Bertha Christine (Larson) Espe (1859-1932)

LARSON, TJERNAGEL, ESPE, ANFINSON, JOHNSON, STEVENS, SANDE, PHILLOPS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/4/2024 at 18:04:37

From Story City Herald November 24, 1932 (page 2)

MRS. ESPE WAS BORN IN IOWA IN 1859

Funeral of Well Known Pioneer Woman was Held Saturday in Randall

The funeral of Mrs. Sam Espe was held in the Elim Lutheran in Randall last Saturday afternoon, her death having occurred in Story City on Tuesday previous. Rev. G. O. Paulsrud conducted the services and read the following obituary:

Mrs. Sam Espe was born on the old Phillops homestead three miles east and one mile south of Randall, Iowa, May 29, 1859, and died at Story City Nov. 15, 1932. She was at her death some over 73 years old. Her pioneer parents were Peder Larson (Tjernagel) and Malene Christenson (Tjernagel). Her father died when she was five years old. After her mother's re-marriage, Canute Phillops became her stepfather.

On March 8, 1978, she was united in marriage to Sam Espe, who died Jan. 22, 1920. To this union were born 10 children, of whom three are dead. Those who survive are: Mrs. Carl Anfinson, Mrs. Ed Johnson, Peder Espe, Austin Espe and Mrs. Conrad Stevens, all of Milo, N. D., and Mrs. Alfred Sande and Alfred Espe of Story City. She also leaves a half brother, P. M. Phillops of Story City, 20 grand children and four great grandchildren.

To Mrs. Espe life was serious and real. As a wife and mother she was faithful. In her home she was the peaceful spirit. Her home was a home of hospitality and friendliness. She was always ready to help those in need, not to seek honor; it was the spirit in her heart. She loved he neighbors in word and in deed. She was not in the habit of speaking evil of anybody. Hers were words of kindness and cheer. Her motto was "Not to make life harder for anybody, but to make it easier and more pleasant."

But her life was not devoted only to the things of this world. She had a higher aim in life. Hers was also a Christian life. With her the earthly and spiritual went hand in hand--both had to be taken care of. Thus she lived a full human life, not a half.

To her church, Elim church of Randall, she was faithful to the end. For this church she worked and prayed; to this church she came every time there were services. We would not need to look and see if she was there.

She held the great distinction of being the last charter member of this church. In this church she was confirmed and grew up.

Mrs. Espe had a big heart for missions. For this cause she laid down a great work from the time she was young. Mrs. Espe will not so soon be forgotten among her mission friends. We thank God for the life she lived; a life for her home, a live for her church and a life for her own salvation. The world is hungry for such mothers today.

She was buried from Elim church, Randall, Nov. 19, 1932, where her pastor, G. O. Paulsrud officiated and where a great many of her friends were gathered.

The following gifts were given in her memory: Bethel ladies aid, Story City, $3 for the Jewish Mission; her children and a friend of her, $6 for missions; Bethany ladies aid, $5 for Ebenezer Home, Minneapolis, Minn.

God bless her memory.