Tilda Adelina (Tollefson) Donhowe (1876-1952)

TOLLEFSON, DONHOWE, HENDERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/21/2020 at 06:15:32

From Nevada Evening Journal March 22, 1952 (page 4)

Last Rites Conducted In Story City For Mrs. Henry Donhowe

STORY CITY -- Last rites for Mrs. Henry Donhowe were conducted Saturday afternoon in Story City, from the Larson-Peterson Funeral home and the St. Petri Lutheran church. Her pastor, the Rev Ivar Havneros officiated, and Dr. F. J. Wertz, pastor of the St. John's Lutheran church in Des Moines also spoke.

A special number, "Come Soothing Death" was rendered by the choir of which the departed had formerly been a long time, faithful member, and Mrs. Robert Kenny sang the hymn "Abide With Me."

Besides the many bouquets of flowers, which were in evidence at the services, a number of memorial gifts to various causes were given in memory of the departed.

Interment was in the Story City Municipal cemetery. Serving as casket bearers were Joseph Donhowe, Lawrence Donhowe, Milford Johnson of Ankeny, Alfred Jacobson, Roy Sweet and Ole Valen.

Obituary

Mrs. Henry Donhowe was born near the village of St. Ansgar< Iowa, in 1976, of parents Tollef and Aase Tollefson. Her father was a native of Norway and her mother was born in Wisconsin.

The Tollefson family were members of the Lutheran church of St. Ansgar, where Tilda Adeline was baptized in infancy, received through Christian instruction in the tenets of religion in her Christian home and in the pastor's class in preparation for confirmation. In addition to the regular courses in the schools she took a special course in music.

On the first day of September, 1896, she was joined in marriage to Henry Donhowe of Story City with whom she lived an exemplary and happy life till his death in April, 1925. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Donhowe established their home in Story City were her husband was engaged in banking and held also other offices of public trust.

Three children were born to this union; Jeanette of South Pasadena, Calif., Arthur of Des Moines and Erling of Hampton.

As years were added to her it became ever more difficult to walk and leave her room and be present at the services in church as she was wont to do. Yet the Word of God which was her heritage, from her childhood home, was her mainstay, even now.

One day she had the mishap of a falling, resulting in an injury which necessitated care at the Lutheran hospital in Des Moines. After some weeks she recovered so well that she could be taken back to her home.

A few days later a more serious ailment assailed her and in her weakened condition it was soon evident that the end was near. It was a great comfort for her have her daughter and two sons present the last days of her life. Great comfort came to her from God's unfailing promises and from the body and blood of her Saviour, who died also for her.

Quietly she slept into the final sleep on the 12th day of March, 1952, at the age of 76 years. Her husband preceded her in death in April, 1925. Mrs. Donhowe leaves to mourn her passing the one daughter Mrs. Jeanette Henderson and the two sons, Arthur and Erling, also eight grandchildren.

Besides her activity in the church Mrs. Donhowe was also active in two civic groups; the Ladies Legislative League and the P. E. O. sisterhood.