Clifford C. Mencke died at 3:15 last Sunday morning of appendicitis after an illness of but five days. He was taken sick Tuesday, but was better Wednesday. Thursday he was worse again, and on Friday an operation was performed by Dr. Hamilton of Omaha, assisted by Drs. Stewart and Longstaff, at the Blair Hospital. They were too late, however, the abscess had already burst, and the chances for his recovery were few indeed. Everything that human hands could do was done, but death followed from blood poisoning in spite of it all. The funeral was held at the family residence at 2 o’clock on Monday, Rev. J. G. Shick officiating. All the children were present except George, who is at Lowell, Washington, and could not arrive in time. Henry came over from Amherst, Will and wife and John from Sumner. Clifford was born in the city Feb. 10th, 1901, and as the baby of the family was very dear to the hearts of his parents. He was a bright boy in school and gave much promise for the future. He will be greatly missed, not only at home, but at school. The entire community sympathize with the grief-stricken family in their great bereavement.

#2-3 Oct., 1907 - Blair Democrat

CLIFFORD MENCKE DIES

Little Clifford, the baby son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Mencke, died at the hospital in this city last Sunday morning shortly after three o’clock as a result of an acute attack of gangrenous appendicitis. The little fellow took sick last Tuesday and for a time grew better, but on Thursday night his condition became much worse and Dr. Hamilton was telephoned for, arriving Friday afternoon.

He pronounced the case appendicitis in a very bad form and urged an immediate operation. The little fellow was conveyed to the hospital where the operation was performed. It was then learned that the appendix had broken and that gangrene had already set in. No hopes were entertained for the little fellow’s recovery, although everything was done that medial aid was capable of, but it was useless. He lingered until Sunday morning and then passed away.

Clifford Mencke was born February 10th, 1901, and was a bright little fellow with a very lovable disposition and was the idol of his parents’ hearts. Nearly everyone in the eastern part of the town knew the little fellow and all liked him for his gentlemanly ways and happy, carefree manner.

The funeral services were held from the Mencke home at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon, Rev. Shick officiating. All his brothers and sisters with the exception of George, who is in Washington, were here to attend the funeral and with aching hearts saw all that was mortal of their baby brother laid to its final rest.

The Mencke family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #76023135