Martha (Kalveland) Kalsem (1835-1926)

KALVELAND, KALSEM, OLSON, NELSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 1/20/2024 at 10:35:45

From The Slater News July 7, 1926 (page 4)

AGED PIONEER LAID TO REST

Had Lived in Palestine Township For a Period of 63 Years--Born in Norway.

Mrs. Martha Kalsem was born at Sjold, Norway, July 27, 1835, and passed away at the home of her son, Ole J. Kalsem, on June 25, 1926, at 7 o'clock in the evening, attaining the age of 90 years, 10 months and 28 days. Burial took pace on Monday, June 28th, from the Fjeldberg church, Huxley, Iowa. Burial was made in the family lot in the cemetery of the church, beside the remains of her husband, who died in January 1922.

She spent the early years of her long life in the community of her birth, where she grew to womanhood. At the age of 23 she bade farewell to kindred and friends, in journey to the land of her future adoption, America. Her destination was Oskaloosa, Iowa, which she and her companion reached after an uneventful trip. Four years later on May 17th, Norway's national anniversary, she was united in marriage to John V. Kalsem. A short time after their marriage they moved to New Sharon, Iowa, where they resided till the fall of 1864, when they moved to Story county, taking up their residence on an eighty acre farm in Palestine township. There they lived happily together, working industriously, with that spirit and purpose that marked our early settlers. They prospered and as years passed on they added more land, erected a beautiful home, were happy and contented and reared a family of children to be proud of. In 1902 they gave up farming and moved to Huxley, there to enjoy the fruits of their labors, and lived in comfort and ease till death claimed her life companion on the 28th day of January, 1922. Since then she had been making her home with her children, who cared for her and administered to her needs as only loving, dutiful and daughters can.

She was the mother of nine children, of whom five preceded her in death. They were Faltin, Ole, Severt, Martha and one in infancy. These surviving her are sons, Ole J. and John V. of Huxley; daughters, Martha, Mrs. O. B. Olson of Perry, Mary Ann, Mrs. K. E. Nelson of Cambridge. Twenty grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren are also mourning her passing away.

Deceased was a member of the Fieldberg congregation, which she joined at the time of its organization and in which she was an active, earnest worker as long as health and strength permitted her. She was a loving mother, kind and devoted, and a thoughtful, considerate neighbor and was held in the highest esteem.