Steenberg PF01

Waupaca Republican

February 27, 1880

Again are we forcibly reminded that death is among us, and to wonder whose turn will come next. On Thursday night, shortly before midnight, that mysterious thing which we call life, departed from the body of Mr. P.F. Steenberg, as quietly and peacefully as if in sleep. So firm was his faith in the future that death had no terrors for him. Mr. Steenberg was born in Christiana, Norway, in 1840, and had therefore only reached the age ordinarily regarded as the prime of life. In early life he was regularly apprenticed to the mercantile business in his native city, and was systematically educated to it. He came to this country 15 years ago and settled in Neenah, where he remained 5 years, and then came to Waupaca with the late N.C. Miller. He was in business a short time at Stevens Point, but returned to Waupaca. Naturally he was of strong constitution, but by injudicious lifting about two years ago, in putting a barrel of salt into a wagon, he strained himself internally, and this it is believed originated the difficulties which have terminated in death. Last Sept. he went upon the road as a salesman, in the hope that it would benefit him physically, but shortly before the holidays he was obliged to confine himself to the house. January 23d he attended the Leap Year festivities in Stetson Hall, and this was the last time he went from home. The Odd Fellows untiringly assisted the family in caring for his comfort and necessities. Mr. Steenberg was well-known to all our citizens as a most genial companion, hence had an unusually large circle of friends.

Being a member of the Lodges of Masons, Odd Fellows and United Woodmen, these societies met jointly at Masonic Hall Saturday evening to arrange for the funeral, which took place Sunday afternoon. The religious observances were impressively conducted by Mr. Davenport, in St. Mark’s Church, according to the Episcopal ritual, after which the Odd Fellows’ service was conducted by Mr. Simcock. The attendance was very large, many Odd Fellows and friends from other places being present. The funeral was in charge of the Odd Fellows, and was conducted with the usual ceremonies of the order.

The case being one of remarkable complications and in many respects peculiar, the physicians who had seen Mr. Steenberg in his last sickness were anxious to have a post mortem examination. Only for the benefit of science and that the living might be benefited by it, the family reluctantly consented and the post mortem was made on last Saturday forenoon by Drs. Manchester, Taylor and Calkins. It revealed a wonderful complication of disorders – in fact the kidneys were the only organs in a normal condition. The heart was enlarged, its structure softened, its valves stiffened; the lungs blackened by progressing decay; the liver enlarged and softened; the spleen and pancreas as hard and stiff as rubber and the bowels dormant. That Mr. Steenberg lived as long as he did is remarkable, in view of the condition of the internal organs of his body.