. Alan continued farming until the farm crisis of the mid 1980's forced him out of farming. Diane recalls many fine memories of Alan taking "his boys" to the sale bam, still in their diapers, to wander about and check out the livestock. This, along with many rides in the tractor and combine helped to form a bond between father and sons that would continue throughout his life. He was even known to let them drive once or twice! Alan's love for his sons was always present. He was very proud of both their academic and athletic achievements. Alan was known to love a good ol’ Bulldog football game!

In 1986 Alan moved to Sioux City where he and Hanna made their home. He was employed by John Morrell, Inc. until the time of his death. Alan continued his love for farming through his garden. He was known to have a large, immaculate garden, where he canned a year's supply of vegetables. The boys remember a freezer full of homegrown vegetables, ready to eat at any time. Alan also loved to make jelly. Raspberry and Elderberry were some of his favorites.

Alan is survived by his sons, Todd, a United States Marine stationed in Dublin, Ireland, and Josh Peach of Bedford; special friend Hannelore Pittelkow and her children, Annie and John O'Dell and their children, Ashley and Jeremy; and Paul Pittelkow and his children LaToshia, Heather and Derek; two brothers, Paul and wife Janet Peach of Orlando, Florida and Glen and wife Sammie Peach of Allenton, Michigan; seven sisters, Marjorie and husband Ermal Raynor of Lakeside, California, Louise [Irene] and husband Vernon Herzberg of Clarinda, Dorothy and husband James Linking of Shenandoah, Wilma and husband Wilbur Campbell of Clarinda, Irma Shrimpton of Clearfield, Donna and husband Don Overman of Sidney and Marilyn and husband Richard Arrick of Missouri Valley; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, George and Naomi; a brother Clark Peach and a sister, Vera Tait.

Funeral services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford on Thursday, July 24, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Burial was in the Bedford City Cemetery.

[O’Dell, Louie Everett]                   [Peach, Arthur]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      August 22, 1918     [p. 1]

Louie Everett O'Dell

Louie Everett O'Dell has paid all that a man can pay when he gave his life for his country on the field of battle on July 15, over in France. What more can be asked of a young man, to give up home, relatives and all that is near and dear to him, and lay his life on the altar of his country when it calls? No more noble and glorious death can be the lot of man, truly Louie O'Dell has given his all for the balance of mankind, and to help to make this a safe place for democracy. His death brings home to us more forcibly than ever before that this war is not 3000 miles away, nor is it 100 miles away to the large number of mourning relatives.

Louie O’Dell was the first man drawn by the national army in the selective service from Taylor County. He stood fifth in the order of drawing, his number appearing in that order. The first four men, however, were exempt, making him the first to respond to his country's call under the selective draft. He left here for Camp Merrit, N. J., and on March 4, 1918, he started on his trip overseas. While on the voyage across he had been detailed to assist the butcher, and as the boat on which he was sailing gave a sudden lurch in dodging a submarine, a butcher knife he was using was run into his wrist, almost severing it. From the effects of this wound he was in the hospital for some time, and when he was discharged he was by request transferred to Co. K, 168th Infantry, so that he could be with the other Bedford boys.

Louie was always of a most cheerful disposition, and his letters to his sister, Happy, and others, one of which was published last week in the Times-Republican, always made the recipient cheered over his attitude toward the war and the part he played in it. Before leaving here he had made his home with Harry Timberlake for a number of years, having worked with him on the farm during that time. He was born in Taylor County, near New Market on May 14, 1891. His father, M. [ahlon] M. [onroe] O’Dell still living near New Market, his mother having died in November 1906. His grandmother, Mrs. Frank Pointer, still lives near New Market, and his sisters, Cynthia and Mary also make their home near that place. He has two other sisters, Maud and Happy, making their home here at the Geo. Dugan home, and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Dugan are his grandparents. He has one brother, Harry, who is in the artillery and stationed somewhere in France, and another brother, George who enlisted in the service, but was discharged for disability, and now lives in Kansas.

He probably never knew anything about the injuries he received as he was killed instantly in action on July 15, according to the letter received here regarding it. His cousin, Johnnie Hazelbaker of Clarinda, fell by his side at the same time, wounded in the same engagement.

While the relatives are deeply bereaved over the death of Louie, they have this consoling fact, that he died for his country. As he said in his letter published last week he will not "handle any more corn this year."

________________________________

Arthur Peach

Arthur Peach was killed in battle over in France on the same date that Louie O'Dell was. He was but a young man about 20 years old, the stepson of Mart Landis, living in the corner of Polk Township near the Missouri line. He enlisted with Co. K, 168th Infantry, and went over with them last year. He had been working on a farm near his home at the time of his enlistment. We were unable to get much data regarding him, but he was most highly spoken of by those who know him. His brother, Adolph, was also slightly injured at the same time that he met his death, but is now out of the hospital. The engagement occurred on July 15th also.

Thus another Taylor county boy has paid the price demanded by this war with his life, and none can tell where the shots will next strike home. These Hun bullets hit but the boy over there, but over here they pierce many hearts that anxiously watch and wait for news, and eagerly scanned are the lists of casualties published each day in this country.

[O’Dell, Louie Everett]                   [Peach, Arthur]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     August 21, 1918     [p. 1]

DIED FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY

LOUIE B. O' DELL AND ARTHUR PEACH KILLED IN FRANCE

Were Members of Co. K. —Parents Not Informed By Government—

O'Dell's Last Words: "You Can Depend Upon Me Until Death!"

___________________________

Plans, which have not been completed for the Memorial Services in honor of Louie B. O'Dell, will be announced in the church pulpits next Sunday.

