Walter A. Nurmela

From Rock Springs Rocket, May 31, 1929:

Meningitis Fatal To Local Youth

Walter Nurmela, thirteen years and eight months old son of Oscar Nurmela, died of spinal meningitis at the Wyoming General hospital Tuesday at eight p.m. Walter was stricken Sunday and from the beginning little hope was held for his recovery. He was at once taken to the hospital where everything possible was done to save his life.

Private funeral services were held at the graveside at high noon Wednesday. Friends of the Nurmela family, learning of the hour of the interment, gathered at the cemetery, remaining at the distance prescribed by state law in communicable disease interments. Services were conducted by John Kiviaho. One verse of a Finnish hymn was sung and five violinists of J.J. Brueggemann’s school of music rendered selections. Walter was a member of the Rock Springs Symphony and the high school orchestra. He was a talented musician for his gae and his future in the field of music was promising. He was a freshman of the Rock Springs high school.

Walter was a Rocket “newsie” and last week made his paper route as was his weekly custom. The Rocket keenly regrets that it has lost one of its most faithful little workers.

Walter is survived by his father, a stepmother, and one brother, Wesley, aged 11 years. His mother preceded him in death by several years. He was born at Evansville, near Hanna, Wyoming, 13 years ago.