Gjertrud “Gertrude” (Thorsheim) Knutson (1890-1974)

KANTEN, KNUTSON, SPURKELAND, THORSHEIM

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

July 31, 1890 --- September 17, 1974

OBITUARY

Gertrude Thorsheim Knutson was born in Bremnes, Norway an island on the North Sea. She was the 9th of ten children born to Iver and Anna Spurkeland Thorsheim, the schoolteacher and mayor of Bremnes. In her schooling she learned the practical skills of homemaking, cooking, sewing along with the basic subjects of Norwegian education. When she was eight years old a neighboring farmer-fisherman's son named Gunner Knutson sailed away to work on the sea and to settle in Iowa. One of her older brothers, Rasmus, had also emigrated to far away America. But Gunner did not forget the neighbor girl back home. During the World War I he wrote to her again and again. When he had saved money he made one of his five trips home to visit and to court Gertrude. In 1921 Gunner Knutson was united in marriage to Gertrude Thorsheim in Bremnes Church, the church of their baptism and confirmation.

In bleak March the honeymoon couple came to Iowa. The flat but rich farm soil of Goldfield, Ia. was so different from Norway, but it was their home and it was there that they chose to raise a family. To this marriage was born Kent, Anna, Gerhard and Mildred. With laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, depression and wars, poverty and prosperity, sickness and health the family grew, matured and each married and chose a life of service. Kent became a theological professor, seminary president and church leader until his untimely death in 1973. Anna became Mrs. Charles Kanten of Milan, Minn. Gerhard of Minneapolis, a pastor, Mildred of Eagle Grove is married to Harold Knutson. The Knutsons celebrated their golden wedding in Feb. 1971, Gunner died April 1971.

Mrs. Knutson is survived by three of her four children, Anna, Gerhard and Mildred. By 20 grandchildren, and by one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. H. W. Schiller officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, April 29, 1971