Birgit (Betsey) Olson Refsell, 1863-1927

REFSELL, OLSON

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/6/2009 at 22:40:38

MRS. O. O. REFSELL

Mrs. Birgit O. Refsell, nee Olson, was born in Gol, Hallingdal, Norway on Sept. 4, 1863, where she was baptized and confirmed. She immigrated to America, together with her sister, Mrs. James Johnson of Inwood, in the spring of the year 1883, and came to Estherville to make her home with her sister, Mrs. K. R. Hougan of Terril.

On July 18, 1889, she was united in marriage to O. O. Refsell by J. O. Kasa, then pastor at Wallingford. To this union five children were born, four boys and one girl. One of the sons, Morris, died in early childhood.

Mr. and Mrs. Refsell lived on the Refsell homestead in High Lake township until the year 1893 when they moved to Estherville where Mr. Refsell held the office of County Treasurer for a term of eight years. Since that time they have lived on their farm, and then in Wallingford.

Two years ago Mrs.. Refsell suffered a gallstone attack, but after a month's illness she recovered and had been feeling in good health since. On Dec. 16, she was suddenly taken ill, and died early Monday morning, Dec. 27 [1927] at the age of 63 years. She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Olga, and sons, Conrad, Martin, and Lloyd, who lives in St. Paul. Sisters are Mrs. O. L. Rustad, Mrs. Edwin Osher, both of Wallingford and Mrs. James Johnson of Inwood.

Pallbearers at the funeral which was held Dec. 29, included L. C. Rustad, Nels Osher, Edward Hanson, Conrad Hanson, Lloyd Olson and Clarence Olson. The choir at the Riverside church sang several beautiful numbers at both the church and cemetery.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Estherville News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 7, 1927.