Haugen, Gulbrand “Gilbert” E. 1844 - 1917

HAUGEN MOLDEN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/27/2026 at 16:39:13

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 19, 1917, P2 C5

MET TRAGIC DEATH.
Gilbert E. Haugen Was Found in the Field With His Clothes Burned Off.
Word was received in the city last Friday evening that Gilbert Haugen, the well known farmer living four miles southwest of the city, had burned to death that afternoon. Just how death occurred no one knows for he was alone at the time. The girl who works there said he left the house about 1:30 o’clock to go into the field to burn some brush and dried grass. It was about half-past three that Peter Molden, his nephew, whose farm adjoins, went over and found him lying in the fire, dead, with all of his clothes burned off except a few pieces about his neck. Near him lay a kerosene can and on the other side of his body lay the bottom. It was first supposed that he had poured some oil on the fire to urge it along and the can exploded and thus his clothes caught fire. The position of the body hardly justifies this. He was found lying with his hat on his head resting on the lower strand of a wire fence. There was no sign of any struggle as if he had fought any flames. Some think that he was taken with a stroke of apoplexy and fell into the burning grass. One thing that would indicate this is that an old file he carried to strike matches on lay close beside the oil can and possibly the fire melted off the bottom. The exact cause of his death will probably never be known. Gilbert was an eccentric character and was well known. He often came to town but never tried to make any friends. During his younger days he was a successful farmer and a shrewd investor of his funds, so he leaves a large estate. He was never married and his heirs are a sister, Mrs. A. S. Molden, nephews and nieces. He was born at Beloit, Wis., in 1844, and came to this county in 1850, and his father bought and settled on the farm where he has lived all of his life. The funeral was held Tuesday, Rev. Boe officiating, and interment was made in the Haugen cemetery.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows his name as Gulbrand “Gilbert” Haugen. He was born Apr. 20, 1844 and died Apr. 13, 1917. He is buried in the Union Prairie Cemetery.

Union Prairie Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Lynn McCleary.
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