#1-8 Dec., 1921 - The Tribune - Nels

NELS TRUHLSEN PASSES AWAY AT HIS DAUGHTER'S HOME

Nels Truhlsen, a highly respected citizen of this county, committed suicide Wednesday by fastening a shawl strap around his neck and tying it to a bed post.

As near as can be learned, Mr. Truhlsen, who was staying with his daughter, Mrs. Nels M. Jensen and family near Orum, retired to his room as the daughter supposed for a nap, but was later found as above described, death ensuing from strangulation.

About ten years ago Mr. Truhlsen's wife passed away, and since that time he has made his home with his children except when he came to town for a few months. He then occupied a furnished room and took his meals at a restaurant. It was while staying in town last spring that he was stricken with paralysis, and was removed to his son's home at Herman. Mr. Truhlsen had never entirely recovered from this illness and it is thought that despondency over this condition is responsible for the deed.

The subject of this sketch was born in Denmark, but had been a resident of Washington county for many years. He was always good natured and his society was enjoyed by his acquaintances of all ages.

Five children, Peter, Chris and Henry Truhlsen, Mrs. Nels M. Jensen and Mrs. Frank Siert survive him. The funeral will be held from the Jensen home Friday at 1 p.m., and burial will be made in the family lot in the Blair cemetery. Deceased was 75 years old.

#2-Published in the Pilot, December 14, 1921

Nels Truhlsen was found dead in his room at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nels M. Jensen, last Wednesday afternoon. He suffered a severe paralytic stroke last May from which he partially recovered but never regained the use of his left side. He became despondent and thought he was too much in the way because of his helplessness, so he secured a trunk strap and tied it around the bed post and thus ended his life. The funeral was held at the Jensen home at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon, the service being conducted by Rev. T. S. Kesterson of Herman. The body was laid to rest in the Blair cemetery by the side of his wife, whose death occurred August 9, 1911.

Mr. Truhlsen was born in Sweden September 27th, 1847 and was therefore, 74 years of age last September. His parents moved to Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and he grew to manhood there. He was married to Miss Margareta Hansen and their oldest son, Peter, was born there. They came to America 48 years ago and settled first near Ft. Calhoun. Later he was in partnership with J. G. Smith on the farm west of town. Still later he bought the farm Fred Jones is now on and lived there for a number of years, moving to Blair fifteen years ago. He sold his residence on west Lincoln street about a year ago and since his illness has made his home with the children, Mrs. Nels M. Jensen, Mrs. Frank Siert, Peter, Chris and Henry Truhlsen. He leaves one sister, Mrs. Peter L. Hansen of Omaha. Mr. Truhlsen was always a good citizen, jovial and friendly in disposition, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The bereaved relatives have the sincere sympathy of many friends.

# 2 - from The Enterprise, December 15, 1921

NELS TRUHLSEN GONE

Mr. Nels Truhlsen, well known early settler died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nels M. Jensen, of near Kennard, Dec. 7.

Mr. Truhlsen was born in Sweden but later went to Germany where he was married and in 1873 came to this country, settling in Calhoun where he lived for many years.

Later he purchased a farm near Blair where he lived until he moved to this city where he was living at the time of the death of his wife on August 9, 1911. From then until last winter he made his home in Blair and visited at the homes of his children as he chose.

Mr. and Mrs. Truhlsen were the parents of five children, two girls and three boys, all living in the county and highly respected citizens and to them the loss of their father is great.

Mr. Truhlsen was a man of the best of habits, a man whose integrity was above reproach and whose cheerful sunny disposition made his a general favorite and his old-time friends miss him as they miss a brother.

He was stricken with paralysis last winter from which he never fully recovered and feeling his weakness, he became despondent. Every care and kindess possible was shown him by his children and he was their main thought.

The funeral was held from the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nels M. Jensen, with Rev. Kestersen of Herman officiating and interment was made in the Blair cemetery on Dec. 9.

Those surviving are: Mrs. Nels M. Jensen, Mrs. Frank Siert, and Peter Truhlsen, all residing on farms in this county, and Chris and Henry, who are in business in Herman and to them The Enterprise extends its sincerest sympathy.