James Martinius Refsell 1860-1926

REFSELL, OSHER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/16/2013 at 17:11:45

Obituary of James Martinius Refsell
James Martinius Refswell was born in Modum, Norway, July 31, 1860, son of Ole and Mary Paulson Refsell. He was baptized in the Lutheran church and faith at Modum, Norway. Emigrating to this country with his parents in 1866 and came first to Emmet County, Iowa, where they homesteaded on the land which afterwards was called the old Refsell home southeast of Wallingford. Here on this homestead Mr. Refsell grew up to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he rented a farm of his own. In the month of November 1866 [1886] he was joined in holy wedlock to Miss Anna Osher who was born in Dane County, Wis., a daughter of Nels and Ingeborg Osher. This union was blessed with two children, one boy and one girl. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Refsell purchased a farm in high lake township thus becoming the owner of two hundred and forty acres which is now splendidly improved. He lived upon that first farm until 1900 when he sold the property and invested in two hundred and forty acres of Section 16 twelve mile lake township. On this farm the family lived for two years. He then bought another farm on Section One in the same township comprising 187 acres on which he lived and improved until the year 1915 when he retired from the farm and built a fine home in Wallingford where he has lived until his departure. He was president of the Farmers Savings Bank, Wallingford, Iowa, from time of its foundation 1902, and Farmers Elevator Company of 1906. Mr. Refsell was taken sick last winter and doctored for a long period until the local doctors thought it best to go to the Rochester Clinic for a thorough examination and at that institution it was found that his condition was serious. His main ailment being cancer of the stomach. Coming back from Rochester he caught a severe cold which also tended to weaken his physical condition so from that time he has been confined entirely to his bed. Mr. Refsell took his sickness and all cheerfully as a good Christian who confided in his Saviour Jesus Christ and left his soul and his body in his hand. If, of any, it can be said, he lived as a Christian and died as a Christian, it can be said of Mr. Refsell. He passed away Monday morning, April 19th, at 2:00 and was at the time of his death 65 years, 8 months and 19 days of age.

Those to mourn the loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather and brothers; wife, Mrs. Anna Refsell, son Oscar N. Refsell, Estherville, and daughter, Emma Refsell, Wallingford, and grandchild, Helen Ann, and three brothers, O.O. Refsell, I.S. Refsell of Wallingford, and P.O. Refsell, of Worthington, Minn.

Funeral services were held both from the Refsell home and the church on Wednesday, April 21st. The funeral services were conducted by T. Hanson and assisted by Rev. G.O. Paulsrud, Randal, Iowa; who formerly for 18 years was the pastor of the Refsell family; Rev. L.A. Mathre, Estherville; Prof. Strand. Pallbearers: Lewis B. Osher, Nels O. Osher, Dr. B.T. Osher, Ole Refsell, Conrad Refsell, Lloyd Refsell, of Worthington, Minn. A great host of friends had met up from far and near to pay their last respect to Mr. Refsell. The casket was laden with bouquets and wreaths given by relatives and friends. The choir sang some beautiful songs for the funeral both at the house and church and at the cemetery. Mr. Refsell was a kind hearted man ready at any time to help and assist his fellowmen and especially did he take the heaviest load in supporting the work of the Lord in the church. He will be greatly missed by the congregation and most of all his own home where he was loving husband and father. But what is the home’s, the community’s and the congregation’s loss is his gain, so we bow our head and say to God “Thy will be done.” The memory of Mr. Refsell will linger long in the hearts of all who knew him. May God through Jesus Christ give the right consultation to the bereaved family, both wife and children, brothers and relatives. Let our prayers be that we will be joined with him in the heavenly home when our lives here below is ended. – T. Hansen. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, April 28, 1926)