Tollef Johnson 1858-1941

JOHNSON, SHAGER, KELLY, KOSBAU, GEVING

Posted By: AMK (email)
Date: 3/9/2010 at 16:09:39

Well Known Citizen Passes Away, Aged 83

The death of Tollef Johnson, well known resident of this part of Allamakee County for nearly 70 years, occurred at his home in this city Friday afternoon, following a three weeks illness that terminated in a stroke a week before he passed away. Deceased was born at Birid, Norway, Nov. 12, 1858, and was nearing his 83rd birthday. When a youth of 15 he came with his brother Mathias to this country and made their home with an aunt residing east of Waukon, where he grew to manhood. On June 14, 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Shager in the Old West Paint Creek Church by the Rev. H.A Hartman. They established their home on a farm in Paint Creek Township where they resided for many years. Three daughters were born to them, Hulda and Jeanette Johnson and Mrs. Alma Kosbau, all resident of Waukon. Mrs. Johnson died July 2, 1929. On June 21, 1935 deceased was wedded to Mrs. Maude Kelley of this city, who survives. There are also six grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters, Bendik Johnson, who has attained the age of 87 years residing at the Aase Haugen Home near Decorah; Robert and Mrs. John Geving, Jefferson Township, and Mrs. Hans Vold of Waukon. A brother Mathias preceded him in death. Mr. Johnson was engaged in the general merchandise business here in an early day first as a partner with S.K. Kolsrud, then with Chas. Baxter, and latter with his brother in law, H.P. Halverson. He served for a number of years as rural mail carrier on route No. 3. For 18 years he was secretary of the Farmers Waukon Creamery Co., and this year he completed 29 years of service as assessor of Waukon. During late years he had carried on an insurance business. Mr. Johnson was a member of St.John's Lutheran Church, where funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon by the Rev. P.F. Kjorlaug, pastor. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery with Herbert Geving, Len Hansmeier, J.N. Johnson, J.R. Johnson, Ed Haehlen, and Alfred Baake serving as pallbearers. Relatives from a distance in attendance were Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Kelly, St.Paul. Mr. and Mrs Clyde Kelley, EauClaire, Wis., who remained until yesterday; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kelley, LaCrosse, Mrs. Clare Grefstad, son George, and daughter, Mrs. Clarence Helland, and Mrs. Emil Gjefle and daughter , Marilyn all of Bode, IA.

Democrat
Thurs 13 Nov 1941
Page 4 Column 3
63 Yr. No 46