Johan Freeland (1876-1931)

FREELAND, RULLESTAD, WEEKS, SHEEHEY, ERICKSON, NESLAND, VESVESTAD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/29/2023 at 18:44:59

From The Slater News June 24, 1931 (page 4)

Obituary of Johan Freeland

Johan Freeland was born December 7, 1876, near Stavanger, Norway, his parents being Andrew and Mary Freeland. His father died in Norway when Johan was 9 years old. He came to America when he was 11 years old, together with his mother and brothers and sisters. They came to Erick Sheldahl's, but soon found occupation around Slater.

Johan was received into the home of Peder Nilsen, where he remained and grew to manhood, and which later became his own home. He was united in marriage to Julia Rullestad on the 22nd day of March, 1905. To this union were born nine children, all of whom are living.

He was confined in the Bethlehem church at Slater by Rev. H. C. Holm. He was a member of that church for many years. He later affiliated with the Lincoln church at Huxley. The last few years he was a member of the Bethany church at Kelley.

Mr. Freeland had been in failing health the last year, but had been confined to the bed for only a month or so. He died on Jun 14th, attaining an age of 54 years, 6 weeks and 7 days.

Mr. Freeland is survived by his wife and a family of nine children. They are: Mrs. John Weeks of Kelley, Mrs. Obert Weeks of Des Moines, Mrs. Ed Sheehey of near Kelley and Mildred, Joan, Thelma, Lorvine, Glen and Stanley, who are at home.

Besides his wife and the members of the family he is survived by three sisters. They are: Mrs. Alvin Nesland of Willmar, Minn., and Mrs. Lars Vesvestad of Slater, and two brothers. They are John of Minneapolis and Andrew of near Cambridge.