Henry Clemenson 1888-1918

CLEMENSON, HANKE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/10/2012 at 21:50:54

Henry Clemenson is Dead
Spanish influenza claimed another victim in Graettinger Saturday [October 19, 1918] when Henry Clemenson passed away. A short time ago he was taken ill with influenza and it later developed into pneumonia. He made a brave and hard fight for life but despite everything that could be done for him he died at 11:15 p.m. Saturday night. The funeral was held Monday afternoon. Services were conducted at the residence west of Graettinger. Rev. S.O. Sande, pastor of the Norwegian Lutheran church of this city officiated. The remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery east of Graettinger. The pall bearers were Olaf Thoresen, Patrick Griffin, Frank Madigan B., Sam Bondhus, Arthur Bergum and F.C. Wiegmann.

Henry Clemenson was born in Story county, Iowa, November 21, 1888, hence he would have been 30 years of age his next birthday. In 1891 his parents moved to Graettinger to make their future home. He was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Hanke December 22, 1916. One child was born to them. In the spring of 1917 Mr. and Mrs. Clemenson moved onto a farm nine miles west of Graettinger, where he resided at the time of his death. Besides his wife and child he leaves to mourn his death his aged mother, who lives in this city, and three brothers – Chris and John of Graettinger and Clarence who is employed in government work at Jacksonville, Tennessee.

The deceased was a well known Graettinger young man. He grew to manhood in this city, was educated in our public schools and was since employed in this locality. He was the youngest member of the family and his thoughtfulness and care of his aged mother speaks volumes for him. He was always industrious and was never idle. About two years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Olie Hanke. Since that time he has been engaged in farming west of town and he was just getting a good start in life when he was called home to his Maker. The deceased was a dutiful, loving husband and a kind, affectionate father. The people of Graettinger who have known him since boyhood sincerely mourn his untimely death. To the sorrowing relatives the Times extends heartfelt sympathy. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, October 24, 1918)

Note: The headlines in this paper:
Community Shrouded in Gloom as Epidemic Rages
Spanish Influenza Takes Heavy Toll of Life; New Cases Reported on Decline
Graettinger is Under Strict Quarantine in Effort to Check the Disease; Churches, Schools, Theater and Pool Halls are Closed