Martha (Johnson/Berkland) Stenson (1858-1935)

JOHNSON, BERKLAND, STENSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/10/2024 at 22:18:03

From Story City Herald December 12, 1935 (page 3)

MRS. LARS STENSON

Mrs. Lars Stenson (Martha Johnson*) was born in Sevde, Norway, April 7, 1858, and died at her home in Story City on Nov. 30, 1935, being 77 years old. She was baptized and confirmed in the Sevde church.

At the age of 23 years, 1880, she left the old country and came to Hamilton county, Iowa. April 3, 1893, she was united in marriage to Lars Stenson. They then made their home on a farm in Hamilton until in 1909 when they left the farm and moved to Story City, where the remainder of her life was spent.

Mrs. Stenson was a faithful and loving wife, and affectionate and indulgent mother, and a goodly neighbor and friend. She has been a member of the Immanuel Lutheran church at Story City. Mrs. Stenson loved her church, was willing and ready to serve it and sacrifice for it. The church will mis her a great deal, but she has joined the triumphant church above.

She is survived by her husband and two adopted children: Dr. Gerhard Stenson of Yankton, S. D., and Birdie Stenson, at home; also many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1935, at the home at 1:30 and 2 o'clock at the church. Rev. Heimarck officiated at both services. The choir sang a song. The flowers were many and beautiful. Pall bearers were Henry Toft, Ole Hendrickson, Martin Phillops, Martin Swenson, H. T. Hauge and Tom Quam. The services were largely attended by the many relatives and friends, who were gathered to pay their last respects to this honored friend. She was laid to rest at the Fairview cemetery.

*SUBMITTER'S NOTE: According to the Story County, Iowa 1925 census, Martha's parents were Sampson Berkland and Ingeborg Jacobson.