Brenneman, Ardith (1934-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Sep 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1934

text of obituary:

Severe Outbreak of Polio in Iowa

DISEASE CLAIMS LIFE OF 18-YEAR-OLD GIRL, FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY

Wellman, Iowa. — The incidence of polio continued at an increased rate in this area the week of Sept. 7.

Ardith Brenneman, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Brenneman of Kalona who had been in an iron lung Since Aug. 23, passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 10, at 8:15, only a short time after her parents had left the S.U.I. hospital much encouraged by her condition.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon. Sept. 12.

Ardith graduated from Iowa Mennonite school this year and was one of the group of new students enrolled at Hesston College, Hesston, Kans. She has only one sister, Mertice, wife of Lynn Miller, who now lives on the home farm at Wellman. Ardith’s death was the 95th from polio in Iowa. The total now stands at 97.

Arleta, 10 or 11, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Yoder, was taken to the serious isolation ward of S.U.I. hospital Wednesday afternoon, Sept 10, unable to walk or talk. However, she continued brave as she entered the ward.

Vernon Miller, little four year old from Shipshewana, Ind. who had been admitted Aug. 26, passed away last week in the polio ward at S.U.I. hospital. It was the child's first out-of-state trip as he was here with his parents visiting friends. Unable to talk English, he was a pathetic little figure in a strange place.

Daniel Mast, age 20, of Route 4, Iowa City, was admitted Sept. 5 in fair condition.

On Sept. 6 Sarah 3 and Dwight 1, both children of Dave Hochstetlers, were admitted to the hospital in fair condition, and have been placed on the inactive list.

Ray Marner of Riverside, Iowa, polio patient who was admitted Aug. 18 was discharged from the hospital Aug. 28.

Gladys Blosser, 10 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Blosser of Wellman, and Dennis, Jr., seven month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Miller, have been placed on the inactive list. Martha Gingerich, daughter of Joe A. Gingerichs of Riverside, is in fair condition. — Erma Miller Erb.