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HAXTUN PIONEER GOES TO REWARD
G.A. Dech Was Resident of This Section For More Than 33 Years

G.A. Dech, one of the older residents of this section died last Saturday, following an illness of several months.

Mr. Dech homesteaded in the LeRoy neighborhood southwest of Haxtun about 33 years ago. About 21 years ago he moved to town and since that time had been a familiar figure in the community life of Haxtun.

Funeral services for Mr. Dech were conducted from the Methodist church in Haxtun Tuesday afternoon by the pastor, the Rev. Hugh Neville assisted by the Rev. Snavely, pastor of the Church of Brethren.

The following obituary was read by the pastor:

George Antony Dech was born near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1850 and died February 28, 1931 at the age of 80 years, 8 months and 22 days.

When but a child of 6 years of age he moved with this parents to Dixon, Illinois, remaining there until he was seventeen. He then moved to Ashland, Nebraska.

Thirty-three years ago Mr. Dech came to Colorado and settled on the farm in the LeRoy district. Twelve years later he came to live in Haxtun, and for 21 years he has been a well-known figure in the town. He was a kindly, genial man, a steadfast friend, and loyal neighbor, a devoted husband and father and he will be missed by many in the community in addition to his loved ones left behind.

Mr. Dech gave his heart to the Lord while in Laramie, Wyoming about 25 years ago, uniting shortly afterwards with the Methodist church there. Later in 1913, he united with the Methodist church of Haxtun, but of late years he had not been able to attend the services of the church on account of sickness and physical disability.

He will long be remembered by the younger generation of Haxtun as a popular janitor for some years of the grade school. Mr. Dech was a great lover of children and was beloved by them.

On November 28, 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Ann Harnden, in Wahoo, Nebraska and to this union were born two children, Fronda L. and Vay H., who have preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his departure his dear wife and granddaughter Mrs. Ruth Chryst, With five grandchildren, Wayne, Margaret, Leslie, Winifred and Lucy Roberts of Omaha, Nebraska and many other relatives and friends who deeply regret his passing.

George married Harnden, Lucy Ann 28 Nov 1872, Wahoo, NE. Lucy (daughter of Harnden, Orbin J. and Harnden, Sephronia) was born 14 Nov 1854, ON, Canada. [Group Sheet]