Blunk, Sophia 1849 - 1902

BLUNK

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/8/2020 at 12:15:20

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 17, 1902 Page 3 Col 4

—Mrs. Wm. Blunk of Guttenberg took her own life on Tuesday. When her husband came home to dinner he found her hanging by a handkerchief to a door knob. She was 55 years old.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows this is Sophia and that she is buried in the Garnavillo Cemetery. She was born June 29, 1849 and died April 15, 1902.

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Added by S. Ferrall 1/8/2020:

An incident of tragedy has one more cast its gloom over our peaceful little town. Indeed the people were startled at report of the death of Mrs. William Blunk and horrified over the fact that suicide by hanging was the immediate cause. Within the last week she intimated on several occasions concerning her intentions of committing suicide but she being under the influence of liquor at the time, no one heeded her threats. Tuesday noon, when Mr. Blunk went home for dinner, to his horror, he found his wife in a position suggesting the crime. Immediately he cut the handkerchief she had tied around her neck and had fastened to the door knob, but after a moan and several breaths life was extinct.

The deceased is about 55 years of age and is survived by her husband, two sons, a brother and other relatives, who all have the sympathy of the entire community in the sad and sudden event. The burial takes place Wednesday.

~Elkader Register, Thursday, April 17, 1902 (Garnavillo column)