DEATH COMES AFTER EXTENDED ILLNESS MRS. FITZGERALD DIES Wife of Cedar Rapids Physician Had Lived in Cedar Rapids for 25 Years Mrs. Margaret Fitzgerald, the wife of Dr. William Fitzgerald, died at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday following an illness of several months, at the family home 528 First Ave. West. Mrs. Fitzgerald was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1854 and had lived in Cedar Rapids for the last 25 years. Surviving relatives include the husband, two sons the Rev. William Fitzgerald of Seattle, Wash.; Alban F. who now is stationed at Brownsville, Tx., with Co. C, Iowa National Guard, & 4 daughters, Mrs. Mae Hanson, the Misses Margaret, Florence & Geraldine all of Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will probably be held on Monday in the St. Patrick's church. Services have been delayed to permit the arrival of the Rev. William Fitzgerald of Seattle. Thurs. Aug. 17, 1916 Cedar Rapids Gazette ----------------------------------------------- IMPRESSIVE SERVICES HELD AT ST. PATRICK'S FOR LOVED WOMAN Solemn & impressive were the services in St. Patrick's church yesterday morning when the last rites were pronounced over the remains of Mrs. Margaret Fitzgerald, who passed away last Wednesday evening. The solemn mass of requiem was sung by her own son, the Rev. William Fitzgerald, assisted by the Very Rev. Dean Toomey as deacon & the Re. F.B. Steel was master of ceremonies. Present in the sanctuary were priests who had come from surrounding towns to pay tribute to the memory of the good woman. After the absolution had been given, Father Drumm, standing at the chancil voiced in beautiful language the high christian virtues of Mrs. Fitzgerald. His text was suggested by the 7 last words of Christ on the cross, "It is finished," and from St Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have run my course, I have kept the faith." Mrs. Fitzgerald had lived to see the realization of her fondest dream when on Christmas day, 1914, her eldest son was ordained a priest. But a month ago her second son, Alban F. was called to the border line in defense of the flag. Father Drumm told in eloquent language the nobility of the woman whose sons were called, the one from the ranks of God's army, the other from the army of his country. The best & the grandest women are the retiring, unassuming wives & mothers, wielding their influence & reigning as queens in their own homes rather than the devotees of the club & platform. Mrs. Fitzgerald had lived to see her children grown to be men & women, she had created a home, had given her very life blood for her country & for her God, and now nothing remained for her - her work was finished-perfected & polished. Margaret Alice Lawlor was born in Charlotte, Jan. 1, 1854. She was graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart at Dewitt & on Oct. 25, 1881, became the bride of Dr. William Fitzgerald, then a young physician at DeWitt. Dr. & Mrs. Fitzgerald came to Cedar Rapids in the fall of 1890 & have been residents of this city since that time. Besides the husband, 6 children survive: Rev. William Fitzgerald, Seattle, Wash., & Alban F., with Co.C Iowa Nat.Guard. Mrs. Herbert E. Hanson, & the Misses Margaret, Florence & Geraldine of Cedar Rapids. Burial was made in Mt. Calvary. The pall bearers were in Mt. Calvary. The pall bearers were Jas. E. Lawler, Andrew Murray. Harry Teahan Charles Jenson, Frank McDonnell & James Mack. Tues., Aug. 22, 1916 Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette: ----------------------------------------------- MEMORIAL MASS FOR MRS. FITZGERALD A solemn high mass of requiem the month's mind of Mrs. William Fitzgerald, will be sung in St. Patrick's church tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. The mass will be preceded by the chanting of the office for the dead. Mon. Sept. 18, 1916 Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette: ----------------------------------------------- DR. WILLIAM FITZGERALD MAKES LAST CALL; DIES AT AGE OF 74 Dr. William Fitzgerald, 74, a practicing physician & surgeon for more than 51 years, & a former asst. postmaster, died at his home, 528 First Ave. W., at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Although in ill health for some time he continued his practice until 2 weeks ago. Dr. Fitzgerald was born in Rochester, N.Y. Feb. 10, 1853, & with his parents moved to Davenport when he was a boy. He was educated in the schools there & later taught in the public in that vicinity. He entered the state university at Iowa City & was graduated in March 1876. Dr. Fitzgerald began practice in DeWitt & Grand Mound & came to Cedar Rapids in 1890, residing here since. He was a member of the Linn Co. Medical Assoc., the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick's church, several fraternal organizations & at one time was supreme director of the Modern Brotherhood of America. On Oct. 25, 1881, he was married to Margaret