Francis Isabel Widick
"Died at her home in Homer,Ia on Tuesday morning, Dec 7, 1897. Francis Isabel Widick. She was born near
Sagauche, Colorado, Aug 4, 1887. And was therefore in her tenth year. Francis was a kind, loving little girl who
loved and respected by all who k new her. Her sickness, which was of three weeks' duration was borne with great
patience, never a mummer of complaint was heard. She was converted and joined the M. E. Church at the age of nine
years, and has been a faithful and willing worker ever since. A short time before she died she called the family
her bedside and told them she was going to die, and kissing them and saying good-bye she quietly passed to the
better world. Six of her school mates acted as pall-bearers. The funeral was held at the Methodist church Thursday
at 10 o'clock a.m. conducted by the Revs J. L. Sudduth and S. S. Eslick. The remains were laid to rest in the
Homer cemetery besides here mother." [Lehigh Valley Argus Dec 11,
1897 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net]
Minnie M. Widick
Minnie Maybel Widick daughter of J. J. and Josephine Widick was born in Homer, Ia. Hamilton county Jan 24,
1874. She grew to womanhood and at the age of 19 was married to George D. Echelberger on June 3, 1893, at Homer,
Ia. From there they moved to Webster Co. where they lived until 1909. They then moved to Wright Co. where they
farmed until 1924. They then moved to Dows. They lived there until the time of her death. To this union seven children.
One daughter (Cecile) preceded her in death. Those left to mourn her loss are her husband George, 2 daughters,
Mrs Mark (Faye) King of Dows, Mrs Charles (Leola) Lampson of Pomona, Ca. and 4 sons, Rasseyen "Ross"
of Clear Lake, Ia., Adrian and Joe of Dows, Merle "Bud" Echelberger in the Navy at Farragut, Id.; also
11 grand children two of whom are serving our country overseas. She leaves many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at 2 pm Saturday Dec 9.; interment at Fairview cemetary Dows.
Those attending services from out of town were; Mr & Mrs Ross Echelberger and Delores of Clear Lake, Merle
Echelberger F 2c, stationed at Farragut,Id. and family from Webster City.; Mrs Ina Williams, Mr & Mrs Ben Echelberger
and Melvin, and Mrs Aleak(Ermal)Koskoff, Ralph Echelberger all of Lehigh; Mrs Thomas (Avonelle) Jetmund of Gary,
Ind.; Mr & Mrs Al Thurmand of Williams; Mrs Fred Cessford and Mrs John Pietrie of Iowa Falls. [Fort Dodge Messenger Dec 11, 1942 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net]
]
