Nels O. Johnson, 1851-1917

JOHNSON, OVERBEE, OVERBY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/10/2010 at 21:58:17

Nels O. Johnson Passes to Reward
Highly Respected Pioneer Citizen Dies Suddenly Monday Morning July Ninth

Nels O. Johnson, a highly respected citizen and resident of this city since 1890 died very suddenly at his home early Monday morning, July 9th, of hemorrhage of the brain.

Funeral services are to be held this afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Norwegian Lutheran church and interment made in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery. A wife and two sons, Norman and Peter, are left to mourn the death of a beloved husband and father.

Nels O. Johnson was born in Landa, Halsnoen, Norway, February 9, 1851, and hence was 66 years and 5 months old at the time of his death. On March 22, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Overbee, in Norway and that same year he and his wife came to this country and settled in Fort Dodge. A few years later they moved to Brookings, South Dakota where they resided until 1890 when they moved to Estherville where they have since made their home.

Mr. Johnson was a painter and paper hanger, and followed that trade for a livelihood. He was unassuming, but a good citizen, a kind husband and indulgent father. He was a man in the true sense of the word and will be missed in our community. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, July 11, 1917)

Nels O. Johnson, who has been a resident of our city since 1890 passed away at this home on North Ninth street on Monday last. Mr. Johnson has been in poor health since the first of the year and his decline has been more rapid of late. Death came sudden and unexpected, however, as he was up and about the home the night before and apparently feeling better.

Mr. Johnson was born in Landa Halsnoen, Norway, on the 9th day of February 1851. In 1890 [year he came to Emmet Co.] he came to this country and settled at Fort Dodge and from there moved to Brookings, S.D., until he moved to this city. On March 22nd he was united to Bertha Overby in Norway. To this union there was born two sons, Norman and Peter, both of whom still reside in this city. The services were held today from the Lutheran church, the Rev. T. J. Severtson officiating and the remains were laid to rest in the Oak Hill cemetery.

Mr. Johnson leaves to mourn his death a wife and two sons and a host of friends he has made in this city while following his trade. His dealing have at all times been such with his fellow man that with each business acquaintance a new friend was added to the list. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, July 11, 1917)