Norman Johnson 1889-1918

JOHNSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/10/2010 at 21:39:29

The Passing of N. Johnson
Valued Employee of Vindicator and Republican Dies in Iowa City Hospital
Had Been With Paper for Eighteen Years
From Office Boy to Foreman – A Conscientious Employee and Splendid Young Man

At a little after six o’clock Friday evening, April 26th, Death claimed the mastery of the struggle and life the wasted body of Norman Johnson, who had been in the state sanitarium at Iowa City for the past month for what was diagnosed to be tuberculosis. Death came very suddenly and the news was a great shock to his Estherville friends. His letters home indicted that he was on the gain, until Friday when a message was received by his brother stating that he was not feeling so well and that he and his mother had better come.

They at once got in readiness and left on the evening passenger for his bedside, but before they had gone far a telegram came announcing his death.

The body was brought to Estherville Sunday morning and the funeral was held from the residence and from the Norwegian church Tuesday afternoon. Interment was made in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery by the side of his father and sister.

There were many beautiful floral pieces and there was a large attendance of friends at the funeral to pay their last tribute to the departed.

Norman Johnson was born in Brookings, South Dakota, July 16, 1889, (came to Estherville with his parents March 9, 1890) and hence at the time of his death was only a little over twenty-eight years of age.

For more than eighteen years he had been a member of the Vindicator and Republican family, having worked himself up by faithful attention to his duties, from office boy to the foremanship of the plant, the position he held at the time of his resignation on account of failing health last January. He was, in a sense, a part of the Vindicator and Republican, and his untimely death will be deeply felt and mourned by all connected with the newspaper.

Norman was a splendid young man, kind hearted and faithful to every trust bestowed in him. He had no enemies, had no bad habits and in every way was an exemplary and Christian young man. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, Young People’s League and Choral Union. A little less than a year ago he lost his father and since then was the comfort and support of his mother and a little nephew, who with a brother, Peter Johnson, and a large number of other relatives and friends are left to mourn his death. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, May 1, 1918)

Norman Johnson Passes Away
Mr. Johnson Was One of the Old Time Printers of This City – On V.&R. 18 Years
Funeral Services Held Tues.
Passed Away at the Hospital at Iowa City Where He Had Been for Treatment

Mr. Norman Johnson, who died at Oakdale sanitorium, Oakdale, Iowa, April 26, 1918, was born at Brookings, S. Dak., July 16, 1889, and came with his parents to Estherville, Iowa, March 9, 1890. While yet attending school he began to learn the printer’s trade which he followed for about eighteen years. When a little more than 17 years old he was made foreman in the Vindicator and Republican printing office, which position he held until taken sick the latter part of January this year. March 29th he left home for Oakdale believing he would regain his health quicker there than at home; but God would otherwise.

Funeral services were held at the home and the Norwegian Lutheran church April 30 at 2 p.m. and interment made in the Oak Hill cemetery, Rev. J. J. Akre officiating.

Norman was an exemplary young man, considerate and self-sacrificing in all his ways. He always helped his parents and when his father died last summer he took his place in looking after the necessities of the home. He also took an active part in the church work, being a member of the Y.P.L. and choir of the Norwegian church of which he was a member. He leaves to mourn his departure his mother, Mrs. N.O. Johnson and brother, Peter Johnson, and a large number of relatives and friends. The sympathy of the entire community is with them in their sorrow. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, May 1, 1918)