More Emmet county obituaries: A-B, C-D, E-F-G, H-I, J-K, L-M-N, O-P, Q-R, S-T-U-V, W-X-Y-Z.

LACEY, Austin

Austin Lacey, the aged father of Mrs. E. M. Crosby, died at the home of his daughter after a brief sickness, Friday evening at seven o'clock.  Funeral services were held at the Catholic church Saturday forenoon, and the remains were taken to Ackley, Iowa, the former home of the deceased.  The remains were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Crosby, and Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Brand.

LAIDIG, Mildred

ESTHERVILLE -- Funeral services for Mildred Laidig, 86, of Estherville will be held today at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Gruver with the Rev. Neal Armstrong officiating. Internment will be held at East Side Cemetery in Estherville. She died on Friday, July 23, 2004, at Averal Holy Family Hospital in Estherville.

Visitation was held yesterday from 4-7 p.m. at the Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Chapel in Estherville.

Mildred Cora Fowler, the daughter of John Wilbur and Martha (Dorrfel) Fowler, was born April 15, 1918, in Monticello, Ill.

Mildred was united in marriage to Arnold Wesley Laidig on Nov. 10, 1936, in Spirit Lake. After their marriage the couple made their home in the rural Estherville area where they raised their family and farmed. In 1965, the moved into Estherville and shortly after that Mildred began working at the Good Samaritan Center in the housekeeping department. Arnold died in 1989. Mildred retired from Good Samaritan in 1997, at age 79. In her leisure time she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, crocheting and most especially Mildred enjoyed spending time with her cat, Kirby.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Gruver.

Left to cherish Mildred's memory are her two sons, Mancil Laidig of Pleansant Hill; Arnie Laidig and his wife, Judy of Alexandria, Va.; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Kim Fiala and her husband, Jeff and their children, Josh and Sarah of Jackson, Minn.; Scott Laidig and his wife Stacey and their children, Colton and Jace of Erie, Colo.; sisters and brothers, Nellie Phillips and her husband, Merle of Wendell, Minn.; Minna Mix of Estherville; Pearl Mortimore of Spencer; Lee Fowler and his wife, Joyce of Adel; Dolly Schubert and her husband, Don of Wallingford; Max Fowler of Palacios, Texas; Evelyn Zhorne of Dysart; many nieces and nephews and cousins; and Kirby.

Preceding Mildred in death were her husband; parents; three brothers and three sisters.

Source: The Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, July 26, 2004.

LANGERMAN, Vivian

Vivian Madden, the daughter of George and Alta (Kohl) Madden, was born November 20, 1918, in Halfa, Iowa. She passed away peacefully at her home in Ringsted, Iowa, on September 17, 2005.

Vivian was a proud graduate of the Halfa school which was located near her family farm. After graduation, she attended Estherville Junior College and obtained her Iowa teaching certification. Vivian taught at Iowa Lake Township country school north of Armstrong, the Henriksen country school near the Marius Henriksen farm east of Ringsted, and at the Halfa school in Halfa. It was while she was teaching at the Henriksen school that Vivian met her future husband, Cecil Langerman, while passing out coupons for sugar rations.

Almost a year after Cecil returned from service in World War II, Vivian and Cecil were married in Halfa, Iowa, on August 20, 1946. Shortly thereafter, they moved to their farm home southeast of Ringsted where they farmed and raised livestock. In 1961, Vivian returned to teaching in the Fenton School District where she taught fourth grade until 1975. During that time, she completed her teacher education through Drake University.

Church, family and friends were important to Vivian. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary in Ringsted. Vivian enjoyed family reunions, traveling to new places and meeting and visiting with family and friends. She especially looked forward to attending, with her husband, the annual WWII Army reunions which were held in a different state each year over the past 39 years.

Left to honor and cherish Vivian's memory are her two children, Marsha Loewenberg and her husband, Terry, of Oakdale, Connecticut; Mark Langerman and his wife, Erika, of Fairfax, Virginia; five grandchildren, Jessica Warner Stites of New York City, New York; Chris Warner of Canberra, Australia; Michael, Megan and Melissa Langerman of Fairfax, Virginia, two brothers, Gerald Madden and his wife, Lois, of Yerington, Nevada; and Lloyd Madden and his wife, Jeannine, of Armstrong, Iowa; sister-in-law Elnora Madden of Ringsted, and eight nieces and nephews.

Preceding Vivian in death were her husband, Cecil; her parents; and one brother, Loren.
 

LARSEN, Ludwig

Ludwig Larsen Passed Away At Wallingford
 Well Known Resident of Wallingford Vicinity Died Sunday At Age of 77;
Funeral Rites And Interment At Wallingford

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Wallingford Lutheran church for Ludwig Larsen, 77, who died at 6 p.m. Sunday at Park View clinic here.

The Rev. L. G. Hinderaker was in charge of the funeral, and burial was in the Wallingford cemetery. Preceding the church service a short service was held at 1:30 at the home of a son, Hilmer Larsen, at Wallingford.

Mr. Larsen had been ill 10 days.

He was born in Norway June 7, 1864, and came to the United States as a boy of 18. He was married to Miss Lena Hanken of Jones county. He had lived in Emmet county for 45 years. During his lifetime he farmed, retiring in 1928. Mrs. Larsen died in December 1934.

Surviving are two sons, Hilmer and Norman of Wallingford, and one daughter, Mrs. John Thomas of Wallingford. He also leaves a brother, John C. Larsen of Wallingford, and one sister, Eda, who still lives in Norway. Six grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Larsen was a member of the Wallingford Lutheran church.

Source: Estherville Daily News, reprinted in the Graettinger Times, Thursday, May 21, 1945, v. 49, no. 21.

CC Note:  Ludwig  and wife are buried in the Wallingford (Riverside) cemetery.

LARSON, Anna (Mrs. Peter)

Another Pioneer Taken Away
Mrs. Peter Larson Dies at Home of Daughter

Mrs. Peter Larson, one of the pioneer residents of Emmet County, died Christmas morning (12-25-1913) at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O. T. Akre at Fulda, Minnesota. Although she had been in ill health for a number of years her fatal illness was pneumonia with which she suffered but a few days. Mrs. Larson moved with her husband to a farm northeast of Wallingford fifty years ago and they there resided until the death of Mr. Larson ten years ago. After his death she made her home with her children in this county until three years ago when she went to Fulda to live with her daughter there. Mrs. Larson was a highly respected lady and admired by all who knew her. She was seventy-three years old at the time of her death. Eleven children survive her. They are Christopher Larson, St. Paul; Lena and Thomas, West Bend; Oliver and Halvor of this county; Mrs. Belle Peterson, Lake Mills; Andrew and Mrs. L. Nelson, Koto, N Dak.; Mrs. Bertha Lee, Oklee (printing unclear), Minn. and Mrs. O. Akre, Fulda. Funeral services were held at the Norwegian church, east of Wallingford, Monday afternoon and interment was in the cemetery near there.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: The Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Iowa, December 31, 1913.

Mrs. Peter Larson died at 6:15 Christmas morning [25 Dec 1913].  In August 1908 she suffered a stroke of paralysis and has been confined to the house since.  Deceased was born April 6, 1810 in Sigdal, Norway, and came to Olmstead county, Minnesota, in 1850.  In 1862 they came to Emmet county and located on a homestead near Wallingford where they resided until 1905, when they moved to Wallingford.  Mr. Larson was one of the many injured in a pool hall at Wallingford by an explosion of a gasoline lamp and died about nine days later.  Funeral services were held from the Lutheran church east of Wallingford.  Rev. Severson of Gruver conducted the services, assisted by Rev. Paulsrud of Randall.  The pall bearers were: T. O. Sando, K. Skattebo, L. L. Nelson, J. S. Refsell, L. L. Gunderson and Edwin Osher.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: The Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Iowa, January 1, 1914.

CC Note:  Anna Larson is buried in the Wallingford Lutheran cemetery.

LARSON, Caroline (Mrs. Halvor)

MRS. HALVOR LARSON OF WALLINGFORD PASSES AWAY

Funeral Will Be Held Wednesday

Mrs. Halvor Larson, 65, life-long resident of the Wallingford community, died at 8 p. m. yesterday at her home. Mrs. Larson had been ill a year.

Mrs. Larson was born Jan 8, 1877, at Terril, in Dickinson county. She was educated in the rural schools. She married Halvor Larson Dec. 4, 1909 at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Swen Syverson, in 12 Mile Lake township. Mrs. Larson was an active member in the Lutheran church.

