Johanna (Larsen) JOHANSEN

JOHANSEN, LARSEN, HENRIKSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/22/2007 at 00:06:55

Clarion Woman Killed by Train Saturday Morning

Mrs J. Johansen Steps in Front of Morning Passenger

Mrs. Johanna Johansen, 56, was killed Saturday morning at 8 o'clock when she was struck by the westbound Rock Island passenger train at the South Main st crossing in Clarion. Mrs. Johansen, who is deaf, apparently did not hear the approaching train which was running about an hour late. The train, which was slowing down for the usual stop at the Clarion depot, was running about 18 miles an hour. It traveled about 135 feet before it was brought to a stop. Mrs. Johansen was struck by the right front end of the diesel locomotive and thrown about 25 feet. The entire right side of her body from her head to her waist was crushed by the impact. She was walking north, apparently on her way to the Walter Schueriloff home where she was employed. She had almost cleared the crossing when she was hit. There were several witnesses to the accident. Vern Holmes, employed at the Farmers Produce Co. across the street, ran toward her, in an attempt to warn her but was unsuccessful. Dr. R. C. Baton, acting coroner, was called and he pronounced her dead upon examination. Sheriff Robert Blecker and Deputy Sheriff Jack Hansen were also called to make a formal investigation. The train was operated by J. F. Paul, engineer. A. L. Misener, conductor, and F. E. Kemp, brakeman, all of Estherville.

Survived By Sister

Mrs. Johansen, a widow, had lived in Clarion since a year ago in March and lived in south Clarion. She lived in Dougherty all her married life. Mrs. Johanna Larsen Johansen was born August 4, 1894, in Gistrup, Denmark. She came to the United States with her parents as a young girl. On June 26, 1918 she was united in marriage with Martin Johansen of Dougherty, and lived in Dougherty until 1949 when she came to Clarion where she has made her home until her death on April 14. Mrs. Johansen was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, who passed away Oct. 11, 1940. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Laurence Henriksen of Clarion, and six nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on April 16 at First Lutheran church in Clarion with burial in Sheffield. Pall bearers were Ely Cupp, Martius Andersen. Stanley Johnson, Charles Austin, Walter Wilson and Walter Schuenhoff. Special music was furnished by Mrs. W. Gordon Smedsrud.

Wright County Monitor
19 April 1951