Emma Johnson Solmonson 1869-1961

SOLMONSON, JOHNSON, TAYLOR

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 2/22/2012 at 23:54:16

Resident of County 72 Years Dies
Mrs. Solmon (Emma) Solmonson, 91, well known resident of Swan Lake Township and Estherville since 1888, died today at 12:45 a.m. at her home, 909 4th Ave. N. Mrs. Solmonson had been in failing health for the past few years and seriously ill since Nov. 28,1960. Cause of death was complications of advanced age.

She was born Sept. 3, 1869 at Seneca, Ill., the daughter of Hans and Anna Johnson. Two years later her parents moved to Lee County, Ill., and it was there that Mrs. Solmonson attended school and grew to womanhood.

On July 8, 1886, she was married to Solmon Solmonson in Lee County, Ill., and in 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Solmonson moved to farm in Swan Lake Township, now operated by their son, Orvie Solmonson. In 1926 they moved from the farm to Estherville and lived here until 1932 when they returned to the farm. Following Mr. Solmonson’s death in 1933, Mrs. Solmonson stayed on the farm until 1938 when she moved back to Estherville. Since that time she had continued to live here.

She was a member of the Estherville Lutheran Church, having served as president and treasurer of he women’s organization of the church in early days when it was known as the Ladies Aid. She also was a charter member of the Midway Country Club and belonged to a sewing club after moving to town.

Mrs. Solmonson is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Retta Lavina Taylor, and three sons, Harvey, Orval and Albert, all of Estherville; 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. A sister, Jane Johnson, lives at Moline, Ill.

Preceding Mrs. Solmonson in death were her husband, a son, Lawrence; her parents, two brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services are to be Monday. A family service will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Estherville Lutheran Church followed by a service for friends at 3 pm., the Rev. Edward Ulseth officiating. Burial will be in the East Side cemetery.

Six grandsons, Fancis,Wayne, Ernest and Donald Solmonson, Orval Taylor and Alan Solmonson will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may call at the Sternborg –Reese Funeral Home from Sunday forenoon until 11 a.m. Monday at which time the body will be taken to the church to lie in state until time of services. The casket will not be opened after the service. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, January 21, 1961)