Her husband and four children survive. Sons are Pfc. Leland S. Larson who is stationed in the Hawaiian islands, and Ellsworth Larson, who is at home. Daughters are Mrs. Frank Benesh of Estherville and Lila Larson at home. There are also four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the home and at 2 p.m. at the Wallingford Lutheran church, the Rev. L. G. Hinderaker officiating. Mrs. Larson will be buried at the Riverside cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chester Anderson, Henry Egertson, Silas Lundy, Carl Peterson, and Bert Twito.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, November 2, 1942.

LARSON, Christopher

Christopher Larson Dies at Age of 84

Christopher Larson, prominent and life-long resident of Emmet County, died at 5:35 p.m. yesterday (7 Sep 1954) at Holy Family hospital at the age of 84.

Mr. Larson had been a merchant in Wallingford for about 50 years, beginning in 1892. He was born Aug. 23, 1870, near Wallingford and he continued to live in Emmet county most of his life. He was a member of the IOOF lodge.

Surviving his death are three sons, Arthur of St. Paul, Minn., Curtis of Maple Hill and Leonard of Spencer; two daughters, Mrs. Stella Nelson of Spragueville and Mrs. Gladyes (RH: spelled that way) Sumpter of Estherville. Also surviving are two brothers, two sisters, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

His wife, the former Louisa Se (RH: name unreadable) preceded him in death on Nov. 6.1942. Also preceding him in death were an infant son, Fred, and a daughter, Mrs. Edna Fordyce of Audubon.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Sandin Funeral home and at 2 p.m. at the Walllingford Lutheran church, the Rev. C. B. Gunderson officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery at Wallingford. Friends may call at the Sandin Funeral home from 7 p.m. today up to time of services. Pall bearers will be Lloyd Wheeler, Oscar Peterson, Bert Twito, Albert Christopher, L. B. Nelson and S. T. Dybdahl, all of the Wallingford community.

Contributor note: Christopher Larson's parents were Peter Larson and Anna Aaby Larson.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Iowa, September 8, 1954.

CC Note:  Please see Emmet County Biographies K-L for biography of Christopher Larson.

LARSON, Halver

Halver Larson, 81, of Wallingford who has been ill for the past week and one-half died at his home at 11 p.m., Wednesday (Aug 29, 1945).

Mr. Larson was born April 23, 1864 in High Lake township where he also received his education. On Dec. 4, 1909 he was united in marriage to Caroline Syverson near Wallingford. The couple made their home in High Lake and Twelve Mile Lake township where Mr. Larson followed the occupation of farmer. He was a member of the Wallingford Lutheran church where he was baptized and confirmed.

He was preceded in death by his wife and is survived by his children, Ellsworth Larson of Wallingford, Mrs. Frank Benesh of Estherville, Corp., Leland Larson, who is stationed somewhere in the Pacific and Lila Larson, also of Wallingford. There are also four grandchildren, six sisters and three brothers surviving.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1:30 from the Larson home and at 2 p.m. from the Wallingford Lutheran church with the Rev. T. J. Spande officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside cemetery.

Contributor's note: Halver Larson was a son of Peter Larson and Anne Aaby Larson.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Iowa, August 30, 1945.

LARSON, Ida Marie

Services for Ida Marie Larson were held Monday, February 20, 2006 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger, Iowa.  Pastor Harold Heinzig officiated.  Internment was at St. Paul's of South Walnut Township Cemetery, Graettinger, Iowa.

Ida Marie Larson, the daughter of Jens and Jensine (Larson) Jensen, was born September 4, 1914, in Madelia, Minnesota.  She died Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at Avera Holy Family Health in Estherville, Iowa, at the age of 91 years, five months and 10 days.

She graduated from Ruthven High School in 1931.

On July 19, 1933, Ida was united in marriage to George Arnold Larson in Wallingford, Iowa.  The couple lived and farmed in the Wallingford and Graettinger area until 1985, when they moved to Estherville.  George died January 7, 1993.  Due to failing health Ida has been a resident of Rosewood Manor since March 2004.

She was a member a of Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger.

Ida is survived by three children, Arnold Larson and his wife, Carol of Reno, Nevada; Curtis Larson and his wife, Pat of Estherville, Sharon Masters of Estherville; nine grandchildren, Margo Mederios; Tamela Garrett; Kimberly Schneider; Charan Thornton; Jay Masters; Nancy Masters; Greg Masters; Mike Masters; Mark Larson; and six great-grandchildren, Nicole Larson; Rachael Mederios; Ashley Mederios; Caitlin Schneider; Ethan Masters; and Ehran Masters.

Preceding Ida in death were her husband; parents; and four brothers, Holger, Art, Gary and Einer Jensen.

She touched us all with her kindess, courage, friendship and love.

Source:  The Graettinger Times, Graettinger, Palo Alto County, Iowa, Wednesday, February 22, 2006.

LARSON, Louisa A. Seim (Mrs. Chris Larson)

Mrs. Chris Larson, 65, Wallingford, died at 6:30 p.m. yesterday (Nov. 6, 1942) at her home in Wallingford after an illness of three years. Death was caused by diabetes.

Louisa Anna Seim, daughter of Carl and Augusta Seim (both born in Germany) was born in Wallingford, Nov. 22, 1877. She attended the Wallingford schools. In 1893, Nov. 30, she was united in marriage to Chris Larson. She was a member of the Wallingford Lutheran church and also a member of the Royal Neighbor Lodge.

She was preceded in death by her parents and several brothers. She is survived by her husband, three sons, Art Larson of St. Paul, Curtis Larson of Maple Hill, Lt. Leonard Larson who is enroute to Camp Roberts, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. O. J. Nelson of Eagle Grove, and Mrs. Gladys Sumpter of Esthervillle, and one sister, Mrs. Fred Hankins of Milford.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 from the Larson home in Wallingford and at 2 p.m. from the Wallingford Lutheran church. Rev. L. G. Hinderaker will officiate. Burial will be in the Wallingford cemetery.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, Nov. 7, 1942.

LARSON, Ole

PIONEER IS CALLED

Ole Larson Answers Final Summons Friday

LIVED IN THIS COUNTY 20 YEARS

Funeral Service Was Held From Palestine Church Yesterday
Burial in Dolliver Cemetery

Ole Larson passed away at his home eight miles northeast of Estherville Friday [Dec. 13 1912] after an illness of only three or four days. The funeral service was held from the Palestine church yesterday and interment made in Dolliver cemetery.

Ole Larson was born in Norway 22 Nov 1839 and died at the age of 73 years, 22 days. He came to the United States in 1872, and settled on his farm in Ellsworth township about 20 years ago. His wife and eight children are left to mourn his death.

The deceased was always a good citizen, husband and father. He has made hosts of friends during his residence in Ellsworth township, Emmet county; they are grieved to learn of his death. [According to Emmet County Death Records his father's name was Lars Tungsvic.]

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, December 18, 1912.

LARSON, Peter

Peter Larson of Wallingford, who was severely burned in the explosion of the gasoline lamp in the Anderson & Soeffing bowling alley at that place January 24, died from his injuries early Saturday morning. His condition had not been considered critical and his sudden death came as a surprise to his many friends and acquaintances. He became ill with pneumonia soon after he was injured and this treacherous disease probably hastened the end.

Mr. Larson was born in Norway in July, 1838, and came to America forty-six years ago, settling in Minnesota, where he was married to Miss Anna Aaby. The couple were among the first settlers in Emmet county, having located on a farm northeast of the present village of Wallingford forty-two years ago, living there until they moved to town several years ago.

The decedent is survived by his wife and eleven children. The children are Halver, Chris, Oliver and Andrew of Wallingford; Thomas, editor of the Graettinger Times; Mrs. Anna Peterson of Williams, North Dakota; Mrs. Belle Peterson of Graettinger; Mrs. Bertha Lee of Grit, Minnesota; Mrs. Thea Nelson of Bowbells, North Dakota; Mrs. Emma Akre and Miss Lena Larson of Wallingford.

The funeral services were held at the Lutheran church east of Wallingford at 2:00 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. S. Strand of Wallingford and Rev. T. C. Thompson of Estherville. The remains were interred in the Wallingford cemetery.

Mr. Larson was one of the first settlers in High Lake township and enjoyed a large acquaintance. He was a man of many good qualities and had many friends throughout the county.

Contributed by: Mrs. George F. Hackett. (This obituary is from my grandmother's scrapbook. It was from a newspaper dated February 7, 1906; name of newspaper not known.)

LARSON, Regnild/Raginald

 
MRS. LARSON, 94, PASSES AWAY AT HER FARM HOME

She's One of County's Oldest Residents

Mrs. Regnild Larson, 94, one of Emmet county's oldest residents, died Saturday at 2 p.m. [Jun 14 1941] at her home eight miles northeast of Estherville. Mrs. Larson had been in poor health for several years.

