Gunnar Isidor Tenglin

Who was Gunnar Isidor Tenglin?

Gunnar Isidor Tenglin was a Swedish-born Titanic survivor who led a remarkable life spanning from his early immigration to America to his harrowing experience on the ill-fated ship and his subsequent decades as a respected member of the Burlington, Iowa community. Born on March 2, 1887, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tenglin’s journey would take him across the Atlantic twice, with his second crossing aboard the Titanic becoming a defining moment in his life.

Early Life and Immigration to America

A Young Swede’s Journey

At the age of 16, Gunnar Tenglin made his first transatlantic voyage, arriving in the United States in 1903. He initially settled in Shoquoquon, Iowa, a town he later humorously described as having “three thousand Swedes and four Swedish churches - five if you count West Burlington.” This quip offers a glimpse into Tenglin’s wit and his keen observation of his surroundings.

Learning English and Building a Life

Tenglin’s early years in America were marked by determination and adaptability. Unable to speak English, he found work cutting ice from the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa. This physically demanding job became his entry point into American society. Later, he secured employment at the Horace Patterson farm, where he not only worked but also learned to speak English, a skill that would prove invaluable throughout his life.

Return to Sweden and Family Life

A Promise Kept

In 1908, honoring a promise to his mother, Gunnar returned to Stockholm after five years in America. This return to his roots would lead to significant personal developments.

Marriage and Fatherhood

On April 6 (year unspecified), Tenglin married Anna Amelia Anderson. The couple welcomed their son, Gunnar, on January 16, 1911. This period in Sweden was brief but pivotal, setting the stage for Tenglin’s fateful journey back to America.

The Titanic Voyage

Embarking on a Historic Journey

In 1912, Tenglin decided to return to Burlington with his family. He purchased ticket #350033 in Copenhagen and traveled to Southampton, England, where he would board the Titanic. He shared his journey and cabin with fellow Swedish passengers August Wennerström and Carl Olof Jansson.

Life Aboard the Titanic

Tenglin’s recollections of the Titanic provide valuable insights into the third-class experience. He remarked that “third class on the Titanic was as good as first class on most other steamers,” highlighting the luxury that extended even to the lower-priced accommodations on this legendary vessel.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Tenglin retired to his berth around 8 o’clock. His vivid account of the moments following the collision with the iceberg offers a compelling firsthand perspective:

“We had just come back from a party. I was sharing a third-class compartment with a newsman and had just taken off my shoes to get to the bed when we felt the thud. I put on my jacket, leaving my shoes by my bunk and my life jacket under my pillow. I never returned for either.”

Rescue and Survival

Tenglin’s survival story is one of quick thinking and selflessness. He was rescued in lifeboat 13 or 15, but not before an act of chivalry. Initially entering the boat, he stepped out to allow a woman with children (possibly Elisabeth Johnson) to board. Finding room in another boat, he was able to secure his own escape.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Burlington

After being quartered at the Salvation Army’s cadet school in New York and receiving $25 from their aid committee, Tenglin made his way back to Burlington, arriving on April 24, 1912. He initially stayed with John Moberg on South Marshall Street before being reunited with his wife and young son.

Career and Community Life

Tenglin’s post-Titanic life in Burlington was marked by industriousness and adaptability. His career spanned various roles:

• Plant engineer at the old Showers Bros. Plant
• Gas-maker in the utilities plant
• Employee at the Burlington Railroad shops
• Millwright at J.I. Case (hired in 1937 as the company’s first employee in Burlington)

After 22 years with J.I. Case, Tenglin retired in 1959, having built a respected career and life in his adopted hometown.

Later Years and Legacy

Family Reunion

In a touching moment in 1972, 60 years after the Titanic disaster, Tenglin was visited by his brother Einar (79) and great-nephew Rune (32). This reunion highlighted the enduring connections to his Swedish heritage, even as Tenglin’s English had surpassed his native tongue.

A Life Well-Lived

Gunnar Isidor Tenglin passed away on February 6, 1974, at the age of 86 (eighty-six) in Burlington Memorial Hospital. His funeral, held at Prugh’s Chapel and conducted by Rev. Donald Turkleson, was a testament to his integration into the Burlington community. Tenglin was laid to rest in Aspen Grove cemetery, survived by his son, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Gunnar Isidor Tenglin’s life story, from Swedish immigrant to Titanic survivor to respected Burlington citizen, embodies the resilience and adaptability of many who sought new lives in America in the early 20th century. His firsthand account of the Titanic disaster provides valuable historical insights, while his long and productive life in Burlington showcases the contributions of immigrants to their adopted communities.