Engstrom, August 1862-1941

ENGSTROM, THORN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/5/2021 at 19:12:40

The Algona Upper Des Moines
Algona, Iowa
March 20, 1941

[Headline reads]
A. Engstrom, Wesley Resident 55 Years, Buried Tuesday.

PIONEER RESIDENT WAS 78.
WIFE AND CHILDREN SURVIVE.
Engstrom Was Charter Member of Wesley Congregational Church;
Born in Sweden.

Wesley Funeral services for August Engstrom, 78, who died Sunday morning at his home north of town, were held Tuesday afternoon at the Congregational church at two p.m. with short prayer services in the home at 1:30. Mr. Engstrom had been in failing health, but had been confined to his bed only a few days prior to his death.

August Engstrom was born August 12, 1862 at Blovik, Ostergotland, Sweden and was 78 years, 7 months and 4 days old at the time of his death. He came to America on April 26th, 1886, and after staying three months at Moline, Ill., he came to Wesley in July of that same year, where he has made his home ever since. He worked at his trade as carpenter for a number of years and later settled on a farm three miles north of town, which became his home until his death.

On November 9, 1888, he was united in marriage to Hedda Sofia Thorn and to this union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy.

Mr. Engstrom became a member of the Congregational church in Wesley and started the first Sunday School in the church of which he was a charter member. He served as Sunday School superintendent and as a trustee and for the past two years was an honorary trustee.

Surviving him are his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Albert Johnson of Granisburg, Wis., and Mrs. Everett L. Harris of Estherville; and three sons, Henry Engstrom of Burt, Oscar Engstrom of Ottumwa and Otto Engstrom, of Elmore, Minn; and a sister, Christine in Sweden. There are also 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Engstrom observed their 52nd wedding anniversary in November and had a large celebration on their golden wedding anniversary.

The Rev. O. M. Johnson had charge of the services in the church with vocal music by Henry Swanson, E. M. Paulson, Mrs. Frank Johnson, and Miss Hanna Nelson. Pallbearers were Swan Nelson, Lester Larann, Ole K. Flom, Peter Seaberg, Jhrins Funnenutrk and Carl Starquist.

Burial was in the Evergreen cemetery.
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