Frandsen, Elna (1880-1903)

FRANDSEN, KJAR

Posted By: Sheryl (email)
Date: 3/7/2011 at 15:24:07

Word has been received in this city that Miss Elna Frandsen, formerly of this city, and whose mother, Mrs. Frandsen, lives on Birch street between Fifth and Sixth, was one of the victims of the awful horror at the Iroquois theatre in Chicago on last Wednesday afternoon. The dead girl is a sister of Mrs. Jens Kjar and before going to Chicago lived in this city. She attended the public schools here and was well known.

Miss Frandsen was born on the 7th of November, 1880, in Svenborg, Denmark, and came to this country with her mother and sisters in 1895. About two years ago she left for a visit to Denmark and upon her return to America last fall, remained in Chicago where she was employed as a domestic in a Lakeside home. The word of her death was received Thursday but it was not until later that it was told that she lost her life in the doomed theatre. Later word told of her having been in the fire, her body having been found at one of the morgues. The remains will be interred here, although the time of arriving here is not known at present. Eric Frandsen, a brother of the dead girl, who has been at Lincoln, Neb., arrived in the city yesterday on account of his sister's death. (Atlantic Daily Democrat, Jan. 2, 1904)

The funeral services for the late Elna Frandsen were held yesterday at the Danish Lutheran church yesterday afternoon, the Rev. Jersild of Elkhorn officiating. A large number of the friends of the departed girl were present to pay their last sad respects to her memory. The minister gave his address in the Danish tongue after which he spoke in English. His sermon was a simple and touching eulogy to the dead girl and words of hope to the living. The interment was made in the Atlantic cemetery. (Atlantic Daily Democrat, Jan. 6, 1904)