John Kasner (1857-1942)

KASNER

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 12/9/2008 at 12:36:42

John Kasner 1857-1942
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Pioneer Avoca Merchant Dead

John Kasner passed away at his home Monday evening, January 19, 1942.

Mr. Kasner was born in Horsens, Denmark in 1857. He came to this country at the age of 23, and settled at Marne, Iowa where he was in the mercantile business with E. T. Meredith. After a short time he came to Avoca and started a general mercantile store of his own. He will be remembered as one of the earliest merchants of Avoca.

John Kasner was united in marriage to Mary E. Hansen, of Shelby county, and together they have traveled down the long years, always at home to their many friends.

He is survived by his wife, a brother in Denmark, a sister, Mrs. Alvena Rasmussen of Berkley, California, and two children: Arthur and Mrs. Caroline Jacobsen. A daughter, Edna, preceded him in death in 1932. Mr. Kasner also has four grandsons, Edmund, Dana and John Lee Kasner, and Eric Kasner Jacobsen.

After retiring he spent his time looking after his various farm interests.

He was the oldest member of the Presbyterian church and had been an elder for many years. He took a great interest in the churches until the time of his passing. John Kasner was a constant reader and much of his material included Bible literature.

Although born in Denmark, he was a loyal and staunch American. He loved the United States and all it stands for. He became an American citizen five years after he came to this country. Mr. Kasner believed that “A man’s word should be as good as his bond.”

The funeral will be held at the Presbyterian church Friday afternoon at two o’clock, with Rev. Howard Lindquist and Rev. Elmer Christensen officiating. A quartette composed of Rev. and Mrs. Lindquiat, Howard Meier and Mrs. Elmer Bornholdt will furnish special music. Burial will be in Graceland cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald