Torkelson, Johanna (Benson) 1860-1934

TORKELSON, BENSON, LEUCHTENMACHER, SHEELY

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 3/28/2013 at 19:25:27

Mrs. Halvor Torkelson, one of the old settlers of the Highland community, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Roy Leuchtenmacher, near Elgin, on Saturday, June 8, at the age of seventy-three years, seven months and twenty-five days. Mrs. Torkelson had not been very well for the past few years. After she had had an operation on her eyes in 1924, it has been quite difficult for her to get about. In the last half year she has been in considerable pain, and though up and about a part of the time, she had been gradually failing, but death came suddenly, without any warning on Saturday morning as she sat in a chair after having been at the breakfast table and had eaten quite heartily.

Mrs. Torkelson, nee Johanna Benson, was born near Goteborg, Sweden, October 14, 1860. On Sept. 11, 1885, she left Sweden for America, coming to New York. She spent two years at Dunkirk, N.Y., then came to Elkader, Iowa. In 1892, she was married to Halvor Torkelson of Clayton county and they settled on the farm that was to be their home for the greater part of their lives near the Highland Lutheran church.

To them were born five children, two of whom preceded their mother in death, namely, Beda Rosida, who died at the age of 14, and the one son, Levin Brynolf, who died in infancy. At the death of her husband in March, 2 years ago, she moved to her daughter Hilda's home where she has since resided.

There live to mourn her death the three daughters, Hilda Lenchtenmacher of Elgin, Mrs. Minnie Sheely and Lavina Torkelson of Chicago. Of a large family of 12, only two brothers remain, namely, August Benson of Elkader and John Benson of Chicago, besides them there are many other relatives and friends who will greatly mourn the death of their dear friend and neighbor.

Mrs. Torkelson was a charter member of the Highland Lutheran church, and was always active in all its work. A loyal church member and a devout christian, she calmly put her trust in the Grace in Christ Jesus and only with joy thought of the time she should bid the earth farewell and go Home to God.

The funeral services were held from the home of the daughter, Mrs. Roy Leuchtenmacher, on Tuesday, June 12, and from the Highland Lutheran church with interment in the family burial lot beside the church. The pastor, Rev. G. Gunsten, officiated. Blessed be her memory.

~Elgin Echo, June 21, 1934