Andrew Runneberg 1862-1931

RUNNEBERG, PEARSON, ANDERSON

Posted By: Chuck Runneberg (email)
Date: 6/17/2007 at 22:34:38

Laurens Sun, April 1931

Andrew Runneberg Dies At His Home Saturday

___________________

Andrew Runneberg was born April 13, 1862 near Solverborg, Blekinge, Sweden. He came with his parents in the spring of 1872 to Paxton Illinois. Having been baptized in the State church of Sweden in infancy he was confirmed during his residence in Paxton in the Swedish Lutheran church and remained for his whole life in that communion.

He passed away at his home in Cummins township northwest of Havelock on April 4, 1931 at the age of 69 years, 11 months, and 21 days. In 1892 he came to that community and made his home until his death.

On March 27, 1901 he was united in marriage to Belinda Pearson of Chicago, Illinois. To this union was born three children, Elroy, Blanche, and Albert, all of whom reside at home with their mother. Beside the immediate family he leaves to morn his departure one sister, Mrs. Emma Anderson of Ringsted, Iowa and two brothers, Louis of Paxton, Illinois and Swan of Crosby, Texas. Four brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Mr. Runneberg's health broke eight years ago and he had been under the doctor's care for the past few months. He failed fast for the past two weeks and was confined to his bed the last three days.

A thoughtful husband, a kind and loving father and a good neighbor has passed on. All who knew him well confirm the high place of respect which he occupied in the community. He was a man of fine moral character, industrious and thrifty with high regard for all that was fine and just. His many friends in the community sympathize with the family in their bereavment.

The writer came to the community northeast of Laurens in the spring of 1894, one year after Andrew and Nels Runneberg had located there. He has always prized their acquaintance and feels a deep personal loss when the last of those two early settlers has passed on. They were in the strenght and vigor of young manhood when they came to Pocahontas County and spent their strenght and life in developing this community. The community owes such men a dept of gratitude that never can be paid.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the Swedish Lutheran Church in Laurens, the pastor, Rev. Emil R. Carlson had charge of the services. Burial was in the Laurens cemetery.

The sun is setting

Shadows with sunlight is blended

The candle of life is burning low

And a long life of service is ended.