John A. Helvig (1847-1919)

HELVIG, GEORGE, MYRLAND, BERGLAND

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/28/2016 at 09:55:44

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, September 4, 1919.

JOHN HELVIG DIED TUESDAY MORNING

Pioneer Citizen Succumbs to Injuries Received Last Week

John Helvig, who was seriously injured a week ago, died at his home Tuesday moring at ten o'clock. Mr. Helvig has been slowly sinking since Wednesdsay of last week, when it was discovered that a broken rib had penetrated one of his lungs. His children were notified a few days ago of his serious condition and they togehter with his wife, were at his bedside at the time of his death.

Mr. Helvig was injured while at the depot Tuesday evening of last week when Henry Jondal, driving a Ford car, came up to meet the train, as it was coming in.

When he drove over the bumps at the crossing near the depot the floor boards came loose so that is became impossible for him the put the brakes on. He, however, had presence of mind enough to shut of the gas and put the car in reverse. But as it was Mr. Helvig happened to stand right in front of the radiator thinking, no doubt, that he could hold the car from going any further. The momentum of the car however was enough to shove Mr. Helvig toward the train which was just starting up. This got him between the auto and the train, and the train ulling the auto onto Mr. Helvig until it sopped as soon as [unreadable] Helvig suffered two broken ribs, some ligaments torn loose, and was considerable bruised on the right side and shoulders. It was not thought at the time that his injuries would prove fatal. On further examination it was discovered that one of the broken ribs had penetrated on of his lungs, and since that time he has been gradually failing until Tuesday morning when he passed away.

Funeral services were held today from the Bergens Lutheran church.
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From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, September 18, 1919.

OBITUARY

John A. Helvig

John A. Helvig was born in Norway, Europe, Dec. 16th, 1847, and died at his home in Roland, Ia., Sept. 2, 1919. At the time of his death-he was 72 years, 8 months and 17 days old.

He came to America in 1867 locating, first in Clinton county, Ia., but within a few years, he moved to Story County, near Roland, where he spent the rest of his days.

After living on a farm 4 miles northeast of Roland for over 30 years, he moved to Roland, where he built a beautiful home.

On Oct. 5, 1881, Mr. Helvig was united in marriage with Miss Caroline George. To them were born six children, two sons and four daughters. His place in the home is the first to be made vacant, but with the hope of a Christian and faith and trust in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ he hoped to fill the place prepared for him in the Heavenly Home.

Mr. Helvig was of a rather quiet disposition, he nearly always was up for what was right. It was sometimes hard to keep out of trouble, but with his peace loving disposition, he nearly always was able to do so.

Before he came to America he was confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran church, and continued in the faith to the end. During the one week of much suffering from the injuries received on the depot platform in Roland, he was visited by many of his friends; both ministers and laymen. The consoling words, both spoken and read from the Bible while on his death bed, were very welcome to him.

Besides his sorrowing wife and six children, namely, Hans J. Helvig of Forest City, Abel J. Helvig, Mrs. R. J. Myrland of Forest City, Mrs. L. J. Ritland, Roland, Mrs. Wm. Myrland of Roland, and Mrs. A. Bergland of McCallsburg, he leaves, together with a multitude of relatives and friends, one brother, Iver Helvig of Ruthven.

The funeral service was held from Bergens church, and he was laid to rest in the Roland cemetery. Rev. Smedal and Rev. Paulsrud officiated.