Surnames: Birkeness, Magnuson, Knutson, Munderloh

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 26 Jan. 1933

Birkeness, Thomas (12 June 1868 - 10 Jan. 1933)

Thomas Birkeness, section foreman on the Green Bay and Western railroad, died very suddenly Jan. 10, 1933. Mr. Birkeness was apparently in the best of health. He left for work in the morning feeling well, worked steadily throughout the day, and returning home on the hand car, was discussing plans for the next day with his helper, W. Magnuson, when suddenly he fell from the hand car, being dead by the time Mr. Magnuson reached him. The cause of death was heart trouble.

Mr. Birkeness was born near Camp Douglas in Juneau County, June 12, 1868. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church there. In 1893 he was married. In 1899 he moved to Dexterville, where he was employed by the G. B. & W. railroad from 1906-1908. In 1908 he took charge of section 21, at Pray, where he resided until death. He attained the age of 64 years, 6 months and 29 days. His sudden death was a shock to the whole community since he was well known and respected by all.

He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife, three sons, Oscar of Chicago, Harry and Arne, who are attending the Platteville School of Mining Engineering, two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Knutson of Iron River, Mich., and Miss Anna, of Pray; two grandchildren, one brother, Ed Birkeness of Camp Douglas and two sisters also of Camp Douglas.

Interment was made at the cemetery at City Point, the Rev. H. T. Munderloh, of Alma Center officiating.