Erick R. Sheldahl 1832-1914

SHELDAHL, PONGESOIG

Posted By: Sandy Eggland Hansen (email)
Date: 2/10/2002 at 17:30:44

THE ROLAND RECORD
Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, October 22, 1914
front page

PIONEER CITIZEN

CALLED BY DEATH

Erick Sheldahl, A Resident of Howard Township for 57 Years Died Friday Morning

Erick Sheldahl died at his home in this city at 6 o’clock last Friday morning, October 16, having passed the 82nd year of his life’s journey. Death was caused from the effects of a stroke of paralysis that he suffered about two years ago, and most of the time ever since he has been bedridden.

Mr. Sheldahl was a man of generous impulses and never forgot the hospitable ways of the pioneer. Schooled to the adversities of life on the broad prairie, this man knew at first hand the struggle of obtaining sustenance during this period of constructive work. A principle common to the sturdy manhood of the plains was the true spirit of “help one another” which prevailing characteristic has abided with him throughout his entire life. Indeed, he extended the helping hand to the needy and gave food and shelter to those who sought these at his hands.

He was a man of many splendid qualities. Sincere in his convictions, honest and just in all his dealings with his fellowmen and a true optimist, who in spite of adversity could always behold the silver lining in the cloud of misfortune. He was happy and contented under all conditions.

Mr. Sheldahl was born in Etne, Norway, December 28, 1831. He came to America in company with his parents in 1847, going to Illinois, where they located near the city of Morris. There he lived until the spring of 1856. On October 12, 1856, he was married to Bertha Ness, and the following year they emigrated to Iowa in the company with twenty-four other families and located on the farm a half mile south of Roland, where they lived until seventeen years ago, when they moved to this city and have since resided.

He was the father of fourteen children, nine of whom are living. They are: Mrs. S. J. Severson of Cambridge, Mrs. J. F. Burritts of Des Moines, Mrs. G. H. Krohn of McCallsburg, L. R. Sheldahl of Stanley, N. D., O. E. Sheldahl of Elmore, Minn., H.C. and R. J. Sheldahl, Mrs. O. I. Eggland and Martha Sheldahl, all of this city. Besides the children, all of whom were present at the funeral, he leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, one sister, Mrs. Anna Grove, 37 grandchildren, 27 great grand-children.

The funeral services were conducted from Salem church last Monday afternoon. A large gathering of relatives and friends came to pay their last respects to the departed one. The eulogy in Norwegian was delivered by his pastor, Rev. J. N. Sandven, an in English by Rev. G. O. Paulsrud of Randall. A quartet composed of Messrs. O. S. Boyd, E. R. Grove, C. T. Knudtson and O. S. Mathison sang two songs. Interment took place in the Roland cemetery.