Nels M. Johnson (1859-1927)

JOHNSON, NELSON, NIELSEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/10/2024 at 22:20:23

From Story City Herald May 19, 1927 (page 4)

Obituary

N. M. NELSON

Nels M. Nelson was born in Vayle, Denmark, Sept. 8, 1859, and passed away at his home in Story City, Iowa, at three o'clock Wednesday morning, May 4, 1927 at the age of 67 years, 7 months and 26 days.

He came to Story City May 5, 1881, having thus lived her almost exactly 46 years. One of his first jobs in this country was helping build the railroad from the east, the old Iowa Central, into Story City. Since then he was engaged in the hotel business for many years, conducting what became known at the Nelson house. Later he engaged as drayman. During most of this time he was street commissioner and city marshal, in which capacities he showed marked ability.

He was married to Anna Nelson October 9, 1889, who survives him. His parents and one sister preceded him in death.

He has been an honored member of the masonic and Modern Woodman lodge for many years. Of a kindly and affectionate disposition he has made many close friends down thru the years, who sincerely mourn his departure.

His last illness was brief. The angel of death came to him in the night. He closed his eyes in sleep here and awakened in the new world, where death is no more. May he rest in peace!

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 14, at the residence, Rev. Orth officiating. A quartet consisting of Mrs. Orth, Mrs. Bonnewell, Stanton James and Ira Christenson sang several hymns. Following the ceremony in the home, the masonic lodge conducted the ritual at the grave.

The pall bearers were Nels Larson, Pete Peterson, John H. Johnson, J. C. Jessen, C. J. Ristvedt and Fred Corneliussen.

The floral tributes were exceptionally large and beautiful.

Among those from a distance at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Nelson and children of Galva; S. B. Lee of Storm Lake; Mrs. Anderson of Northwood; I. J. Hill and son Russell and Mrs. Lars Hill of McCallsburg; Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Kauffman of Des Moines; Mrs. M. H. Clough of West Union; Mrs. Geo. Eaton of Norwalk; Mrs. Walter Kramme of Van Meter; Mrs. Chas. Kraull of Des Moines; E. M. Harrington of Nevada; Mrs. M. S. Hays, Mrs. Josie Knutson and Miss Martine Anthony of Ames; Arthur Jones and Mrs. Wright of Gilbert, and many others whose names we failed to get.