The body of Fritz Gutschow arrived in Blair Friday morning from the north. Mr. Gutschow had been working with the M & O fence gang and was at the time of his death working near Norfolk. The boys were out with a handcar and on the approach of a train the others made a hurried getaway and called on Fritz to run, but he made a desperate attempt to get the car off the track but failed. When the engine struck it, it was hurled against him with such force that he was instantly killed. The funeral took place Saturday from the home. Mr. Gutschow was a well known citizen and had many warm personal friends in this county who were shocked when the sad news came of his sudden death. He leaves one child, a grown up daughter who has looked after his home since the death of his wife something over a year ago.

#2-Blair Courier 12 Sept. 1906

Word was received here Thursday that Fritz Gutschow had been killed by a passenger train near Norfolk that morning. He was working with a bridge gang and was on a hand car with some other workmen when the approaching train was seen. They all jumped, but the hand car was knocked off the track and struck Mr. Gutschow, killing him instantly. The body was brought down Saturday morning and the funeral held at the house at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. G. L. Conley officiating.

Mr. Gutschow was born in Claverhof by Neukalen, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, June 21, 1849, and was married to Miss Marie Ladwig in the year 1877. About two years after their marriage, they came to make their home in America and settled at this place. He had resided in this country about 24 years at the time of his death.

A year and eight months ago his faithful wife departed this life leaving an only daughter, Erna, to mourn the departure of her beloved parents. Three brothers of Mr. Gutschow, John, Christopher and Joseph, are also called to mourn this sudden death.

One sister, Mrs. Sophia Jas?er, died thirteen years ago in Germany.

The deceased was a member of the German Verein and is spoken of by all who knew him as a man possessed of a kind, good natured, generous disposition, and will be greatly missed by his many friends and neighbors, who extend heartfelt sympathy to the sorrowing daughter and brothers.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #105382204