Iverson, John 1864 - 1915
IVERSON, HALSETH, MELAAS
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:46
Source: Cresco Plain Dealer Dec. 17, 1915 P-Sec 2 5 C-2
John Iverson passed away at the hospital in Rochester Friday, Dec. 14, following an operation.
Source: Cresco Plain Dealer Dec. 24, 1915 P-8 C-6
OBITUARY
Iverson.
One of the saddest funerals of many years was held in the Orleans Lutheran church six miles east of Cresco on Friday, Dec. 17, 1915, when the remains of John Iverson were laid to rest in the cemetery by the church.
John Iverson was one of the many kind hearted, willing, faithful members of the Orleans church. The last few years he has held the office of sexton. Mr. Iverson was born Nov. 25, 1864, at Decorah, Iowa, and baptized there on Dec. 25, the same year. His father, long since dead was Ole Iverson Halseth, and his mother Gertrude Iverson lives now with her son Benjamin at Cresco. John Iverson was confirmed in Orleans May 23, 1880, and there also married Miss Anna Melaas on June 15, 1894. To them were born three sons and five daughters. The oldest child is 19 and the youngest two, years. Besides his wife and these eight children and his aged mother, John Iverson is survived are six brothers and two sisters, Carl H. - living on a farm near Rugby, N. D., Ben, living with his mother in Cresco, Severt and Anton, Minneapolis, Olaus and Ed O. Iverson who lives on the old homestead of his parents ten miles northeast of Cresco.
John Iverson’s demise came suddenly and unexpectedly. He did not feel very well and left for Rochester about a week before his death. There it was found necessary to operate for gastric ulcer. This was apparently successful and he seemed to rally from the operation so that his wife who had been called to his bedside, obeyed his wishes and returned home to the children over Sunday. But she was recalled Monday and came to the hospital in time to close his eyes in their last sleep here on earth. He sank steadily and died at 6:15 p. m., Dec. 14. The end came quietly and he bade farewell with his wife and brother and the pastor who had shortly before reached him and administered the sacrament. In speaking of his death the pastor said he had seen few more beautiful deaths. No doubt he died a Christian in accord with his positive confession.
John Iverson was a very likable man, true and honest, humble and quiet, trustworthy and loved by all who knew him. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends from near and far. The pastor, Rev. H. M. Norman, preached the funeral sermon at the church on the text Psalm 94, 13-20. Mrs. H. M. Norman presided at the organ. Numerous floral designs covered the casket and again as many came the day after on a belated train.
We need men like John. The community, its town and county as well as the church need people of such sterling Christian qualities as he had. Hence we miss them the more when they are taken away. May his memory ever remain fresh.
Orleans Lutheran Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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