FENTON – Claude Lafayette Seely, son of Frank Seely and his wife, Mary Finnell, was born August 8, 1892, in Fairfield township, Palo Alto county. In his youth he received his schooling near Fenton and Whittemore. He and Clara Miller were married July 28, 1917. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church at Fenton, March 10, 1918.
Two sons, Erwin and Frank, were born. The family lived in the Fenton community for more than 35 years. Mr. Seely was a member of St. John Lutheran church, Fenton.
During the past two months, Mr. Seely had not been in good health and he entered a hospital. He had an operation June 26 at St. Mary’s hospital, Rochester, Minn., which revealed a brain tumor. He was conscious much of the time following the operation. At times it seemed as though he might recover, but a week age Wednesday morning at 8:30 he died suddenly. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother Bert during World War I.
He is survived by his widow, his sons, Erwin, of Marshalltown; and Frank, of Fenton; two daughters-in-law, and two grandsons; his brother Harry, of Whittermore, and other relatives and friends.
Services were held last week Sunday at the home at 1:30, and at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran church, Fenton, with burial in St. John Lutheran cemetery. The Rev. W.H. Friedrich officiated. Casket bearers were Emil Bierstedt, William Eimers, Roy Homann, Joe Madden, Henry Schulte, and Victor Struecker.
Published in the Kossuth County Advance, (Algona, IA) July 14, 1953 page 20
