Mary Anderson Vestrem 1855-1925

VESTREM, ANDERSON, OSMUNDSON, OSMUNDSEN, EGGELSTON, WEAVER, MILLER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/31/2010 at 22:44:46

Mrs. Andrew H. Vestrem

Mary Anderson Vestrem was born near Christiana, Norway, on February 25, 1855. When she was about twenty years old she came to America and lived at Waukon, Iowa. At the age of twenty two she married Andrew H. Vestrem at Bode, Iowa. Shortly after her marriage she settled near Emmetsburg where she lived till 1902 when she moved to Estherville.

Twelve children were born to this family, nine of whom are living, as follows: Harry Vestrem, Lewistown, Montana; Oscar, Milwaukee, Wis.; Mrs. Harry Osmundson, Mrs. Mable Weaver, Andrew Vestrem and Mrs. Lena Miller, all of Estherville; George, Sibley, Iowa; Edward, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mrs. Mae Eggleston, Mankato, Minn. These together with their aged father, grieve the loss of a mother and wife.

Mrs. Vestrem, according to the prevailing custom, was confirmed in the Lutheran church of Norway in early life. She remained faithful to her vows all her days. She was familiar with the hymn book and the Bible and from these drew largely for her comfort and encouragement through life. In the rearing of a large family toil was her daily lot, and her reward is that she is enshrined in the love of her children and husband.

For some time past she has not been strong and has been living with her children. About the middle of September she came to Mrs. Osmundsons and on the 26th took to her bed and rapidly declined. She passed away on October 12 at the ripe age of 71 years.

The funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Osmundson, at Estherville on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 14, 1925)

Mrs. Andrew Vestrem Died Monday Morning
Had Been Ill For Two Weeks – Came Here From Sibley to Spend the Winter

Mrs. Andrew H. Vestrem passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Osmundson, in this city early Monday morning. Mrs. Vestrem came here from Sibley in September to spend the winder with her daughter in this city. Two weeks ago she became ill and was confined to her bed all the time. Her old age helped to hasten her death. She was given every care and attention that it was possible for a devoted family to give her, but it did not help her in her battle against death. Mary Anderson Vestrem was born February 25, 1855, in Norway. When she was a young lady of twenty years she left her native land and came to the United States to take advantage of the opportunities of this country. She came to Alamakee county where she met her husband and they were married in the spring of 1877. After their marriage they moved to Palo Alto county where they resided until twenty-five years ago when they moved to Estherville. Mr. Vestrem followed the carpenter trade. Five years ago they left Estherville and since that time lived at Mankato, Minn., and Sibley. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vestrem, nine of whom survive their mother. They are: Harry, of Lewistown, Mont., Oscar, of Milwaukee, Wis., George of Sibley, Edward of Minneapolis, Mrs. May Eggelston, of Mankato, Minn., and Mrs. Frank Weaver, Mrs. Harley Miller, Mrs. John Osmundson and Andrew Vestrem, all of Estherville, Mrs. Vestrem became very well known to Estherville people during her residence here. She was a good hearted and kind woman and always tried to live in accordance with her high ideals. She was a wonderful mother and a devoted wife. Her children always found in her a real comrade and pal and a person who was a great consolation and comfort in times of sorrow as well as a partaker in their joys and comforts. Her place in the home can never be filled and her absence from the church and social affairs of this community as well as her home will be greatly noticed. Funeral services are to be held this (Wednesday) afternoon from the Osmundson home in this city The sympathy of the community is extended the bereaved relatives and family. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, October 14, 1925)