John Molstre (1849-1936)

MOLSTRE, PETERSON, LARSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/18/2024 at 19:33:12

From Story City Herald July 30, 1936 (page 1)

FORMER CITIZEN DIED IN CALIF.

John Molstre Died Sunday in Los Angeles; Was Pioneer Local Merchant

John Molstre, an early day prominent resident of this community, died at his home at Los Angeles, Ca., Sunday, according to word reaching here. He had reached the high age of 86 years. The funeral service will be held at Los Angeless as soon as the party of relatives from this place, who left Monday morning, reach there.

Mr. Molstre, a native of Norway, came to Story City about 1880 and started work for John Butler in the grain and lumber business. He soon bought out that business and became one of Story City's substantial citizens. For over thirty years he was engaged in various enterprises in the town, becoming a land holder of real estate and president of Story City's first banking institution. His work in the community largely was responsible for our growth.

Mr. Molstre was twice married. His first wife, Maria Peterson, died after a few years, after which he was wedded to Maggie Larson, who survives him. No children were born to these unions, but he is mourned by three nieces, who were brought up in the Molstre home.

From Story City Herald August 6, 1936

TELLS OF MOLSTRE FUNERAL IN LETTER

Los Angeles, July 31.
Dear Mr. Olson:

It was my privilege to attend the funeral services of the late John Molstre, held Thursday afternoon, July 30, at Our Savior's Lutheran church, Los Angeles. The services were conducted by Rev. A. Suesrud.

Many beautiful floral pieces sent by close friends and relatives were draped about the casket. . Opening the service a duet was sung by Mrs. Yette Barber and daughter, Bernice. Speaking briefly on Mr. Molstre's life, the Rev. Suesrud called upon Hans Hammer, a long-time friend of Mr. Molstre, who paid tribute to his friend and spoke of the importance of being prepared for the day of eternity, which he said may come at an hour unexpected. The services closed with a solo by Mrs. Yette Barber, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere."

The funeral procession then left the church escorted by motorcycle police to the Angeles Abbey Mausoleum located at Compton, Calif., approximately 15 miles from Los Angeles, where final rites were read by Rev. Suesrud. Pall bearers were Mr. Wierson, P. C. Christenson, S. M. Langestead, O. M. Gudmunson, Andrew Nordskog and Sievert Nordskog. The pall bearers were all friends of long standing of the deceased. Mr. Molstre would have seen so many old-time friends gathered together to pay him their last respects.

Racing against time Gerhard Larson, Winfred and Ingram Larson and Sherman Ericson and Florence left Story City Monday afternoon and arrived in Los Angeles early Thursday morning, driving almost continuously.

Mrs. Molstre, whose recent illness made it impossible to attend the funeral, invited relatives and friends to gather at her home after the services. The following former Story City people were observed: Mrs. A. J. Severson, P. C. Christenson, Mrs. Gabriel Gudmunson, formerly Belle Twedt, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jensen, Mrs. D. Overland, Mrs. Oscar Johnson, formerly Leva Ovenson, Mrs. G. W. Salisbury, formerly Julia Marie Nordskog, Mrs. C. A. Barber, formerly Yette Nordskog, Andrae (Arne) Nordskog, Leonard Nordskog, Mr. and Mrs. Sievert Nordskog, Mrs. Amanda Perkins, formerly Amanda Molstre, Mrs. J. Richards, formerly Inger Molstre, Mrs. Geo. Simondson, formerly Ida Larson, and the following from Story City: A. G. Larson, ingram and Winfred Larson, Sherman Erickson and daughter Florence.

Very truly yours,
Leonard Nordskog.
432 LaPalma Ave.
Alhambra, Calif.