William John Sharkey was born November 8, 1874, at St. Johnston, Ireland, the son of David and Margaret (Taylor) Sharkey. He came to America as an infant in 1875 with his parents. They settled in Grundy Center, Iowa, where he grew to young manhood. On March 13, 1898, he was united in marriage to Eva Brock at Webster City, Iowa. The young couple spent their first years of wedded life together near Lake City and Webster City, Iowa. They moved to Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, in 1915 where he had purchased a farm. He resided here until a short time after the passing of Mrs. Sharkey in 1944 when he sold his farm and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Reuben Vik, for twelve years. The last year and a half he has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Franklin Reishus, where he was at the time of his death. To this union six children were born, namely, Harold, who died in 1914, Harland of Hanley Falls, Harry, Hallie (Mrs. Reuben Vik), Helen (Mrs. Franklin Reishus), all of Clarkfield, and Howard of Rapid City, South Dakota. His wife preceded him in death, also one son, Harold. Surviving are five children, eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, also four sisters, namely, Mrs. Susan Allen and Mrs. Rebecca Bruce of Lake City, Iowa, Annie (Mrs. Charlie Brock) of Clarkfield, and Ioda (Mrs. Joe Shanklin) of Lytton, Iowa. He was baptized in St. Johnston, Ireland, in 1874, was a member of the Hazel Run Lutheran Church and later the Clarkfield Lutheran Church. He was active in community affairs, was a Clerk of Normania Township, member of the school board, Director of Hanley Falls Lumber Company and served on farm program committee, and director of Hazel Run Elevator for a number of years. He died February 11, 1959, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Franklin Reishus in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, at the age of 84 years, three months and three days. Blessed be his memory. IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM J. SHARKEY November 8, 1874 ~ February 11, 1959 Funeral Services Saturday, February 14, 1959, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. P. L. Mork Funeral Services Monday, February 16, 1959, 2:00 p.m. Foster Funeral Home, Webster City, Iowa Clergy Officiating, Rev. Harold Haugland Organist, Miss Ingrid Anderson Vocal Solo, Mrs. Arden Lynne "Under His Wings" "Near to The Heart of God" Pallbearers R. Darrell Vik ~ John Sharkey Harold Sharkey ~ Larry Reishus William C. Sharkey ~ Robert Brock Honorary Pallbearers Geo. M. Gehant ~ Nels Aarestad George Greseth,~ C. E. Wilson M. L. Risa ~ Nels Ree Final Resting Place Graceland Cemetery Webster City, Iowa Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota