George E. Blakey, Pioneer of Jackson County, is Mourned

Obituary. George E. BLAKEY (8 Dec 1945).

George E. Blakey, Pioneer of Jackson County, is Mourned
Was One of the Earliest Residents of This Community and Gentleman Held in High Regard

Jackson friends and those of the Des Moines township community, are mourning the passing last Saturday of George E. Blakey, who passed away quietly at the Blakey residence on North Highway. Mr. Blakey had been a resident of Jackson county for 78 years.

Mr. Blakey, a gentleman of quiet but genial manner, was one of the earliest settlers in Jackson county where during his long years of residence he had proven himself an excellent citizen and kindly neighbor. A gentleman of robust honesty, his council was often sought by friends while his reputation as a husband and father will always remain a pleasing remembrance to his immediate family.

George Edward Blakey was born in Wisconsin, February 17, 1863, and passed peacefully away at 12:50 noon, December 8, 1945, at his home on North Highway in Jackson. Death was due to the infirmities of his advanced age.

Mr. Blakey's health began to fail about two years ago, but he became bedfast just the last two days before his death. He was 82 years, 9 months and 21 days old.

Mr. Blakey came to Jackson county with his parents, Henry and Jemimia Blakey, at the age of four years. He lived with his parents on the homestead in Des Moines township until 1894, when he bought the farm on which he resided until he moved with his family to their home in Jackson, August 30, 1945.

He was married to Lottie Kephart of Middletown township, November 21, 1894. To this union were born two sons, Orville, at home, and Verland of Windom. Surviving him are the deeply bereaved wife, the two sons and three grandchildren, Gordon, Verla and Averland Blakey; also one brother, Will, of California, and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Mr. Blakey was a man who had won many friends by his kind manner and was always ready to assist a friend or neighbor when help or sympathy were needed.

Throughout this last fatal illness he was a patient sufferer and appreciated every act of kindness. He had the constant and loving care of his devoted wife and children.

Mr. Blakey was obliged to pass through the hardships that were necessary to build Jackson county, however, one of the happiest epochs in his long Jackson county residence came when Mr. and Mrs. Blakey were priveleged to celebrate their golden anniversary on a happy day, November 21, 1944.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. T. A. Thompson of Windom, at 1:30 at the home and 2:00 from Our Savior's Lutheran church of Jackson, on Tuesday afternoon, December 11.

Burial was held in Riverside cemetery. Pallbearers were Frank Green, Herman Eggimann, R. C. Muir, Albert Eggimann, Frank Dorschner and Mike Kanuch. Music was furnished by Mrs. Harry Graves and James S. Peterson; Mrs. Leonora Mix, organist.