Martha Katherine(Thorson/Toresdtr) Wikre Erickson(1860-1939)

THORSON, TORESDTR, WIKRE, ERICKSON, SKARSTAD, ANDERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/14/2024 at 15:59:44

From Story City Herald March 2, 1939 (page 5)

MRS. MARTIN ERICKSON IS LAID TO REST

Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon for Mrs. Martin Erickson, whose death after a long and painful illness occurred at her home in the east par of town last Saturday evening. Rev. Nelson conducted the prayer service in the home and preached the sermon in the St. Petri church over the text: "I go to prepare a place for you." Rev. Henry Bakke of McCallsburg also spoke briefly on the words: "Now lettest then thy servant depart in peace." Alvena Holm, accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Alfred Jacobson, sand "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Behold a Host Arrayed in White."

The pallbearers were Cornell Erickson, Jacob Sandve, Tom Mathre, O. Vangness, Olaf Larson and C. J. Teig. Interment is being made today in the cemetery at Red Wing, Minn., the body being laid to rest beside that of her husband.

On account of the snowbound roads not many of the relatives from a distance were able to come to the funeral. Mrs. C. J. Skarstad of Rushford, Minn., has been here for three weeks helping the other sister, Garda, care for her mother; her husband was unable to get here. A son, L. J. Wikre of St. Paul and Ole Sandve, a relative of Cumberland, Wis., came as far as Albert Lea and were compelled to return to St. Paul, and then went to Red Wing for the final service today. Others from a distance included Albert Wikre and son of Brownsdale, Minn., and John Wikre of Thor.

Obituary

Rev. Nelson read the following obituary at the funeral:

Martha Katherine Thorson was born at Yttreland, Kopervick, Norway, Dec. 27th, 1860. July 5, 1881, she came to America settling at Norway, Iowa. Here she was united in marriage to Lars L. Wikre March 13, 1890.

They lived in Benton county until 1900, when they moved to Wisconsin. In the year 1910 they moved to Willmar, Minn., and later to Kandiyohi, Minn., where they were in the restaurant business for three years. In 1915 the family moved to Red Wing, Minn. Here her first husband passed away April 13, 1921. Seven children blessed this first union. Two girls died in infancy, and the others remain to mourn the passing of their mother.

June 14th, 1924, Mrs. Wikre was united in marriage to Martin Erickson of Story City, who preceded her in death May 30, 1937.

Mrs. Erickson cherished her church and its message, which became living and real for her while yet a young girl in Norway. The Word and prayer had been a stay and comfort to her thru life.

Following a lingering illness, she was called to her rest Feb. 25, 1939, at the age of 78 years, one month and 29 days. She leaves to mourn her departure five children: Ludvig Wikre of St. Paul, Garda of Story City, Albert Wikre of Brownsdale, Minn., Thora (Mrs. J. C. Skarstad) of Rushford, Minn., and Melvin Wikre of Story City; one sister, Mrs. Christine Anderson of Norway; and one uncle of 94 years, also in Norway; 16 grandchildren; seven stepchildren, and nieces and nephews.