Posted on: PaloAlto County Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/PaloAltoObits/10621 Surname: Nolan, White, Gundert, Greene, Jackman, Steil, Mimbach, McEvoy, Hand, Higgins, Laughlin, Fleming, McElroy, Rutledge, McNally, Phillips, Soper, Burt, Weir, Thompson, Brennan, McCarty, Engler, Fay ------------------------- Emmetsburg Democrat, Feb. 10, 1939 Many Pioneer Folks Answer Grim Reaper P. V. Nolan, 81, a former Palo Alto county sheriff, a former Emmetsburg hardware merchant and one of the pioneers of Palo Alto county, died suddenly at his home in the south part of this city Saturday afternoon, evidently the result of a heart attack. Mr. Nolan had, in company with his daughter, Mrs. Bessie Gundert, visited the downtown business section during the afternoon. They made the trip by car, Mr. Nolan deciding that he would visit the office of a local physician for a physical checkup. He later returned to his home with Mrs. Gundert. Mrs. Gundert returned to the business section to do some shopping and when she came back to the house she found Mr. Nolan lying on the floor between the kitchen and the dining room. He was dead when discovered. The funeral was held Tuesday morning. Services were conducted in the Assumption church by the substitute pastor, Rev. Father Theophane of Des Moines. Father Leo McEvoy of Ruthven, a close friend of the Nolan family, preached a very impressive sermon. Burial was in St. John's cemetery. The active pallbearers were John Nolan, T. C. Nolan, James Nolan, Wm. Nolan, Dan Greene, P. C. Jackman, John Steil and Martin Mimbach. Honorary pallbearers were J. B. McEvoy, Jos. P. Hand, J. D. Higgins, Jos. Laughlin, Mike Fleming, K. J. McElroy, Thos. Rutledge, Ed McNally, Lou Phillips, E. B. Soper, E. H. Soper, A. J. Burt, Roy Weir, Wm. Thompson, John Brennan and Mike McCarty. The Knights of Columbus attended the funeral in a body. The Foy Funeral home was in charge of funeral arrangements. Patrick Valentine Nolan was born in the state of New York on February 14, 1858. He was the son of the late John and Bridget Nolan. When he was a small boy the family came to Iowa and settled on a farm along the shores of Medium Lake, north of this city. Mr. Nolan received his education in the local schools. While yet a young man P. V. Nolan entered into the hardware business. He spent some time in this business at Ruthven where he was associated with the late J. F. and P. J. Nolan. Mr. Nolan later established himself in the hardware business in Emmetsburg. For some time he was engaged in a partnership with Fred Engler. This partnership continued for some time, Mr. Nolan finally selling out his interest. For some time Mr. Nolan served as sheriff of Palo Alto county. The late John McNally was his deputy. Mr. Nolan was united in marriage on January 23, 1888, to Miss Mary E. White. The ceremony was performed by the late Very Rev. J. J. Smith. Mrs. Nolan passed away in Emmetsburg on February 23, 1927. The deceased is mourned by two daughters, Mrs. Bessie Gundert of this city and Mrs. Dan Greene of Ruthven. There are numerous other relatives. After Mr. Nolan retired from the political and business life of our city he continued as an active citizen in this community. He was a member of the board of directors of the old First National Bank. He frequently visited various business houses in Emmetsburg where he kept in constant touch with general business affairs. His judgment in financial and business matters was often sought as he was considered in various circles as a competent observer and a gentleman of excellent business judgment. The following tribute written by his nephew, Att'y James E. Fay of this city, has been handed to the Democrat for publication. It expresses affection and respect which Mr. Nolan was accorded during his lifetime in Emmetsburg. In the death of P. V. Nolan one of its familiar and beloved figures is taken from the life of Emmetsburg. To know him was to admire him for his many outstanding qualitites of mind and heart. He was one of the most charitable of men, both in word and deed. Countless acts of helpfulnesss and aid throughout the years were by him given to those less fortunate than he yet done so quietly that no one knew thereof. Although financially successful himself, he cared not for artificial living but was supremely happy in his own home surrrounded by family and friends. Since the death of Mrs. Nolan 12 years ago, every loving care and attention was showered upon his daughter, Mrs. Bessie Gundert. Possessed of a brilliantly analytical mind, he was well versed on current questions of the day and to the last retained his physical and mental vigor. He loved young people and the presence of countless little tots grieving at his bier was a touching tribute to the kindly soul of a good man. With all of the changes he had seen in his 81 years of life, he still remained keenly interested and progressive. He had mastered the art of growing old gracefully. He died as he would have liked, quietly and without burden to anyone, with spotless character strengthened by his Faith, and unafraid of the tomorrow. Of such was the pioneer stock from which he came, people who uncomplainingly endured countless hardships that life might be carved out for us who followed. Such men leave an epitaph of work well done, far greater than any eulogy may proclaim.