She was born April 4, 1847 in Norway and came to the United States with her husband when she was 25 years of age. They settled first at Roland and came to Emmet county from there in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Larson moved to the farm where Mrs. Larson lived at the time of her death. She has lived on the same farm ever since moving to Emmet county 57 years ago.

Mrs. Larson is survived by five daughters, Mrs.G. G. Glendenning of Buffalo, S. D.; Mrs. Sadie Toft of Buffalo, S. D.; Mrs. Lena Torkelson of Farview, S. D.; Mrs. T. T. Sunde of Estherville; and Mrs. G. O. Erickson who cared for her mother at home; three sons, L. T. Tungsvik of Le Sueur, Minn.; O. A. Tungsvik of Estherville; and R. O. Larson, who lived at home; 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. One sister, who lives in Norway, also survives. Her husband preceded her in death 29 years ago and three children also preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p. m. at the home and at 2:30 p.m. at the Palestine Lutheran church. The Rev. T. Hansen of Lakefield, Minn., will conduct the rites. Burial will be in the cemetery west of Dolliver [Palestine cemetery].

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, June 16, 1941.

LARSON, Sever

Sever Larson died January 8, 1885 at the farm home of his parents in Estherville township. He was born January 6, 1844 at Aal, Hallingdal, Norway to Lars Paulson Troo and Guri Syversdatter Sundbrei. He came to America at the age of 13 in 1857 and lived in Dane County, Wisconsin with his parents and siblings before the family migrated to Emmet County in 1860.

He was 18 years old when he joined for a 3-year tour of duty in the Union Army on February 3, 1862. He was a private in Company K of the Wisconsin 15th Army Regiment during the Civil War. The regiment was called the Scandinavian Regiment; the officers spoke fluent English but commands were made in both languages. Sever was ill and hospitalized much of the time during his service. He was discharged from the army on February 10, 1865 at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

He was married to Margarette Young Vieux, of Indian descent, on December 15, 1872 at St. Marys, Pottawatomie County, Kansas. They had no children.

He is buried in Wallingford Lutheran cemetery.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Sources: Estherville Northern Vindicator, Emmet County Death Record Book 1, page 3; Paulson Family records.

LEE, Arnt

Stroke Fatal to Arnt Lee: Rites Set

Arnt Theodore Lee, 75, lifetime resident of the Estherville area, died at 5:18 a.m. today [May 17, 1960] at Holy Family Hospital, after suffering a stroke two and one-half weeks ago.

Mr. Lee was born Jan. 28, 1885, the son of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Lee, on a farm three miles north of Estherville. He lived on his parents' farm north of Estherville until July 20, 1947 when he was married to Esther Condon at Jackson, Minn. After their marriage, he and his wife lived in Estherville at their present address, and Mr. Lee continued to farm until the time of his death.

Survivors include his wife, one step-son, Willard Condon of Waterloo; and one step-granddaughter, Carmen Condon of Fairmont, Minn. Also surviving are one brother, Carl Lee and two sisters, Annie and Louise Lee, all of rural Estherville. Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Sandin-Fuhrman Funeral Home in Estherville, with the Rev. T. W. Maakestad officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from this evening until time of services. Burial will be in the Lutheran cemetery north of Estherville.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, May 17, 1960.

LEE, Carl Olaf

Death Takes Carl Lee at Age 84

Carl Lee, 84, who lived his entire life on a farm north of Estherville until a year ago, died Saturday [August 26, 1967] at the Good Samaritan Center, his death attributed to the infirmities of advanced age. He had been a resident of the Good Samaritan Center for the past year.

Carl Olaf Lee was born March 3, 1883, on the farm north of Estherville. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Sever Lee. He received his education in the Emmet County schools.

He farmed his entire life on the farm where the famed meteorite fell May 10, 1879.

Mr. Lee is survived by one sister, Louise Lee, who makes her home at the Good Samaritan Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Hans and Arnt; and one sister, Anne.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Fuhrman Funeral Home, Rev. Reuben Evenson officiating. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery north of town.

Friends may call at the funeral home until time of services Tuesday.

Pallbearers will be Walter A. Schultz, Lloyd P. Olson, Martin Natterstad, Clarence O. Anderson, E. I. Ellerston, and Levi Larson.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, August 28, 1967.

LEE, Christina Nelson

A GOOD WOMAN CALLED TO HER LAST REST

Mrs. S. H. Lee Died At Her Home Sunday After Lingering Illness

Mrs. S. H. Lee died at her home north of this city last Sunday after an illness which extended over a year. She was one of the pioneer ladies of this county and had a host of friends and acquaintances who admired and respected her because of her strong character and personality. She came to Emmet county in 1874 from her home in Norway as a young lady and made her home here since that time. In all the years she was ever ready to extend a helping hand to friends and neighbors and made many friends who will miss her kindly word and friendly smile.

Christiana Nelson was born in Norway on October 30, 1847 being at the time of her death within one day of her seventy-fifth year. She was married in Emmet County in 1878 to S. H. Lee and to this union five children were born. They are Hans N., Anna M., Carl O., Arnt T. and Louise. They with her husband survive her, together with an aged sister in Norway and two brothers, Bernt/Ben Nelson of this city and H. C. Nelson of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. They have the deepest sympathy of the entire community in their hour of sorrow.

Funeral services are being held today at the home north of the city at two o'clock. Rev. Berge of the Norwegian Lutheran church is in charge. Burial will be made in the Lutheran cemetery north of this city.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, November 1, 1922.

LEE, Clara Georgina

Mrs. Clara Lee, 86, Dies; Rites Will be Tuesday

Services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. for Mrs. Clara Georgina Lee, 88, who died at 1:15 p.m. Saturday [Oct 11, 1969] at the Good Samaritan Center.

Mrs. Lee was born Nov. 16, 1882, in Bergen, Norway, to Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Georgina Bergeson. She received her education in the Estherville schools. She came to the United States with her parents at the age of four.

She was married Nov. 30, 1905, to Hans N. Lee, at Estherville and was a long time resident of Estherville.

She was a member of the Estherville Lutheran Church.

She is survived by six children, including one daughter, Mrs. Orville (Dorothy) Knight, Chicago, Ill., and five sons, Robert Lee, Albany, Ore.; Richard, Oxford, Miss.; Theodore, Estherville; David, Cedar Rapids; John, Brownsville, Ore.; and 11 grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Reese-Henry Funeral Home in Estherville. Rev. Stephen Englestad will officiate.

Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery, Estherville. Friends may call anytime until time of services at the Reese-Henry Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Herman Rohde, Martin Natterstad, Axel Thomsen, Orvan Anderson, Levi Larson and Lester Sidles.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, October 13, 1969.

LEE, Esther Charlotte

Mrs. Lottie Lee Dies; Services Set Tuesday

Mrs. Esther Charlotte (Lottie) Lee, 75, Estherville, died at 6 a.m. Jan. 12 [1974] in Holy Family Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Reese-Henry Chapel, Estherville. The Rev. Stan Eyberg of Estherville Lutheran Church will officiate and burial will be made in the church cemetery.

She was born July 8, 1898 in Emmet County to William and Olena Olson Dahna and educated in Emmet County schools. In 1930, she was married to Willard Condon in Chicago. She was married in 1945 to Arnt Lee in Jackson, Minn. Other than a few years of residence in Chicago, her entire life was spent in Emmet County.

She is survived by one son, Willard (Woody) Condon of Estherville; three grandchildren; three brothers, Vern Dahna, Glen Dahna and Francis Dahna, all of Estherville; two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Brady of Estherville, and Mrs.Tena Bugg, Fort Dodge.

Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Nourse, Raymond Dahna, Duane Dahna, Fred Elwood, Ed DeWall and Merlyn Thornburg. Friends may call at Reese-Henry Funeral Home, Estherville.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 14, 1974.

LEE, Hans

Hans N. Lee Dies: Rites are Friday

Hans Nathan Lee, 78, retired railroad engineer, died at 5:30 p.m. yesterday [September 3, 1957] at Holy Family Hospital following a prolonged illness. Mr. Lee had been hospitalized a number of times in the past month.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Lee, Mr. Lee was born Feb. 20, 1879 on a farm three miles north of Estherville.

Hans Lee was united in marriage to the former Clara Bergeson Nov. 30, 1905 in the same house where they have lived and which they had purchased just prior to their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Lee had observed their 50th wedding anniversary in 1955 with an open house at the Estherville Lutheran Church.

Mr. Lee had retired from the railroad 15 years ago after serving as an engineer for the Rock Island for 40 years. He was a member of Estherville Lutheran Church.

Survivors in addition to Mrs. Lee include the couple's six children, Mrs. Orville (Dorothy) Knight of Chicago; Robert S. Lee, Elmhurst, Ill.; Richard N. Lee, Corpus Christi, Tex.; Theodore H. Lee, Estherville; David H. Lee, Mount Vernon; and John Lee, Hawthorne, Calif.

