Florence Osmundson, 1921-2010

OSMUNDSON, BARNESS, THORBJORNSEN, PETERSON, PARKS, GUSTAFSON, TURNER, COOPER, NESSA

Posted By: C. Diamond, IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 8/28/2014 at 09:16:17

Elgin Echo
Elgin, Fayette Co., Iowa
Wednesday, January 7, 2010
Page 8 column one

OBITUARY
FLORENCE OSMUNDSON

Florence Elizabeth (Barness) Osmundson, Volga, Iowa, formerly of West Union, January 19, 2010.

Florence Elizabeth (Barness) Osmundson, 88, Volga, Iowa, formerly of West Union, Iowa, died on January 19, 2010, at her daughter's home in Volga, Iowa, following a valiant battle with cancer surrounded by loving family. Florence was born on July 9, 1921, near Ossian, Iowa, to Ben and Betsy (Thorbjornsen) Barness. She was baptized and confirmed in the Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. She attended country school in the Ossian area. On June 19, 1942, Florence was united in marriage to Irvin Osmundson at one of the first weddings in Bethany Lutheran Church, rural West Union, Iowa. Five children were born to this union.

Florence and Irvin lived various places while Irvin was serving in the U. S. Army. When he was shipped to Germany, Florence moved back to live with her father until the war was over and Irvin returned. After the war, they farmed in the West Union area for many years before moving to the Wadena/Volga area where they farmed for several years. They later returned to West Union where she babysat for children in the area, which became very special to her.

Florence was active in her church serving in many areas. Her family was her highest earthly treasures. She was thankful for the personal faith of each one. She loved reading, crocheting, and enjoyed inspirational quotes. One of her favorites was "Silence cannot be quoted." She enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved making lefse, krumkake, rosettes and kumla. Gardening and flowers were very special to her. In January 1999, she moved to her apartment in Marilyn & Kent's home near Volga. She has lived there until the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin; her parents; four sisters; one brother and a granddaughter, Danielle.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Marilyn (Kent) Peterson, Volga, Dennis (Vicky) Osmundson, Calmar, Steve (Anne) Osmundson, Volga, Jeff (Becky) Osmundson, Volga, Julie (Lee) Parks, Somerset, WI. She leaves wonderful memories behind of her seventeen grandchildren, Janelle (Paul) Gustafson, MI, Tim (Heather) Peterson, MN, Scott (Sara) Peterson, Decorah, Darin Osmundson, MN, Joy (Luke) Turner, MN, Nate (Joni) Osmundson, MN, Andy (Sara) Osmundson, ID, Ryan (Jessica) Osmundson, MT, Kim (Ryan) Cooper, Elkader, Cory (Tracy) Osmundson, Volga, Eric Osmundson, Elkader, Robin Osmundson, MT, Peggy Osmundson, Volga, Jesse (Tabitha) Osmundson, Volga, Paul Osmundson, Boone, Adam Osmundson, Volga, Ellen Osmundson, Volga and one step-grandchild, Alison Parks, MN. She will also be missed by 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Ralph Barness and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be sent to Heart of Iowa Hospice in West Union, Iowa, or Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 10:30 am at the Bethany Church, rural Ossian, Iowa. The Rev. Marshall Nessa will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Bethany Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2010, from 4-7 pm at the Schutte - Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa, and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Schutte - Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.