GAMBELL, Clara (1904-1983)

GAMBELL, BOMAN, MARTINSON, ERDMAN, NELSON, FRANKLIN, PALM

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 10/6/2025 at 21:30:26

Clara Gambell rites Thursday morning

Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Gambell of Forest City will be 10 o'clock this Thursday morning at the United Methodist church in Forest City. The Rev. James Louk will officiate.

Mrs. Robert Goranson will be the soloist, accompanied by Mrs. Franklin Bienert, organist. Casket bearers will be Clarence Book, Dell Book, Gustaf Book, Harold Book, Ole Book and LeRoy Nelson. Burial will be Madison Township cemetery with the Petersen Funeral home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Gambell, 79, died Tuesday at her home in Forest City.

Clara Gambell was born July 14, 1904, in Hammenhog, Sweden, to Ole and Marie Boman Martinson. She started her education in Sweden and in 1920, came to the United States with other family members.

Clara made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Cheney Boman of rural Forest City. She attended a nearby rural school so she could learn English. Nov. 21, 1923 she was married to James Gambell of Forest City.

In 1924, the couple moved to a farm near Forest City living there until moving into town in 1952. Mr. Gambell died Oct. 15, 1966. For several years, Mrs. Gambell was employed by Greatwestern Products of Forest City.

She was a member of the United Methodist church and the Rebekah circle.

Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Wilma Erdman of Garner; three grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a niece, Mrs. LeRoy (Myrtle) Nelson of Forest City, who was raised in the Gambell home; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Franklin of Des Moines and Mrs. Anna Palm of Hammenhog, Sweden; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters and a brother.

source: Summit, Forest City, Iowa, 11 Aug 1983, page A3, column 5