Berdines K. Johnson (1848-1937)

JOHNSON, INGJERDE, SORTVEDT, LARSON, VIGNESS, TORGERSON, NELSON, JENSEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/7/2022 at 17:43:32

From Nevada Evening Journal February 3, 1937 (page 4)

Funeral Services Held at Story City Saturday Last

Special to the Journal
Story City, Feb. 3--One of the old pioneers of this part of the country, B. K. (Bertinus Klungtvedt) Johnson, died on January 27, was held from the St. Petri church at Story City on January 30, his pastor, W. B. Scarvie, officiating.

Mr. Johnson was born December 4, 1848, in Kaihagen, Nerstrand, Norway. His parents were Johannes Johanesses Indgejerde and wife Siri Jonsdatter Sortvedt. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church of Norway and remained a serious and devoted church man until his death.

He arrived in the United States in the year 1871. he worked at various places in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa until 1875, when he began his own farming operations. In 1876 he worked land in Story and Hardin counties and the following year he purchased 150 acres near McCallsburg which he through hard and faithful work developed into a fine farm.

He married Martha Larson of Benton county, Iowa, on July 16, 1878. To them eight children were born. Three of these are dead Andrew, Celia and Bena. Those surviving are Sarah (Mrs. Andrew Vigness), McCallsburg, John B. of Boone, Josie (Mrs. N. T. Torgerson), Garden City, Bertha (Mrs. Lloyd Nelson), Albert Lea, Minn., Maggie (Mrs. Henry Jensen), Thompson. Fifteen grand-children and four great-grandchildren also survive. His wife died on Oct. 22, 1931.

Mr. Johnson retired from the farm in 1920 from the farm in 1920 and in February of that year moved to Story City where he and his wife spent the remaining years of their lives. About a year ago he entered the local Story city Sunset Home to the aged. he had been in failing health for some time and subject to violent heart attacks. It was to such an attack that he succumbed on the morning of January 27.

Mr. Johnson was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He was a Christian gentleman, one of those who would practice in their lives what they confess with their mouths. His devotion to the church was evidenced by his un--- efforts and generous gifts toward the carrying on of its work. Typical of this attitude is the gift of $100 which he left to be used in the Home Mission work.

In his memory a number of gifts were given by friends and relatives to Missions and other benevolences. In addition to the pastor, Superintendent A. C. Molstre spoke at the Sunset chapel service, and at the church. The Rev. M. O. Sumstad of Roland brought a greeting from the Bergen congregation of which Mr. Johnson was a member for so many years before moving to Story City.