Palmer, Gehlen Prentice "Dan" (1903–1918)

PALMER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/17/2024 at 11:30:35

Source: Cresco Plain Dealer Sept. 13, 1918, P2 C4

OBITUARY
Palmer

Gehlen Prentice Palmer, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Palmer, was born at Oregon, Ill., on April 22, 1903.
Gehlen came with his family to Cresco six years ago last March. He speedily made friends and kept them until his death. He entered the school life and spirit with a will and was very popular with the entire school, his sunny smile and good natured disposition making him welcome in any group. His love of fun, not only made his own life an extremely happy one, but brightened every one with whom he came in contact. In spite of his genial disposition he showed a quality of determination and grit that his parents can remember with pride.
Although only a boy Gehlen possessed a fine character. He was willing at any time to help or share with his friends. That he was straightforward and honest was provde in his school life. He always chose to dig for himself rather than copy from his neighbor. His mind was bright and alert and although a year younger than most of his classmates, he was prepared to enter his Junior year in high school this fall.
He was somewhat smaller than his school mates, but had a healthy, active body. He liked athletics and continued to play although he knew his weight would bar him from the teams. He played simply because of his love of sport and his loyalty to the school. He showed especial aptitude for military drill and was one of the most proficient members of the boys’ military company.
He was baptized at the Congregation church about a year ago and has always been a faithful member of the Sunday school and Christian Endeavor society. One of his last plans was to have the the{sic} Endeavorers meet at his home while he was convalescent.
Gehlen was especially helpful at home, where he was always a ray of sunshine. He was doing an errand for his mother when he met with the accident which resulted in his death. As he was hurrying home on the evening of Aug. 22 the faithful family horse slipped and fell, which resulted in a broken leg for Gehlen. He bravely and cheerfully bore the pain and hardship and for a time his recovery seemed certain. But other complications developed, bringing his happy life to a close on the morning of September 6th, 1918.
Gehlen was familiarly known to his friends as “Dan” and his death makes the first break in the group of young people with whom he was intimately associated.
There are left to mourn his death, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Palmer, two brothers, Kenneth and Reece, two sisters, Clara and Maxine, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello IA. It also shows he died Sept. 8, 1918 which does not agree with the above.