Last Saturday morning the death angel called at the home of Stanley Gossard and claimed Mrs. Gossard as his own. It seemed sad that so young a woman and so happily situated should die, but the Lord knows best. Mr. and Mrs. Gossard had both been sick for a week with the “Flu,” Stanley seemed to be able to resist the disease but with Mrs. Gossard, pneumonia set in almost immediately. A nurse was secured from Omaha and Dr. Dunn was called but he held out no hope. Mrs. Gossard was born here on March 13, 1888, and was married to Stanley Gossard, about five years ago. As Emma Nelsen, she spent her girlhood here and for a number of years, was head telephone operator here and endeared herself to all the patrons. She was always the life of every crowd and will be greatly missed at the church, aid society and Red Cross. The funeral was held from the house Sunday at 2 o’clock, Rev. Ahrendts officiating, and was an outdoor service. The casket was not opened. A large crowd of friends present and the flowers were beautiful. Five brothers, two sisters and her father besides her husband survive.

#2- Published in the Tribune October 24, 1918

Mrs. Stanley Gossard Dies At Home In Kennard

Mrs. Stanley Gossard died at her home in Kennard last Friday, of Spanish influenza. Mr. and Mrs. Gossard were residents of Blair for several years, while he was manager for the Independent Telephone Company at this place. They removed to Kennard last spring where Mr. Gossard has been farming the past season. Mrs. Gossard had many warm friends here who will greatly regret to learn of her sudden death.

#3-News Article 23 October 1918

Mrs. Stanley Gossard of Kennard died Friday of flu. She and Mr. Gossard formerly lived in Blair while he was manager of the Independent Telephone Company.

One of the victims of the plague of influenza is Mrs. Emma Gossard, wife of Stanley Gossard, Kennard, Nebr. This disease was contracted in the early part of the week and turned into pneumonia which finally caused her death on Saturday morning at 3:30. Death crept in unawares to us. She was conscious until the last minute.

Our community has lost a highly respected citizen. Mrs. Gossard was a capable woman and always brought an abundance of mirth and sunshine into her every day life. This was truly characteristic of her. Though Mrs. Gossard has passed away, her sterling qualities of character will leave an indelible impress on those with whom she intimately associated. Surely her good life will live on in the realms of the redeemed and Heaven has gained a soul fit for the Kingdom of God. Her hasty, unexpected departure was a great shock to the community. She was a faithful member of the M. E. Church and undoubtedly died in the triumphs of a faith securely anchored in the never falling promises of God.

The funeral services were held in open air from her home, conducted by her pastor. The Scripture subject, was Phil. 1:20; For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. The hymns were sung by twelve young ladies. The beautiful floral designs, wife, daughter, and sister, and an abundance of bouquets were beyond description. While the casket was being lowered, the choir sand Jesus Lover of my Soul. These words are true; "?, to know, to love, to part is the sad fate of many a human heart."

Emma N. Nelsen was born March 13, 1888, near Kennard, died Oct. 19, 1918. She leaves a father, five brothers, two sisters, a husband and a host of friends.

#4-Card of Thanks

We take this method of expressing our appreciation and thanks to all our friends and neighbors, who so kindly assisted us during the illness and death of beloved wife, daughter, and sister, Mrs. Emma N. Gossard.

Mr. S.D. Gossard, Aug. Nelsen and children

Note: Emma is buried in Block 3 Lot 34 Space in the Kennard Cemetery per Cemetery records.

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