Sarah E. Brown Oleson 1873-1925

OLESON, BROWN, JONES

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/23/2010 at 22:15:58

Mrs. O. A. Oleson Passed Away Last Sunday [October 11, 1925]
Had Been Ill For Some Time – Died At Iowa City
A Pioneer Resident Here
Remains Brought Here for Burial – Funeral Tomorrow – Burial in Oak Hill
The community was surprised and grieved Monday to learn of the death of Mrs. Ole A. Oleson at the University Hospital at Iowa City. Mrs. Oleson had been in poor health for several years but never complained of her ailments. She bore her suffering in silence and never burdened others with her troubles. She made a brave fight against death and it was only her determination that helped her survive her many spells of sickness. Three weeks ago she went to Iowa City accompanied by her husband, to secure assistance from the doctors there. Before they arrived at Iowa City she became very ill and from that time on her condition became gradually worse. After arriving at Iowa City she went into a sound sleep that lasted for forty hours. When she awakened she was given every attention and care possible by the nurses and doctors at the hospital but her condition was beyond help. Death came peacefully Sunday night as a relief to many years of pain and misery. Sarah Brown Oleson was born April 18, 1873, on a farm just outside the Estherville city limits. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Brown, pioneer residents of Emmet county. Her early education was received in the Estherville schools. On August 23, 1890, she was united in marriage with Ole A. Oleson. They continued to make there home in Estherville where Mr. Oleson followed the carpenter trade. Two sons, Carl and Bruce, were born to them, both of whom survive their mother. Mrs. Oleson has lived a life that has been of service and usefulness to others. She was always willing to help care for others, many times imperiling her own health and strength by so doing. She was a great reader and always had first hand knowledge of what was going on in the political world. She was active in the various Women’s Clubs of the city and her absence from them will be greatly noticed. For six weeks prior to her death she had almost lost the entire use of her eye sight and after she got to Iowa City she became totally blind. This was perhaps the only trouble she ever complained of as it proved a great handicap to her. No matter when you met her she was always cheerful and optimistic and greeted you with a smile. Her many friends in this city will miss her very much. Besides her husband and sons, she is survived by three brothers, Dory, of near Williston, N. Dak., and Bert and James, of Bronson, Iowa, besides many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and a brother. Funeral services will be held from the Oleson home, at the corner of Walnut and Fifth streets, Thursday afternoon in charge of the Rebekah lodge, of which Mrs. Oleson was an active member. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved relatives in their hours of sorrow and darkness. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, October 1, 1925)

Obituary of Mrs. Ole Oleson
Sarah E. Brown was born April 18, 1873, at Estherville, Iowa. She grew o womanhood in this vicinity, receiving her education in the public schools here. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Brown.

On August 23, 1890, she was united in marriage with Ole A. Oleson. They have always made Estherville their home. To this union were born two sons, Carl and Bruce.

Mrs. Oleson has long been active in community affairs, fraternal organizations, and was active in the women’s work of the Presbyterian church.

She is survived by her husband, two sons and three brothers. The brothers are Geo. M. Brown of Arnegard, No. Dak.; L. B. and J. O. Brown, of Bronson, Iowa. She was preceded in death by one brother, Ira E. Brown, and a sister, Mrs. Mary M. Jones.

The funeral services were conducted at the home Thursday afternoon, October 15, in charge of Rev. W. F. Huxford of the Baptist church. Interment was made in the East Side Cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 21, 1925)