Iver A. Helvig (1845-1924)

HELVIG, JOHNSEN, IVERSON, HAVNERAAS, USRY, STEARNS, VINNES, CHRISTIANSEN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 4/24/2024 at 19:27:29

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, March 27, 1924.

IVER HELVIG EARLY PIONEER

Former Resident of This Community Passes Away at Home at Ruthven After Lingering Illness. Moved From Here Forty Years Ago

The death of Iver Helvig, of Ruthven, will call to the memory of the older reisdent of this community, he having resided three miles east and a half mile north of Roland for a number of years before moving to Palo Alto county. The deceased was a brother of the late John A. Helvig. We reprint below the obituary of the deceased from the Ruthven Free Press.

"Mr. Iver A. Helvig passed away at his home in this city on Saturday, March 15th, after an illness of several weeks duration. Funeral services were held from the Lutheran in this city on Tuesday, March 18th, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Wigdahl officiating and from the Lutheran Church in Lost Island township at 2:00 p.m. the same day with Rev. Sande conducting the services. The remains were laid to rest in the Lost Island cemetery.

"The deceased was born at Bergen, Norway, on April 1, 1845. His age was 78 years, 11 months and 15 days. In 1866 he came to America and settled at Grand Mound, Clinton county, Iowa where he resided for two years. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Ingeborg Johnsen, at Nevada, Ia. To this union eleven children were born, seven of whom remain to mourn the loss of their father. He then moved to Story county, where he purchased a farm near Roland, Iowa. He farmed there until 1884, when he sold his farm and came to Palo Alto county, where he purchased a farm in Lost Island township, about six miles north of Ruthven. On February 1, 1892, Mrs. Helvig passed away and on July 1, 1907, Mr. Helvig was united in marriage to Mrs. Herborg Iverson Havneraas of Bergen, Norway. In 1913 he sold his farm and purchased a home in Ruthven, where he resided until the time of his death.

"The deceased was one of the reliable and substantial citizens of Ruthven. He was honored by his friends and neighbors and loved and respected by his family. He was honest and thrifty and the success that crowned his efforts in business, was used to further the interests of his children and friends. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand and was a benefactor to many. He affiliated with the Lutheran church and was devout and loyal in his beliefs. His memory will be cherished by a large circle of friends in this vicinity. He is survived by his wife, three sons and four daughters. They are: Mr. Abel Helvig of Dakota City, Mr. Martin Helvig of Plover, Johanus Helvig of Lost Island, Mrs. Herbord Usry of Sibley, Mrs. Lena Stearns of Round Lake, Minn.; Mrs. Isabel Vinnes off Badger, Iowa, and Mrs. Marie Christiansen of Paulina, Iowa."