HERMAN JOENS DEAD

Son of Mrs. Agusta Joens of Denison Taken in Europe by Pneumonia

One of the saddest blows that could come to a mother came Monday night to Mrs. Augusta Joens, whose home is on East Tremont street, Denison. After the joy of peace gave her prospect of the safe return of her son she received the shocking news that the young man had died on pneumonia just after his trip across Europe.

The telegram arriving here Monday night from Washington, stated briefly that Herman J. Jones [sic] had died of pneumonia on October 9. It is surmised that he was at the time in England, and it is also thought there may be some mistake as to the date of death, as Mrs. Joens received the government card on October 10th announcing the young man's safe arrival overseas, October 9th. The last word she had received from Herman was a letter from Camp Merritt, N.J.

Herman H.J. Joens was one of the 215 who went from here to Camp Gordon last August. His mother tells us he was anxious to go that he could hardly wait for the train and he was delighted to be starting across the ocean. He was a big lad, weighing 163 when he left here and having gained since he started training till he reached 192 pounds. He was a six footer, and strong and healthy, never having known a day of illness. Moreover, Herman was a noble Christian man who lived cleanly and always wore a pleasant smile. His father, Claus Joens, died six years ago, and for many years before that was an invalid, and the boy Herman toiled almost from the age of ten to help support the mother and family, working almost always upon the farm.

He was born May 4th, 1895, in Hayes township. He is survived by his broken-hearted mother and three sisters, Anna, now Mrs. Paul Lorenzen of Denison, and Ellen and Edna at home. One brother and two sisters have preceded him in death, as well as the father. The Bulletin joins in sympathy for the stricken family.

From Denison Bulletin and Herald November 20, 1918.