Iowa
Old Press
The Daily Times, Davenport, Iowa
Monday, February 19, 1940
No Inquest for Chas. Burmeister, Exposure Victim.
Acute alcoholism and exposure caused the death of Charles Burmeister, 47, World war veteran, who was found dead at the foot of Division street early Sunday morning, it was announced today by Coroner W. F. Skelley. The Coroner said no inquest will be held.
Burmeister had been making his home at the Scott County Men’s bureau in Bettendorf.
Coroner Skelley made an investigation of the case Sunday morning after the body was found by Albert Knotts, of Rock Island, and Lonnie Marshall, residing at the foot of Division street. The Coroner said there were no marks on the body to indicate that Burmeister was a victim of foul play or had been injured.
The body was found under a narrow bridge connecting the street with the city dumping grounds on the river bank. It was believed at first that Burmeister had tumbled from the bridge, but Coroner Skelley said there were no bruises on the body to show that the victim had fallen.
Native of Davenport.
Mr. Burmeister was born Jan. 30, 1892, in Davenport and received his education in the local schools.
He was a packer by trade, and was a member of the Rock Island post, American Legion.
Surviving are two daughters, (Frances) Mrs. Charles Dent and Miss Mary Burmeister, both of Davenport; one son, Charles, of Rock Island; and two brothers, Howard of Davenport and Alfred E. of Chicago.
The body was taken to the Horrigan home for funerals pending funeral arrangements.
[transcribed by LZ, Sep 2020]