Albia Union-Republican, January 6, 1972
Scieszinski dead in Melrose fire

Joseph R. Scieszinski, 63, of Melrose, died early this morning in a fire which destroyed the two story frame home located on a county road just east of the Melrose town limits.

The fire was discovered by a son, Joseph Jr., 14, who was asleep in a second floor bedroom at the time. The youth, a freshman at Albia Community High School, suffered a cut on the arm when he jumped onto the porch roof and onto the ground and ran to summon neighbors. The youth was brought into the Monroe County Hospital by Patrick Dinneen but was released by mid-morning after treatment.

Melrose firemen reported that the house was in flames by the time they arrived on the scene. They called for water from the Albia Volunteer Fire Department which sent two truckloads. The fire, which started about 2:30 a.m. this morning, was still under investigation today by Joseph Beal of Oskaloosa, deputy state fire marshal.

Although the senior Scieszinski could not be located, the firemen were unable to search the ruins until the embers had cooled. They had been searching for about 10 minutes when the body was discovered by Richard Jurgenson, Virtus Beaumont and John Spaur of the Albia Rescue Squad and William Duer of the Melrose Fire Department about 7:30 a.m. today.

The body was discovered in the basement of the home. Mr. Scieszinski had apparently been asleep in the first floor bedroom in the southeast corner of the two story structure. Mrs. Scieszinski was not at home at the time of the fire.

Mr. Scieszinski was born Aug* 24, 1908. He had been employed by the Monroe County secondary road department since April 12, 1960 and had worked Monday, though he had been off sick Tuesday and Wednesday.

He was married to Monica O’Neill, who survives, as does his son, Joseph Jr., at home, and a daughter, Mrs. Jack Knowles of Melrose. Also surviving are four brothers, John and Vincent of Melrose, Ed of Albia and Sylvester of Davenport; and three sisters, Mrs. James Craig of Chicago, Mrs. Robert Feehan of Melrose, and Miss Catherine Scieszinski of Davenport. Also surviving are two grandchildren.

The body is at the Humeston Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 8:15 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Georgetown with the Rev. Eugene H. Hoenig officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

* Note: Joseph R. Scieszinski was born February 24, 1908

The Monroe County News, January 10, 1972
BENEFIT --
A benefit shower for Mrs. Joseph R. Scieszinski, whose husband died last week in a fire which destroyed their Melrose home, will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Melrose Community Hall. Household goods, clothing, and miscellaneous items are needed according to Mrs. Al Currie, who is serving as chairman.

The Monroe County News, February 7, 1972, Card of Thanks --The recent tragic fire which took our home and the life of our husband and father, Joseph R. Scieszinski, leaves us with grateful hearts for the many kindnesses shown us at that time. Our sincere thanks to Father Hoenig; Dr. Orelup; Dwight and Mary Humeston; to the Altar and Rosary Society for all they have done for us, and to the Altar and Rosary ladies who prepared and served the wonderful dinner; to the Melrose Fire Department and all the men of Melrose who helped in any way; to the man friends and the sisters at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ottumwa, and to the staff of Monroe County Hospital for the care they gave Joe, Jr. while he was a patient; to the ladies who sponsored the shower for us; and for all the donations of money, the beautiful mass offerings and flowers. Words cannot express how we feel. May God bless each and every one of you.
Mrs. Monica Scieszinski and Joe, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Knowles and family