BERG, Louise 1849-1953

BERG, LARSEN, HEBERT, LAMB, JAGGERS, VEBLEN

Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 12/28/2009 at 16:55:16

Funeral services for Mrs. O.K. Berg, 103, former resident of St. Ansgar, who died at the home of her daughter in Spokane, Wash., May 24, 1953, were held at the First Lutheran church here Monday, June 1, with the Rev. O.A. Langehough officiating.

Louise Oline (Larsen) Berg was born on All Saints Day, November 1, 1849 in Bergen, Norway, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Larsen. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith in Dom Kirken and confirmed in Ny Kirken.

In 1871 she was betrothed to Ole Knudsen Berg before he sailed for America, with the promise that she would also come to the new land when he sent for her. Much to the grave concern of her father, she sailed alone for America June 3, 1873 after her pastor had interceded for her since her promise to her future husband was a sacred vow.

Mr. Berg met her in Chicago and they left for Escanaba, Mich., where her home was waiting for her. They were married July 26, 1873 by a Presbyterian minister. A Swedish friend of Mr. Berg's acted as her interpreter.

The panic of 1873 forced the newly married couple to leave Escanaba to find a new home. Mr. Berg was offered a position in Osage, Iowa in 1874. They lived there for only a short time as Mrs. Berg longed for her church and the Norwegian language. Hearing of a church in St. Ansgar, they moved here in November 1930. Mrs. Berg was the last surviving charter member of the First Lutheran Ladies' Aid Society here which she organized. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Berg went to Spokane, Wash., for a visit with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Hebert. She was persuaded to make her home with them. During her residence in Spokane she continued to long for her old church and friends here up to the last day of her life. Her loyalty and love for them were like her faith, steadfast and true. In her home she was a great benediction.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ole Berg. They were all baptized and confirmed by the Rev. Johan Olsen, who also married the eldest and baptized the first grandchild, Osmund Swerre Veblen. Anton, Olga, Carl and Emma Veblen are deceased. Grandchildren surviving besides Osmund and Olga Berg Lamb, Ole Hardy Berg, and Nellie Berg Jaggers. Several great grandchildren also survive.

Interment was in the First Lutheran cemetery with Rev. Langehough in charge of committal services.

St. Ansgar Enterprise