I am making huge attempts to put together a Gutke history from Johannes Gutke down to Clyde Gutke. I will post every so often as I update my research - in hopes that others might look at this and have info to add. This is how I roll - I make a timeline and start filling things in as I find them and correct them as I go. Everything that has a source has been documented!
Johannes Gutke>(Andrew or Anders) Fred Gutke>Carl F. Gutke>Clyde F. Gutke
GUTKE FAMILY HISTORY
1816
Johannes Gutke was born on 24 June 1816 in Billingsfors, Steneby, Alvsborg, Sweden. The area is located to the west and south of Lake Vänern. Johannes’ father was Anders Gutke and his mother was Britta Ericksdotter. Apparently Johannes had a brother named Carl (1813-?), a brother named Goran (1806-1824), and a sister named Lisa Marie (1802-1862).
1843
Johannes married Anna Maja Olofsson Vikberg on 19 Dec 1843. He would have been 27 years old at this time. They appear to have had two children, Anna Britta (1844-1919) and Olaf August (1845-1851).
1844
Anna Britta Gutke (1844-1919) born.
1845
Olaf August Gutke (1845-1851) born.
1848
Johannes’ wife Anna Maja died on 30 September 1848 at Munkedal, Foss, Goteborg & Bohus (Göteborg Och Bohus), Sweden.
1849
On 15 April 1849, Johannes married Anna Stina (or Christina) Olofsson in Foss, Goteborg Och Bohus, Sweden.
Johannes and Stina’s first son was born in December in Munkedal, Foss, Gtbrg & B, Sweden. His name was Carl (or Karl) Johan Gutke.
1851
Johannes and Stina’s second son, Johan Magnus Gutke, was born 1 November 1851 in Munkedal, Foss, Goteborg & Bohus, Sweden.
1855
On 16 October 1855, Anna Stina Olofsson died in Munkedal, Foss, Goteborg Och Bohus, Sweden.
1856
About 1856, Johannes met Johanna Fredericka Mork and they were married in Odeborg, Sweden. According to their established birthdates, this would put Johanna at about 23 years old, while Johannes was 40. They had their first child, a boy, while living in Sweden. They named him “Anders Frederik Gutke.” He was born on 8 Sept 1857. Generally speaking—in family documents, newspapers, and census records—this son went by the name of “Fred.”
1859
Their second child was a daughter, Julia Matilda, known as Julia. She was born on 17 September 1859. She was born in Rodersfoss, Dahlsland, Sweden.
In 1862 they had another daughter, Maria Christina, and in 1865, a daughter, Clara Sofia. In 1868 Johannes and Johanna had another little girl, Wilhelmina Frederika, whom they called “Minnie.” Johannes and Johanna’s sixth child was a boy, Oscar Julius, known as Oscar. He was born in 1871. In 1872, daughter Clara Sofia died.
In 1875, they had another daughter whom they named Clara. She was born on 27 March. She only lived until just past her second birthday. She died on 16 May 1877.
1862
Mary Christina Gutke is born on 17 March 1862 in Rodersfoss, Dahlsland, Sweden
1865
Sophia Clara Gutke is born 9 August 1865 in Odeborg, Alvsborg, Sweden.
1868
Daughter Wilhelmina Frederika is born. She was called “Minnie” according to how she is listed on the 1880 Census.
Religion and leaving Sweden
Shortly before Johannes and Johanna were married in 1856, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in Sweden. The history of the Göteborg branch states,
“The first missionary to Göteborg was Frantz Theodor Grönberg who arrived there 22 Nov 1855 and began to teach people privately and circulate tracts. About two weeks later he was called into the police office and was cautioned not to speak to people about his religion. In Mar 1856 he was joined in Göteborg by a second missionary, Nils Peter Lindelöf. They held the first public meeting in Göteborg 9 Mar 1856 in spite of the police warnings.”
“… By the close of 1856 six persons had been baptized in Göteborg and the branch consisted of ten members, including 1 priest, 2 teachers, and 1 deacon.” On 15 May 1857, at a mass meeting in the cathedral, a large audience filled the church. The history says,
“The excitement of the sermon had the effect of stirring the people to persecute the [LDS] elders. Some of the good “Christians” in attendance cried out, “To hell with the Mormons! Throw them into the harbor!”
