Arvesen, N. Rev. 1857 - 1924

ARVESEN, ANFINSON, LEE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/12/2017 at 19:58:38

Elkader Register, Thur., 14 Feb. 1924. Local News Notes column.

It is with deepest regret that we chronicle the death of Rev. N. Arveson (properly spelled Arvesen), the beloved pastor of Norway church, at his home in St. Olaf Monday shortly after noon. He had been in poor health for some time. The funeral services will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 12:00 o'clock noon at the home and at 1:00 o'clock p.m. at Norway church. His people have lost a devoted pastor and friend, the community a loyal Christian citizen of the highest type.
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Elkader Register, Thur., 21 Feb. 1924. Extracted from a newspaper column and a half obit mainly detailing his various areas served.

Rev. N. Arvesen was born in Indre Arne, Osteren Bergen, Norway, May 3rd, 1857, and died in St. Olaf, Iowa, Feb. 11th, 1924, aged 66 years, 9 months and 8 days.

It was as a boy of 16 years of age that he came to this country, making his home with his uncle, Andrew Lee, at Lisbon, Ill. In the fall of 1876 he entered Luther College, remaining there 4 years. He continued his studies of Theology at Capitol University, Columbus, Ohio, receiving the degree Candidatus Theolo____ in 18__ (Looks like 1883.) Upon a call to the pastorate at Rowe, Ill., he was ordained to the Holy Ministry on July 2, 1883 at Chicago. Before taking up his work as Pastor he was united in marriage to Brita S. Anfinson at Big Canal church.

Areas Served:

St. James, Minn., 1886 - 1889.
Baldwin, Wis., and vicinity, 1889 - 1892.
Chicago, Ill., Zion church, 1892 - 1894.
Arendale, Minn., North Prairie and Affiliated Congregations, 1894 - 1904.
St. Olaf, Iowa, Norway Lutheran church 1904 - 1924.

The eleven churches that Rev. Arvesen has built in his different parishes all bear silent testimony of the worker that spared not himself but freely and fully gave himself to the welfare of the church. For the past several years Rev. Arvesen has been in failing health. He read his resignation Jan. 13, to the Marion Congregation, none thought it was to be his final message to his dear parishoners.

Rev. Arvesen leaves to mourn his departure his faithful wife; seven sons and one daughter, Adolph, of Madison, Minn.; Nels, of Fergus Falls, Minn.; Clarence, of Echo, Minn.; Alma, at Home; Gerhard, of Clementsville, N.D; Henry, of Hartland, Minn.; Alfred, of Pittsburg, Kan.; Ernest, now a student at Luther College; and ten grandchildren.

The funeral of Rev. N. Arvesen was held Friday, Feb. 15th, at 12 o'clock at the house and 1 p.m. at the church. The seven sons of the deceased acted as pall bearers. Special music was rendered by both the Marion and Norway choirs. Many were the Reverends who contributed during the services and burial. The floral offerings were profuse, among them was a spray of ten rosebuds from the ten little grandchildren, also there were designs from his former congregations. Burial was in Norway cemetery.

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Anfin Anfinson, Clara Anfinson, Albert Anfinson and Sander Anfinson, all of Decorah; Andrew Anfinson of Valley City, N.D.; Bennie Asmundson of Locust, Iowa; Mrs. Danielson of Fountain, Minn.; Mrs. Knut Fossum of Peterson, Minn.; Mrs. Benson and Mrs. Lodahl of Peterson, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Carl H__stad of Wheeland; Mrs. Ole Allen and Mr. and Mrs. V. L. Gilje of Elkader.