Hannah Rebecca (Sheldahl) Tvedt Christianson (1858-1930)

SHELDAHL, TWIT, TVEDT, TWEDT, CHRISTIANSON, HELLEKSON, BERHOW, FREELAND, HAAG, SWANSON, WEEKS, GROVE, ERSLAND, APLAND

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/9/2023 at 13:58:42

From The Slater News November 12, 1930 (page 5)

OBITUARY

Hannah Rebecca Sheldahl was born on the 25th of August, 1858, near the Palestine church, Story county, Iowa, her parents being two of the community's earliest pioneers, Erick and Margaret Sheldahl. She was baptized and confirmed in the Palestine church and grew to womanhood in that community.

In February, 1875 she was united in marriage to Thomas Twit of near Huxley. Six children were born to this union. Mr. Twit died on June 17th, 1891.

On December 4th, 1900, Mrs. Twit was united in marriage to Christ Christianson of Slater, Iowa. One daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Hellekson, was born to them. In October, 1919, the family moved to Lake Crystal, Minn. where they made their home till the death of Mr. Christianson, which occurred on October 1, 1927.

Since the death of her husband Mrs. Christianson made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ervin Hellekson, not far from Lake Crystal, Minnesota. She took ill about four months ago. She gradually failed until she slept peacefully away in the morning of November 1st, 1930, at the age of 73 years, 2 months and 6 days. During her long illness she bore her sufferings with patience, never complaining, but longed for death to relieve her.

She is survived by the following children, who are mourning the loss of a kind and devoted mother: Mrs. Myrtle Hellekson of near Lake Crystal, Minn., Mrs. Margaret Berhow of west of Huxley, Mrs. Belle Freeland of Minneapolis, Thomas Twit of Cold Springs, Minn. and Ed Twit of near Kelley. A son, Edward Twit died in infancy. Another son, Arnie, of near Slater, died in February, 1930.

Seven stepchildren also cherish the memory of a dear mother. They are brothers, George, Joseph, Lewis and Thomas Christianson, and two daughters, Mrs. Mable Haag and Mrs. Delia Swanson.

She is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Randie Weeks of Cambridge; Mrs. Anna Grove of Roland; Mrs. Margaret Ersland of Ames; Mrs. Carrie Apland of De Smet, South Dakota; Lewis Sheldahl of Denver, Colorado; Erick Sheldahl of Des Moines; Henry Sheldahl of Ames and Ossie Sheldahl of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Besides the above relatives she is mourned by eighteen grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends and relatives will remember Mrs. Christianson as a Christian wife and mother and a very considerate and kind neighbor and friend. She cherished the better things in life and loved to do good. The world is better because of her having lived.

The last rites in her honor were held from the Palestine church at 11 o'clock in the forenoon of November 4th. They were in charge of Rev. Buland, assisted by Rev. Lunde of Huxley. Rev. Buland read a beautiful tribute in her memory by her pastor, Rev. G. Oppen of Lake Crystal, Minn. who had ministered to her spiritual needs. Three songs added further to the beautiful service. Mrs. M. S. Heggen and Mrs. A. L. Peterson sang, "God's Way is the Best Way" and "Tired." Miss Ruth Halverson sang, "The Old Rugged Cross." There were many beautiful floral offerings. Burial was made in the Palestine cemetery.

SUBMITTER'S NOTE: Hannah is buried Palestine Cemetery, Story County, Iowa with her first husband. She is buried as Hannah Tvedt and her husband is buried as Thomas Tvedt. However, before immigration, Thomas Tvedt was known as Torris Torrison Tvedt. To the best of my knowledge, all their children bore the surname Twedt.