DURBEN, Laura A. 1903-1931

DURBEN, WERNER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/13/2010 at 14:28:01

Meyer Girl Killed
In Auto Accident
Near St. Ansgar

Had Been at Meyer to Visit
Mother, and Returning
To Mason City Work

Miss Laura Durben, a former well-known Meyer young woman, lost her life in an automobile accident about 2 o'clock last Friday morning, where she and a party of relatives were returning to their work at Mason City, after spending Thanksgiving at home.

Her brother and his wife, and the latter's brother, Arnold Miller, had visited the Durbens' mother, Mrs. Rosa Durben, and the Millers' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Miller. In the evening they drove over to Stacyville to attend the dance, then started on for Mason City.

The accident happened at the turn south of St. Ansgar, when another car, meeting them on the curve, attempted to pass on the wrong side of the road. Mr. Durben, who was driving, took to the side of the road to avoid crashing into the other car, but his coupe went over the bank into the ditch, turning over.

No description could be obtained of the other car, and the driver didn't stop to assist the injured persons. So far the sheriff hasn't been able to learn who the guilty man is.

Others returning to Osage from the dance, among them Kenneth Seeber, came along almost at once, and helped the injured persons from the car. They realized at once that Mrs. Durben and Laura were badly injured, so took them and their companions to the Park Hospital at Mason City. There Laura died two hours later and for several days it was feared that Mrs. Durben would not survive. Both had skull fractures and other hurts.

Mr. Durben and Mr. Miller were cut and bruised, but were able to return to their homes.

Funeral services were held for Laura at the Meyer Catholic Church Monday morning, and burial made at the cemetery there.

Surviving is her mother and brothers and sisters as follows: Mrs. Koenigs, Mrs. Birschbach, and Mrs. Breister, of Wisconsin; Mrs. Kopsa, of Grundy Center, Iowa; Mrs. Gerhard Werner, Rose Creek, Minnesota; Mrs. Ray Blake, Mrs. Mathias Hackenmiller, Kuno, Arthur, Gilbert, Henry and Walter, all of Stacyville.**

Mrs. Durben was 28 years of age, and was raised in the Meyer vicinity. Her father passed away a number of years ago, after which her mother moved into Meyer.

Prior to going to Mason City to work, Laura was employed in Osage, and has a wide circle of friends here. She is a cousin to Miss Erma Brown.

[Mitchell County Press, December 3, 1931]

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Note: Findagrave.com says Laura A. Durben was born on October 25, 1903.

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** NOTES:

The following is additional information regarding Laura's sisters:

1. Mrs. Koenigs is Mrs. William A. Koenigs (Pauline Durben)

2. Mrs. Birschbach is Mrs. Anthony "Anton" Birschbach (Lydia Durben)

3. Mrs. Breister is Mrs. Theodore M. Breister (Kathryn Durben)

4. Mrs. Kopsa is Mrs. Frank Joseph Kopsa (Alvina Durben)

5. Mrs. Gerhard Werner is Eleanor Werner (Eleanor Durben)

6. Mrs. Ray Blake is Mrs. Raymond J. Blake (Helen Durben)

7. Mrs. Mathias Hackenmiller is Olivia Hackenmiller (Olivia Durben)

They are all the children of Joseph D. Durben and Rosa Mary Hemann.