Also surviving are two brothers, Arnt and Carl, and two sisters, Anne and Louise Lee, all of rural Estherville; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday with a family service at the Sandin Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. and a church service at the Estherville Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery north of town.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, September 4, 1957.

LEE, Sever H.

SEVER H. LEE, PIONEER, DIES

In 1881, Sever H. Lee came to Emmet county, then a pioneer section of Iowa and purchased a farm in Emmet township. Mr. Lee was born June 10, 1844 in Norway, had come to Iowa in 1865, after reaching his majority. He was married in 1878 in Emmet township to Miss Christiana Nelson, also a native of Norway. Five children are left to mourn the passing of Mr. Lee, Hans Nathan Lee, an engineer on the Rock Island railway, Anna Mathilda Lee, Carl Olaf Lee, Arnt Theodore Lee, and Louisa Lee, all of Estherville.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon from the Estherville Lutheran Church and burial made in the Kittleson cemetery north of the city.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 16, 1928.

LEIN, Stena (Christina) Toft

Death of Mrs. Stena Lein: At peace, on Sunday [June 30, 1895] about half past eleven o'clock, Mrs. Lein passed away to her resting place into the Sweet Bye and Bye. Mrs. Lein is the daughter of Mr. K. A. Toft, who about a year ago also past through the same ordeal. Mrs. Lein was born in Polk Co., Iowa July the 25th, 1871.

She was married to Mr. Thor Lein Nov. the 26th, 1890, became a member of the Lutheran church when quite young and lived a constant Christian up to her death. She leaves a husband and two little children and a large circle of warm friends to mourn her departure. A procession of 50 teams moved quietly to the Norwegian cemetery. Rev. Thor. Mdsgard [sic] officiated in Norwegian at the house at one o'clock. Rev, Mr. Engh officiated in American at the grave.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; July 4, 1895.

Note: the 1895 Iowa State Census of Ellsworth Township, Emmet County lists Thor A. Lein, 29, born in Story Co., Ia, farmer; Stena, 23, born in Polk Co., Ia, Asker, 3, and Knutie, 1, both born in Emmet County.

LeMeir, Cheryl

Cheryl K. Berggren, the daughter of Walt Henry and Norma Corrine (Petersen) Berggren, was born January 9, 1948, in Fairmont, Minnesota. She died Sunday, July 24, 2005, at Lakes Regional Health Care in Spirit Lake, Iowa, at the age of 57 years.

She received her education in the Armstrong schools, graduating from Armstrong High School in 1967. Cheryl also attended Beauty School and Cooking School. In 1969, she was married to Carl Payne.

Cheryl has lived her entire life in Armstrong. On December 9, 1988, Cheryl was united in marriage to Kenneth LeMier in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Cheryl worked at United Foods and later Fairmont Foods. Kenny LeMier died April 22, 2005.

She was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church and V.F.W. Auxiliary in Armstrong. For hobbies, Cheryl enjoyed collecting, fishing and shopping.

Left to cherish Cheryl's memory are her daughter, Billie Jo Payne and her husband, Terry of Spirit Lake, Iowa; four grandchildren, Hunter, Damian, Marissa, Cassandra; mother-in-law, Ruth Anne McGowan of East Chain, Minnesota; also by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding Cheryl in death were her husband; parents; son, William Carl and brother, Dain. Private services were held.
 

LERDALL, Agota (Agatha)

Grandma Lerdell died at the home of her son, F. T. Lerdall, Saturday morning, October 19th [1901]. She had been sick for some time. Funeral services were held at the house Tuesday. The deceased was 81 years old. She was a widow, born in Norway.

Mary Winterton and children, of Thor, Iowa, also Mrs. Annie Hanson of Spencer, are here to attend the funeral of Grandma Lerdall.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Emmet County Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, October 24, 1901.

CC Note:  Agota Lerdall is buried in the Swan Lake cemetery.

LERDALL, Mrs. T. T. [Margaret]

Mrs. T. T. Lerdall Dead

Mrs. Torger T. Lerdall died at her home 2 miles east of Gruver Saturday evening [Mar. 13, 1908] after a lingering illness. She had been a resident of Swan Lake township for about 35 years. Funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday forenoon, conducted by Rev. Dewey of Armstrong, interment being made in the Swan Lake cemetery. The deceased is survived by a husband and four children, all of whom were present at the funeral. Mrs. Lerdall lived a life of usefulness and was a dear neighbor and friend.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, March 18, 1908.

LERDALL, Torger T.

T. T. LERDALL PASSED AWAY ON THURSDAY

Had Been Ill For Some Time With Asthma

Lived at the Home of His Son, Torger J. Lerdall on West Side--Funeral Saturday

After an illness of more than a year T. T. Lerdall passed away at his home on the west side early last Thursday morning [Jan. 7, 1926]. His death was caused from asthma. Constant care and devoted attention have been given him and everything possible was done to prolong his life but the weakened condition of his body soon brought about his death. T. T. Lerdall was born in Lyster, Norway December 21, 1842. Hw emigrated to this country in 1868 and settled at Madison, Wisconsin where he resided a few years until coming to Winneshiek county, Iowa. He followed his occupation of farming there until 1874 when he came to Emmet county and settled on a farm in Swan Lake township. In 1871 he was married to Miss Margaret Wood at Madison, Wisconsin. Four children were born to them, all of whom survive their parents. They are Mrs. Gunder Winterton, of Sioux Falls, So. Dak.; Mrs. C. H. Knapp, of Brazil, Ind.;A. T. Lerdal, real estate dealer at Ames, Iowa, and Torger J. Lerdall, mail carrier, of this city. Throughout his life Mr. Lerdall followed the farming occupation. While yet a young man he united with the Norwegian Lutheran church, having been confirmed in it faith while yet in his native land. He has remained true to the creed of his church all these years and it can truly be said that his was a blessed death. His first thoughts were always of others and he was ever ready to serve his neighbors and friends. His home life was happy and peaceful and by his pleasant, unassuming way he made the friendship all who knew him.. In his business dealings he was honest and fair, never trying to get ahead of someone else by using dishonest means. He is a pioneer resident of this county and received his share of the difficulties and troubles while helping to build up his home. He endured many hardships but always placed his faith in someone higher and mightier than the human power and was able to survive these hardships. Now that the last chapter of his life has been finished and he has passed into a world of which we know very little, the recollection and memory of him is all we have to keep with us but it is one that will long linger with all who knew him.

Besides his children he is survived by one brother and four sisters: Herman T. Lerdall, of Madison, Wis.; Mrs. Emily Beyer, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Olaf Johnson, of Carlisle, Mont.; Mrs. Sarah Woolcutt, of Estherville and Mrs. O. Hanson, of Spencer, eighteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His wife passed away several years ago. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock at the Estherville Lutheran church, Rev. L. A. Mathre, of this city, and Rev. Hansen and Professor Strand, of Wallingford, officiating. Pallbearers were Anfin Egeland, P. S. Anderson, L. S. Berg, Andrew Anderson, Ole Myhre and Martin Anderson. Interment was made in Swan Lake cemetery beside the body of his wife. The sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved family and relatives in their hours of profound sorry and grief.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 13, 1926.

LIBBY, Lloyd Lewis

Lloyd Libby Dies at 50

Funeral services are to be held Monday for Lloyd Lewis Libby, 50, of Estherville, who died at 1:10 a.m. today [April 17, 1964] at Holy Family Hospital. Death was attributed to cancer.

He was born Oct. 2, 1913, in Stark County, Ill., son of Bert and Clara Libby. He received his education in rural schools there and in Peoria, Ill.

He came to Emmet County in 1948 and married Evelyn Rausch at Jackson, Minn., July 3, 1953. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Estherville.

Survivors include his wife and son, Ricky Allen, 8, and a daughter Susan LeAnne, 10. Two daughters by his first marriage also survive. They are Mrs. Robert (LaVonne) Rushing, Elmwood, Ill., and Mrs. Marilyn Laughlin of Peoria, Ill.

Other survivors are four brothers, John and Clarence of Laura, Ill.; Harold, Towlon, Ill.; Delwin of LaPorte, Ind.; and a sister, Mrs. Everett Camp of Monica, Ill.

His mother, Mrs. Clara Libby of Monica, also survives.

Three sisters and his father preceded him in death.

Family services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Fuhrman Funeral Home in Estherville and public services will be at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. William R. Noland of the First Methodist Church officiating. Burial is to be at East Side Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Fuhrman Funeral Home after 3 p.m. Saturday until noon Monday when the body will be taken to lie in state at the church.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, iowa, April 17, 1964.