Members were told not to hold gatherings and several were convicted and/or fined for worshipping in a way other than that allowed by the government. For some time after this, the church could only meet in secluded spots in the hills on account of the public sentiment.
But by the end of 1858 there was no longer any persecution by the civil authorities, and by 1859 the church members were able to rent a hall and openly proselyte in the Göteborg area. The history states “prayer meetings and other gathers were held during the week. Sunday meetings were generally well attended and in some parts of the country the missionaries found a number of honest people willing to investigate their message.” By 1868, 38 people had been baptized in the Göteborg branch. A report dated 20 Nov 1870 showed 88 members in the Göteborg Branch, including 8 elders, 1 priest, 2 teachers, and 4 deacons.
I don’t know when Johannes and Johanna first heard about the church, but they did and they accepted it as Jesus Christ’s restored gospel in its fullness. On 30 Dec 1870, Johannes was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Johanna chose to be baptized also and was baptized on 19 April 1871. Their son Fred, who was 14, also chose to be baptized (22 October 1871). We know of a couple of callings Johannes and Johanna held.
Johannes is listed as taking John Nilsson’s place in the mission in the Goteborg Branch 18 Jun 1876, and on 12 Nov 1876 Johannes was appointed treasurer of the emigration fund. In April 1877 he, along with A.M. Jacobsson, reported selling many tracts, which would further indicate their missionary service. (In December 1877 there were at least four missionary districts). “The women's organization in the Göteborg Branch was organized early in 1877. Mrs. Johanna Gutke was appointed president and served in that position until she was ready to emigrate to Utah. On 17 Jun 1878 Johanna Gutke was released and Miss Elizabeth Jacobson was appointed president of the Relief Society.”
1870
Johannes Gutke was baptized and confirmed on 30 Dec, 1870.
1871
Johanna Gutke was baptized and confirmed on 19 Apr.
Son Anders Fredrick is baptized on 22 Oct.
1871
Son Oscar Julius is born.
1872
Maria Christina is baptized on 1 January.
1874
Daughter Clara Sofia dies.
1875
Daughter Clara is born 27 March.
1876
Johannes serves a mission in Göteborg Branch.
“On 27 Aug 1876, Lorenz Andersson reported that he and A.M. Jakobsson had held a meeting attended by several hundred persons where they had born their testimony. In Apr 1877 J. Gutke and A.M. Jacobsson reported selling many tracts and Lorentz Andersson who visited Hissingen met with encouragement. O.E. Skoglund reported visiting Jonsered and other places and that he found a great deal of fanaticism among the people. C.G. Lindblad reported in May 1877 that it was hard work to dispose of literature.”
J. Gutke appointed treasurer of the emigration fund with A.M. Carlsson, C.G. Lindblad, A.B. Andersson, and E.A. Sohlberg as auditors 12 Nov 1876
1877
Daughter Clara dies on 16 May.
The women's organization in the Göteborg Branch was organized early in 1877. Mrs. Johanna Gutke was appointed president and served in that position until she was ready to emigrate to Utah.
1878
On 17 Jun 1878 Johanna Gutke was released and Miss Elizabeth Jacobson was appointed president of the Relief Society.
1879
In 1879, Fred Gutke was 22 years old when he boarded the immigrant ship the SS Wyoming and came to the United States. The ship left from Liverpool, England on June 28, 1879 and picked up passengers in Queenstown, Ireland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean—arriving in New York, New York on 9 July 1879. There were 745 passengers on the ship. 693 passengers rode in steerage and 62 in cabins. 42 of the passengers were already citizens of the United States. Fred is listed as “Andres Gupka”. His full name on his tombstone is Andrew Fredrick Gutke. He is also listed as Andreas Fredrik, and I am sure that the “Gupka” is the phonetic spelling. He is listed as a laborer from Sweden.
Andres F. Gutke was listed as heading for Logan.
1880
May - J.M. Gutke ordained an elder 16 May 1880.
Maria Christina married George Edwin Wilcox, supposedly about 1880 in Alvsborg, Sweden.
August - Julia married Anders Christian Brixen on 16 August 1880 (age 21) in Goteborg Bohus, Sweden.
The U.S. Census lists “Julia M. Gutke, birth 1859 Sweden” as living in Salt Lake City, Utah. (My conclusion is they emigrated shortly after they were married.)
