Owatonna in Steele County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

History of the State Public School Children’s Cemetery

Photographed by Connor Olson, May 29, 2020

1. History of the State Public School Children’s Cemetery Marker

Inscription.

History of the State Public School Children’s Cemetery. . 1886-1945 - During the 59 year history of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, over 300 children died while under state guardianship; 198 are buried in this cemetery, unclaimed by family. Some were buried under the cover of darkness because of contagious disease. Few, if any, ever had a flower left on their grave. The average age at death was approximately four years old.

Causes of death included diphtheria, measles, drowning, TB, cancrum oris, anemia, diarrhea, exhaustion, and marasmus. Marasmus is defined as "wasting and emaciation of an infant for no discoverable cause.” Today we would say "failure to thrive for lack of love.” Children also died from accidents (one killed by an elk, another a football injury), and a ruptured appendix.

In the early years, tombstones were erected. For unknown reasons, the state discontinued this practice. Children were then simply buried with their identification number etched on a cement slab.

1945 - Orphanage was phased out and the cemetery all but forgotten. Weeds and grass grew tall. Few people knew or remembered it existed.

1949 - One child buried during the Owatonna State School era.

1974 - City of Owatonna purchased the campus area and became responsible for the maintenance of this cemetery.

1992 - Owatonna City Council approved plans for Gerald "Bud” Blekeberg to build a permanent memorial.

1993 - With the help of many community volunteers and contributors, the memorial and 151 named crosses were erected for those children buried only by a number. The memorial and crosses were dedicated in a community observance July 3, 1993.

1994 - Lutheran Brotherhood Branch #8034 erected the Guardian Angel.

1995 - Owatonna City Council approved burial of 83 year old Fredrick Berndt. Berndt spent his entire childhood at the State Public School (1912-1927), and his "most desired wish” was to be buried among the children he so loved. A Christian burial was provided by Owatonna citizens November 1, 1995.

Thank You for Visiting this Historic Site and Remembering these once Forgotten Children

1886-1945 - During the 59 year history of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, over 300 children died while under state guardianship; 198 are buried in this cemetery, unclaimed by family. Some were buried under the cover of darkness because of contagious disease. Few, if any, ever had a flower left on their grave. The average age at death was approximately four years old.

In the early years, tombstones were erected. For unknown reasons, the state discontinued this practice. Children were then simply buried with their identification number etched on a cement slab.

1945 - Orphanage was phased out and the cemetery all but forgotten. Weeds and grass grew tall. Few people knew or remembered it existed.

1949 - One child buried during the Owatonna State School era.

1974 - City of Owatonna purchased the campus area and became responsible for the maintenance of this cemetery.

1992 - Owatonna City Council approved plans for Gerald "Bud” Blekeberg to build a permanent memorial.

1994 - Lutheran Brotherhood Branch #8034 erected the Guardian Angel.

Thank You for Visiting this Historic Site and Remembering these once Forgotten Children

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 44° 5.284′ N, 93° 14.516′ W. Marker is in Owatonna, Minnesota, in Steele County. It can be reached from Ronglein Lane east of Florence Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Owatonna MN 55060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of the State School Root Cellar (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); State Public School for Dependent & Neglected Children 1886 - 1945 (approx. 0.2 miles away); State School Buildings and Grounds (approx. 0.2 miles away); Main Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); There Were Many...I Was But One

History of the State Public School Children’s Cemetery and Marker image. Click for full size.

April 18, 2022

2. History of the State Public School Children’s Cemetery and Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children (approx. ¼ mile away); State Schoolers U.S. Military Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); History of State School Rock Garden (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Owatonna.

Also see . . . The Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum. Includes some history of the children's cemetery. (Submitted on March 7, 2021.)

State School Children’s Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, May 29, 2020

3. State School Children’s Cemetery

Cemetery Memorial image. Click for full size.

April 18, 2022

4. Cemetery Memorial

1888 – 1942
"To the children who rest here
May the love you lacked in life now be your reward in Heaven
You are remembered" State Schooler Harvey Ronglien 1993
Donated by Anderson Memorials

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,212 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on April 29, 2022. 3. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on April 29, 2022. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.