LIEN, Mrs. Torbjorn A. (Kristi)

Mrs. Kristi Lien, 85, passed away at her home in Estherville Saturday evening [Feb. 24, 1933].  She had been in failing health from the infirmities of old age for the past few months.

Mrs. Lien had resided in Estherville since 1889 coming here with her husband and family from Roland, Iowa.

Kristi Engebretson was born on Jan. 4, 1848 in Aal Hallingdal, Norway, the eldest child of Engbret Engebretsen.  At the age of 15 she came to America with her parents and settled in Story City, Iowa.  She was married Jan. 23, 1867 to Torbjorn A. Lien and they resided at Roland until coming to Estherville.  Mr. Lien died in 1907.

Mrs. Lien is survived by five daughters, Mrs. A. J. Coats of Des Moines, Mrs. Mary Olson of Minneapolis, Mrs. K. K. Nau and Miss Bessie Lien of Estherville, Mrs. Vinton A. Combs of Waussau, Wis., and one son Jacob E. Lien of Minneapolis.  There are 13 grandchildren.  Two sisters also mourn her passing, Mrs. Peter Raask of High Bridge ad Mrs. Geo. Larson of Story City.

The eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lien, Mrs. Andrew Torreson preceded her mother in death, and two children Betsey and Jacob died of diphtheria at the ages of six and eight years.

Mrs. Lien was baptised as a child and confirmed in the Lutheran church before leaving Norway.  She became a member of the Estherville Lutheran church as soon as the family moved to this city and it is from this church that the funeral services will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. L. A. Mathre officiating.  Short services will be held at the home at one thirty.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: The Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Iowa, February 28, 1933.

LINGENFELTER, Elizabeth

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at two-thirty from the Christian church of this city for Mrs. Elizabeth Lingenfelter who passed away in Ft. Dodge Friday after a short illness. Rev. Fred Sawyer pastor of the church was in charge of the services. Interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery. Pall bearers were members of the Odd Fellow lodge, Mrs. Lingenfelter having been a member of the Rebeka lodge here for many years.

Born in Iowa

Elizabeth Ann Yost was born Sept. 1, 1865, at Birmingham, Ia., and was married to Wm E. Riggs, June 11, 1885. To this union, two children were born, Nellie Maud, who died at the age of two and Nina M. (Minerva) now Mrs. Dave Ingvall of Estherville. Mr. Riggs died October 11, 1889 (correction: 23 Feb, 1890) and in 1891 she was married to Orlando Lingenfelter of Estherville. Three children were born to them, Russel H. who passed away March 24, 1918, Mrs. Kenneth Dixon of Fort Dodge and Lyle A. of Ft Dodge.

Surviving are the three children, seven stepchildren, thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, three sisters and a half sister.

Contributed:  Doreene Hanson.

LINGENFELTER, William

Wm. Lingenfelter died at the home of his son-in-law, H. C. Coon in Estherville Sunday morning at two o'clock, May 15th, aged 90 years, 11 months and 2 days.

Mr. Lingenfelter was born in Montgomery County, NY on June 13, 1801 and moved to Wisconsin when in his 55th year; went to Minnesota 5 years later and came to Estherville 26 years ago, where he lived to the time of his death. He was married Nov. 27,1828 to Lavina Seamons in New York state, who preceded him to the spirit world nineteen years ago. The union was blessed with twelve children, six of whom are still living; Orlando Lingenfelter, Mrs. H. C. (Elmira) Coon, Mrs. Amos (Adaline) Ketchum, Mrs. Theo (Lavina) Fenstermacher, Mrs. E. (Mary) Rodgers and Jerry Lingenfelter.

Funeral services were held from the Baptist Church on Monday, Rev. Toothacre preaching an appropriate sermon. Interment took place at the East Side Cemetery.

Mr. Lingenfelter was a quiet unassuming old gentleman and was well known and respected by all. His death, like his life was serene and peaceful. 

Contributed by:  Phyllis Irish.    Source: Emmet County Republican, Estherville, Iowa, May 19, 1892.

LOHR, Evan B.

E. B. Lohr, 77, Dies Following Heart Attack

Funeral Services Will Be Held at 2:30 Sunday

E. B. Lohr, 77, died at 5:40 p. m. yesterday [April 5, 1945] in the Park View clinic, after he was stricken with a heart attack Wednesday. He had been in failing health since last winter but his condition did not become serious until two weeks ago.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p. m. from the Sternborg funeral parlors with the Rev. G. E. Forsell officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery.

He is survived by his widow, a son, Donald, a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Barg of Springfield, Ill., a grandson Gordon Barg of Estherville, two sisters, Mrs. O. E. Griffin of Iowa City, Mrs. Ida Dunlap of Los Angeles and a brother, Bert Lohr of Lohrville.

Born in Maryland

E. B. Lohr was born Dec. 17, 1867 in Maryland, and died at the age of 77 years, four months and 18 days.

In early years of his life he moved to Hanover, Pa., after which he moved to Sterling, Ill. He then moved to Lohrville, which was named after his father. On Dec. 6, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Lohr were married at Rudd.

Came here in 1902

In 1902 they moved to Estherville and Mr. Lohr was associated with Walter Crowell and A. C. Brown in the implement business. Later he was proprietor of a hardware store and was a dealer for Studebaker automobiles.

He was one of eight children, six boys and two girls, and four brothers have preceded him in death. Mr. Lohr was a member of the Elks lodge.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.   Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, April 6, 1945.

LOHR, Sadie Elizabeth

Services for Mrs. Lohr to Be Saturday

Mrs. E. B. Lohr, 79, died at 10:15 a. m. yesterday [September 16, 1953] at Holy Family hospital where she had been a patient for five weeks recovering from a broken hip. She had been in failing health for the past two years.

Mrs. Lohr was born July 12, 1874, in Dubuque. She was married on Dec. 6, 1896 to the late E. B. Lohr and the couple moved to Estherville in 1902. Her maiden name was Sadie Elizabeth Peters.

Surviving her death are a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Barg of Springfield, Ill.; a son, Donald Lohr of Estherville; a grandson, Gordon Barg of Anderson, Ind.; and a sister, Mrs. Julianna Johnson of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Preceding her in death were her husband in 1945 and a sister, Mrs. Sam Haines of Mt. Auburn.

Mrs. Lohr was a member of the Estherville Methodist church.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday at Sternborg funeral home with the Rev. H. Hughes Dill officiating. Burial will be in Oakhill cemetery.

Friends may call at the Sternborg funeral home tomorrow evening and Saturday up to time of services, when the casket will be closed.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, September 17, 1953.

LOKKEN, Elizabeth Olson (Mrs. Knut)

Mrs. K. O. Lokken Dies

Mrs. Elizabeth Olson Lokken, wife of Knut O. Lokken, passed away on Sunday morning [15 Feb 1926] at the age of 70 years. Mrs. Lokken was born in Norway but had made he home in Estherville for thirteen years coming here from the Wallingford community where she and he husband had farmed successfully for many years. Her health had been poorly for the past three years and her death was not unexpected.

Funeral services will be held in Friday and interment made in the Wallingford cemetery where her parents are buried.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, February 17, 1926.

LOSTGARD, Peter C.

Be Interred in Oak Hill Cemetery

Peter C. Lostgard died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Gilbert Eike, yesterday morning [23 Aug 1910] at 6:10 o'clock of heart disease complicated with Brights disease. Mr. Lostgard had been sick for about 10 months. His many friends had seen him about town recently and his death came as a great surprise to all. The past few days prior to his death he gradually grew worse.

The funeral will be held from the Gilbert Eike residence at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Following the funeral service at the home there will be service at the Presbyterian church at 2:30 o'clock. The Masonic Lodge will have charge. Burial will be made in Oak Hill cemetery.

Peter C. Lostgard was born in Norway January 14, 1842. He was married in Norway in 1869. In 1870 the Lostgard family came to Fayette county, Iowa. There Mrs. Lostgard died about 37 years ago. Since then Peter has been making his home with his children. He has lived in Estherville with his daughter since 1893. Besides Mrs. Eike he leaves two sons.

Mr. Lostgard had been a strong and leading Mason for many years, and has always been active in local lodge work. He was a reliable and honorable citizen. As one of the best known men in Estherville he will be greatly missed in this community.

The Enterprise joins in sympathy to the family.

Contributed by:  Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, August 24, 1910.

Source: 1880 Federal Census record: Northwood, Grand Forks, Dakota Territory-- Head of household: Peter C. Lostgard, widowed farmer, age 39; Christian Lostgard, son, 14, born in Norway; Gulia (sic) Lostgard, daughter, 12, born in Norway, keeping house; Isabel Lostgard, daughter, 10, born in Iowa; Hanna Lostgard, daughter, 8, born in Iowa; Mary Lostgard, daughter, 6, born in Iowa.

