Teander, Louisa Nilsdotter (1845-1931)

TEANDER, NILSDOTTER, SWANSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:51:58

Stratford Courier
January 7, 1932

Just during the closing hours of the old year, one of the most highly respected mothers and grandmothers of this community, Grandma Louisa Teander, passed into the Great Beyond, having attained the ripe old age of 86 years, 7 months, 28 days.

Until a few weeks ago, Grandma Teander was in exceptionally good health for one of her years. Last summer while visiting in Des Moines she contracted erysiphelas and that seemed to be the beginning of her last illness although she recovered from this so as to be able to be up and about. A few weeks ago, however, the effects of her old age caused her to weaken and she never rallied from this illness. But she had lived a good life and was ready and willing to meet her Maker. Her influence for good during her long life will remain after her and her memory will be cherished by many hosts of friends.

Louisa Nilsdotter was born in Nykil socken, Ostergotland, Sweden May 3, 1845, and she died in Stratford, Dec. 31, 1931. She was united in marriage in 1868 to Nels F. Teander and the couple emigrated to America the same year and located in the Swede Bend community and this has been her home ever since. Her husband preceded her in death in January, 1919.

The children left to mourn are E. N. Teander, of Des Moines, and Mrs. Rena Swanson, who lived at home and who had cared for her mother for many years. One foster son, C. G. Teander, of Stratford, also mourns her death as do six grandchildren and four great grandchildren and hosts of friends.

Deceased was a charter member of the South Marion Methodist Church which was organized over a half century ago. She always held her membership in that church and was a most sincere Christian of the type whose attention was to help those in need or those who were ill.

During the last years when she was unable physically to attend church services she maintained her interest in spiritual matters in her home and her testimony was one of confidence in the eternal life to come.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the family home and at the Methodist church at 2 o'clock and were in charge of the Rev. A. E. Appelquist, who was assisted by Birger Dahl, student pastor of the South Marion M. E. Church. A quartet made up of the Rev. C. R. Yeager, Sam Swedlund, A. T. Johnson and L. M. Peterson rendered two songs, and the Rev. A. E. Appelquist sang a solo. The pall bearers were Harold Scott, L. W. Swanson, C. G. Teander and Aleck Swedlund, all of Stratford, E. A. Schmidt and Victor Larson, both of Des Moines, all of whom had been selected by the deceased before her death. The casket was banked by flowers, testimony of love from her relatives and friends. Interment was made in the South Marion Cemetery.

Thus star by star declines,
Till all are passed away,
As morning high and higher shines
To pure and perfect day;
Nor sink those stars in empty night,
But hide themselves in heaven's own light.