Obituary:

John O'Donahue Passes Away; Is Victim of a Heart Attack

Veteran Railroad Man Roadmaster 32 Years; Retired Six Years Ago

A pall of grief enshrouded the city of Mellen late Sunday afternoon as word passed about, announcing the sudden death of John O'Donahue one of our oldest, best known and best beloved citizens.

Although nearly an octogenarian, Mr. O'Donahue had always been in the best of health until very recently. For the last two or three weeks he had been bothered by a broken blood vessel in his leg, but this he had not considered seriously. No less than five minutes before he was stricken he had been enjoying himself with his family, and he, himself, had been singing--singing "Mother Macree" in his own inimitable brogue while his daughter played the accompaniment.

Then the blow fell. He stepped outside the house and was stricken at his own doorstep with the heart attack that caused his passing. One of his sons saw him fall and hurried to help him into the house. He was given such ministrations as human hands can give, but the end came within a few minutes. His physician was called, and the pastor of his church who was with him at the end.

Few communities are so blessed as to have in their midst a man the type of John O'Donahue. More love for the rest of mankind never radiated from any human individual than from him. His was a personality the equal of which we have never met; he was truly a Christian gentleman.

John O'Donahue was a resident of the city of Mellen ever since the turn of the century. He came here in 1900 as Roadmaster for the Wisconsin Central Railway and remained here in that capacity until he was retired in 1932. It was here he built a fine, comfortable, home and here he and his wife raised their family in such environment that they form one of the finest groups of young people in the community. Mr. O'Donahue was sincere and consistent in his devotion to Deity and he practiced his Christianity in this every day life.

Mr. O'Donahue's character is quite well reflected in his own words, quoted by a railroad magazine, at the time of his retirement after nearly fifty years of service. At that time he was quoted as saying, "I enjoyed my work and received the finest support from my superiors at all times. I had their respect and confidence and in return I gave them the best that was in me. I gave twice, for I gave with good will. It will be noted that in that statement it never occurred to him that much of his success was due to the confidence and respect also of those hundreds of men who through the years worked for him and under him. It was his love for this fellow men that drew men to him an made him a natural leader-and therefore a success in railroading industry, to which he devoted nearly a half century.

John O'Donahue was born in Adrigole, County Cork, Ireland, on June 22, 1859, and was therefore 78 years, 7 months, and 28 days of age at the time of his passing on February 20, 1938. In his youth he received a good education and was a graduate of the National Grammar School. In 1876 he went to Dowlais, Glamorganshire, South Wales, where he was employed for a time in an iron foundry before coming to America.