LUCAS, Ann

Mrs. Ann Lucas, a pioneer settler of this county and a resident of this city, died at the home of her daughter in Jackson, Minnesota, April 4th, of the Flu, and was buried last Saturday in Oak Hill cemetery in Estherville. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. Arthur Hurely, pastor of the Union Baptist Church, at the grave side in the cemetery. Mrs. Vance Noe, Mrs. Frank Eiden and Miss Elizabeth Cole sang.

Mrs. Lucas was a native of England and was born at Weston, Zayland in 1832. Her parents, Charles and Betsey (Taswell) Heal emigrated to America in 1844 and located in Kane county, Illinois. She was married to John A. Lucas February 22, 1850. Soon after her marriage she came to Winnesheik county, Iowa, where she and her husband lived eight years, removing to Estherville in 1863, locating on a homestead in Emmet township west of the Des Moines river, near Emmet bridge.

The Lucas family were truly pioneer settlers in this locality. They endured many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. In that early day and during the Indian breakout Mr. Lucas enlisted in the service. These were the days that caused the stoutest heart to quail with fear because of the numerous attacks made by the Indians. The faithful wife and mother of necessity was often left alone while her husband was in the service but she ever stood heroically in her place of duty and for the defense of her home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lucas were born thirteen children: Henry Theodore, John, Eliza, James Walter, Silas, Betsey, Caroline, Emily Jane, Miranda, Daniel, Charles, Elva, and Hiram. Seven only survive the going of the mother. There are also fifty grandchildren, and fifty-two great grandchildren.

Mrs. Lucas was a lady of inestimable character. She united with the Baptist church of this city in March 1889 and remained a faithful member until her death. She lived more than four score years, being eighty-six years and six months old at the time of her departure.

Mr. Lucas departed this life November 22, 1875.

Contributed by: Diane Lavender.   Source: Northern Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Iowa, April 9, 1919. 

LUCAS, Infant son

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Lucas died last Friday after a short illness.

Contributed by: Diane Lavender   Source: The Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Iowa, April 25, 1901.

LUCAS, Mary Etta (Allen)

Mary Etta (Allen) Lucas was born April 2, 1857 in Fillmore County, Minnesota, and died at her home in Estherville Dec. 13, 1920.

In 1866 she moved with her family to Jackson County Minn., where she lived until Nov. 27, 1877, when she was united in marriage to James Walter Lucas and moved to Estherville where she spent the remainder of her life. To this union was born eleven children three of which have already passed beyond. She leaves besides her loving husband eight children, two brothers, two sisters, and twenty-six grand children to mourn her loss. The children are as follows: Walter, Charles, Eanus, and Haviland, all of this city; Mrs. Rena Burkart of Estherville, Mrs. Grace King of Coffeyville, Kan.; Mrs. Roy Criss of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Maude Lucas of this city all of whom were present when she passed away also her brother Hylus Allen of this city and Dennis Allen of Boyero, Colo.

While moving with three other families from Fillmore county to Jackson county taking nearly a month as it was spring with no roads and lots of muddy weather, driving oxen and loose cattle the ladies drove the horses. During the first days making a short turn the horses became frightened and ran away, Mrs. Allen was thrown from the wagon and instantly killed, also other members of the family were injured. After the death of Mrs. Allen the care of several children was left to Mrs. Lucas until the death of her father in 1875. She being just a young child at that time. At the age of 11 years she united with the Loon Lake Baptist church of which her father was the minister and for many years she has been a faithful member of the Baptist church of this city. Although owing to ill health for the past years she has been unable to attend church, she has been interested in the work of her Lord and Master. She was never too busy or tired to befriend the needy or lend a helping hand in the time of sickness or sorrow. She was always a devoted wife, a kind and loving mother and good neighbor, always giving up her own pleasures to keep the home bright and cheerful and to give pleasure to others.

All that medical aid and loving hands could do as done, but as her life work had ended she passed on to the great beyond.

Contributed by: Diane Lavender   Source: Estherville Enterprise,  Estherville, Iowa, December 15, 1920.

CC Note:  Mary Etta Lucas is buried in Oak Hill cemetery.

LUCAS, Walter

EARLIEST PIONEER IS CALLED
W. Lucas Came Here in 1862
Funeral for Well Known Man to Be Thursday at Union Baptist Church;
Survived by 6 Children

Estherville's and Emmet county's longest time resident, Walter Lucas died in his home at 10:30 a.m. yesterday. He had been critically ill for seven weeks, but prior to that time was well and active in spite of his 82 years.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at the Union Baptist church in charge of Rev. J. Albert Riggs, pastor of the church. Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery, where Mr. Lucas had for many years been caretaker.

Born in 1857 in Winnesheik county, Mr. Lucas came to Emmet county at the age of five years with his parents and has made this his home during the ensuing 77 years.

Surviving children are Charles of Ava, Missouri, D. W. of Motley, Minn., Haviland, and Mrs. Grace King, Estherville and Mrs. Simon Frey of near Maple Hill. Two sisters are also living, Mrs. Esther Allan of Los Angeles, California, and Mrs. Hilas Allan, Estherville.

Contributed by: Diane Lavender   Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Iowa, April 4, 1939

Walter Lucas Rites Will Be Tomorrow

Funeral services for Walter Lucas, who died Monday, will be held at 2:30 p. m. tomorrow at the Baptist church; with the Rev. J. A. Riggs in charge. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery.

Contributed by: Diane Lavender   Source: Esthe rville Daily News, Estherville, Iowa, April 5, 1939.

CC Note:  see pioneer memory of Walter Lucas.

LUIKART, Melinda

Mrs. Melinda Luikart, 90, who is believed to have lived in Emmet county longer than any other living resident died last night at 8 o'clock at Holy Family hospital. She died of cancer, becoming ill in July and had been hospitalized since Oct. 4. Mrs. Luikart lived in the county for 89 years moving here with her parents, John and Martha Barber, in 1862. She was born Jan. 21, 1861 in Edgerton, Wis., and the family came by covered wagon drawn by oxen to Emmet county a year later.

Eight adults and three children made the trip which took them a month, Mrs. Luikart wrote in an account of her early life in the county.

The family came to the county on the advice of a man encouraging settlers to come west and take up homesteads. They moved to a farm in Emmet Grove where the Jarvis and Ellis families were the only other residents.

Mrs. Luikart wrote "it was just after the Indian Massacre at Spirit Lake and there were still small bands of Indians around but the soldiers were stationed in Estherville so they could do no harm, only to beg for things, but the settlers did not trust them.

"On Nov. 10, we arrived at Emmet Grove and that winter we had to live with the two other families in one house.

The first land my father took to homestead proved to be property of the Des Moines River Land company but he had lived on it two years before he found that out so then he had to take another quarter section and he lived on this farm until he died in June, 1918.

"The early settlers had to get along without a lot of things that they needed, but they did not complain. They built their houses with logs which they cut from trees that grew along the Des Moines river.

"The first school I attended was held in a neighbor's granary, and the teacher's name was Miss Cheever. The first school house we had was built of logs and the desks and seats were made of plank.

"My mother made our dresses from unbleached muslin which was 50 cents a yard. It was right after the Civil war and everything was high priced. I cannot remember having a calico dress until I was 10 years old. This muslin with which she made our dresses she colored with black walnut shucks as there were a great many of these trees growing near the river at that time.

"My father had never lived on a farm; he was a cabinet-maker by trade so he made all our furniture and some for other people too.

"My mother missed her tea and my father missed his tobacco so they had to use a substitute. A sage bush that grew on the prairie they used for tea and the Indian tobacco that grew wild my father gathered and dried and smoked in his pipe. At that time there was a lot of prairie land over which horses and cattle roamed at will, and the farmers fenced the fields.

"There was quite a distance between neighbors and they visited each other evenings. The young people played games while the older ones visited and before leaving for home they would have supper together. The food was plain no fancy foods were served at that time.

"Lovely strawberries grew along the creek west of our home; they were so sweet one needed very little sugar for them and sugar was a scarce article then. We gathered the nicest gum from the gum stalks that grew on the prairie.

There were plenty of wild crabapple and grapes, also hazelnuts and black walnuts for all who wanted them.

"There was very little white flour and sugar and one had to go to Mankato, Minn., to get them. Most of the food was corn bread and molasses, potatoes and vegetables. If one had a cow they had milk and butter."

Mrs. Luikart married William Luikart Nov. 25, 1880, in Estherville and lived on a farm two and half miles north of Estherville until 1914.

Mrs. Luikart was baptized in the Des Moines river Aug. 21, 1892, and joined the Union Baptist church as one of its first members on Sept 4, that year.

