Hia, Ivar J. (1862-1949)

HIA, BERGELAND, MORTVEDT, ANDERSON, WIERSON, BUCKELS, SKEIE, BIRKETVET

Posted By: Colleen Ossman (email)
Date: 7/27/2007 at 11:28:01

Iver J. Hia Died Tuesday Last Week

Iver J. Hia, pioneer Scott township farmer, died Tuesday evening of last week, August 23, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ben Mortvedt, east of Randall, at the age of 87 years. He had been in failing health for several years but bedfast only since last March. Death resulted from ailments incident to his age.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at North St. Petri Church in Scott Township, of which he was a member. Burial was in the Mamreland cemetery. The service at the church at 2 o’clock was preceded by a 1:30 service at the Ben Mortvedt home. Rev. Bringle conducted the service; Rev. G. O. Paulsrud also spoke. Rev. Bringle sang one of Mr. Hia’s favorite hymns at the home. Kathleen Hia sang “Softly and Tenderly” at the church; Luther Paulsrud sang “Den Store Hvide Flob”.

Iver J. Hia was born at Aardal, Norway, March 17, 1862, and passed away after a lingering illness at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ben Mortvedt, August 23, 1949 at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 5 days. He came to America in May 1883 at the age of 21 years and was employed at Leland and Earlville, Ill.

In 1890, he returned to Norway and was united in marriage to Anna Olava Bergeland, July 11, 1891. One child, Anna Malina, was born to them while in Norway. They returned to America in May 1893, living on a farm northeast of Ellsworth a short time, later settled on a farm in Scott twp. Northeast of Randall, and for the past 20 years has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Ben Mortvedt.

The deceased was the son of Maliva (Mallin) and John Hia of Aardal, Norway. He was one of eleven children.

Mr. Hia was active in the community in which he lived, having served for a number of years as Scott Twp. Trustee and president of the rural public and parochial schools.

During the last years of his life, Mr. Hia stayed very close to home and found much comfort and help from the bible and in which he marked his favorite verses. He was a firm believer in laymen’s activities in the church and in his earlier years took an active part in the work of the Inner Mission Society. While confined to bed the past year he often quoted his favorite bible verses and affirmed faith in his Savior.

He was preceded in death by his wife who passed away Nov. 16, 1910 and a son, John, who died July 9, 1947. He leaves to mourn his departure seven children: Anna Anderson of Ames, Alice Mortvedt of Story City, Lulu Wierson of Roland, Olava Buckels of Jewell, Obert of Des Moines, Selmer of Story City, and Arnold of Webster City. Also 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Mrs. Ellen Skeie, and Mrs. Martha Birketvet of Norway.

Pallbearers were Omer Knutson, Willie Henderson, O.S. Charlson, Carter Sparboe, Arthur Carpenter, and O.A. Mortvedt.

Memorial gifts were given to the following: Randall Bible School, Riverside Bible Camp, Riverside Chapel Fund, Ebenezer Home, Hauge Intermission and Jewish Mission.

Card of Thanks

We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the expressions of sympathy and of many acts of kindness shown us during the illness and death of our father.

THE HIA FAMILY