Oppedal, Gilbert/Guttorm J. (1850-1922)

OPPEDAL, OPPEDAHL, TAKLE, IVERSON, HOVE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/18/2024 at 17:31:48

From Story City Herald January 11, 1923 (page 2)

GILBERT J. OPPEDAHL

Gilbert J. Oppedahl was born on the farm Oppedahl in Ytre Sogan, Norway, July 27, 1850, and died at his home in Stanhope, Iowa, December 21, 1922, from an intestinal trouble from which he suffered for over a year, being bedridden the last four months. All that skillful physicians and loving hands could do was done to alleviate suffering and restore health, but it was God's will to call the dear one home, and His will be done. Mr. Oppedahl was patient in his long illness and abiding faith in the Saviour gage him comfort and courage to meet death. He was conscious until the very last and there was nothing as dear to him as God and His word. Bravely did he confess his faith to those who were about him of visited him on his death bed. He slumbered peacefully "as one who wraps the drapery of couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams," surrounded by his beloved wife and all his dear children.

The funeral took place on Sunday December 24, from the home and the Lake Center church of which he had been a faithful member. Rev. Stephen Sande of Randall read scripture passages and spoke words of comfort at the home and preached the funeral sermon at the church. He was assisted by Rev. Hans Oppedahl, the local Lutheran minister, who spoke at the church on behalf of the bereaved family. Several hymns were sung by the congregation. Miss Ida Iverson sang a solo at the home and one at the church, and the Lake Center choir sang an anthem at the church. The church was beautifully decorated and the casket covered with beautiful flowers, token of love and esteem from loving friends. The church was filled relatives and friend who had come from near and far to be present at the last sad rites for the dear departed one. His remains were carried to the last resting place by his six sons and laid to rest in the family burying place in the Lake Center cemetery.

Mr. Oppedahl came to this country in 1871, locating in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he remained until 1874 when he came to Hamilton county, Iowa. In 1875 he was united marriage to Ingeborg Iverson Takle. To this union were born eight children, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving ones are: John of Story City, Albert of Bricelyn, Minn., Isaac, Imbert, George, Bertha and Alice and two step-children Iver B. Iverson and Mrs. John P. Hove. He is also survived by his beloved wife and one sister in country and three sisters in Norway; fifteen grand children and many other relatives in this county and in Norway.

In 1877 Mr. and Mrs. Oppedahl built their first home on a farm which they purchased in the southern part of Clear Lake township, Hamilton county, Iowa, which was then mostly prairie. As financial circumstances became better they had their home rebuilt and improved so it became one of the most beautiful places in the community. It is still in possession of the family and is occupied by the son Imbert and family.

In 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Oppedahl retired from the farm and built a home in Stanhope, where they have resided since.

Mr. and Mrs. Oppedahl were among the pioneers of Clear Lake township and shared the hardships of pioneer life. They took an active part in church work and contributed liberally to the building of churches, maintaining ministers of the gospel, and parochial schools. It was their greatest concern to have their children instructed in religion and brought up as Christians. They were staunch Lutherans and on his death bed up to the very last Mr. Oppedahl prayed that the Word of God might be transmitted pure and unadulterated to his children and their posterity.

Blessed be the memory of the dear departed one. May it be an incentive to us who are mourning his death to be faithful unto the end and be steadfast in the truth.