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Submitted: 4/28/09 • Approved: 1/6/25 • Last Updated: 1/9/25 • R7859-G0-S3
Birth: Jun. 10, 1891
Death: May 18, 1913
Biography of James Gordon Pabst
James Gordon Pabst, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Pabst, was born on the Pabst homestead in Moody county, 11 miles west of Dell Rapids, S.D., June 10, 1891, and died May 10th, 1913, being 21 years and 11 months old on the day of his death. He moved with his parents to Dell Rapids in the fall of 1904, since which time he has resided in this city with the exception of a few weeks while engaged in his work at Trent.
Having a decided talent for mechanics he apprenticed himself to Mr. James Maule and worked well and faithfully, being most capable and efficient in his work and thoroughly trustworthy.
Having finished his apprenticeship, he was about to fill a responsible position in Sioux City, when on May 27th, 1912, he met with a distressing accident through the recklessness of others and for which he was in no way responsible.
For many weary weeks he was in the city hospital, where all that science and care could do was done to relieve his suffering. At last he was able to leave, and with courage and patience, that are shown only by the noble in spirit, took up his tasks, although the fractured limb troubled him from time to time.
He was patient and uncomplaining and grateful to those who cared for him, and he bore no ill will to those responsible for his affliction.
On Wednesday, May 7th, he returned to the hospital for further treatment, but unlooked for complications arising and having been weakened by almost a year of suffering, the brave spirit at last [was] overcome.
Those who know him best loved him best. "Gordie," as he was called by his intimate associates, had a host of friends and his untimely death is mourned by all.
May we who are left to mourn his loss follow his example of cheerfulness, patience and courage.
He leaves to mourn his loss his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Pabst, his two brothers, Melvin Pabst and family, and Calvin Pabst and family, and two sisters, Mrs. Tabasinsky and family of Montana, and Mrs. Chas. Crom and family of Mora, Minn. and hosts of friends. A FRIEND
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The funeral of Gordon Pabst occurred Tuesday at two o'clock at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Pabst, conducted by Rev. Cook of the Baptist church, assisted by Rev. Janes of the Methodist church, and was very largely attended by relatives and friends, showing to extent the respect and esteem felt for this estimable young man in the community.
The floral tributes were many and beautiful.
A quartette of voices sang two beautiful selections and Rev. Cook in his sermon dwelt on the splendid character of the deceased, as attested to by his many friends, and shown in various ways. A visit to his room with the father just before the service revealed to him much of a life, short in years only, every day having counted in the building up of a character, which moth and rust cannot corrupt nor death impair. he spoke of the orderliness of the room, the pictures on the walls, all of his own selection, pointing to high ideals.
Abraham Lincoln's picture was at the head of the bed, and on his dresser a Bible, the gift of his mother, with a marker where he had last read. What a consolation to his dear ones to know that his ambition led him to live in God's atmosphere of truth and light, which rebukes the vanities of earth and spreads over all the promise of immortality. "He was a good boy," has fallen from many lips, so sincerely spoken that one may not doubt that this verdict came as a result of a life lived within and not from mere outward show.
He was laid to rest in Dell Rapids cemetery and the sympathy of all goes out to the sorrowing family. Those who came from away for the funeral were Mrs. Crom, a sister, of Mora, Minn., and Mrs. Crabtree and Miss Mary Carlson, of Flandreau. Other relatives living father away were unable to come.
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Card of Thanks
While our hears are sore with grief we yet wish to acknowledge the balm of great kindness and sympathy so unstintedly shown us by all friends and neighbors, and to thank them most sincerely, one and all. --Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Pabst and Family
Contributed on 4/28/09
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Record #: 7859