Torger T. Lerdall, 1842-1926

LERDALL

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/14/2009 at 17:47:57

T. T. LERDALL PASSED AWAY ON THURSDAY

Had Been Ill For Some Time With Asthma

Lived at the Home of His Son, Torger J. Lerdall on West Side--Funeral Saturday

After an illness of more than a year T. T. Lerdall passed away at his home on the west side early last Thursday morning [Jan. 7, 1926]. His death was caused from asthma. Constant care and devoted attention have been given him and everything possible was done to prolong his life but the weakened condition of his body soon brought about his death. T. T. Lerdall was born in Lyster, Norway December 21, 1842. Hw emigrated to this country in 1868 and settled at Madison, Wisconsin where he resided a few years until coming to Winneshiek county, Iowa. He followed his occupation of farming there until 1874 when he came to Emmet county and settled on a farm in Swan Lake township. In 1871 he was married to Miss Margaret Wood at Madison, Wisconsin. Four children were born to them, all of whom survive their parents. They are Mrs. Gunder Winterton, of Sioux Falls, So. Dak.; Mrs. C. H. Knapp, of Brazil, Ind.;A. T. Lerdal, real estate dealer at Ames, Iowa, and Torger J. Lerdall, mail carrier, of this city. Throughout his life Mr. Lerdall followed the farming occupation. While yet a young man he united with the Norwegian Lutheran church, having been confirmed in it faith while yet in his native land. He has remained true to the creed of his church all these years and it can truly be said that his was a blessed death. His first thoughts were always of others and he was ever ready to serve his neighbors and friends. His home life was happy and peaceful and by his pleasant, unassuming way he made the friendship all who knew him.. In his business dealings he was honest and fair, never trying to get ahead of someone else by using dishonest means. He is a pioneer resident of this county and received his share of the difficulties and troubles while helping to build up his home. He endured many hardships but always placed his faith in someone higher and mightier than the human power and was able to survive these hardships. Now that the last chapter of his life has been finished and he has passed into a world of which we know very little, the recollection and memory of him is all we have to keep with us but it is one that will long linger with all who knew him.

Besides his children he is survived by one brother and four sisters: Herman T. Lerdall, of Madison, Wis.; Mrs. Emily Beyer, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Olaf Johnson, of Carlisle, Mont.; Mrs. Sarah Woolcutt, of Estherville and Mrs. O. Hanson, of Spencer, eighteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His wife passed away several years ago. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock at the Estherville Lutheran church, Rev. L. A. Mathre, of this city, and Rev. Hansen and Professor Strand, of Wallingford, officiating. Pallbearers were Anfin Egeland, P. S. Anderson, L. S. Berg, Andrew Anderson, Ole Myhre and Martin Anderson. Interment was made in Swan Lake cemetery beside the body of his wife. The sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved family and relatives in their hours of profound sorry and grief.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 13, 1926.