Robert William Damsgaard (1953)

DAMSGAARD, JORDAN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 1/13/2007 at 15:04:48

Earlham Echo - March 5, 1953
Earlham, Iowa

TWO DEAD IN TRAIN-CAR COLLISION; COMMUNITY SEEKING SAFER CROSSING

On Monday, March 2, William Damsgaard, 48, and his son, Robert, 19, were coming to Earlham, little suspecting that sudden and tragic death awaited them within a few minutes.

Their approach to the Rock Island crossing at the southeast corner of the Earlham cemetery and the Rock Island “Cornbelt Rocket”, due through Earlham at 1:34 p.m. was simultaneous, with the Rocket striking the Damsgaard car broadside. Black rubber marks indicated that the front tires of the car had cleared the north rail by about six inches.

More details about the accident followed.

Double funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Earlham Methodist church with Rev. John Alexander in charge. Burial was at the Winterset cemetery.

OBITUARY

ROBERT WILLIAM DAMSGAARD

Robert William Damsgaard was born May 4, 1933 to William C. and Lela Jordan Damsgaard at Earlham. He met his death in an accident with his father March 2, 1953 at Earlham.

Robert spent his entire life in Dallas and Madison counties. He attended North River Rural school through the first six grades and finished high school at DeSoto, graduating with the class of 51.

He was associated with his father in farming and was happy in that work.

He is survived by his mother, his paternal grandmother, Mrs. C. Damsgaard, his maternal grandfather, Leonard Jordan, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. His step-mother, Mrs. Rosey Damsgaard and a small half-sister, Shirley Jean also survive.

Robert had a happy disposition and a well adjusted personality. He was able to look beneath the surface. He had expressed his faith in his Savior to his mother and had also made it known when attending church with her.

His mother gives him back to his Creator with thanks in her heart that the Lord allowed Robert to dwell with her for a short season.
____________________________________________________________________________

Winterset Madisonian, March 11, 1953, Pg 2
Winterset, Iowa

DAMSGAARD RITES HELD THURSDAY

Double Services Were Held for Victims of Crash at Rail Crossing

Funeral services were held Thursday from the Earlham Methodist church for William C. and Robert W. Damsgaard, father and son killed March 2 in the train-car collision at the Rock Island rail crossing southeast of Earlham.

The Rev. John L. Alexander of the Earlham Methodist church conducted the services. Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.

William C. Damsgaard was born June 13, 1904 at Harlan, a son of Carl and Christine Damsgaard. His early life was spent in Minnesota and Iowa, except for six years when he lived in Montana. He had been farming in Madison and Dallas counties for the last 20 years.

He survived by his wife, Mrs. Rosy Damsgaard; a daughter, Shirley Jean; his mother, Mrs. Christine Damsgaard of Stillwater, Minn.; five sisters, all living in Minnesota; and a brother, Arnold Damsgaard, of Earlham.

Robert W. Damsgaard was born May 4, 1933 at Earlham, a son of William C. and Lela Damsgaard. His entire life had been spent on his father's farms in Madison and Dallas counties.

His first six years of school were spent at the North River rural school. He completed grade school and high school at DeSoto.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Lela Damsgaard of Stuart; his step-sister, Shirley Jean; his step-mother, Mrs. Rosy Damsgaard; his grandmother, Mrs. Christine Damsgaard of Stillwater, Minn.; and grandfather, Leonard Jordan of Gray.

Gravestone Photo
 

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