Haukedahl, Gustav 1887 - 1908

HAUKEDAHL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/19/2022 at 15:27:28

Source: Decorah Republican Oct. 1, 1908, P2 C3

KILLED IN FALL FROM THE CARS
BRAKEMAN HAUKEDAHL MEETS HIS DEATH NEAR CONOVER.
When Found He was Terribly Mangled and Stripped of His Clothing.
Last Friday evening when the Milwaukee train that leaves Decorah at 8:34 reached Conover brakeman C. G. Haukedahl was missing. The train was immediately backed some distance down the line but on failing to find him returned to Conover where the passengers and baggage were transferred to the main line I. & M. train, and the Decorah train again backed down over the line for a second search. About two and one-half miles this side of Conover his dead body was found. It appeared that in passing over the tops of some box cars he had fallen between the cars and had been run over. The top of his head was crushed, both arms and one leg broken, one shoulder crushed—in fact those who saw his remains declare that almost every bone in the body seemed to be broken. It is evident that he was dragged more that a half mile after. There was not a vestige of clothing left upon his body and blood was sprinkled on the brake beams of several cars beginning with the cars back of the engine. Saturday morning parts of his clothing were found strewn along the track. His watch was also picked up and found to be uninjured and running.
An attempt was made by Conductor Collins to secure the coroner Friday night but no response could be secured by telephone at Calmar from the Decorah exchange, and it was not until Saturday morning that the inquest was held. Justice Barthell was deputized to act in the absence of Coroner Swezey and he made such examination as the case required, the verdict being one of accidental death.
Haukedahl was a young man about twenty-five years of age and is survived by his mother, two brothers and a sister, for whom much sympathy is felt in their bereavement.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at Calmar.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows his name as Gustav and that he was born Feb. 21, 1887 and died Sept. 25, 1908. He is buried in Calmar Lutheran Cemetery.

Source: Decorah Republican Oct. 1, 1908, P6 C3-4

Friday night, Gustie Haukedahl, the brakeman on the Decorah branch, fell from the car in some way and was killed. His mangled body was brought home for burial. The funeral was held in the Norwegian Lutheran church Monday afternoon.

Calmar Lutheran Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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