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.
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
Click or scan to see this page online
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
Topics. 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. Marker 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.
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 Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on April 29, 2022. 3. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on April 29, 2022. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
