Holstrom, Oscar William (1856-1943)

HOLSTROM, BJUSTROM, ANDERSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier
April 1, 1943

Obituary
O.W. Holstrom

Oscar William Holstrom was born in Sweden on April 29, 1856, and died March 27, 1943, at his home here, having reached the age of 86 years, 11 months, 28 days. He was stricken with a sudden heart attack while in his yard Saturday morning which was the cause of his death.

When he was fourteen years of age he came to Stratford. A few years later his father followed him here, but he died many years ago. Mr. Holstrom had lived in and around Stratford ever since coming to this country. Before moving into town he farmed for many years on his farm southeast of town. Since coming to Stratford he had enjoyed caring for his place on the northeast edge of town. Here he was active in a number of capacities until the last few years during which he has spent the greater part of his time taking care of his local property.

He was united in marriage on March 16, 1880, to Caroline Bjustrom and to them was born three children, all of whom survive. They are: William and Victor Holstrom, and Mrs. Albert Anderson, all of Stratford and vicinity.

Mr. Holstrom became a member of the South Marion Methodist church, Sept. 2, 1877 and during the 65 years he was a member of that church he was active in several capacities. When there was work to be done on the church property he was always ready to assist and a few years ago when the church was remodeled helped in almost every portion of the work. He was also active as a member and rarely missed Sunday services until his advanced years would not permit it.

He was the type of man who as a progressive thinker always wanted to see the community in which he lived go forward. He lived the life of a Christian every day and as such a man will be missed by a great many in this community.

On March 16, this year, Mr. and Mrs. Holstrom celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary, a span of long and happy married life to be marveled at.

Surviving are his bereaved wife, their three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, other relatives and many hosts of lifelong friends.

Last rites were held on Tuesday afternoon with a family service in the home here at 1:30 o'clock and in the South Marion Methodist church at 2 o'clock. Services were conducted by the Rev. J.G. Waterman, local pastor of Calvary Methodist church, due to the sudden illness of the South Marion pastor, the Rev. W.J. Snarr. The Rev. Mr. Waterman used for his text words found in the 4th verse of the 23rd Psalm and the 9th verse of chaper 2 of I Corinthians.

A mixed quartette composed of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bergquist, Mrs. Verlyn Fry and F.A. Nordblom, sang "It Is Well With My Soul," "Abide With Me" and "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."

Interment was made in the South Marion cemetery, the following nephews of the deceased serving as pallbearers: Fred Patterson Quinton Bjustrom and Roy Bjustrom, of Algona, Clifton Bjustrom, of Des Moines, Bennie Bjustrom and Lawrence Bjustrom.

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Stratford Courier
May 7, 1936

O.W. Holstrum, 80 Years Old, Given Real Surprise

A surprise birthday anniversary party was carried out on Sunday, May 3, on O.W. Holstrum, that day being his eightieth anniversary. A great many self invited guests came to help him celebrate the event and they brought with them baskets of good things to eat so that all enjoyed a very fine dinner. Mr. Holstrum was the recipient of a great many wishes for many happy returns of the day.

The guests were: Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Holstrum, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Patterson, Wendell and Ivan; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Larson, Duane, Marvin and Eldon; Mr. and Mrs. B.E. Patterson, Irene and Loren; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Engstrom; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bjustrom, Glenn and Godfrey; John Bjustrom; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Holstrum and Norma; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Anderson, Ansel and Russell; Mrs. Hilda Bjustrum; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Carlson and Dorothy.

Mr. and Mrs. V.A. Holstrum, Audrey, Hazel and Ione, of Boone; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bjustrom, Dorothy and Wayne; and Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Bjustrom, Donald And Ruth Ann, all of Algona.

Group pictures were taken and a picture was taken of immediate family members.