Ben J. LILLSKAU

LILLSKAU, LILLESKAU, STOCKDALE, TESDAL, FARLAND, REINERTSON, HANSON, WALLEN, WALLIN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

June 10, 1879 ---- April 24, 1954

OBITUARY OF BEN J. LILLSKAU
Ben, the oldest son of Jacob and Leva Stockdale Lillskau [Lilleskau] was born in [Skjold] Norway, Europe on June 10, 1879 and passed away at his home in Vincent, early Saturday, April 24 after a short illness. At the time of his death he was 74 years, ten months and 14 days of age. Ben came to the United States when a very young lad with his family and they came to Story County first and from there to Eagle Grove. They settled on a farm and it was there that Ben grew to manhood, attending the rural schools of the district. He was confirmed and received at an early age in the Lutheran church and has remained a member since then.

In the year 1905 he was united in marriage to Bertha Helen Tesdal of Eagle Grove. To this union one son, Leonard was born. For a few years after they were married Ben farmed and he moved to Vincent where he opened a store and did shop work. He was well known for his skill in working with metals, no job being too difficult for him. He
spent about 40 years in Vincent, being away and living four years in Rock Island, Illinois.

He is survived by his only son, Leonard of Mankato, Minnesota, two grandchildren Leonard Jr. of Fort Dodge and Kay of Mankato, also two brothers. Chris of Chicago, Illinois and Lewis of Dows, and four sisters, Anna, Mrs. Lewis Farland of Des Moines; Carrie, Mrs. Thomas Reinertson of Kelley; Julia, Mrs. Helmar Hanson of Lake Mills, Mary, Mrs. Rea Wallen of Glenville, Minn, besides other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1947, his father and mother and one brother Thomas.

Services were held at the Vincent Church Monday, April 26, at Vincent, with Rev. Benjamin Coltvet of Duncombe, officiating. Interment was in Newark cemetery near Vincent.

Eagle Grove Eagle ---- Eagle Grove, Iowa
May 6, 1954

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[The majority of his siblings retained the Norwegian name of Lilleskau]