Sad news was received in Bedford Monday when Mr. and Mrs. Sid Bradley received a letter from their son, Lieut. Glade Bradley, of Co. K, dated July 30, telling of the deaths of Louie [Everett] O'Dell and Arthur Peach both members of Co. K. These boys are the first Taylor county boys to fall on the battlefields in France and to give their lives for their country. The news was a shock to the community as their names had not appeared in the casualty lists or had the war department informed their relatives of their deaths.

Louis B. [Everett] O'Dell left Taylor county as a member of the national army last September and later when arriving in France he asked to be transferred to Company K and the request was granted. His brother who left at the same time was sent home before leaving the United States because of physical disabilities.

He was the son of M. [ahlon] M. [onroe] O'Dell of Mason Township and was twenty-seven years old, having celebrated his last birthday in France. He is also the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Dugan of Bedford and has many relatives living in Mason township. His last words to Lieut. Bradley, who saw him about five minutes before his death were, "You can depend upon me until death.”

Arthur Peach was not [words unreadable] worked most of the while [words unreadable] He was son of Mrs. Silas Landen, living near Siam. He with his brother Adolph, who worked for R. S. Miller north of Bedford and who was listed in the casualty list a few [weeks?] ago as severely wounded, enlisted together in Co. K and were among the first to join that company when enlistments were being made.

According to Lieut. Bradley's letter, Peach was carrying wounded back from the front and had made eighteen trips. While making the nineteenth he was shot and killed instantly.

The sympathy of the entire county goes out to the relatives of those who were the first to fall in defense of their country and although sadness and grief is uppermost in their minds, surely a more noble death could never befall their sons. . . .

[Peach, Arthur]

New Market Herald

Thursday     September 12, 1918     p. 2

SIAM NEWS

A large crowd was present at the M. E. church Sunday to pay the last tribute of respect to Arthur Peach. The first Siam boy to lay his life on the altar of his country in France.

[Peach, Arthur]

New Market Herald

Thursday     September 19, 1918     p. 2

Memorial for Arthur Peach

Memorial services were held at the M. E. church at Siam Sunday afternoon September 8, 1918. The services were most appropriate. The pulpit was decorated with flowers and flags while a framed picture of the deceased occupied the place of honor, which was draped with a silk flag and spray of pink and white carnations. The Red Cross workers attended in a body.

Rev. Penn the pastor of the M. E. church delivered the address, which was masterful and inspiring. During the services the choir sang several very appropriate songs.

Obituary

Arthur Peach, son of Noah W. [ellington] and Rosa [Zentz] Peach, the subject of this sketch was born in Alton, Osborn County, Kansas, on June 25th, 1898 and he departed this life in action in France on July 15, 1918, aged 20 years and 20 days.

He enlisted in the service of his country at Bedford, Iowa, on April 10, 1917. He was assigned to the National Guard 168 infantry and was camped at Corning, Iowa, with the third Iowa forty second division. His next camp was at Des Moines, Iowa, in the State Fair Grounds. From there he went to Camp Mills, New York and thence over seas to France, landing safely after a trip of about three weeks duration.

The deceased is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mrs. and Mr. Barton Landon, also two brothers, and one sister, Adolph in France and George and Gladys of Bedford, Iowa, and three half brothers and one half sister.

In 1917 Arthur professed conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ in a revival meeting at the High Prairie church. He was received by the pastor Rev. Nalye into the membership of the Methodist Episcopal church. And now that he has made the supreme sacrifice for his country and his God it is a source of great satisfaction to his mother, and the bereaved family, to know that he had given his heart to God.

All honor to the memory of this brave young hero of his country and to all like heroes as well. May God bless his loved one and may the name of Arthur Peach be enshrined in our hearts and memories so long as time to us shall last.

[Peach, Arthur]

Bedford Times-Republican

Monday      January 2, 1922     p. 3

To Its Final Resting Place

Arthur Peach, son of Noah W. [Ellington] and Rosa Peach, the subject of this sketch, was born near Alton, Osborne County, Kans., on June 25, 1898 and departed this life in action in France on July 15, 1918, aged 25 years, 26 days. He enlisted in the service of his country at Bedford, Iowa, on April 10, 1917. He was assigned to the National Guard, 163rd Infantry, and was camped at Corning, Ia., 42nd division. His next camp was at Des Moines, Ia., on the state fair grounds. From there he went to Camp Mills, New York, and thence overseas to France, landing safely after a trip of about three weeks duration.

The deceased is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Barten Landen, also 2 brothers, and 1 sister, Adolph who was in France with him, and has returned home now, and George of Bedford, and Mrs. Gladys Ratkins of Hopkins, Mo., and four half -brothers and one half-sister. In 1917 Arthur was converted to the Lord Jesus Christ in a revival meeting at the High Prairie church. He was received by the Pastor Rev. Nayle into the membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church and now that he has made the supreme sacrifice for his country and his God, it is a source of great satisfaction to his mother and the bereaved family to know that he had given his heart to God. All honor to the memory of this brave young hero of his country and to all like heroes as well. May God bless his loved ones and may the name of Arthur Peach be enshrined in our hearts and memories so long as time to us shall last.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Bedford, Sunday. The body arrived Friday afternoon and was taken to the Wetmore undertaking parlors where it remained until Sunday. The services were conducted by Rev. Gable. Special music was furnished by a quartet. The Legion boys had charge of the funeral. The remains were interred in the Legion lot at Fairview cemetery. The church was filled to its capacity long before the hour of service arrived.