Clarence Christensen (1899-1931)

CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/16/2008 at 18:02:19

Clarence F. Christensen
(December 1, 1899 - September 11, 1931)
World War Vet Takes Life Early Friday Morning

Clarence F. Christensen, businessman, shoots self through mouth with rifle in early morning.

The second time in two weeks this community was shocked by the death of another of our young businessmen. Clarence F. Christensen, who took his own life by shooting himself through the mouth with a 32 caliber rifle.

About three o’clock Friday morning, Nightwatch “Curley” Schultz, while sitting on a bench just north of the Christensen Tailor Shop ,heard a noise sounding like the breaking of a board, and started to investigate. He threw his flashlight into the front window of the tailor shop, then went to the rear of the building and threw the light into the rear room and saw the body lying on the floor with the rifle lying across it. Mr. Schultz then called Dr. Huntley who lives just across the street. They went to the shop and broke in the door and found the body as above stated. Clarence lived but a few minutes after being found.

The body was taken to the Blust funeral home and prepared for burial. Funeral services were held from the home Monday morning at 9:30, Rev. Father James A. O’Neill of Parnell, Iowa, officiating. Father O’Neill is an uncle of Mrs. Christensen. The firing squad from the American Legion and members attended in a body and accorded him full military honors.

Clarence Christensen was born in Avoca, December 1, 1899, where he grew to manhood and attended our public schools. When the word war broke out he went to Omaha and enlisted in the navy, June 11, 1917, as an apprentice seaman. He served all through the war, making many convoy trips to England and France with the American soldiers. He was discharged August 7, 1919, with the rank of quartermaster third class, and returned to Avoca and went into partnership with his father in the tailoring business. His father retired in 1929 on account of poor health, and turned the business over to his son.

After finishing school in Avoca, Clarence attended school in Des Moines and later worked for Marshall-Field Company in Chicago.

Clarence Christensen was married to Miss Agnes O’Neill of Avoca, July 6, 1923. To this union were born two children, Clarence Jr., y years old and Janice, 4 years, who with the widow survive. Surviving also are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Christensen of Avoca; two sisters, Mrs. Olive True, and Mrs. Ednah Celley of buffalo, Wyoming.

Clarence was the only son, a young man who made many friends and was well liked. He had a nice business and being with some of his associates all evening, gave no signs of despondency---in fact he seemed very cheerful while visiting with friends a half hour before killing himself, as he was seen sitting on the running board of an auto just a few minutes before the shot was heard.

The family has the sympathy of their many friends.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald