Rachel (Anderson) Johnson (1851-1942)

ANDERSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/11/2023 at 21:16:18

From The Slater News November 12, 1942 (page 1)

Rachel Johnson Rites Wednesday

Mrs. Rachel Johnson of Slater was called by death about 10 o'clock Saturday evening at the family apartment in Des Moines.

Although Mrs. Johnson had been in failing health for some time, word of her death came as a distinct shock to relatives and friends.

She always spent the summer months in Slater and the winters in Des Moines. Her two daughters, Misses Rebekah and Emma Johnson, lived with her.

Mrs. Johnson, who was 91 years of age, was one of Story county's pioneer school teachers.

She is survived by three sons, Austin of Springfield, Mass., Joseph of Cedar Rapids, and Melvin of Webster City. Two daughters also mourn her passing, Misses Emma and Rebekah Johnson, of Des Moines.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Riis Funeral Home and the Hauges Lutheran church.

Rev. R. C. Anderson of Des Moines had charge of the services. Rev. Austin Peterson of Omaha, a nephew of the deceased, sang two solos, "I Am But a Stranger Here" and "Behold The Host." He also gave a short talk.

Mrs. H. E. Croft presided at the piano.

There were many beautiful floral offerings and gifts to missions in memory of the deceased. Mrs. W. H. Schaudt and Mrs. C. A. Larson arranged the flowers.

Pallbearers were L. H. Larson and C. B. Johnson of Des Moines; A. L. Peterson, Nels J. Sabo, C. R. Sydnes and Dr. R. G. Nott.

OBITUARY.

Mrs. Rachel (nee Anderson) Johnson was born on October 6th, 1851, at Saud, Norway, and passed away at Des Moines, Iowa, on November 7th, 1942, having attained the age of 91 years, one month and one day.

She was baptized into communion with Christ and His church on November 9th, 1851.

At the age of five she accompanied her parents to America, the land of opportunity, settling at Freedom, Illinois. She was instructed in the doctrines of the Word of God and was received into the communicant membership of the Lutheran church at Leland, Illinois as a young girl.

As a young lady she gave of her talents in her profession as a teacher in the public schools of Illinois and when the family moved to Story county, Iowa, in 1871, she again took up her duties as a teacher of youth.

On October 18th, 1873, she was united in Holy matrimony to John Johnson and to this blessed union ten children were born. Of these children, four died in infancy. Her husband was called of God to his blessed reward in 1899. Another daughter, Olive, passed away in 1931.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by five children: Joseph of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Rebekah, of Des Moines; Austin of Springfield, Massachusetts; Melvin of Webster City, Iowa, and Emma of Des Moines. There are also 13 grandchildren, four of which are in the armed services of their country, and two great grand children who mourn her departure together with a large host of friends and relatives.

Mrs. Johnson was a charter member of the Hauges Lutheran church of Slater, and was one who found joy in the worship of the One True God and joy in the service of her Master.

Interment was in the Palestine Lutheran cemetery.