Alice Lawlor, of Charlotte. She preceded him in death in 1916. Six children were born to this union all of whom survive him. They are Mrs. Emil H. Peters, Mrs. Herbert E. Hanson, Alban, Miss Geraldine, all of Cedar Rapids; Mrs. Andrew Pirnie of Tacoma, Wash., & the Rev. Father William Fitzgerald, of Seattle, Wash. Two brothers, James & John Fitzgerald, both of Kansas City, Mo., & a sister, Mrs. Mary McKeown, of Tacoma, Wash., as well as 15 grandchildren also survive him. Funeral services will be held in the St. Patrick's church at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Solemn requiem mass will be sung by the doctor's own son. Mon. July 25, 1927 Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette. (a photo also ran with the obit.) ----------------------------------------------- The following biography on Dr. William Fitzgerald was sent to Amy Lynne Hanson Stewart by Gerald Peters in Nov. 1995. This biography was written by a fellow physician named F.G. Ladd. It is not known in what publication it appeared: BIOGRAPHY OF DR. WILLIAM FITZGERALD By Dr. F.G. Ladd Dr. William Fitzgerald was born in Rochester, NY, February 10, 1853. His parents moved to Davenport, Iowa when he was a child. He received his education in Davenport schools, later he became a teacher and taught school in that vicinity, during which time he was preparing himself for a medical career. He entered the State University of Iowa, receiving his medical degree in March 1876. He began practice in Dewitt, Iowa, later moving to Grand Mound, Iowa, where he continued to practice until 1890 when he moved to Cedar Rapids, where he was constantly in practice until his death, July 24, 1927; except four years when he was assistant postmaster in Cedar Rapids. He was married to Margaret A. Lawlar of Charlotte, Iowa, in 1881. There were six children born to them. Reverend William G. Fitzgerald and Mrs. A.S. Pirnie, both now living in the State of Washington. Mrs. E.H. Peters, Chicago, Illinois. Sister Mary Florence, Mercy Hospital, Davenport, Iowa, Alban Fitzgerald and Mrs. H.E. Hanson, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dr. Fitzgerald wa a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, also Knights of Columbus and a member of the Linn County Medical Society. He was a member of different Fraternal Organizations and at one time a director of the Modern Brotherhood of America. He had a great pride in his family and his oldest son William G. Fitzgerald became a priest, who sand the Requiem Mass at the funeral of his beloved Father. Dr. Fitzgerald was a scholarly man and a great reader. He was a kind friendly man who had high regard for all his friends. He was a great lover of children and very kind to the poor. No storm was too bad, or night too dark but that he would administer to the sick. No one ever applied to Dr. Fitzgerald for relief and was refused if in his power to grant it. As I recall the many pleasant years of professional association with him, I am more impressed with his sincerity, kindly smile and outstanding character. -------------------------------------------- THE REVEREND WILLIAM G. FITZGERALD William G. Fitzgerald was born on the Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15, 1882 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the oldest of six children. After he finished elementary and high school in Iowa, he went to California, and it was there that he entered St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, CA to study for the priesthood. While he was there, Bishop O'Dea selected him to continue his studies at the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada. Father Fitzgerald was ordained a priest on Nov. 30, 1914 in Montreal. He served as a curate in St. James' Cathedral & St. Mary's Parish in Seattle. He was appointed the first pastor of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Arlington, with the attached Missions of Stanwood & Darrington, in 1915. He worked for 9 years in that parish and built the church and rectory in Arlington. Then he became pastor of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Mt. Vernon where he spent 5 years. In 1929, he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Wenatchee where he labored diligently for three and a half years. On Nov. 30, 1932, Father Fitzgerald was promoted to the Immaculate Conception, Everett. To this parish he gave almost 20 years of his life. Bishop Shaughnessy honored his judgement and appointed Father Fitzgerald as Diocesan Consultor. This appointment was confirmed and renewed by Archbishop Connolly. Father Fitzgerald was not well for some time. His health failed noticeably during the last six months, and his strength, sapped by the work, cares, and worries of his office as pastor, wore away. Father entered Providence Hospital on June 30th. The sisters, doctors, and nurses there were most considerate and generous in caring for him. However, medical skills and attention could not avail - Father Fitzgerald died peacefully on August 1, 1952. Funeral from Immaculate Conception Church, Everett. Rosary: 7:30 Tuesday Evening. Divine Office: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday. Solemn Mass of Requiem: 10:30 A.M. Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. Sent to Amy Lynne Stewart Hanson by Gerald Peters, son of Florence Loretta Fitzgerald, in Nov. 1995 ----------------------------------------------- HERBERT HANSON Herbert Hanson, 271 12th St. NW, a retired painting contractor, died Monday after a long illness. He was born Aug. 10, 1880, in Cedar Rapids. Surviving are his wife, the former May Fitzgerald, to whom he was married on July 30, 1908; four sons, William J., Herbert T., Albert B. & Walter E., all of Cedar Rapids; four daughters, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Jerry Elias, Cathryn Hayward & Dorothy Anderson, all of Cedar Rapids; 17 grandchildren, & one great-grandchild. He was a member of St. Patrick's MCOF 649. Services: 9:30 Wednesday. by the Rev. J. Robert McDonald at St. Patrick's church. Burial: Mt. Calvary. The parish rosary, Sacred Heart court WCOF 727, St. Patrick's court MCOF 649 will be at 8 pm. Tuesday at the Brady mortuary, where friends may call after 5 pm Tuesday. 24 March 1964 Cedar Rapids Gazette: From Amy Lynne Hanson Stewart ----------------------------------------------- MRS. H.E. HANSON Mary (Mae) E. Hanson, 87, of 271 12th St. N.W., widow of Herbert E. Hanson, died Wednesday after a brief illness. Born in Grand Mound, Nov. 19, 1884, she had resided in Cedar Rapids since 1894. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, the Gold Star Mothers & the Navy Mothers. Surviving are 4 daughters, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Jerry Elias, Cathryn Hayward & Dorothy Anderson, & 2 sons, Albert B. & Walter E. Hanson, all of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Sr. Mary Florence, Davenport; 21 grandchildren, & 15 great-grandchildren. Services: Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Patrick's Catholic church by the Rev. Paul Maguire. Burial: Mt. Calvary. Friends may call at the Brady-Kuba funeral home after 7 p.m. Wednesday. Rosary: 7:30 Thursday in the Brady-Kuba funeral home. Wed. June 7, 1972 Cedar Rapids Gazette From Amy Lynne Hanson Stewart ----------------------------------------------- ALBAN FITZGERALD Alban (Doc) Fitgerald, 84, a retired Rock Island railroad conductor, died Thursday in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Born Oct. 4, 1887, in Grand Mound, he was a member of the Immaculate Conception church. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; a daughter, Elizabeth Lynn, Hot Springs; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, & two sisters, Mrs. Herbert Hanson, Cedar Rapids, and Sister Mary Florence, Mercy Hospital, Davenport. Services 9 a.m. Monday at ( the rest of the obituary is not included [by Amy].) Cedar Rapids Gazette 9 Apr 1971 From Amy Lynne Hanson Stewart ----------------------------------------------- Elizabeth Agnes Fitzgerald, 90, of 122 35th St. NE, died Monday in a local care center following a long illness. Born April 4, 1888, in Nichols, she had been a Cedar Rapids resident the last seven years. she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and St. Elizabeth's Circle. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Edward C. Lynn, with whom she made her home; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church by the Rev. William P. Leonard. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Stewart Funeral home Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m. where Father Mollner will recite the rosary at 7:30 p.m. Cedar Rapids Gazette 20 June 1978 ----------------------------------------------- SISTER MARY FLORENCE Sister Mary Florence Fitzgerald, 78, a native of Cedar Rapids, died of a heart attack Monday in Davenport. She was a member of the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Florence was born April 13, 1897, in Cedar Rapids. She was graduated from St. Patrick's high school in 1915 & entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy in Davenport in 1928. Services will be conducted Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Mercy hospital chapel in Davenport. Burial will be in Davenport. Friends may call at the hospital chapel Wednesday from 2-7 p.m. Tues. March 16, 1976 Cedar Rapids, Iowa Gazette From Amy Lynne Hanson Stewart ----------------------------------------------- H.E. HANSONS TO NOTE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Hanson, 271 Twelfth St. N.W. will observe their fiftieth wedding anniversary Wednesday at a dinner for the immediate family. High mass will be sung for them on Wednesday at St. Patrick's church, where they were married. The couple's 8 children and 12 grandchildren all live in Cedar Rapids. Sun., July 17, 1958 Cedar Rapids, Iowa Gazette From Amy Lynne Hanson Stewart -----------------------------------------------