Anton Bertel KIRKEBERG

KIRKEBERG, QVALE, KVALE, PREHM, OLSON, COX, HOLMQUIST, MICKELSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/5/2014 at 16:28:09

September 9, 1878 --- March 23, 1941

Anton Bertel Kirkeberg was born Sept. 9, 1878, at the family homestead near Eagle Grove, where he spent his early boyhood years with his parents, Mikkel and Marie Qvale Kirkeberg. In infancy he was brought into covenant relationship with the Triune God in Holy Baptism, in the pioneer church near his home and was confirmed in his childhood's faith by Rev. E. Hove in the First Evangelical Lutheran church at Decorah, Iowa, to which town his parents moved when he was fourteen years old. Here he attended the public school and later, Luther College. In 1894 he returned with his parents to the old home place where he engaged in farming for several years.

He entered the government service as mail carrier at Bode, Iowa, in 1908. He remained in this service for seven years when he transferred to Chicago, where he continued as mail carrier for three years. On account of failing health, he discontinued the mail service, returned to Iowa and purchased a home in Dakota City, where he lived, often quite alone, for 14 years. His was a kindly and generous disposition, wishing no ill-will to anyone, and often helping others beyond his means, to his own detriment. Though never very outspoken about spiritual matters, those nearest to him knew he possessed a profound faith in his Redeeming Savior, which sustained him and comforted him in the many lonely hours that were his in the latter part of his life. His health had failed rapidly during the past three months. Though not entirely unexpected, he passed away Sunday morning, Mar. 23, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Prehm, of Eagle Grove. A twin brother died in infancy. His parents, three older brothers and three sisters have preceded him in death. Left to mourn his departure are two brothers, John of San Diego, Calif., and Carl, of LaBelle, Fla., and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Prehm of this city, Mrs. H. C. Olson, of Bode, and Mrs. Anna Cox of Denver, Colo., and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 25. Burial was in the family lot in the cemetery near Thor. Relatives from out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. H. C. Olson of Bode, Irvin Olson and Erling Olson, also of Bode, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Holmquist of Chicago, Ill., Miss Mary Helen Prehm of Mason City, Ernest A. Prehm of Northwood, Miss Florence Prehm of Creston, and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Mickelson of Ames.