Axel Johnson (1847-1912)

JOHNSON, GJIRDE, HOLLENBECK, OSMUNDSON, HEIE, JOHNSTON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/4/2024 at 13:51:42

From Story City Herald December 12, 1912 (page 10

AXEL JOHNSON DIED TUESDAY

PIONEER SETTLER NEAR GILBERT PASSED AWAY FROM PARALYTIC STROKE

Axel Johnson died at 11 o'clock Tuesday forenoon at his home a mile north of Gilbert. He suffered a paralytic stroke several weeks ago, and had been hovering between life and death ever since.

The funeral will be held in the South St. Petri church today.

The deceased was one of the pioneer settlers and was highly respected in this community. He was one of the directors of the Central Iowa Lutheran Sanitarium and home Association and a member of the South St. Petri congregation.

From Story City Herald January 2, 1913 (page 1)

OBITUARY

AXEL JOHNSON

Axel Johnson, whose death was chronicled in the Herald a short time ago, was born in Tysnes, Norway, Sept. 30th, 1847. He left Norway the 17 of May and arrived at Calamus, Clinton Co., July 4th. There he stayed about one year, when he left for Story county, and here he has lived ever since. He married Miss Anna Gjirde who survives him. They bought a farm near Gilbert Sta., that has been their home for about 32 years. Six of their children are living and were present at the deathbed of their beloved father. They are: Mrs. B. N. Hollenbeck of Cedar Falls; Mrs. M. N. Osmundson, of Humboldt; Bertha, Neil and Nels, who are either home of near home and Oscar* who is professor at the Y. M. C. A. in Los Angeles. He arrived at the parental home 6 hours before his father died.

Mr. Johnson died Dec. 10th and was buried from the South St. Petri church Dec. 12th. In spite of the cold weather a large number of relatives and friends had met up to pay their last tribute to an honored neighbor. In the church were spoken words of comfort to the bereaved family by their pastor and also by Rev. Heie, a brother of the deceased. His brothers Andrew from Story City, and Christian of Marshalltown were also present at the funeral. The church was tastily decorated and many beautiful flowers covered the casket. A big floral contribution from the church, in the shape of an anchor, was place on the casket by the pastor with the words of appreciation for the long and faithful service the deceased had rendered to the church of which he had been a leading member for many years.

Mr. Johnson had been a physically strong man and up to the later part of last summer he hardly knew from experience what sickness was. Then he was seized by creeping paralysis. He realized at once that this was the call to prepare his house and readily resigned his will in the hand of God. What able medical attendance and loving care could do was done for him, but to no avail. His time had come. His days work done. And God called him to the mansions above. Whilst we miss him greatly in the neighborhood and in the church as well as in the home we will rejoice in the assurance that he now partakes with the host above where every true servant will receive his reward from the Master's hand. H.

*SUBMITTER'S NOTE: Axel Johnson's son, Oscar, is buried in Los Angeles as Oscar Theodore Johnston.