Alfred Jensen 1891-1918

JENSEN, CHRISTENSEN, GUNSEL

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/27/2018 at 09:07:50

10 October 1918 - West Branch Times

WEST BRANCH SOLDIER DIES OF PNEUMONIA
Private Alfred Wilmer Jensen Succombs To An Attack of Influenza Followed By Pneumonia

The dreaded news that we all had hoped would never tell of the loss of a West Branch boy in the service, has again come, and the entire town and community mourns.

Saturday, Rasmus Christensen received the sad news that his brother, Alfred Wilmer Jensen, had passed away on Friday, Oct. 4, 1918, at Camp Devens, Mass., after a sickness of about two weeks duration. His death resulted from Spanish Influenza followed by pneumonia.

Alfred left West Branch, July 30, 1918, reporting at Tipton from which place he was sent to Camp Forest, Ga., later being transfered to Camp Denvens, Mass., where he had been for a short time before his fatal illness.

Private Jensen was born in Denmark, Jan. 17, 1891, and came to this country May 11, 1914, and worked for Frank Christie in the blacksmith shop for some time and later for Neal Ottesen, where he was at the time of his call to service. He was a young man that was well liked by all and his death is mourned by the entire community. He had never taken out his naturalization papers but was granted them upon his enlistment into the service of the U.S.

In the loss of this boy the horrors of war are brought closer to us than ever before. While Alfred did not get to the front to strike a blow directly at the enemy, he "did his bit." He laid his young life upon the altar of his country that we all might continue to enjoy the blessings of freedom.

Besides a father, sister and four brothers in Denmark, he leaves a half brother, Rasmus Christensen, of this place, and a half-sister, Mrs. George Gunsel, of Detroit, Mich.

The body left Camp Devens, Saturday, and arrived here Monday afternoon, accompanied by Sergt. Edward Battey of his company.

THe funeral services were held at the Danish Lutheran chruch Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. G. J. Chalice of the Methodist church, owing to the absence of Rev. N. P. Clemmensen of the Danish Lutheran church. The services were largely attended, the business houses of the town being closed during the time. The casket was drapped with the American flag and conveyed to the West Branch cemetery where interment was made, taps being given on the bugle.

THe pallbearers were Oscar and Victor Peterson, Wilmer Johnson and Martin Christensen.