Obit: Pedder, Robert Lorne (1861 - 1935)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Pedder, Hensel, Seelow, Ayers, Longenecker

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 6 Sept. 1935

Pedder, Robert Lorne (14 June 1861 - 1 Sept. 1935)

The Angel of death has again taken from the midst of dear ones, a kind and loving father, one who in the midst of misfortune and many bodily infirmities could smile at the vicissitudes of life, and as long as his strength lasted, contributed to the comfort and interest of those near and dear to him.

The deceased, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Pedder, was born in London, England, June 14, 1861. At the age of three he was afflicted with typhoid fever and lost his speech and hearing. When six years of age he was injured by a bobsled and suffered the misfortune of losing his left leg.

He attended a school for the Deaf in London, graduated from high school and taught in the same institution for two years. He then became a cigar maker apprentice and learned the trade which became his life work until five years ago when failing eyesight caused him to quit.

Mr. Pedder came to America 44 years ago and landed in La Crosse, Wis., where he lived for several years. In 1895 he was married to Ruth Ellen Hensel of Arcadia and to this union were born five children, two of whom preceded him in death. Those left to mourn his sad death are his children, Mrs. Wm. Seelow of Neillsville; a son, Kenneth, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Harry Ayers of Neillsville, also twelve grandchildren.

The family resided in Arcadia over 30 years and since the death of his wife five years ago; he has made his home with his daughters in Neillsville, Wis. On May 6, 1935, Mr. Pedder suffered a stroke which left him an invalid. On August 23, he was stricken with bronchial pneumonia which was the immediate cause of his death at 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Sept. 1.

He was tenderly cared for at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry Ayers and has a nurse through his entire illness. He loved and lived his life to the utmost, but when the Great Doors opened wide; he was ready to meet his Maer. It was his faith that helped him bear his earthly burdens so joyfully.

"Grandpa," who endeared himself to all who knew him, will be sadly missed, but we are glad to know he has gone to the land where there is no pain. May he rest peacefully on the bosom of Mother Earth.

Funeral services were held at the Schiller Funeral Home Tuesday at 10 a.m., Rev. G. W. Longenecker of the Congregational Church officiating. Services were held also at 2 p.m., at Arcadia where interment was made.