Frank William, son of William
and Amelia Witter, was born
near Pomeroy, Iowa, on April 7,
1891 and passed away at his
home in Newell on Wednesday
afternoon, February 22, 1950,
having reached the age of 58
years, 10 months, and 15 days.
He was the oldest child in a
family of eight children and in
early infancy was baptised in the
Evangelical (Lutheran church of
Pomeroy. In early youth he came
with his parents and family to
Newell, settling on a farm just
east of town. He received his
education in the public school of
Newell and in this city grew to
young manhood. On June 10,
1916 he was united in marriage
with Miss Edna Robinson of Newell.
On April 15, 1906 Frank was
confirmed and received into
membership in the Evangelical
Lutheran church, then meeting
in a one-room school house near
the old farm home in June of
1925 he affiliated himself with
the Newell Methodist church,
during the pastorate of the Rev.
J F. Moore, and for nearly 25
years has been a most loyal and
devoted member, having server
in many capacities on various
boards and committees and given
faithfully of time, energy, talent,
and means wherever and
whenever he saw an opportunity
for service. During these years
there was no department of the
church that did not at one time
or other feel the kindly presence
of his warm and genial spirit.
Frank enjoyed the confidence
and respect of his fellow-churchmen
to an extent equalled by
very few having served as church,
trustee, steward, -charge lay
leader, Sunday School superintendent,
member of many committees,
and as Chairman of
the building committee. Frank
was a layman of the highest type,
a big man spiritually as well as
physically, man among men.
He will be sorely missed, in his
home, in the church, and in the
city and community of Newell
where for over thirty years he
has given faithful service in the
public water and streets department,
the care of the city cemetery,
and the Firemen's organization.
Always a lover of music
and a singer of ability, Frank
early found an established place
for himself in the church choir,
not only in the Methodist fellowship
but in other churches when,
he could render assistance. When
Barbershop Quartet singing was
revived- in this territory several
years ago. Frank enthusiastically
identified 'himself with the Storm
Lake organization, having attended
a rehearsal only the evening before his
death.
(Newell Mirror, 3-2-1950)