TANGEN, Guttorm 1887-1923

TANGEN

Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 11/7/2012 at 19:43:07

Guttorm Tangen was born in Hallingdal, Norway, July 4th, 1887. Falling a victim to influenza and pneumonia on February 13th, he was taken to the St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minn., and after a desperate fight and with the kindest and best of care, he passed away ten days later on February 22nd, 1923 and at the time of his death was 35 years, 7 months and 18 days of age.

In his infancy he was baptized and later in life, at the usual age, was confirmed in the Norwegian church in Norway. He resided in Norway with his parents until about twenty years of age, when he decided to come to this country. He landed in New York on July 25th, 1907, and a short time later settled in Worth county. A far as is known, he remained there only a short while, and has spent the greater part of his life in this county in and near St. Ansgar.

In 1917 many of our young men were called to arms and Guttorm was one of the first to answer the call, being inducted into the service of his country on September 18th, 1917. He left for France shortly after being inducted into service, and on July 18th, 1918 was ordered to the front in the Meaux Sector. On August 8th he was transferred to the Aisne Marne Vester Sector, and September 12th saw action in the St. Mihiel offensive. He also took part in the Meuse Argonne drive which continued till the close of the war. We are told by his comrades that on several occasions Guttorm completely exhausted himself in his efforts to save the life of a companion and under these conditions exposed himself to deadly gasses.

He leaves to mourn his departure his parents, three brothers and one sister in Norway, a brother in Minnesota and a brother in California.

Guttorm was a very active Legion member and is the first Legionaire of the St. Ansgar Post to pass away. To show its respect to a soldier and comrade the St. Ansgar Legion has tried to show Guttorm every courtesy and respect during the sickness and after death.

Burial was in the Evergreen cemetery.

St. Ansgar Enterprise