Lewis John Iverson 1869-1934

IVERSON, JOHNSON, ELSENBAST, HERKE, HESTER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/18/2013 at 23:22:59

Pioneer, Victim of Pneumonia Dies Sunday
Lewis Iverson, one of the well known and highly esteemed pioneer citizens of Graettinger and the Graettinger community, passed away at his home in this city Sunday [April 1, 1934] evening at ten minutes to seven. Mr. Iverson had been ill for two weeks, suffering with pneumonia. He was given the best of medical aid and nursing care but his condition gradually grew worse and he passed away Sunday evening.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon. Services were conducted at the house at 1:30 and at the First Lutheran church at two o’clock. Many old friends and neighbors from Palo Alto and Emmet counties were in attendance at the last sad rites. Banks of beautiful flowers adorned the casket. From the church the long funeral procession wended its way to the beautiful, peaceful cemetery in High Lake township where many member of the Iverson pioneer family are buried. The remains of Louis Iverson was laid to rest by the side of his wife, who preceded him in death by a little over two years. The pall bearers were Baste Jacobon, J. A. Carlson, Ole Wicks, Oliver Osher, John Bondhus and Fred Masters.

Lewis John Iverson was born in High Lake township, Emmet county, Iowa, January 30, 1869. Deceased was 65 years of age last January. On February 15, 1895, Mr. Iverson was united in marriage at Emmetsburg, Iowa to Miss Ella Johnson of Osage, Iowa. The newly wedded couple made their home in High Lake township, locating on a farm adjoining the Iverson family homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Iverson resided on the farm until 1924 when they moved to Graettinger to reside, purchasing a cozy home here and enjoying a well earned rest. Mrs. Iverson passed away January 27, 1932.

Mr. and Mrs. Iverson were the parents of four children. They are Mrs. Edith Elsenbast, Mrs. Gladys Herke, Elmer Iverson and Mrs. Mable Hester. There are eight grandchildren. Mr. Iverson’s death is also mourned by five brothers. They are Andrew of Graettinger; John of Estherville; Iver of Fargo, North Dakota; Carl, of Chicago; and Martin of Reeder, North Dakota.

Mr. Iverson was always a hearty, rugged man until his injury May 27, 1927, when he was struck by a loading chute at the Rock Island depot in Graettinger. He suffered a fracture of the second vertebrae. For months his condition was serious and little hopes were entertained for his recovery. However, his remarkable physique manifested itself and, while he never overcame the effects of the injury, he was able to walk about and in time could easily make the journey from his home to the business section.

Mr. Iverson was a very fine gentleman and in his death Graettinger has lost one of its best citizens. He was a warm friend of the Times publisher and in his death we feel a deep personal loss. Friendships that have developed over the years are not easily severed. Mr. Iverson spent his entire life time in Graettinger and the Graettinger community. He was born but a few miles from here, in High Lake township, and he resided in that township for 55 years, moving to Graettinger 10 years ago. He not only witnessed the development and growth of this territory but he took an active and important part in it. He was a hard working man and never shirked a responsibility to his community. He and his good wife and family prospered and they were amply rewarded for their tireless efforts. Mr. Iverson was a good citizen. He was honest and upright in his business dealings, he always met his obligations promptly, fully realizing his duties to his fellow man. He had a cheerful, pleasant disposition and all who knew him admired him and soon learned to place a proper estimation on his true worth. He was a devout member of the Lutheran church and throughout life remained loyal to its teachings. He was an ideal husband, a kind, loving, thoughtful father, a true and sincere friend and one of the most obliging of neighbors. Our community has indeed lost one of its best citizens. The Times extends sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the son and daughters, to the grandchildren and to the sorrowing brothers in the loss they have been called upon to bear. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, April 5, 1934)