Marie Johnson Grodland 1857-1925

GRODLAND, JOHNSON, LARSON, ESPESET, MERKLIN, HELVIG

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/10/2013 at 22:23:11

Obituary Mrs. Grodland
Marie Johnson Grodland was born May 12th, 1857, near Manston, Wisconsin. As a small child she moved with her parents to Clinton, Iowa, where she lived until the year 1876. March 17, 1876, she was united in holy wedlock, to Mr. O. Bergeson Grodland. Shortly after their marriage they moved to North Dakota, residing there fifteen years. Then they moved to Iowa where they resided at their home in High Lake Township, Emmet County for twenty-five years. The last few years she has made her home with her children. She was the mother of nine children, five of whom survive her. They are M.O. Grodland of Graettinger, Ia.; Mrs. Ella Larson, near Estherville; Henry Grodland, DeKalb, Illinois; Mrs. Irene Espeset, Estherville; Walter Grodland, DeKalb, Illinois. Three sons having passed away in infancy and one daughter, Mrs. Gus Merklin, who passed away four years ago at Iowa Falls. She was the last of a family of three children. Her brother of DeWitt, Iowa, and sister, Mrs. Iver I. Helvig of Los Island Township. Both passed away several years ago.

Mrs. Marie Grodland was confirmed at the age of fifteen and thus became a member of the Lutheran church. She passed away at the home of her niece, Mrs. Hattie Usry at Sibley, Iowa, October 23, 1925. Being at the time of her death 68 years, 5 months and 11 days. The cause of her death was a stroke of apoplexy.

Funeral services were held at the home of her son, M.O. Grodland of Graettinger and at the Lutheran church, Graettinger, Iowa. A great host of relatives, friends, and neighbors were there to pay the last tribute to Mrs. Grodland. T. Hanson conducted the funeral services both at the home and church. A double quartette sang a beautiful song at the home and two songs at the church. Also accompanied the funeral procession to Lost Island Lutheran cemetery where they sang the beautiful hymn, “Jesus Saviour Pilot Me,” as the casket was lowered in the grave. The casket was laden with floral bouquets and wreaths given by the children and friends. Prof. S. Strand and Mr. J.M. Wolden who had known and been neighbor to Mrs. Grodland spoke kind and sympathetic words at the church services. Mrs. Grodland was loved by all who knew her. She was a quiet and loving mother who done all she could for her children, who mourn the loss and departure of her but God who loves, will for Jesus sake unite mother and children again in the Heavenly Home. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, November 4, 1925)