Albert-Joseph-Gerber-90373

Obituary

Ex-Soldier injured his hand with sharp pencil three weeks ago. The puncture of the skin on the back of his right hand by a sharp pencil three week ago caused the death of Albert J. Gerber, 27 years old, Thursday evening at 9:45 o'clock in the St. Francis hospital. The accident which caused the young mans death was of a peculiar nature and nothing serious was thought of it at the time. In fact the wound had practically healed before infection developed. Mr. Gerber resided with his mother at 1109 South Ninth street, and for the last two years had been taking vocational training in the office of the Burlington Shippers association. He was born in Burlington and was 27 years old. He was employed by The Gazette as mailing clerk for several years before the World War when he enlisted and served with the 351st machine gun company of the 88th division. He saw service in France for many months and went through the war without injury. On his return from France he contracted pneumonia and was in the Walter Reed hospital in Washington for about four months. While in the hospital the government physicians found it necessary to remove one of Mr. Gerber's lungs and two ribs. His condition at that time was so critical that his parents were called to the hospital, but with wonderful vitality and determination he finally recovered and returned home to take up his training in the Shippers association. The young man also made a hard fight against death during his last illness at St. Francis hospital. For several days he was not expected to live from one hour to the next and probably weakened by his previous illness, he succumbed. Mr. Gerber's father passed away a year ago last December. His mother kept vigil at his bedside throughout his illness. Being a graduate of the public schools and the high school and in business which brought him in close touch with many business men of the city, Mr. Gerber's death is mourned by a multitude of friends. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna Gerber, two sisters, Mrs. Carl Tiemeier and Mrs. A.E. White of Burlington, and on brother, Charles Gerber, also of Burlington.