OBIT: Olaf Elwood HELSEL, 1918, Canoe Creek, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Michael S. Caldwell

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OLAF E. HELSEL
BLAIR SAILOR DIED IN N.Y.

  Olaf Elwood Helsel, a sailor and a son of John Helsel, of Canoe 
Creek, died in the Bellevue hospital, New York, Sunday morning, 
according to word received by his father yesterday.  The body has not 
arrived and but little information is obtainable.
  Upon receipt of the telegram informing him of his son's death, Mr. 
Helsel wired the authorities at the hospital to forward the body 
immediately to Undertaker Grant Hite, Roaring Spring and to wire 
complete details.  However, up until a late hour last night the body 
had not arrived, nor had word been received by Mr. Helsel regarding the 
cause of death.
  The young man enlisted in the navy some months ago and was sent to 
Newport News to train, after which he was attached to a battleship of 
Uncle Sam's fleet.  Several days ago Mr. Helsel was informed that his 
son was ill in the Bellevue hospital, but no cause was given and it was 
stated that his condition was not immediately serious.

Altoona Times, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday Morning, December 17, 1918

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, December 17, 1918

ILLNESS FATAL TO SAILOR.
Olaf Elwood Helsel of Canoe Creek Dies In New York Hospital.

  Olaf Elwood Helsel, a sailor attached to one of the coast defense 
vessels, died Sunday morning at the Bellevue hospital, New York, 
according to a telegram received by the father, John Helsel of Canoe 
Creek, yesterday. The remains will be sent to Canoe Creek and received 
by Undertaker Grant Hite of Roaring Spring.
  Helsel enlisted in the navy several months ago and trained at Newport 
News. He was recently assigned to a steamship. The father was informed 
of the son's illness late last week.

Funeral Notice.

  The body of Olaf G. Helsel, the young sailor who succumbed to 
pneumonia in New York last week after having been honorably discharged 
from the service, arrived in Roaring Spring yesterday and was taken to 
the home of his sister, Mrs. Aaron Albright, where funeral services 
were held at 2.30 o'clock this afternoon in charge of Rev. M. J. 
Weaver. Interment was made at Roaring Spring.

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Monday, December 23, 1918

1900 Ward 2 Altoona, Blair County census -
Annie Helsel, 36  
Olof E. Helsel, 8  

1910 Frankstown, Blair County census -
John Helsel, 52, widowed

Blair County Genealogical Society, Archie Claar Cemetery Inscriptions, 
Albright Cemetery, Roaring Spring, p. 204 -
Helsel, Olof Ellwood, s/o John and Annie, d. 1918, b. 1892. a. 26