Jorgensen, Jens Lanther

JORGENSEN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/10/2007 at 14:57:34

Jackson Sentinel
Nov. 16, 1925

World War Veteran Dead

Jens Lanther Jorgensen, a veteran of the world war, and well known in this vicinity, died at the University hospital at Iowa City, Wednesday, Nov. 4th. His death can be traced directly to illness contracted while serving as a soldier at Camp Pike, during the war. While he did not realize his ambition to serve his country over seas, his life was given in defense of the flag he loved, as surely as if it had been taken by a German bullet.

Funeral services were held at the Reformed church Saturday afternoon by Rev. D. F. Boomershine. A large circle of friends braved the blizzard that raged all day, to pay their last earthly respect to the departed.

A military touch was given to the services by members of the American Legion who were present in uniform. The services at the grave were under the auspices of Timber City Post, No. 75, American Legion, assisted by members of the Legion Posts at Andrew and Baldwin.

Jens Lanther Jorgensen, son of Christian and Marle Jorgensen, was born on the Island of Samso, Denmark, August 23, 1895. He came to America and landed at Maquoketa June 15, 1912. He worked in the vicinity of Maquoketa and Elwood until the spring of 1922 as a farm hand, then went to near Bellevue where he rented a farm and lived until this spring when his health gave way.

He answered the call of his adopted country in the great World War and entrained at DeWitt, July 25, 1918 for Camp Pike, Arkansas for training and service. While in training in Co. 11. 2nd Training regiment, he took out his second naturalization papers as an American citizen Aug. 26, 1918. He held the non-commissioned office of corporal in training others until after the armistice was signed and in January 1919 was called with his company to Camp Dodge, Iowa, where he received his discharge January 8, 1919.

He was faithful and loyal to his superiors, liked by his comrades and was greatly disappointed that he could not go over seas to the front to fight for his adopted country’s flag and honor.

He was a thrifty and exemplary young man, a loyal citizen, a faithful brother and ever ready to do his part in life’s duties. He had a severe attack of flu and pneumonia in Camp Pike and his health was never the same since then. His strength failed more rapidly the last six months and October 20 he went to Iowa City to the University hospital for special treatment. Here he contracted pneumonia and passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 3:30 a.m. at the age of 30 years, 2 months and 11 days.

He is survived by three brothers: Peter J., of Maquoketa, Hans J. of Baldwin, Christian of Denmark and six sisters, namely: Mrs. Martha Andersen, St. Paul, Minn.: Mrs. Christian Fast, Mrs. Johanna Hansen, Mrs. Hansine Petersen, Mrs. Margaret Bakke and Mrs. Karen Jorgensen, all of Denmark, who mourn his early departure.