Merton Phelps

Colesburg -- Funeral services were held Friday at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist church in Colesburg for Merton Phelps, 60, well known farmer and lifelong resident of the Colesburg community. The Wm. Rev. Cotton was in charge of the services. Carroll Harbaugh, of Dubuque, a nephew of Mr. Phelps sang, "In The Garden and "The Old Rugged Cross", accompanied by Miss Edith Merten. Burial was in the Oakhill cemetery, Colesburg. Pallbearers were Paul Way, Robert Mallory, Fred Steinfadt, Arthur Honn, Mike Brown and Donald Every. The Appleton Funeral Home at Edgewood was in charge. Services were held here just seven weeks ago for his twin brother, Martin. Their brother Lincoln died three weeks prior to that.

Mr. Phelps died suddenly Tuesday morning at the Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Manchester.

Mr. Phelps was born May 15, 1903 on the farm homesteaded by his grandparents. He was the son of Wilbur and and Stella Fishel Phelps. He received his education in the Colesburg high school. February 26, 1924 he was married to Bertha Kauffman at Earlville. He worked in the Colesburg and Elkader communities before moving to the home farm in 1927. Farming was his lifelong occupation. He had an interest in all sports and definite interest in all the school and community affairs.

Mr. Phelps is survived by his wife, Bertha, four sons, Leland, Lowell and Lenfred, all of Colesburg and Lyle of Guttenberg and three daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Lillian) Handke of Garber, Mrs. Jack (Lois) Hill of Waukegan, Ill., and Lila at home.

Also surviving are three brothers, Otto Phelps of Colesburg, Wilbur Phelps of Mason City and Levi Phelps of Cassville, Wisconsin and four sisters, Mrs. John (Sylvia) Jaster of Elkport, Mrs. Mary Cole of LaPorte City, Mrs. Gordon (Opel) Lau of Waterville and Mrs. Leonard (Luciel) Kidd of Great Falls, Montana, as well as 18 grandchildren.