Hansen, Odilo 1896-1918

HANSEN, KONZ

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Alton Democrat of October 12, 1918

Again the grim reaper of Death made his rounds in our community and singled out a young man. He did not overtake him at his home but found him at Camp Pike on Saturday, Oct 5, at 11:40 a.m. in the person of Private Odilo Hansen. The young man left for Camp Pike on July 26th. He belonged to Hdqts. Casual Dept., Detachment No. 2 27 Regiment, 162 Depot Brigade, Camp Pike Little Rock Ark. Faithfully for a short time he performed his duties when his health failed and he was compelled to go to the Hospital. On October 3rd his parents received word that he was seriously ill with bronchial puenmonia and before any one could reach his bedside a message came that he had gone to his eternal reward.

His remains arrived at Alton on Tuesday, accompanied by Private Ralph Alderman. They were taken to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hansen, where many relatives and friends went to pay their last respects.

On Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. the funeral occurred from St. Mary’s church. There was a Solemn Requiem sung by Rev. Stherbering of Alton. Revs. Anthofer of Charter Oak and Deles of Hospers. Monsigner Pape of LeMars was also present at the service and Rev. C. C. Boley of Dell Rapids, SD delivered a short funeral oration. After the series interment was made in St. Mary’s cemetery. The procession thither was a very impressive one and befitted the occasion. It was led by the school children carrying flage. Then followed the clergy and acolytes, after which came Our Country’s Flag carried by Leo J. Hansen of Dell Rapids SD a brother of the deceased. Directly following was the casket, borne by the remaining brothers of the him; Nic S., John P., Mike M., Peter J., Bernard N. and George. His parents and four sisters and other immediate relatives came next in line, after which followed a large number of K of C’s led by a flag bearer, and then came the remaining people. The grave had been lined with bunting and in every way it was manifested the Private Hansen sacrificed his life for the Stars and Stripes. As was remarked in the funeral oration, Private Hansen did not render during feats of valor for his county, yet he died a true hero and patriot, a martyr to his country, for he left home and all his dear ones in answered to his country’s call and died in his country’s service.

Odilo Hansen was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hansen old pioneers of Sioux county. He leaved besides his parents, seven brothers and the following four sisters: Mrs. John Klein and Mrs. Matt Guckenberger of Dell Rapids SD and Matilda and Clara at home. He was born on May 30 1896, and up to the time of this country’s call had spent most of this life time in the vicinity of Alton. He attended St Mary’s School in his boyhood days and was always a good member of St. Mary’s parish. He belonged to the St. Aloysiss Society and to the Knights of Columbus. The past year he and his brothers George and Bernard were engaged in farming and the old peter Hansen homestead. He was known to be an industrious young man with modest habits and had hosts of friends. His funeral was attended by many of these friends. The would be too numerous to mention.

(See the obits of Peter Hansen 1855-1928 and his mother Susan Konz Hansen.)