Edward P. Frette (1882-1939)

FRETTE, JACOBSON, HOLLAND, PEDERSON, TOWNSWICK, QUAM

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/14/2024 at 22:26:37

From Story City Herald March 23, 1939 (page 6)

OBITUARY

Edward P. Frette, son of pioneer parents, Peder and Anna Frette, was born June 18, 1882, on a farm west of Story City, where he lived until his death March 1, 1939, at the age of 56 years, 8 months and 12 days.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.

On February 24, 1909, he was united in marriage to Miss Bertina Jacobson of Story City. To this union nine children were born: Otis of Randall, Arnold of Des Moines, LaVerne, Ethel, Vernal, Merle, Charlotte, Bennett and Ardis, all at home.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife and nine children and little grandchild, Shirley, of Randall. Also two brothers and four sisters: Sam and Rasmus of Randall, Mrs. Erick Holland, Mrs. Regina Pederson, Mrs. Martin Townswick and Mrs. Peder Quam, all of Story City. One sister preceded him in death in infancy, and one brother, Ole, a year ago.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 4, 1939, from the home at one o'clock, and at the St. Paul Lutheran church at two o'clock. One of his favorite songs, "Eastern Gate" was sung at the home by Orville Olson. At the church two of his old Innermission friends, William Hodnefield and Joe Anderson, sang, "Paa den skjonne gyldne strand." Two duets were rendered by Mrs. Benjamin Anderson and Truman Quam, who sang "Near the Cross" and "My Home is in Heaven."

The pastor of the church officiated and chose as text for the sermon, Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast." This text was chosen because it harmonized so beautifully with a thought expressed by the deceased shortly before he passed away. Edward P. Frette wanted no praise at his funeral. If anything was to said about him, he said, "just say that I was oly a sinner saved by Grace." This message from him was presented to the unusually large gathering at his funeral. And then the remains of this "sinner saved by Grace" were laid to rest in the St. Paul cemetery. The pall bearers were his old neighbors: Art Danielson, Jacob Hoversten, James Sansgaard, Selmer Endreland, S. K. Sansgaard, and Mike Boe.

The sum of fifty-seven dollars and eighty-five cents was given to missions in his memory.