U.S. Census shows Johanna Gutke, age 47, (born in 1833) living with “Johanes” Gutke, head of household in Smithfield, Cache, Utah. Johanes age is listed as 64. His occupation is blacksmith. Children are listed as Oscar U. Gutke (age 9) and Minnie Gutke (age 12). Find date census was taken and also get original image.
U.S. Census shows Fred Gutke (birth 1857- Sweden, it’s him). His residence is listed as “Ross Fork Indian Agency, Oneida, Idaho”
1881
I believe this is documentation for when Christina left Sweden. The date is 1881 07 01. (July or January?) Does the church have access to The 1880 Swedish Census? Also, check out the ship list for 1881 coming to New York.
John Magnus Gutke declared his intent to become a citizen in Logan on 14 October 1881. Did they travel together?
1883
Andrew Gutke and John Gutke are listed as working/living in Worchester, Massachusetts. They are both working at “wireworks”. Not sure about this.
1883
Carl is baptized 8 September. This date is from Uncle Bob. I do not see this date on the IGI. Is this Carl Johan?
1884
Johannes went to the Logan Temple for his own initiatory and endowments performed on 28 May. Johannes and Johanna were also sealed together in the Logan Temple on this day.
1885 – Fred’s son Frank born on 26 Jun 1885 in SLC, SL, Utah.
1888 – Johannes Gutke dies 24 October in SLC, Salt Lake, UT. He is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Headstone reads:
Johannes Gutke
1816—1888
Johanna Fredrika Mork Gutke
1833—1907
Maria Christina Gutke Wilcox
1862—1918
*Maria is Johannes and Johanna’s daughter, buried in this same family plot.
1889
Julia was sealed to her parents on 27 March 1889.
Maria Christina Andersson baptized and confirmed on 4 March.
1889
Julia M. baptized on 15 January
Andrew Gutke sealed/married 27 March to Maria Christina Anderson in the Logan, Utah Temple. Endowed on the same day (at the age of 31). Also sealed to parents on the same day. Parents are listed as “Johannes Gutke” and “Johanna Fredericka Murk Gutke” (I have usually seen this as “Mork”). Is this the temple file info?
1900 Fred Gutke listed on census as a blacksmith. All of his children are living with him. Where? His wife is listed as “Christina” with kids listed as Fred (this would be Carl), Lillie, Frank, Glenn (sp), George, Julia, John and Clara.
1901 Fred’s son George dies in fatal shooting. From the Deseret Evening News:
FRIGHTFUL FATALITY
One Eleven Year Old Boy Kills Another With a Shotgun.
Another, “I-didn’t-know-it-was-loaded,” fatality occurred between 4 and 5 o’clock on Saturday afternoon at Camp’s Lane, west of the city, with George Gutke, a lad of 11 years, the victim. He was shot to death by a double-barreled shot gun held in the hands of his playmate, Joseph Murray, 11 years old.
The boys were playing with the old gun, ignorant of the fact that it was loaded until a sharp report rang out and the Gutke boy fell with a frightful wound in his shoulder that ranged down into the lungs. The gun was loaded with No. 2 bird shot and the little victim of the deplorable accident was barely six feet away. He lived for nearly an hour, but death was hastened by the great loss of blood. It is believed that the best of medical aid could not have changed the result.
George was at his friend’s home, where he had gone to spend the day. The boys found the shot gun in the woodshed and George was examining it when young Murray took the weapon and pulled up the hammers. The Gutke boy was sitting in the doorway of the shed when the shot rang out and he pitched forward unconscious. When help came, the Murray boy was lying on the prostrate form of his companion, trying to stop the flow of blood.
Dr. Wright was hastily summoned but before he reached the scene the boy was dead.
The mother was driven almost frantic with grief when she learned of the sad affair. A.F. Gutke, the child’s father, who is employed at the Rio Grande Western shops, was notified that his boy was wounded, but when he found, upon reaching home, that the little chap was dead, he was unable to speak.
The body was taken to Joseph William Taylor’s undertaking establishment for preparation for burial.
And another article from the Deseret Evening News
The funeral of George Gutke, the lad who was accidentally shot and killed by a companion Saturday, was held yesterday afternoon from the home of Mrs. A. C. Brixen, 309 Fourth Street. The services were conducted by Bishop Davis of Center ward, and the choir of that ward furnished the music. There were many beautiful floral tributes.
