Serina/Serena T. (Sonfor) Nass (1866-1938)

SONFOR, NASS, SHELDAHL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:11

From Nevada Evening Journal July 2, 1938 (page 6)

Funeral Services Held at Huxley for Mrs. Helge Nass

Special to the Journal:
Huxley, July 2--Funeral services for Mrs. Helge Nass were held at Palestine church at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon following a short prayer service in the home of her son Johnnie Nass. The services were attended by a large audience who had all some to pay their last respect to a kind friend. The choir sang "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," after which Rev. Buland has scripture reading and a male quartette, Robert Larson, Walter Christopher, Burton Tesdall and Willie Richardson sang "Abide With Me." Rev. Buland then delivered the sermon taking his text from the 14th chapter of St. John, verses one to four. Walter Christopher then sang a favorite Norwegian hymn, "Hvile I Mit Hjem." The pall bearers were Bernard Nass, Weir Birkestrand, Jr., Martin Maland, Lawrence Larson, Bernard and Selmar Westvold. The floral offerings, which were very beautiful were an expression of the love and esteem she had won by her many kind words and deeds. Her great interest in mission work was furthered by manifold gifts in her memory by relatives and friends.

The following obituary was read: Serena Sunfor was born in Skjold, Norway, January 23, 1866 of the parents Johans and Siri Sunfor. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Norway. She was united in marriage to Helge Nass, May 29, 1889 at Skjold's church, the officiating minister being Rev. Emil Riss. In the year 1893 she, together with her husband and young son, came to America, their destination being Huxley. They have lived in this community since and for over thirty yeas they made their home on a farm adjoining the Palestine church, where they became faithful members and were always in their place for worship. She was also an active member in the Palestine Ladies Aid Society. Mrs. Nass passed away after an illness of one week, June 25, 1938 at the age of 72 years, 5 months an 2 days. She is survived by five children, Seward, Johnnie, Anna, Mrs. Lewis Sheldahl, Bertha and Arnold, also five grandchildren, one brother Tom Sunfor in Fergus Falls, Minn., two sisters and three brothers in Norway, namely Anna Vaag, Idrena Glette, Helge Oursland, Jon Haarick and Johannes Sunfor. The remains were laid to rest in the Palestine Cemetery beside her husband who passed away six years ago.

Among those from a distance who were here to attend the funeral were Mrs. Steven and daughter from Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nass and Lucille O'Conner of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Nass and daughter of Owatana, Minn., Osmond Vaag of Clear Lake, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Knaphus of McCallsburg and Mrs. N. M. Flugum and children of Villisca.