Her husband died July 9, l929, 15 years after they had moved to their home in Estherville.

Continuing to live at 1008 North Sixth street, Mrs. Luikart drove her car, did her own housework, visited friends until last July 29, when she became ill.

She was a member of the Union Baptist church and Ladies Aid, serving as its president at one time.

Mrs. Luikart is survived by two children, Agnes V. Steele, Estherville, and Clem Luikart, of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Ralph Steele, of LaCrosse, Wisc. and Kenneth Luikart, of Minneapolis; two great grandchildren., Billie and Mary Beth Luikart of Minneapolis, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sandin funeral home and at 2 P.M. at the Union Baptist church, the Rev. G E. Forssell officiating. Burial will be at Oakhill cemetery.

Friends may call at the Sandin funeral home from tomorrow noon up to the time of the funeral.

Contributed by: Jon Barber  Source: unknown, probably an Estherville newspaper, about 1951.

LUNDY, Ina Bettea

WALLINGFORD -- Services for Ina Bettea Lundy, 92, will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Wallingford Lutheran church with Pastor Virgil Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. She died Thursday, Jan. 24, 1991 at Good Samaritan Center [in Estherville.]

Friends may call at Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home in Estherville from 4 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

She was born Jan. 31, 1898 in High Lake Township, Emmet County, Iowa, the daughter of Ingval S. and Bertha (Nestegard) Refsell and attended country school; completed her high school education in Waldorf Academy in Forest City and Jewell Lutheran Academy in Jewell. Following high school she attended teachers training in Spencer and taught country school for three years. After her marriage Marcy 24, 1920 to Silas Lundy at Wallingford, the couple farmed in Wisconsin four years. In 1924 they moved to Emmet County and farmed in Twelve Mile Lake Township then moved to a farm in Estherville Township. They retired in 1961 and moved into Wallingford.

Survivors include three sons: Harvey and Donald of Estherville and Paul of Wallingford; one daughter Mrs. Ronald (Kathryn) Holmblad, Faribault, Minn.; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister Mrs. Jacob (Alice) Amdahl, Estherville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband who died Jan. l, 1986; one brother and one sister.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 26, 1991.

LUNDY, Silas

WALLINGFORD -- Services for Silas O. Lundy, 89, Wallingford, will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wallingford Lutheran Church with Pastor Virgil Anderson Officiating. Burial will be in Wallingford Lutheran Cemetery. He died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1986 at the Good Samaritan Center, Estherville.

Friends may call from 3-8 Friday at the Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home at 103 North Ninth Street in Estherville.

He was born Nov. 6, 1896 in Morris, Ill., to Halvor and Helen (Stanerson) Lundy and was educated at Jewell Lutheran Academy, Jewell, and Iowa State University, Ames. On March 24, 1920 he was united in marriage with Bettea Refsell at Wallingford. He moved with his family to Slater in 1900 and after his marriage, the couple moved to Wisconsin where they farmed until 1924. They moved back to the Wallingford area where they farmed until 1961 when they moved into Wallingford. He was elected to the board of directors of the Wallingford Telephone Company in 1953 and managed the telephone company until 1971. He was active in the Emmet County Farmers Mutual Insurance Association from 1949 to 1982 as a board member, agency salesman and adjustor. He also sold automobile insurance for American Family Insurance and served on the board of directors and was secretary for the Wallingford Creamery for 23 years. He was active with the Ingham Lake Bible Camp, serving as treasurer for many years. A World War I veteran, Lundy was a member of the Wallingford Lutheran Church where he was secretary from 1927 to 1952 and was a Sunday school teacher and choir director.

Survivors include his wife Bettea, Wallingford; three sons Harvey and Donald, both of Estherville, Paul, Golden Valley, Minn., one daughter, Mrs. Ronald (Kathryn) Holmblad, Faribault, Minn.; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Rev. J. O. (Ada) Paulsrud, Slater.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 2, 1986.

LUSH, George

DEATH IN THE DES MOINES
George Lush, a High School Student,
Drowned Wednesday Afternoon

George Lush, a young man 20 years of age, son of Mr. and M Lush, who lives on a farm about five miles south of the city, was drowned in the Des Moines river about 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. pThe body was recovered in about forty minutes, and although everything known was done, it was of no avail.  The funeral will be held sometime Friday.  It will be either from the residence of Mrs. Jehu on North Seventh street, or at the Methodist church.  It is probable the remains will be laid at rest in Oak Hill.

The young man came here last fall and has been attending high school.  While here he worked for and boarded with Mrs. Jehu, the proprietor of the Estherville greenhouse.  Wednesday, forenoon he took examinations, and was out of school in the afternoon.  After working for a time about the greenhouse, he joined some boys and went to what is known as "the swimming hole," a fine bathing place in the river, just on the outskirts of the city.  This place is of considerable width and from eight to ten feet deep in some places.

After they had been in the water for some time Lush and Willie Johnston, a boy considerably younger, started to swim across the river.  The Johnston boy noticed that Lush was not swimming naturally and told him he had better turn back.

Almost at this instant he began floundering in the water.  The Johnston boy went to his assistance, but Lush grabbed him and almost pulled him under the water.  He broke away from him and swimming up behind him grabbed  him by the hair and tried to hold his head out of water and push him to shore.  When almost exhausted he gave up the struggle ad just reached shore before giving out entirely.

The alarm was immediately given, and in a short time a crowd was at the scene of the accident.  In about forty minutes the body was recovered and carried to shore.  Just at this time several physicians arrived.  They worked for an hour with the body, but were unable to bring him back to life.

Word was immediately sent to his parents and Mr. Lush and son came in Wednesday evening.  Mr. Lush returned Thursday morning, and it is expected that he will return today with Mrs. Lush, if she is able to travel.  The mother ipan invalid, however, and it was feared the shock might be too great for her.  The deceased had three brothers ad two sisters, one of the sisters being married and living in Dakota.  She is expected tonight.

The deceased was a most exemplary young man, and was highly esteemed by all who new him.  His sad death cast a gloom over the school and among his associates.

Wednesday afternoon while working about the greenhouse, digging with a spade, he jokingly remarked to Mrs. Jehu that he was digging his grave.  Little did he imagine at that time that death was so near.

Source:  The Weekly Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, June 13, 1901.

CC Note:  George Lush is buried in Oak Hill cemetery, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa.

CC Note:  See Gravestone Photo for George Lush.

Brief Sketch of the Life of the Late Lamented George Lush

The following brief sketch of the life of the late George Lush, together with resolutions adopted by his schoolmates, has been handed the Vindicator:

George Lush, an Emmet county boy, was born at Princeton, Ill.  At the time of his death he was twenty years of age.  He spent the years of his boyhood doting those things which fail to the lot of most boys raised on a farm.  He joined the M. E. church in 1893.  Upon the completion of the Eighth Grade work he entered the high school of Estherville, and had, at his death just completed the second year.  In school he was faithful and painstaking, and exhibited the true spirit of the student.  To teachers and schoolmates he was always kind and courteous.  Gentlemanly in bearing at all times and in all places, he won the regard of both old and young.  His uprightness of character was commented upon by one of our business men while in conversation with Mr. Dukes, who quotes the remark thus: "There is a young man who can be depended upon," an the school echoed the sentiment.  The promise of so good a life was ruthlessly cut off Wednesday evening, June 12, 1901, when death by drowning took George from among us.

Source:  The Weekly Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, June 27, 1901.

LYMAN, George Henry

ESTHERVILLE --Services for George Henry Lyman, 104, will be held Thursday, 1:30 p.m. at the Christian Church with Dr. James Harmon officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. He passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 14, 1982, at the Good Samaritan Center. Friends may call at the Fuhrman Funeral Home after 3 p.m. today (Wednesday).

Lyman was born Nov. 27, 1877 at Croton, Ohio, the son of Fred and Martha Lyman. He moved with his parents to Jackson, Minn. in 1881 and to Estherville in 1886.

On Jan. 6, 1899 he was united in marriage to Anna Jane Montgomery at Montgomery, Ia. The couple lived in Estherville where he was in the grocery business for 40 years; he then farmed for 12 years south of Estherville, and then he operated the North 6th Street Grocery for 22 years and worked for his son, John, in the oil business until he retired at age 85. He has been a resident of Good Samaritan Center for the past several years.

He was a lifetime member of the Christian Church.

Survivors include two sons, John Lyman, Estherville and Richard Lyman of San Angelo, Texas; one daughter, Kathryn Lyman, Estherville; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; one son, Fred; his parents; four sisters and three brothers.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Iowa.

LYNCH, Reuben

PIONEER FARMER DIES; RESIDENT COUNTY 59 YRS.

