Christ Torkelson (1841-1926)

TORKELSON, HANSON, HELVIG, BERKLAND

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/4/2024 at 18:31:37

From Story City Herald February 11, 1926 (page 3)

OBITUARY OF CHRIST TORKELSON

Mr. Christ Torkelson was born at Etne, Norwy, March 14, 1841 and died at his home in Story City Sunday morning, Jan. 31, 1926, at the ripe age of 84 years, 10 months and 17 days. He had been quite ill for six months having been bed ridden since last July.

Torkelson immigrated to America at the age of 16 years, and spent the first four years near Lisbon, Ill. In the spring of 1861 he moved to Story county, Iowa. Shortly after coming here he enlisted in Co. A, 23rd Iowa Infantry volunteers, and served in the civil war for three years. After being discharged from army service he returned and bought a farm four miles southeast of Story City.

He was united in marriage to Miss Cecelia Hanson Nov. 18, 1871. To this union eight children were born, all of whom are living, except one child that died in infancy. He was one of the early members of the Bergen congregation in Roland, being lately one of the few supervising members who helped build that church.

Together with his family he moved to Story City in 1901, and at this place he joined the St. Petri congregation. His wife died Nov. 8th, 1914. Mr. Torkelson was afflicted with failing eyesight many years ago, and for a long time had been entirely blind. His affliction he bore with great fortitude and he was always cheerful and pleasant to meet.

The surviving children are: Tom H., Hans O., Mrs. O. K. Helvig and Severie of Story City, M. G. Torkelson of Minneapolis, H. L. Torkelson of Holcom, Wis., and Mrs. Jacob Berkland of Morris, Ill. All the children were present at the funeral, which was held in the St. Petri church, Wednesday, Feb. 3, Rev. Andersen officiating.

The pall bearers were T. T. Sande, T. K. Thompson, Andrew Berkland, L. C. Kahrs, E. P. Anderson and Thos. Scott. Chris Logan of Roland was honorary pall bearers.

The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends from far and near. Among those from a distance were: M. G. Torkelson of Minneapolis; Henry Torkelson of Holcomb, Wis.;Andrew Berkland, Mrs. Jacob Tesdall and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Berkland of Morris, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Helvig of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Helvig of Jewell; Mrs. O. T. Wicks and daughter of Slater; Mrs. Chas. Olsan and daughter of Ames.

With the passing of Mr. Torkelson the ranks of the old soldiers in the neighborhood had been thinned almost to the vanishing point. Only one veteran remains in Story City and we believe only two in Roland.

Of Torkelson's old company only three veterans remain, as will appear in the following letter which the Herald has received from a comrade in arms, T. J. Miller, of Ames, who pays an eloquent tribute to the deceased. The letter was not intended for publication but we trust Mr. Miller will have no objection to its printing.