1903
Oscar V. Gutke arrived in America (Ellis Island) from Gothenburg, Sweden, on September 12, 1903. He was 23 years old and single. His occupation was listed as “founder.” He came on the ship Campania which had departed from Liverpool, England. His destination from the manifest was Chicago, Illinois, although he did not have a ticket; the manifest says New York, NY. He could not read or write. He had $45 on him. He was joining his uncle, listed as ? (I can’t read the first name) Anderson, 1207 W. 59th St., Chicago, Ill.
1906
Johanna Frederika Mork Gutke dies on 29 October in McCammon, Bannock, Idaho and buried on 1 Nov in Salt Lake City, Utah.
FUNERAL OF MRS. GUTKE
Impressive Services Held Over Remains of a Noble Woman.
Deeply impressive services were held at the Waterloo meetinghouse yesterday afternoon, commencing at 1 o’clock, over the remains of Mrs. Johanna Gutke, mother of Mrs. Julia Brixen. The chapel was tastefully draped in white for the occasion, and many friends met with the bereaved family to pay tributes of respect to a good and noble woman. Counselor Joseph J. Danes, Jr., presided, and a quartet composed of Mrs. Lizzie Thomas-Edward, Miss Mabel Cooper, Thomas Ashworth and Moroni Thomas sang, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and “Shall We Meet Beyond the River.” “The Beautiful City” and “Some Time, Somewhere” were rendered as solos by Mr. Ashworth and Mrs. Edward; John McFarland and C.A. Carlquist offered the opening and closing prayers, respectively.
Sylvester Low, Jr., of Smithfield, where Mrs. Gutke resided for many years and where she was greatly beloved; L. Dahlquist, who had known the deceased in her native Sweden many years ago; President Nephi L. Morris, President Frank Y. Taylor, Patriarch Angus M. Cannon and Bishop Ashael H. Woodruff were the speakers, and each of them told of the noble qualities of heart and mind possessed by Mrs. Gutke and her devotion to the gospel of the Redeemer.
A long line of carriages followed the remains to the city cemetery, and in addition a special car carried a number of friends to the place of interment. At the grave the quartet sang, “Rest on the Hillside, Rest,” and the grave was dedicated by Elder Louis A. Kelsch. The body was laid to rest beside the remains of her husband, who died some 17 years ago, and near the remains of her son-in-law, “Andy” Brixen.
Of Mrs. Gutke’s children, there were present Mrs. Julia Brixen, Fred and Oscar Gutke. Two daughters, Mrs. Mary Wilcox and Mrs. A.H. Price were unable to be present, the former being in a remote part of Nevada, while the latter was at the bedside of a very sick child at McCammon, Idaho.
Fred Gutke was a blacksmith. Circa 1906 he lived with his son Carl in Douglas, Arizona and worked either for Carl or with him (in the same shop), I’m assuming at the C&A Smelter. He lived with Carl’s family in Carl’s house for awhile and then Carl built a little home for him in back of his home— “just a little two-room shack.”
1904
This is is a photo of Anders and his family. I think it may have been taken about 1904 before Carl left for Douglas, Arizona. This is my guess because George isn’t in it (George died 12 October 1901, he was 11 ½ years old). It was most likely taken before 1906 when Carl left for Arizona, and Carl was most likely married in this photo (he got married on the 5 June 1901, four months before George died).
Upper left: Julia M., Carl, Lillie, Frank. 2nd row: Earl, (Father) Fred, (Mother) Christina, Clara. The other person missing I believe is Glen (who would be 19).
1910
Fred is listed as Anders on the SLC census as 52 years old, married for 32 years, Swedish. What about Christina? His occupation is listed as blacksmith for the railway. Lillie is not listed. (is she married?) Frank is listed as 24 years old and a boilermaker for the “railway shops.” Glen is listed as 22 years old and a “blacksmith” for the “railroad shops.” Julia is listed as 17. Earl is listed as “Earl J,” 15 years old. Clara is 13.
On March 10, 1910, Anders was set apart for a mission to Sweden. He arrived in Sweden on April 3, 1910 and was assigned to work in Goteborg. On the 16th of October Andrew F. Gutke, Andrew C. Björk, John A. Omanson, and Victor Peterson were listed as missionaries serving in the Göteborg Branch.
