Olsen, Nels Peter (1861-1943)

OLSEN, SEXE, RISETTER, WALLACE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 3/12/2015 at 10:35:09

Taken from a scrapbook compiled by Lois Elaine Anderson Thompson that is located at the Ellsworth Library, Ellsworth, Iowa

N.P. Olsen of Ellsworth passed away at his home on Saturday, Oct. 23, 1943, at 11:20 p.m., following a comparatively short illness.

He enjoyed good health until about a year ago, and was especially active for one of his advanced years. He had been bedfast about two and a half months. He did not suffer greatly, but gradually weakened from ailments incident to his age and passed away quietly and without a struggle.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at Trinity Lutheran church by the Rev. Carl J. Naglestad, preceded by a short service at the home. Music for the services was furnished by a quartet composed of Mrs. Leonard Lindebak, Miss Mabelle Twedt, Vernon Peterson and Elston Danielson, who sang at the church and cemetery. Mrs. Lindebak also sang a solo at the home and soloists at the church were Patty Mae Olsen and Homer Danielson.

Burial was made in Greenwood cemetery [Williams, Iowa]. Casketbearers were Richard Ryberg of Mankato, MN., Thomas Johnson of Jewell, William Ryberg, Thomas Thompson, Oscar Gorman and Arthur Olson.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were Iver J. Vallem, L.E. Williams, Willie Henderson, Jesse Zager, Frank Pearson, Merle Shade, Fritz Pearson and Leonard Lindebak.

Mr. Olsen was truly a pioneer of this county and Ellsworth, having come to the county seventy years ago and to Ellsworth over fifty years ago.

During these years he had been active in community affairs, as well as a force in state and national politics. He served for several years as town council man; also as justice of the peace and township committeeman.

He was sociable and friendly; and will be missed by many much younger than he was. His own age friends had mostly preceded him in death.

Nels Peter Olsen, son of Gustav and Bengta Olsen, was born at Helsenberg, Sweden, Dec. 29, 1861. He passed away at his home in Ellsworth on Saturday, Oct. 23, 1943, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 14 days.

He emigrated to America in 1871 at the age of nine years, coming first to Oxford, Iowa, where he remained for two years. In 1873 he came to Hamilton county and in 1890 he moved into Ellsworth, where he had since lived.

On Dec. 9, 1885, he was married to Julia Petrina Sexe at Ellsworth. They were blessed with six children, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are Mrs. Martin (Blanche) Risetter of Ellsworth; G.C. Olsen, St. Joseph, MO.; Mrs. Glen (Martha) Wallace, Bradgate, Iowa and Ralph Olsen of Ellsworth. There are also seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Olsen passed away April 2, 1934.

Mr. Olsen was baptized in Sweden and confirmed in St. Paul church, southwest of Jewell, by Rev. Baard Michelson. He has been an active member of Trinity church since the early years of its history.

He had but little schooling in his childhood, but became a well versed man in history and politics, as he was a great reader, and had a high grade, retentive mind.