John R. Ask (1854-1933)

ASK, ASKE, ARNESON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/14/2024 at 21:07:52

From Story City Herald January 26, 1933 (page 7)

OBITUARY
John R. Ask

John R. Ask, whose parents were Rasmus and Mattie Aske, was born at Lisbon, Ill., Aug. 14, 1854, and died near Blairsburg, Jan. 17, 1933, at the age of 78 years.

At the age of two years he came with his parents to Iowa and settled on the old Ask homestead two miles northeast of Story City. He thus belongs to the earliest Norwegian pioneers in this community. Jan. 23, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Margreta Arneson. To this union eight children were born, all boys. Two of his children have preceded him in death. Those who survive and who, with their mother, mourn a kind husband and father, are: Rasmu, Ingvald, Harry, Leonard, Roy and Melvin. These children all live in the neighborhood, except Leonard, who is prinipl of the public school at Elba, Nebr.

Mr. Ask lived most of his life in Story county. The last 16 years he lived in Hamilton county, of which four years were spent with his two boys near Blairsburg.

While he lived in this county he and his family had their church home in the Bethel Lutheran church, Story City.

Mr. Ask was of a friendly disposition, but because his hearing was greatly impaired it was not possible for him to partake in conversation, nor could he enjoy a sermon. However, he found great joy in reading the secular press he kept himself well posted on all the issues of the present day. Mr. Ask had the good fortune of having some very fine boys. He had their love and they showed this love in taking good care of their father for many years--a love that he appreciated greatly.

Mr. Ask was buried from the Bethel church, Story City, Friday, Jan. 20, where his pastor, Rev. G. O. Paulsrud, officiated. His six boys acted as pallbearers. Interment was made in the Roland cemetery.