Fern Thelma Torkelson (1914-1920)

TORKELSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/14/2024 at 14:17:55

From Story City Herald June 24, 1920 (page 8)

Child Called by Death

Fern Thelma, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Torkelson was born southeast of Story City, July 12, 1914 and departed this live June 18, 1920, thus being 5 years, 11 months and six days old.

In the spring of 1918 she moved with her parents to Story City. In the fall of 1919 she started to school where she was loved by all because of her kind and happy disposition.

In February she was stricken with the influenza followed by pneumonia leaving her in a weakened condition but able to be up and to play, entering school again, only to be called to the sick bed again by the measles May 20 never to rise again.

She died from double pneumonia. She was a very patient sufferer, and when anyone asked how she was, she would reply, "I am fine," or "I am all right." She was conscious till the last moments and one of her last requests was that her father carry her to the davenport in the living room and there seeming to be relieved she talked of everyone who had called during the day.

The family pastor offering prayer in the early part of the evening received the response of "Amen" from Fern.

She leaves to mourn her, her father and mother, three dear sisters, Cora, Irene and Myrtle, one sister, Thelma, having preceded her to the better land.

She loved Jesus and loved to talk of Him coming home after her Sunday school classes to tell what she had learned. The night before she died she said, "God is with me."

She was a bright and lovable child with a smile for all.

Fern will be missed by all, not only her parents and sisters, but many relatives and a host of friends.

A loving one gone but she has reached her Father, the one desire of her heart and the desire of all--to be safe in the arms of Jesus.

The funeral was held at the St. Petri church on Monday afternoon at two o'clock at the church and one-thirty at the home. Interment was held at the Roland cemetery.