Rasmus Larsen 1855 - 1937

LARSEN, FARNI, SWITZER, ANDERSON

Posted By: Linda H. Meyers (email)
Date: 4/28/2010 at 21:22:34

Rasmus Larsen Funeral Services Largely Attended

Funeral services for Rasmus Larsen, 82, longtime resident of the community, who died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Howard Farni, in Milford township Tuesday evening, were held Friday afternoon at Memorial Lutheran church, followed by burial in the Nevada cemetery.

The services were in charge of his pastor Dr. J. O. Simon. There were two songs, "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross" by Mrs. Albert Madison and Mrs. Hazel Nutty, while Mrs. J. C. Hathaway was at the organ.

The church was well filled with relatives and old neighbors and friends.

The life sketch of the deceased, as read by the pastor, follows:

"Rasmus Larsen, one of the oldest pioneers of Milford township passed to his eternal home last Tuesday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Howard Farni. The cause of his death was senility and other complications.
"Mr. Larsen, a native of Saland, Denmark, was born Aug. 2, 1855. At the time of his death he had reached the age of 82 years, 22 days.
"He came to America with his parents when a young man 19 years of age. In 1887 he was united in marriage to Marie Anderson. They settled on a farm northwest of Nevada where he made his home till the time of his death. Here he has lived for 63 years.
"About 19 years ago he retired from farming, but continued to make his home there with his children. The last 15 years he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. Howard Farni.

Ten children were born to this union, three sons and one daughter preceding him in death. The six living children are Andrew of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; Mrs. Sophie Farni of Ames; Mrs. Emma Farni and Albert of Nevada; Mrs. Irene Switzer of Anamosa and Arthur of Ames. He also leaves 16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren and one brother Enos Larsen of Nevada and a large number of friends and neighbors.

Mr. Larsen was born of Lutheran parentage baptized in infancy in Denmark. Coming to America he united with the Memorial Lutheran church Nevada, Ia., and has held his church membership here till the time of his death.

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Larsen and daughter Lillian of Sioux Falls, Wis.; Albert Larson of El Paso, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Knut Sorenson of Ruthven, Iowa; Hans Hanson of Elmore, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Farni and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hutchinson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hyler, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Paulson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Larson, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Jessen, Arthur Larson and Clyde Black, all of Ames, and Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Johnson of Des Moines.

---newspaper clipping dated 8/28/1937 found in scrapbook of the family. It is noted that his wife died in December 1913.