Ole L. Rema 1851-1940

REMA, SWAIN, JEGLUM, EVANSON, LEIKVOLD, HALVERSON, STRAND, BRYSON, HESLA, SKINNER, CHRISTIANSON, PEDERSON, CAYTON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/24/2012 at 07:46:41

Source: Waukon Democrat, Thursday, 15 August, 1940.

The not unexpected death of Ole L. Rema occured Monday afternoon at his home in Center Township, for the infirmities of age had gradually encroached upon his sturdy constitution and his failling health was fully realized by the family circle and acquaintances throughout his home neighborhood.

He was unquestionably the oldest born resident of this county, where he had resided his entire life. He would have reached the age of 89 years had he lived until October 3, for that was the date of his birth in 1851 in the log cabin of his parents in Paint Creek township. They were natives of Norway and were numbered among the rugged Scandinavian pioneers who came direct from their native land and settled in Allamakee county.

Mr. Rema had a vivid memory and in a reminiscent mood could recall that in the pioneer days he experienced all farm work was done with oxen, and it took a year to break 120 acres of new land. Brown sugar was used entirely in that early day and the only sauce was made of dried apples. There were no convenient mills to grind the flour and bread was made from ground corn and potato mush.

Farming became his livelihood and upon attaining his majority he came into possession of the family homestead in Center township which was his home until his death.

Mr. and Mrs. Rema were married at the Old East Paint Creek church on August 19, 1871, by the Rev. O. J. Hjort. Her maiden name was Bertha Swain. She came to Center township from Norway when a child. They became the parents of five children; Mrs. Gilbert Jeglum, Paint Creek township; Mrs. Oscar Evanson, Taylor township; Leonard and John of Center township, and Mrs. Gilbert Leikvold, who died in 1920. Death summoned the wife and mother on April 12, 1936. There are nineteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Leonard Leikvold, who was but a babe when his mother died, was reared by his grandparents.

Mr. Rema is the only survivor of four sisters and a brother, the latter dying in infancy. The sisters were Mmes. Paul Halverson, Andrew Strand, John S. Bryson, and Stengrin Hesla, later married to David Skinner.

Mr. Rema was an ardent Democrat and gave that party his counsel and support. During his active years he served the county as a capable member of the board of supervisors. He also served his school district as a director for 13 years, and as a churchman was trustee of the Old East Paint Creek church for years. He was widely known throughout the county and his sterling qualities which he displayed in his social and business relations gained him a high place in the regard and good will of his neighbors and friends.

Funeral services take place this Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the late home of the deceased and at two o'clock at Old East Paint Creek church, conducted by the Rev. A. P. Lea. Burial will follow in the nearby cemetery, the casket bearers selected being three sons-in-law, Gilbert Jeglum, Oscar Evanson and Gilbert Leikvold, and three nephews, James Bryson, Carl Christianson and Gabriel Pederson. Four granddaughters, Clarice Leikvold, Grace Cayton, Emeline Rema and Charlotte Evanson will serve as flower girls.
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Note: There was an accompanying photo but it did not reproduce well.
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Contributor is a GGG-Grandson of Ole L. Rema's father, Lars O. Rema, and encourages all other descendants to contact him by E-mail to the above address.
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