Caroline Martine “Lena” Godfredsen (1886-1947)

GODFREDSEN, LATHANAYERS, WALLACE, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:42

February 4, 1886 --- May 20, 1947

TITONKIAN IS FOUND DEAD BY NEIGHBORS

Lena Godfredsen, 61, Titonka, was found dead at her home last week Tuesday afternoon, and funeral services were held Thursday at the Methodist church there.

The Rev. Donald James was in charge, and burial was at Goldfield. Pall-bearers were Frank Pruisman, Gordon and Ray Hansen, Amos Krominga, Frank Reynolds, and Claus Krull.

Miss Godfredsen, unmarried, lived alone. Neighbors had seen her about her usual tasks last week Monday and at work in her garden that evening.

Neighbors Find Body.

Tuesday afternoon Gordon Hansen went to her home to inquire about some work she was to do. There was no response to his summons, and he called a nearby neighbor, Mrs. Gordon Swan. Together they returned to the house, and found Miss Godfredsen lying where she had retired the night before.

Dr. R. A. Evans, coroner, pronounced death due to natural causes.

Since death of her mother some years ago, Miss Godfredsen had made her living by helping in homes, doing practical nursing, and raising food to sell from her garden. She also raised, a profusion of garden flowers and potted plants.

Lived a Useful Life.

Miss Godfredsen was an integral part of Titonka community life for so long that many people had come to depend on her for assistance of one kind or another. Those who knew her well realized the many hard tasks and some disappointments that had been her lot.

In 1918 a brother and sister-in-law died and left four orphaned children. Miss Godfredsen and her aged mother took three little boys into their home. A few years later Mrs. Godfredsen suffered a stroke which left her an invalid for 18 years, during which for 14 years she was bedfast.

Miss Godfredsen kept the little boys in school and also cared for her mother. During the depression years the family funds were lost because of a personal loan that was not paid.

Born at Eagle Grove.

Miss Godfredsen was born Feb. 4, 1886, at Eagle Grove. For a time the family lived near Goldfield, and from there moved to Titonka 40 years ago.

Survivors are the three nephews Miss Godfredsen raised: Harold Godfredsen, Gardena, Calif.; Wilbur, Lake Mills; Ernest, Woden; a half-brother, Rasmus Godfredsen, Goldfield; half-sisters, Mesdames George Wallace, Denver; Walter Williams, Pleasantville, and Vera Lathanayers, Keokuk; and numerous cousins in Kossuth.

Friends who knew the love Miss Godfredsen had for her flowers cut scores of tulips from her garden, and took them to a florist who fashioned a blanket from them which was placed on her casket.

Kossuth County Advance --- Algona, Iowa
May 27, 1947