Hans H. Sconberg, 1875-1937

SCONBERG

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/27/2009 at 07:26:05

H. H. Sconberg Found Asphyxiated

Auto Still Running in Garage

Believed Overcome While Washing Windshield After Starting Motor. Wet Sponge Still in Hand.

The death of Hans H. Sconberg 61, prominent business man in Estherville for more than twentyfive years which was caused by asphyxiation late yesterday afternoon was a shock to the entire

community. Mr. Sconberg was found by his daughter, Mrs. Donald Hansen, when she and her mother, returned home about 5:30 from a Woman's club meeting. When they arrived home they smelled the monoxide gas which was seeping from the garage and filling the house. House and garage are connected.

When found Mr. Sconberg held a wet sponge in his hand and it is believed that he had just finished washing the windshield of the car when overcome by the treacherous gas. He suffered a bruise on his head when he fell. A physician said he has been dead about an hour when found.

His son, Dawes, high school student, had returned to the home shortly after 4 o'clock to get his ice skates and did not bear the motor of the car running nor did he smell the gas. Mrs. Sconberg on various other occasions had found her husband in the act of starting the engine of the car with the doors closed and had warned him of the danger of the escaping gas.

Last Rites Sunday

Funeral services will be held on Sunday afternoon at the home at 2 o'clock and at the Estherville Lutheran church at 2:30. The Rev. L. A. Mathre will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Hill cemetery with Chas. Anderson of the Mahlum and Anderson firm in charge.

Hans H. Sconberg was born July 2, 1875 in Sacred Heart, Minn. where he lived until he reached the age of 20 years. He then came to Estherville and worked for several business firms until he started for himself with Fred Kilgore. The hardware and grocery firm of Sconberg and Kilgore continued for more than twentyfive years but was dissolved about two years ago.

He was married to Lottie Hagen on August 7, 1904 and to this union two children were born.

He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Donald Hansen, one son, Dawes, and two sisters,

Mrs. Alva McFurlund and Mrs. Hilda Willey of Seattle, Wash.

Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; January 28, 1937.