Nels P. Okland (1848-1921)

OKLAND, ELLINGSON, THOMPSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/18/2024 at 20:34:46

From Story City Herald September 8, 1921 (page 1)

OBITUARY

Nels P. Okland was born at Okland, Finaas, Norway, July 21, 1848, and died at Randall, Iowa, August 24, 1921, at the age of 73 years, 1 month and 4 days. In 1867, then a boy of 19 years he left his fatherland and emigrated to America. The first 8 years of his stay in county was at Norway, Benton County, Iowa. In 1876 he came to Hamilton county, Iowa, where he bought a farm, the homestead 3 miles northwest of Randall, where he has lived since.

Mr. Okland was a thrifty farmer and became what we consider a wealthy man. He was also a faithful church man. He belonged to the Clear Lake church for many years, but the last eighteen years has been a faithful member of Elim church. He was a man of prayer. Some six years ago h had a stroke from which he never recovered. The last eleven months he was bedfast, but he bore his burden with great patience and with the firm trust in the Lord that he soon would be called home by his Lord and Master.

In 1874 he was married to Maggie Ellingson of Norway, Benton County, Iowa. She has stood faithfully by his side these many years and especially during his long sickness she has revealed power and patience almost beyond comprehension. She and her God only know the load she had been carrying. She cared not only for his body but also for his soul. Indeed she has been a true helpmate.

They have had six children, three of whom are dead. Those living are: Mrs. I. Thompson, Peder, Halvor and Johnnie, and a foster son, Elmer Charlson, all living in or near Randall. Besides his wife and children, he leaves 24 grand children and 4 great grand children and also on brother, Peder Okland of Randall.

Funeral services were held Friday, August 26th at the house at 1:30 and at the church at Randall at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. G. O. Paulsrud. Interment was made in the Olson cemetery southeast of Randall.