For the first time in the history of Dassel and in the history of our newspaper experience, are we called upon to carry a news story this week concerning the death and burial tomorrow of a man and wife whose long record of over 55 years of service and struggle in the community came to a close practically but a few hours apart.
     The death of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Hardy occurred this week, the former dying on June 6th at 4:30 p. m., and the latter at midnight on Monday of this week. Both had been suffering for upwards of two years with maladies that coupled with the infirmities of old age, brot about their death. It has been known for some time that they would not survive the other very long and the last hours of the aged couple were made as easy as possible by the loving ministrations of their children, friends and neighbors.
     Mrs. Thos. Hardy was born in West Virginia 82 years ago and grew to womanhood there. She moved to Lawrence county, Ohio with her parents and lived there until after the civil war when they moved to Dassel. She was married in Ohio to George Pankake and three children were born to this union, of which only one, Linzay Pankake of this village, survives. Mr. Pankake died in 1867, two or three years after they came to Dassel. In 1869 she married Thos. Hardy, and they took up their home on their homestead a mile south of town. They lived there until they moved into this village about fifteen years ago where they have lived until their death. Six children were born to them of which two have passed on before. Those living are James, John, Frank and Edward.
     The death of Mrs. Hardy marks the passing of one of the spartan women of this community. She was well known and beloved by all who came in contact with her and she has been a most faithful wife, loving mother and the sturdiest of pioneers, whose influence will continue to be felt in future years in the community.
     Thos. Hardy was also born in Ohio in the same community as his wife and was 78 years of age at the time of his death. He also migrated to Minnesota and Dassel shortly after the war and made this place his home. He was among the first to seek a home in this far western country at that time and for over 56 years he has been a model citizen, a hard working, industrious farmer and a pioneer of the highest type. He was about 22 years of age when he first came to this village. He was a man of strict honesty, integrity and judgement. For the past two years he has been a great sufferer with kidney trouble, and tho very weak most of the time, he withstood the ravages of the disease with patience and courage for many months.
     The last sad rites for the couple will be held tomorrow at the home of Linzay Pankake, under Masonic auspices. Rev. W. E. Harmann of Litchfield will officiate. The stores and business places of the village will close during the hour of the funeral from two to 3:30. Interment will be made in the local cemetery.

     The funeral of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Hardy, which was held in this village Thursday was one of the largest that has ever been held in the history of the village. On account of the fifty six years of service of the deceased in this village and vicinity they were known far and wide. Also the unusual circumstances of a funeral of an aged couple completing their life's journey together and being carried to their last resting place at the same time by their old time friends and neighbors attracted a great deal of interest.
     The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. E. Harmann who spoke briefly. The services were held from the spacious porch and lawn of the L. Pankake residence and under the Masonic auspices. The O. E. S. conducted their services for their deceased sister at the house and the Masons for Mr. Hardy at the grave. The pall bearers for the former were her grandchildren and for the latter, citizens of this community who had been life long friends and old settlers of the village and vicinity.

Added November 25, 2000