Bergdale, John 1864-1956

BERGDALE, NELSON

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 8/14/2016 at 19:57:54

Hawarden Independent May 31, 1956

Bergdale Rites Will Be Held This Afternoon John Bergdale, 91, pioneer Union county farmer, died at the Hawarden hospital Monday after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon, May 31, at the Alcester Baptist church with Rev. Wilibur Peterson officiating.

Mr. Bergdale was born near Orebro, Narka, Sweden August 4, 1864. At the age of 19 he came
to America, making his home with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Olson in Union county for 9 years. In 1892 he purchased a farm 5 1-2 miles northeast of Alcester. On March 7, 1900, he married Anna Nelson and they lived on the home farm until 1946 when they moved to Alcester. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 7, 1950. Mrs. Bergdale died in October, 1953. Since then Mrs. Helen Horner cared for Mr. Bergdale in his home most of the time.

Mr. Bergdale was a charter member of the Alcester Baptist church in which he served as both trustee and deacon for many yeats. He wa able to attend Sunday services continuously in spite of his becoming blind six years ago. -While on the farm he served on the school board for 50 years. He was a director and president of the Union county Farmers Mutual Fife association. He also served as county commissioner of Union county.

Survivors include five sons, Roy of Centerville, S. D., Leslie and Russell of Hawarden, Herbert of Alcester and Major Harold Bergdale of Augusta; Ga.; a daughter, 'Mrs. Helen Jacobson, of Aitkin, Minn.; 16 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.