Osmundson, Chris (1863-1942)

OSMUNDSON, FRANCE, STOLE, GILES

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/6/2015 at 16:06:06

Daily Freeman Journal, Friday, November 27, 1942

C. OSMUNDSON DIED AT HOME ON WEDNESDAY

Funeral Services for Spade Factory Founder Saturday

Chris Osmundson, 79, founder of the Osmundson Spade Factory in Webster City, died at his home here Wednesday evening about 7:30 o'clock. He had been in failing health for some time, and seriously ill for the past two months.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock at the McCauley-Chapman Funeral home, with the Rev. James Stewart, of the United Brethren church, officiating. Burial will be made in the cemetery at Cambridge, Iowa.

Mr. Osmundson is survived by his wife, three sons, Archer, Fayette and Garold, and one daughter, Mrs. Aritha France, all of Webster City. There are also seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The youngest of seven children of Osmund and Gjore Stole, Chris Osmundson was born in Etne, Norway, March 10, 1863. Of the family, only his oldest sister, who is 97, survives. She still resides in Norway.

Mr. Osmundson left his homeland when he was 16 years old, coming to the United States, and direct to Roland, Iowa. Since his coming he had resided in Iowa.

He was married to Martha Giles April 25, 1889 and to this union six children were born. Two, Ida and Byron, preceded him in death.

A charter member of the United Brethren church at Cambridge he had retained his membership there almost 50 years. He had contributed largely to its support and was influential within the organization, at various times having been elected to positions of prominence.

He located in Webster City in 1911, engaging in the manufacture of tiling spades. His knowledge and skill in his profession was widely recognized and several inventions and improvements are credited to him.

Though of foreign birth, he acclaimed America as his choice.

He was widely known as a man of strong convictions and the highest of business and social ethics. He was a tireless worker and for many years was in direct charge of his plant here, now operated by his son, Archer. He was the moving factor in its development and always in the forefront of any movement for the betterment of the city and community.