Lars G. Johnson (1844-1903)

JOHNSON, STENERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/29/2023 at 19:57:00

From The Slater News July 30, 1903 (page 4)

Sudden Death of L. G. Johnson

Last Saturday morning about 10 o'clock the sad news announcing the death of L. G. Johnson was flashed through the town. The intelligence was so sudden and unexpected that it took some time ere it could be believed and its importance realized. However, the report was confirmed and a veil of sorrow seemed to hang over the town as it began to recover from the shock first sustained. He had been in apparent good health and was on the day of his death about his usual work. After an early breakfast he had gone over to the Rev. Gjerstad to finish some work he had begun the previous day. The work was soon done and, at the invitation of his pastor, he took a chair in his office and engaged in a friendly conversation. After having talked together for about twenty minutes Mr. Johnson was seen to lean back in his chair and Rev. Gjerstad seeing it arose at once and asked if he was sick, but it seemed Mr. Johnson had no longer cognizance of what was going on about him or heard what was said. Dr. Rawson was at once sent for and in the meantime everything possible was done in the hope that he could yet be resuscitated. Ere the doctor arrived on the scene it was apparent that death had occurred. A careful examination was made and it was found that death was caused by heart failure and that it had occurred instantaneously.

Lars G. Johnson was born in Skjold, Norway, Aug. 19, 1844. At the age of five years he came with his parents to America and settled in Wis. There he grew to manhood and in 1876 he moved to this state where he has since resided. In 1881 he was married to Miss Louise Stenerson, who with eight children survive him. Funeral services were held at the Norwegian church Sunday after noon and were attended by a large concourse of people. The services were conducted by Rev. G. C. Gjerstad of whose congregation deceased was an active member. Rev. Finley of St. Luke's church also addressed the audience at the close of the services. Interment was made in the Bethlehem cemetery. Deceased was a prominent man of our town and one of its progressive citizens. For many years he did faithful service as city assessor and at the time of his death he was a member of our local school board. To both of these offices he had been elected by popular vote and it shows in part what confidence the people had in his character and judgment. As a church member he was active and energetic and his fellow christians could always rely upon him to perform his part promptly and willingly. He will be greatly missed by all who have shared interest with him in the welfare of the town, church and school, but most of all will be missed in the home which is bereft at his sudden demise. The wife needed his help and companionship, and the children, most of whom are yet in tender years, needed a father to provide for their wants and guide and protect them in the formative years of their life. May his upright christian life and character be an example to them and the God and Father of all, whom he served, shall be with them also and more than replace him who has now been taken away from them.