Lewis Christopher 1858-1943

CHRISTOPHER, CHARLESON, JOHNSON, NEFSTEAD, OLSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/7/2013 at 01:19:10

L. Christopher Died Suddenly of Heart Attack
Funeral Was Held Sunday Afternoon
Lewis Christopher, 85, passed away Thursday, June 10, 1943, at 5:30 p.m. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vesta Nefstead, at Newton, following a heart attack suffered during mid-afternoon. Mr. Christopher had taken a short walk and shortly after returning to his daughter’s home he suffered the heart attack.

J. Emmet Martin, of Graettinger, was called and brought the remains to Graettinger to prepare them for burial. From the Graettinger Funeral Home the body was taken to the Christopher residence. Many friends called to extend sympathy. Banks of flowers surrounded the casket.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Methodist church, Graettinger. The Rev. Wm. G. Bohl, of Swea City, former pastor here, officiated. He was assisted by the Rev. A.R. Cuthbert, also a former local pastor. Many old friends and neighbors were in attendance at the services. The remains were laid to rest in the High Lake cemetery by the side of his wife who passed away in June, 1941. The pallbearers were Chris Martinson, Elmer and Lawrence Iverson, Frank Herke, John L. Johnson, and L.B. Rockne. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Martin Funeral Service, Graettinger.

Lewis Christopher was born in Leeds, Columbiana county, Wisconsin, May 9, 1858. He was the son of Amund and Betsy Johnson Christopher. In 1865 his parents came to Emmet county. Mr. Christopher was seven years of age at that time and we believe he was the last survivor of the caravan that came from Wisconsin that year.

On September 24, 1885, Mr. Christopher was united in marriage to Miss Julia Charleson. The ceremony was performed in Emmet county. The couple made their home in the High Lake vicinity for many years. In later life they moved to Graettinger where they subsequently made their home. Mr. Christopher was engaged in various lines of work until advancing years compelled him to retire.

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher were the parents of three daughters. Miss Cora Christopher resides here and is a teacher in the local schools; Mrs. Vesta Nefstead resides at Newton. A third daughter, Vera, passed away in 1926. There are two grandsons, Lewis Nefstead of the U.S. Air corps, and Paul Nefstead of Newton. Besides the daughters and grandsons mentioned, the death of Mr. Christopher is mourned by three brothers and a sister. The brothers are A.O. Christopher, of Caldwell, Idaho; Carl, of Arlee, Montana; and Oscar, of Conrad, Montana. The sister is Mrs. Bessie Olson, of Oakland, California.

Although Mr. Christopher had reached the ripe old age of 85 his death was a surprise and a shock to his many friends in Graettinger. On his 85th birthday anniversary, the 9th of May, he was the picture of health and remarked to friends that he felt exceptionally well. While he had not been ill the past months he declined quite a little in strength and endurance. His last birthday anniversary was a happy one and members of the family will remember this important event along with other pleasant memories associated with their father during the many years he was spared to them.

Mr. Christopher was one of the real pioneers of this section of the state. In his boyhood days he passed through the trials and hardships experienced by the early settlers of the Civil War period and the years that followed. He saw this section of Iowa develop from a prairie region to the highly productive farming and dairying community of the present time. He saw the development of the many fine advantages of today – such as good roads, fast transportation, the telephone, the railroads, the automobiles, and the era of modern air transport. He saw the development of the communities of this section. He was a resident of this locality for 29 years before the town of Graettinger was incorporated. Mr. Christopher was always willing to do his part in every community activity. He took a keen interest in the welfare of young people and enjoyed their friendship and companionship.

Mr. Christopher was a devoted husband and a kind and thoughtful parent. He and his loving wife enjoyed 56 years of married life together. It was heart breaking two years ago when Mrs. Christopher passed away. In the obituary of this fine old gentleman we wish to mention the loving care given the parents in the twilight years of their lives by the daughter, Miss Cora, who remained at home. Other members of the family were equally as thoughtful and considerate but death called one at an early age in life and responsibilities of her own home rested upon the other daughter. This devoted, loving and always considerate attention, is one of the finest qualities of life and carries with it its own reward.

The Times extends sympathy to the sorrowing daughters, the grandsons, the brothers and sister and other relatives. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, June 17, 1943)