OLSEN, Johan, Rev. 1834-1911
OLSEN, GRANRUD, FIELD, RODLI
Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 2/8/2010 at 17:41:18
#1:
Reverend Johan Olsen, was the second pastor of St. Ansgar's First Luthean Church. He was born near Tromso, Norway on July 3, 1834. Having graduated from the Tromso Seminary, he was for some time engaged in teaching at Velfjorden and Kaafjord. From 1859 to 1866, he was a student at the University of Christiania. Having completed his course at the University and coming to the United States in 1866, he served the first year as professor at Augustana Seminary, Paxton, Illinois. He was ordained a minister of the gospel by Professor Hasselquist, D.D. In 1867 to 1872 he served congregations at Neenah, Wisconsin and Fort Howard and also organized numerous congregations.
In 1873, he came to St. Ansgar. From 1872 to 1881 he was president of the Norwegian Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. He was vice-prsident and trustee of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota for several years. Reverend Olsen was a very able preacher, highly regarded and loved.
He served the congregations at St. Ansgar, Deer Creek, Rock Creek, and other congregations for over thirty years when he retired from active service. He died September 11, 1911 and was laid to rest in the First Lutheran Cemetery.
He was married to Rakel Johanna Rodli who died in 1910. Reverend and Mrs. Olsen’s children were Sigurd, Helga, Mrs. Molly Granrud, Olaf, Rolf, Fritjof and Mrs. Olga Field.
(KK)
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#2:FUNERAL OF REV. OLSEN
The funeral of Rev. J. Olsen last Thursday afternoon was one of the most largely attended funerals ever held in St. Ansgar. People came from many miles to pay tribute to their old friend and pastor who for so many years occupied such a prominent place in their hearts. Rev. Waldeland preached the principal sermon and there were addresses also by Rev. O. Nelson of Skandinavia, Wisconsin, Rev. N.C. Brun of Lake Mills, Rev. Urnes of Osage and Rev. Esser of Lyle. The following all took part in reading the liturgy, Rev. Myhre of Adams, Rev. P.J. Ostby of Emmons, Rev. Nervig of Albert Lea and Rev. Erdahl of Leland. A letter was read from Rev. J. Muller Eggen of Lyle. His sons, Rev. Sigurd Olsen of Oslo, Minn., O. Erling Olsen of Minneapolis and Dr. Rolf Olsen of St. James, together with their wives were all present, as well also the daughters, Miss Helga Olsen and Mrs. J.E. Granrud of Minneapolis and Mrs. Peter Field of Ann Arbor, Mich. together with professors Granrud and Field and Dr. and Mrs. Rodli of Albert Lea. It is impossible for us to give an extended obituary in this issue but we have been promised one for a later date. He was 77 years of age and had been in America for 45 years, 37 years of which were spent in St. Ansgar.
Rev. Olsen was one of the most notable characters of the northwest and his name in history, along with those of the other great men who have made this country what it is.
--------------------------------------Card of Thanks
The children of Rev. Johan Olsen wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the pastors who officiated at his funeral, to the congregations and societies, as well as to individuals, that brought the beautiful flowers and to the many other friends who have shown them such kind sympathy and hospitality in their sorrow.
Sigurd Olsen
Helga Olsen
Mrs. J.E. Granrud
O. Erling Olsen
Rolf Olsen
Mrs. Peter Field[ St. Ansgar Enterprise ]
(Credit: Karen L. Robertson - 10/30/2011)
Link to Biographical Materials
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