Wiksen, John - 1889-1951

WIKSEN, SWANSON

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/8/2015 at 12:13:54

Hawarden Independent, December 13, 1951

John Wiksen, 62, a long time prominent farmer of Union county, died Sunday morning at his home in Hawarden after an illness of several weeks.

The seriousness of his condition was learned when he submitted to an operation at the Hawarden hospital some time ago.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at the Big Springs Baptist church with Rev. D. A. Miller in charge. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars of Alcester were in charge of military rites at the grave. Burial was in the Big Springs cemetery under the direction of the Nilson Funeral service of Alcester.

Mr. Wiksen was born at Lekaremia, Mister Hult County, Sweden, January 1, 1889. He grew up in his native land and at the age of 24 came to America.

He married Miss Mary Swanson on January 29, 1921, and to this union were born two children. The daughter, Betty Lee, and his mother preceded him in death.

Survivors are the widow; a son, Bernard Wiksen; two grandchildren, Wayne and Arden; his father, who resides in Sweden; four brothers, Victor and Einar of this vicinity, and two brothers in Sweden, and two sisters, who also live in Sweden.

Mr. Wiksen was a veteran of World War I. He united with the Big Springs Baptist church about six years after coming to America and for years he served on the board of trustees, holding the chairmanship of the board.

As a farmer he was most successful, but he left the farm a couple of years ago and came to Hawarden to live. However, he continued to look after his interests on the farm. The past year he assisted in building an all modern home on his farm, which is occupied by his son and family.

In 1947 he returned to his native country for a visit. Mrs. Wiksen accompanied him on the trip.