Individual Details

Death

Mr. Ira West died, Thursday at the Aurora St. Charles Hospital following a severe illness of blood poisoning. His condition was believed to be improving and he wad looking forward to his return to active duties when death came suddenly and without warning. In the death of Mr. West Big Grove township and Kendall county lose one of their leading citizens. As a supervisor this excellent man was always at the call of his constituents and working for their welfare. His was a difficult duty and he fulfilled it well. The board of supervisors will miss his able counsel and his genial presence, The funeral was held from the home in Big Grove Sunday afternoon, the services in charge of the Rev. R. P. Kletzing. Mrs. A. N. Thorsen and Miss Evelyn Nelson furnished the music. Mr. Kletzing offers the following tribute to this excellent man: Ira A. West was born at Nettle Creek, Grundy County, Illinois, August 10, 1858, the oldest child. of Charles and Maria West. He was united in marriage to Ida Furr, also of Nettle Creek, on April 6, 1881. Two sons came to brighten the home, but only for a short time, both dying in infancy. Mr. West has made his home in Big Grove for the past forty years, his wife preceding him in death on September 16, 1917. On November tenth last he met with what appeared to be a very slight accident. He was confined to his bed for only three weeks, death coming to bring peace to the tired body on April 5, 1923. One brother, Ezra West, a niece and nephew, Mrs. Gladys Helgevold and Willis West, and two nieces, Ava and Nora Woodward, who have made their home with him since the death of their mother some ten years ago, are the surviving relatives. Mr. West has been an outstanding servant of the community practically since his arrival here. He served as road commissioner for many years, and as supervisor since September 1915, the date of his first election to that office. In a profound way the community realizes that it has lost a very valuable man. He was not only efficient, but the very essence of the spirit of helpfulness and benevolence. Many mourn today the death of a benefactor who humbly went about his task, not for his own; honor, but for the sake of him, he helped. Let us keep green this memory in our hearts.
Card of Thanks
We wish to express our gratitude and thanks for the acts of kindness, which were shown to our brother and uncle, during his illness and death. Mr. and Mrs, Ezra West and Harriet, Nora and Ava Woodward, Mrs. William C. West, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Helgevold, Mr. and Mrs. Willis West.