OBITUARY: Walter Eugene Sheldon, Mitchell County, Iowa



               FUNERAL HELD FOR WALTER E. SHELDON IN OSAGE FRIDAY

Funeral services for one of Osage's most prominent citizens, and a banker
here for more than a half century, Walter E. Sheldon, 77 were held Friday
afternoon. Mr. Sheldon died of complications of a liver condition from
which he suffered more than two years. He was hospitalized locally for two
months prior to his death. (July 1, 1965)

The Rev. Norman Brooks, pastor, was in charge of the services at the
Congregational church.  Arrangements were by C.R. Champion and Sons.
Masonic rites were conducted at the Osage cemetery.

Walter Eugene Sheldon was born in Burlington, Wis., March 24, 1888 the son
of Eugene and Clara Beaver Sheldon. He accompanied his family to Osage when
he was seven years old, graduating from Osage high school in 1905. He
attended Cedar Valley seminary, and was graduated from Beloit college in
Beloit, Wis. in 1909.

His teaching career began in Beloit, where he was an instructor in high
school one year. He taught and was principal in St. Ansgar school three
years, and his final year as a teacher was in Prescott, Wis.

His marriage to Gladys French of Osage took place June 18, 1910. They
established their home in St. Ansgar, and have lived in Osage since 1914.

Mr. Sheldon began his career in the banking business at the Home Trust and
Savings Bank June 1, 1914. In 1917 he became a cashier. He was elected vice
president of the bank in 1921, serving in this capacity and as cashier until
1936, when he was elected bank president. He was elected vice president of
the Iowa Bankers association in 1945.  Walter E. Sheldon was treasurer of
the Osage Community school district, serving since 1923, and continuing
until the time of his death. he was secretary of the Mitchell County
Memorial Hospital board of trustees since the organization of the hospital
in 1944. In 1921 Mr. Sheldon became county inheritance tax appraiser. He
continued that service until February, 1965, when he was made alternative
appraiser.

He served on the board of Sage Public Library since 1916, and was board
president until his death; was an organizer and charter member of the
Osage Rotary club and was first president of that organization; was
treasurer of the Osage Community Chest since its inception; a 60-year
member of the Congregational Church; and was an officer in three local
Masonic organizations and member of El Kahir Shrine of Cedar Rapids. During
World War II Mr. Sheldon was Mitchell County war bond chairman, and
continued an active interest in the savings bond program.

Mr. Sheldon was honored by the community in June, 1964, upon 50 years
of service with the Home Trust and Savings bank. Tribute was paid him
for service to our schools, our city, and to civic organizations.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Mrs. M. E. Jenninson
of Twin Falls, Idaho.

Mr. Sheldon is survived by his wife, Gladys French Sheldon of Osage; their
two sons, Eugene French Sheldon of Clinton and Robert R. Sheldon of Mason
City; three grandchildren, James W. in service in Germany; Janice Sheldon
of.... (rest is missing)



Copyright (c) 2002 by Marilyn O'Connor
(Note: I am not necessarily related to the subject of the obituary.)
This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.

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