GUNDERSON, John Tormoen 1848-1931

GUNDERSON, THORSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/19/2010 at 12:52:49

John Gunderson

John Gunderson, one of the oldest and best known residents of the St. Ansgar vicinity, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anton Groth, after a long illness. Mr. Gunderson was 82 years of age, and had spent sixty-five years of them in and near St. Ansgar.

Mr. Gunderson and his wife, the latter before her marriage Barbara Thorsen**, were born in Norway, but came to Osage when young people. They raised their family of ten children on a farm near St. Ansgar, and watched the community grow from a wilderness into one of the richest agricultural centers in the United States. They had their full share in its development, were worthy and respected citizens.

They retired from active life about five years ago, and since then had lived with their children, and part of the time was spent in Osage. In May of this year, Mrs. Gunderson passed away--just four months before her husband's death.

Surviving are the following children: Cecilia Havskjold, of Kremlin, Montana; Gustav, Claresholm, Alberta, Canada; Ida Groth, St. Ansgar; George, St. Ansgar; Julius, Monarch, Alberta, Canada; Ella Larson, Mary Gaarder, St. Ansgar; Mrs. Mary Warrington, Osage; Gilbert, Alberta, Canada; Knute, St. Ansgar; Lillie Warrington, Osage. Gilbert and Nellie died in Infancy.

Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Groth home at St. Ansgar at 1:30 o'clock, and at 2 o'clock at the Lutheran church, with interment at St. Ansgar.

(Mitchell County Press and Osage News, Osage, Iowa; AUG 19, 1931; pg 1, col. 5)
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NOTES: John's parents were Gunder Erickson Kirkhus and Eli Nilsdatter Ostbol. He was born on either 1 DEC 1848 in Tormoen, Brandval, Hedmark Fylke, Norway. John died on 15 AUG 1931 at St. Ansgar.

** John's wife was also known as Barbro Sagabraaten Knudsdatter, who was the daughter of Knud Sagabraaten Thoresen and Synneva Guttornesdatter. Barbro was born 16 NOV 1851 in Gol, Hallingdal, Buskerud Fylke, Norway.