Peterson, Rev Arthur Wilfred (1885-1918)

PETERSON, HOLT

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

Stratford Courier
October 31, 1918

SAD DEATH OF FORMER STRATFORD YOUNG MAN

Rev. Arthur Wilfred Peterson was born at Boxholm, Iowa, May 10, 1885. He died at Burke, South Dakota, October 24, 1918. He was thus at his death 33 years, 5 months and 14 days old.

Arthur Peterson accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in the year 1901. From that day his life was definitely set in a new direction. Being conscious of [?] call to the ministry, he was recommended by the South Marion congregation to the Swedish Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois in 1903. From this school he graduated in 1907. While studying at the seminary he served as pastor in Hobart, Indiana. After his graduation he preached for a few months in Minnesota. In the fall of 1911 he joined the Western Swedish conference and was ordained elder in 1911. During his eleven years work in the ministry in this conference he served the following charges: Concord, Nebr., 1907-1910; Sheldahl, Iowa, 1910-1913; and West Hill, Nebr., 1913-1918. At the last conference in Harcourt he transferred to the South Dakota conference and there appointed at Burke. In this place he contracted the disease which so suddenly ended his young and promising career.

In September, 1917, he was married to Miss Ollie Blanche Holt of Hobart, Ind. Two daughters, Lucilee, 10 years old and Bernice, 2 years, share with his beloved wife the grief of his deplorable departure. Besides these he is mourned by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Peterson of south of Stratford, and four brothers and four sisters, many distant relatives and a host of friends. Strong in body and perfectly sure that he had found his divinely appointed calling in life, Rev. Peterson made a good pastor. His ministry was fruitful in bringing souls to Christ. His work had begun well in South Dakota. A large church building was under construction and the congregation was improving. Influenza, however, is no respecter of persons. After taking sick he soon became unconscious and passed away with out recovering consciousness.

The funeral services were held at the South Marion church Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. His ministerial brethren of the neighboring churches were present and spoke appreciatively of his work and fellowship. Many beautiful flowers spoke of the sympathy friends and relatives felt for the bereaved ones. The remains were laid to rest in the South Marion cemetery. A faithful worker has been called to his reward. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for their works follow with them."