Halvor Egertson, 1851-1936

EGERTSON

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/31/2009 at 11:29:06

HALVOR EGERTSON PASSED AWAY

Halvor Egertson was born in Aal Hallingdal, Norway, on November 26, 1851. He was baptized, confirmed, and likewise married in the same church. He was wedded to Kristi Nestegaard, in 1876.

Believing that American could offer him better opportunities than Norway was giving him, Mr. Egertson, with his wife and their two children, Erick and Lars, immigrated to America in the spring of 1881. They landed in New York City and traveled westward until the reached their destination at Windom, Minnesota. After a brief stay there they then moved to Emmet county, Iowa. During the first years of their residence in this county, Mr. Egertson took good care of his fine family by working out for his neighbors. In the spring of 1888, Mr. Egertson purchased 80 acres in the 12 Mile Lake township. He paid $8.00 an acre for this piece of land. Later on he purchased 40 acres nearby at $16.00 an acre. This was Mr. Egertson's home for 30 consecutive years.

As old age was gradually coming on Mr. and Mrs. Egertson in March of 1918, eighteen years ago, they moved into Wallingford. Mrs. Egertson died in the summer of 1931.

Many will remember that Mr. Egertson, eight years ago this fall, became ill due to high blood pressure and kidney trouble. His illness was a prolonged one. For five months he was confined to his bed and at times appeared so weak that it seemed he might pass away at any moment. But month by month he gradually grew a little stronger. Considering his advanced age he was very active the the last years of his life.

Halvor Egertson, according to his own testimony, came to America as a worldly-minded man. God bestowed mercy upon him, converted him when he was 40 years old. Since that great experience in his life, Mr. Egertson lived as a consistent and happy christian.

His death came on Friday September 11th, 1936, at the noon hour. His departure was due to heart failure which seized him suddenly the night preceding his death. Had he lived until Thanksgiving Day he would have attained the age of 85 years.

The funeral was held on Monday, September 11th. A brief service was conducted at the home at 1:30 p.m. The main service was held at Riverside church, one mile east of Wallingford. This started at 2 p.m. Mr. Charles Anderson of the Mahlum & Anderson Funeral Home in Estherville directed the funeral. The Rev. Peter Nordsletten of Wallingford, assisted by the following, conducted the services: Rev. T. Hanson of Lakefield, Rev. G. O. Paulsrud of Randall, Ia.; Rev. A. Gaarde of Cylinder, Ia.; Rev. S. Strand of Wallingford; Carl Shaw of Estherville and J. O. Lasa of Wallingford. On behalf of the family the Rev. Hagbard Egertson of LaMoure, N. D., gave the closing remarks. Special musical numbers were given by Rev. A. Gaard, by Mrs. Ernest Egertson of Albert Lea, Minn., by Rev. and Mrs. P. Nordsletten and by a quartet composed of Mr. and Mrs. S. O. Lundy and Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Wolden. A group of grandsons sang at the home and also at the church. Lela Gunderson was the pianist.

Mr. Egertson leaves behind him to mourn his departure six children: Erick Egertson of Albert Lea, Minn., Lars, Gunda and Belle of Wallingford, Ia.; Mrs. Helen Gunderson of Estherville and Mrs. John A. Nelson of Iowa Falls. A son Stephen died in 1909.

The late Halvor Egertson was carried to the grave by six of his grandsons: LeRoy and Sherman Gunderson Estherville; Norton and John Nelson of Iowa Falls; Kermit and Lauritz Egertson of Albert Lea, Minn. Interment was in the Wallingford Lutheran cemetery.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; September 23, 1936.