Joseph L. Johnson (1845-1935)

JOHNSON, JACOBSON, BOLAND, JENSEN, WALL, HOOPER, BOGGIE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/8/2024 at 15:57:42

From Story City Herald October 3, 1935 (page 46)

JOSEPH L. JOHNSON OBITUARY

Joseph L. Johnson was born at Kvindherred, Norway, Feb. 8, 1845, and died at the Old People's Home in Story City Sept. 16, 1935, being 89 years and 7 months old at the time of his death.

With his parents (Mr. and Mrs. Lars Johnson Mael) and four other children he came to America in 1860. The family settled at Ottawa, Ill. In 1869 they moved to Roland.

March 6th, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Jacobson Boland, from Hatlestrand in Kvindherred. To this union were born eight children, six girls and two boys. Mrs. Johnson and three children have preceded him in death. The children who survive are: Mrs. Fred Jensen, Mrs. W. Wall and Mrs. E. W. Hooper, all of California, Mrs. Boggie of Mason City, and Jacob L. Johnson of Rushvile, Neb.

Mr. Johnson was one of the old settlers in Story county. The last 50 years he lived in Story City: 14 years ago he entered the Old People's home at Story City. He received good care for body and soul these years. His daughter, Mrs. Boggie of Mason City, nursed him tenderly the last weeks of his life.

Mr. Johnson was a good citizen and a faithful church-man. He was a charter member of Bethel Lutheran church. He proved himself to be a model Christian. He also served the church as a janitor for many years. In this work, as well as in all he undertook he showed the same faithfulness and care. Of Mr. Johnson it can be truly said that he lived and died as a true follower of Christ. Now he is with us no more, but his testimonies, prayers and singing will be in our memory for a long time.

Unlike others, he had made all arrangements for his own funeral including text for his funeral sermon, the hymns and songs and who should take part, even the pallbearers were appointed. He asked for a very simple funeral and, if possible, no flowers.

The funeral took place Sept. 19, 1935. A short service was held at the Old People's Home where, according to Mr. Johnson's wish, Mr. A. Molstre officiated and where Mrs. J. Heggen and Mrs. Ritland sang a duet.

The regular funeral was held in Bethel church where Rev. G. O. Paulsrud officiated and where A. Molstre sand a song requested by Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Torjussen sang "Behold a host arrayed in white."

Among the nearest relatives present at the funeral were his daughter, Mrs. Boggie of Mason City; his grandson, Lawrence Jensen of Cleveland, O. He was laid to rest in the Story City cemetery to await the summons of his Master in the last day.

LETTER OF APPRECIATION
Palms, Cal. Sept. 21.
Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Molstre:

Dear Friends: We are sorry circumstances prevented us from being present at the funeral of our dear father, Joseph L. Johnson. It is great consolation for us to know that he tenderly comforted and taken care of, not alone during his sickness, but also continually during his stay in the Old People's Home, in good old Story City.

He often told us how home-like it was to him, the kindness and car you at all times gave to him and all the old people, and in behalf of myself and family I wish to thank you and your good wife for all you have done for him.

Story City can justly be proud of the Old People's home and the efficiency you have shown as superintendent of this institution.

We are all well, and we sincerely hope this will fine you and your family enjoying peace, health and happiness.

With kindest regards to you and our friends in Story City, we are sincerely yours.

Fred Jensen and family