1911 On November 2, 1911, Anders was assigned to the Norrkoping Conference.
1912 Anders sailed for home from the port of Liverpool, England on either 1 or 2 May 1912 aboard the ship Corsican in company with Elder Carl O. Peterson of Murray, Utah. They apparently arrived in Salt Lake City on 19 May 1912. The Titanic sunk on 15 April 1912.
Canadian Pacific Line steamship S/S Corsican, former in Allan Line ownership. This postcard was produced by C. W. Hunt & Co. Liverpool
1915
Did Glen box? This entry says “Kid Davis met Glen Gutke of Salt Lake City in a ten round b_____ Black Hawk before a large crowd last Saturday evening ___ a draw Gutke is the light ___ amateur champion of Utah. The ____ are said to be likely to come ____ again soon. (edges are cut off)
1918
Mrs. Mary C. Wilcox Passes to Other Side
Mrs. Mary C. Wilcox passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Julia M. Brixen, 165 Second Avenue, this city. She had been in ill health for some time and last August her husband, George E. Wilcox, in company with Mrs. Brixen, took her to the coast in search of improved health, returning in October.
Mrs. Wilcox was born in Rodanefors, Sweden, March 17, 1862, and came to this country at an early age. She was married April 19, 1885, and of late___ had traveled extensively with her husband, making several trips to the Klondike and also spending much time in the interior of Mexico. She was a woman of rare intellect and artistic temperament and made many friends. Although separated much of her married life from the body of the Church, she always retained a strong faith in the principles for which she left her native land, ever bearing testimony of the divinity of “Mormonism.” At the time of her death she was a member of the Relief society board of the Portneuf stake in Idaho.
Mrs. Wilcox is survived by her husband, her niece, Marie Gutke, whom she raised as her daughter, and who is now Mrs. Harond Sheranian, residing in New York with her husband, who is completing a medical course; her sister, Mrs. Julia M. Brixen of this city, Mrs. Minnie Price of McCammon, Ida.; her brother, John Gutke of Shelley, Ida.; Fred, of this city, and Oscar J. of Ogden.
1920
Carl’s daughter Thelma murdered in Arizona.
Jealous Man Slays Girl
Unrequited Love Established as Motive for Shooting of Utah Girl
Douglas, Arizona – Unrequited love is now firmly established as the motive for the fatal shooting of Miss Thlema Laura Gutke, daughter of Mrs. Laura Gutke Salt Lake City, by W. F. Smith, who after firing three shots at the fleeing girl, turned the revolver on himself and committed suicide. All three of the shots took effect, his victim dying instantly.
1924
Fred dies May 17, 1924 at age 66. He died at 8 p.m., cause of death listed as “cancer of stomach”. There was no autopsy, no operation preceded death. The doctor was W. N. Sheraniun of Murray. He was buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery on May 20th, 1924. The mortuary was Lindquist Sons Carlquist, 2128 State Street.
Employer – Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company
Profession: Blacksmith. The death certificate says he lived in SLC for 45 years. Address is listed as 780 North Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah, Salt Lake precinct, Salt Lake County.
Norma Gutke Ellis is born on this day, says they “pass in the night.”
1931
Carl’s son Clyde mentioned as part of IOOF in Murray.
“Election being held last Monday evening by Murray Lodge No. 33 the following officers were elected for the ensuing term of six months: Noble Grand – E.A. Olson, succeeding L.W. Quick; Vice-Grand- Clyde Gutke succeeding E A Olsen; Secretary F N. Swenson, re-elect, Treasurer-Ernest Wright, Re-elect, Trustee (18-month term) S. A. Shakespeare, succeeding J. H. Reeder.
1946
Maria Christina Andersson Gutke dies on 12 August in Salt Lake City.
1949
1949-02-11 “Mr. and Mrs. Roy Maxwell and daughter, Gloria, visited in Holladay Sunday with Mrs. Maxwell’s mother, Mrs. Carl Gutke.”
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gutke of Holladay were weekend guests at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Maxwell.
