Karen M. Schafer 1852-1937

SCHAFER, BERTELSON, GILBERTSON, HAUG, MARTINSEN, ELLEXSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/16/2012 at 00:15:52

Lansing, Ia. - Funeral services for Mrs. Valentine Schafer, 84, will be held at the Norwegian Lutheran church Friday afternoon with the Rev. R.H. Warberg officiating. Mrs. Schafer died Tuesday evening after a short illness which resulted in a flu congestion.

As Karen Marie Bertelson, she was born in Ulelos, Norway, July 9, 1852. In 1872 she with her parents and five sisters came to America. Two brothers had preceded them here. They settled in Lansing and this has since been her home.

She was married to Valentine Schafer in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer were the parents of six children. He died in March, 1929.

Before coming to America Mrs. Schafer was confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran church and transfered her membership to the Lansing church. She was a charter member of the Norwegian Ladies' Aid, organized more than 50 years ago.

She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Mary Gilbertson, Mrs. Bertha Haug, Mrs. Norman Martinsen and Miss Genette Schafer; two sons, Fred and John; and four grandchildren, all of Lansing; an a number of nieces and nephews. Casket bearers will be near relatives. John and Fred Schafer, Thomas and Harris Gilbertson, Norman Martinson and Adolph Ellexson. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery.

~La Crosse Tribune and Leader Press, Thursday, January 7, 1937 (Lansing column)