Embretson, Ole 1822 - 1912

EMBRETSON, RAMSTAD, LARSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/13/2023 at 11:18:09

Elkader Register, Thur., 28 mar. 1912.

At his old home in Wagner township on Friday, March 15th, occurred the death of Ole Embretson at the ripe old age of 89 years and 5 months. The subject of this sketch was born in Eggedal, Norway, Sept. 22nd, 1822, which was his home until he emigrated to this country. On April 26th, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Gora Larson Ramstad. She was a sister to Mr. Hilge Larson, one of the first settlers here and for many years a resident of McGregor, Iowa. In 1850 the young couple emigrated to this country and they have made their home here ever since. Together they built up a good comfortable home in common with the early settlers. They did not have much else but their own willing hands and good health, but they succeeded and in course of time they were well off. They were the parents of 11 children, 7 of whom are living: Embret, of St. Olaf; Lars, for many years a resident of Montana; Knut, of St. Olaf, but who now owns a farm here and farmed until last fall, when he moved to town; Henry, on the old farm and with whom the old folks lived and were well taken care of until their death; Otto, living at Riceville on a farm; Louie, the youngest of the family, at present living on his brother, Knut Embretson's arm, and Johanna, the only one of the girls living, now Mrs. L. Larson, lives in Fosston, Minn. Anna, the oldest of the girls, died about 20 years ago and Gunild, the youngest, who was married to Jacob Larson, died in Wagner township about 6 years ago. The other two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Embretson were both of a happy and social disposition and it was a pleasure to visit at their home in the olden days. They enjoyed the esteem and respect of their friends and neighbors. All went well with them for many years until failing health and sickness came. Mrs. Embretson was for many years an almost helpless invalid from rheumatism, being confined to her chair, without being able to get around alone, for a period of 15 years or more, before death came to her relief four years ago. During all these years Mr. Embretson did his best to comfort and take care of her. Mr. Embretson was a hard working man all his days and the habit clung to him to the very last. He enjoyed good health and was always at work, although he was very deaf, and there are very few who at his age could get around as well as he.

In the death of Mr. Embretson Wagner township loses one of its oldest citizens and early settlers. He has seen this country grow up to what it is today and has seen many changes from the beginning up to now. About three weeks ago, or more, he contracted a cold and that, together with his old age, developed into sickness, which resulted in his death, On March 15th, when the tired old pioneer closed his eyes, he died in the faith and hope that he might be saved and enter into the kingdom of God and be again united with those who had gone before him. On Monday, March 18th, a large gathering of friends and relatives came to pay their last respects and follow him to the church, to take a last look at the friendly and familiar face of the old pioneer, who was then carried to his last resting place, the old Norway cemetery, where, beside his wife, he is now at rest, free from all troubles and sorrows. Rev. Arveson preached the funeral sermon.