The areas were divided into parishes, or the geographical area surrounding a church. The first listing here is the parish. Anna was born 3 July 1822 and died 16 October 1855 in this same area of Sweden. Karl Johan (spelled Carl Hohan on www.familysearch.org), was christened 14 December 1849 with a birth date of 10 or 11 December 1849. The place includes "Munkedal" which I don't know if this is the church name or what. Died 8 May 1924, no date listed. Christened 4 November. Died 22 October 1934 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, ID. Buried 26 October 1932, Shelley, Bingham, ID. The dates for Johannes and Johanna’s marriage retrieved from www.new.familysearch.org vary from 1854 to 1857, however this approximate date seems to be the most consistent with the birth date of their son Anders Fredrik (8 Sept 1857). According to records found at www.new.familysearch.org, in 1843 (Johannes was 27 years old) he married a Swedish girl by the name of Anna Maja Oloffson Vikberg (she would also have been age 27 or 28) and had two children with her. Anna Maja died in 1848. Records indicate that Johannes married a second time to Anna Stina Oloffson and had two more children before she died in 1855. (Three of the four children listed here appear to have lived long lives, so they must have gone to other relatives, or possibly these marriages and/or children are not accurate.) Death certificate lists birthplace at Frenefors., Sweden. Father listed as John Gutke, Sweden. Mother’s name listed as “Johanna Bjork”, Sweden. Family search says Anders (Andrew) Frederick Gutke was born on 8 September 1857 in Rodersfoss, Dahlsland, Sweden.
Different towns on IGI: 08 SEP 1857 |
Rodersfoss,Dahlsland, , , Sweden |
|
08 SEP 1857 | Gottenberg, , Goteborg Och Bohus, Sweden |
|
She appears on most documents as “Julia M. Brixen.” Julia died on 19 December 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah. On 16 May 1880, “J.M. Gutke” was ordained an elder. I think this might “Johannes Magnus” instead of Johannes, who could possibly be one of the children from Johannes’ early marriage. The reason I think this is because Johannes, if serving as an elder, would have already been ordained, and they would have listed “J. Gutke” vs. “J.M. Gutke.” The entries read “J. Gutke” but I am sure they are about Johannes or John, as other entries read “J.M.” indicating John Magnus.
“John Nilsson released from mission in Göteborg Branch to emigrate. J. Gutke took his place. A. Helgesson ordained a deacon and appointed to assist P. Helgesson. 18 Jun 1876”
Aunt Norma Ellis’ history says that he worked for three years to earn money to bring his wife and young son, Carl, to the U.S. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on 16 August 1900. Declaration of Intent for John Magnus Gutke, 1881
“The Worcester Directory, Containing a General Directory of the Citizens, a Business directory, and the City and County Register For Year Beginning January 15, 1883.”
This book is about Worchester, Massachusetts and has a ton of information including population, etc.
P. 163:
Gutke Andrew, sinker at wireworks, Q. house 7 Oswald [393 Millbury
Gutke John, laborer at wireworks, Q. house
Frank worked at the C & A Smelter in Douglas at the same time that Carl did sometime during the years of 1906-___. (This excerpt was taken from a letter to Deniane Kartchner from her dad, Dennis Gutke, around 1986.) "Andrew Frederick Gutke, my great-grandfather, was quite a stern man. His boy, Glen, who was 11 years old, had not done his chores and Andrew gave him a "sound thrashing." Glen then went with a friend into a barn and they were somehow playing with a loaded gun. The gun went off and Glen was killed. Andrew fell apart; his heart never got over the fact that he had spanked his son just before he died. He always felt that if it had not happened, he might still be alive."
(This excerpt was taken from a letter to Deniane Kartchner from her dad, Dennis Gutke, around 1986.) "Thelma, Grandpa Clyde's older sister, was with Dad in Douglas, Arizona while Grandpa Carl and the rest of his family were getting settled in Holladay. Grandpa Carl was then going back to Arizona to sell the house and get Dad and Thelma. Thelma was getting serious with an older guy next door, and Grandpa counseled her to break up with him and come with them to Holladay. She knew that she really didn't love him, and her Dad asked her not to see him again before he came for them. But, she had her free agency as we all do. You see, we must stand on our own feet no matter how hard our parents try and counsel us. Anyway, Thelma, age 17, went to say good-bye to this boy and try and explain that she only liked him as a friend. This boy became out-raged at Thelma leaving him. He pulled out a gun, and as Thelma ran toward home and her older brother Clyde, this man shot her in the back and then killed himself. Thelma died instantly. Grandpa Carl and Grandma Laura were crushed. (Enclosed is a picture of Thelma and her friends. Everyone loved her and enjoyed her piano playing and just her bubbly nature.)