Had Farmed in Estherville Twp. 21 years. Funeral Thursday Morning

Rube H. Lynch, one of the pioneer residents of Emmet County, passed away Saturday evening [Dec . 5, 1927] at seven thirty at the home of H. P. Oleson on South Ninth street, after a four months' illness of dropsy.

Reuben Lynch was born in Winona county, Minn., Dec. 29, 1859 and has lived in Emmet county since 1868. He was nine years old when he came to this county.

For ten years of his early life he followed the trade of a mason, then took up farming. For nine years he farmed in Twelve Mile Lake township and for twenty-one years in Estherville township. He resided on the home place until a few weeks ago when his condition made a move to Estherville vital. Nine years ago an attack of blood poisoning made the amputation of one limb necessary and since that time the home farm has been in charge of his son Arthur.

Mr. Lynch was united in marriage on November 25, 1886 to Miss Sarah Oleson of Spirit Lake. To them six children were born, two dying in infancy. The widow and four children, Mrs. Ruth Coulter of Spirit Lake, Roy of Clarksville and Wallace and Arthur of Estherville survive. There are also two brothers to mourn his passing, Frank Lynch of Hinkley, Minn., and Charles Lynch of Stratford.

Deceased was a man highly esteemed by his neighbors and beloved by a wide circle of friends. He was a member of the Modern Woodman of America lodge at Wallingford. By all these he will be sincerely mourned as well by his immediate family to whom he had been a most kind and considerate husband and father.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning from the Oleson home and from the Estherville Lutheran church in charge of Rev. L. A. Mathre, pastor. Interment will be made in the East Side cemetery.

All of the children are here to pay their last respects to their beloved father, and Dr. P. E. Oleson and H. P. Oleson of Chicago came for the funeral services.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett.  Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, December 7, 1927.

LYNCH, William

Wm. Lynch Dead.

Wm. Lynch, father of Frank and R. B. Lynch, died at the home of his son Rube Lynch west of Estherville Monday, and the funeral was held from the first Baptist church yesterday afternoon. Deceased was 78 years old, and had been an invalid for some time. Up to a few months ago his home was in Missouri, but owing to his advanced years and failing health his son R. B. went to Missouri and brought him here to live with him. Deceased formerly lived in this county having taken a homestead near Eagle Lake, but moved to Missouri twenty-five or thirty years ago.

Mr. Lynch is buried in the East Side Cemetery in Estherville.

Mr. Lynch is survived by three sons, R. B. Lynch, Frank Lynch, Charles Lynch, daughter, Mary Adelaide Lynch Clark. He was married to Catherine Lingenfelter.

Contributed by:  Rose Dodd, great-granddaughter of Mary Adelaide Lynch Clark.  Source:  Vindicator and Republic, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, October 23, 1907.

MADISON, Peter Andreas (Madsen)

PETER ANDREAS MADISON (Madsen)

Peter Andreas Madison was born August 19th 1864 in East Utterslev, Lolland, Denmark. He was baptized and confirmed at the same place. In the year 1882 as a boy hardly 18 summers he left his native land and came to this country, where he landed in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There he stayed about 7 years and there he found his young bride, his surviving widow, to whom he was married Sept. 28th, 1888. In May 1890, Madison and Wife came to Ringstead, Ia. and purchased land and commenced to cultivate prairies. The blessings of God and the sweat of their brow resulted in the improved farm with the modern buildings situated two miles north of city. For the last three years Mr. Madison has been a sufferer from Tuberculosis and from this cause he has been growing weaker gradually until Monday morning 4 o’clock when his soul departed for the heavenly mansions. His constant prayers were simple by to the point: "Oh Jesus receive me just as I am".

At all times, under all circumstances he walked in the well beaten path of righteousness and when fully conscious that he was near the last of the earth, he appeared to be fully impressed with the idea that at the end of time eternity began, and that the bright faith which sustained him during those trying hours suffering would only grow brighter and brighter as he journeyed toward the Infinite and the final gloom of death be dispelled by the radiance of God’s love. Could all live the just and upright life Peter Madison lived and die in his trusting faith, death could no longer be called "The King of Terrors" for he inspired no terror there. The dying man and sorrowing family looked forward with the same eye of faith, the brighter future where his temporary separation would end in eternal union.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church of which the deceased was a member. Rev. P. H. Miller conducted impressive services after which the remain were laid to rest in the church cemetery.

Card of Thanks

Words cannot express our appreciation of those friends who have shared with us the lonely vigils by the bedside of our loved one. No sweeter memory can live in any heart than the memory of their untiring devotion to the one who has just left us. The waves of sorrow break upon every shore, and we can but hope that friends as true may gather around each one of them should sorrow invade their homes.

Mrs. Peter Madison and Family.

Contributed by: Esther Tripp.  Source:  Unknown newspaper, May 2, 1910.

CC Note:  Peter Madison (Madsen) is buried in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery, Emmet county, Iowa.

MADSEN, Armand

Resident of Ringsted Dies At Hospital

Armand Madsen, 79, longtime resident of Ringsted, died yesterday afternoon in Holy Family Hospital after a lingering illness. He had been hospitalized for two weeks. Madsen was born on Feb 19, 1884, in Denmark and moved to Ringsted with his family when he was four years old. He was married to the former Anna Anderson on Feb 22, 1905 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ringsted. Madsen was the manager of the Thompson Lumber Yard for 32 years until his retirement in 1949. Surviving are his widow, four daughters, Mrs. Vernon (Helen) Myers, Decorah; Mrs. Edna LaFave, Minneapolis; Mrs. John (Betty) Smith, Olympia, Wash.; Mrs. B. C. (Pat) Simmons, Waterloo; two sons, Lyle Madsen, Alamos, Calif., Paul Madsen, Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one brother, Roy Johansen, Burbank, Calif. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Thursday of the Ringsted Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert Fruber officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Contributed by: Fran Jensen. Source: Estherville paper, Estherville, Iowa, May 14, 1963.

Armand Madsen Of Ringsted Succumbs at 79

Armand Madsen, 79, former manager of the Thompson Lumber yards at Ringsted, died 5:40 pm Monday at Holy Family hospital, Estherville. Death was due to emphysema. He had been hospitalized about two weeks. Mr. Madsen was born Feb 19, 1884 in Denmark and came to the Ringsted area at four years of age. On Feb 22, 1905, he was married to Anna Andersen at St. John's Lutheran church at Ringsted. She survives. Until retiring in 1949, he had been manager of the Thompson Lumber yard at Ringsted for 32 years. Surviving are four daughters Mrs. Edna LaFave, Minneapolis, Mrs. Vernon Myers, Decorah, Mrs. BC Simmons, Waterloo and Mrs. John Smith of Olympia, Wash., and two sons, Paul, Colorado Springs, and Lyle of Los Alamos, Calif, eight grandchildren and one great grandson and a brother, Roy Johansen, Burbank, Calif.

Contributed by: Fran Jensen. Source: The Daily Sentinel of Estherville, Iowa.  

Services Today for Armand Madsen, 79

Armand Madsen, 79, retired manager of the Ringsted lumber yard, died Monday at Holy Family hospital, Estherville, where he had been a patient for two weeks. Cause of death was emphysema. Funeral services will be at the First Presbyterian church of Ringsted at 2pm Thursday, May 16, with the Rev. Robert J. Gruber officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Clifford Henriksen and Dr. L.A. Henriksen, Armstrong, Harvey Henriksen, Fenton, Marcus Langerman, Swea City, Arnold Mouritsen, Estherville, and Arnold Lund. Armand Madsen was born in Denmark, February 19, 1884 and came to the Ringsted community when he was four years old. He remained in this community and became manager of the Thompson Lumber yard. He was a member of the Danish Brotherhood and a member of the First Presbyterian church. He was married February 22, 1905. He retired at the age of 65. Survivors include his wife; six children, Mrs. Edna LaFave of Minneapolis, Lyle Madsen, Los Alamos, Cal., Mrs. Vernon (Helen) Meyers of Decorah, Mrs. John (Betty) Smith, Olympia, Wash., Paul Madsen, US air force at Colorado Springs, and Mrs. Bernard (Patricia) Simmons of Waterloo; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild and a half brother, Roy Johansen of Burbank, California.

Contributed by: Fran Jensen. Source: The Ringsted Dispatch, Ringsted, Iowa, 16 May 1963, pg 3.

MADSEN, Clara Tomina

Clara Tomina Madsen was born on a farm north of town on March 31, 1904, and died at her home in Ringsted, Iowa, Tuesday September 15 of inflammation and obstruction of the bowels. She was operated on June 23rd, this year for appendicitis and has never been strong since that time. Her illness really dates back to early in the spring when she was compelled to quit school on account of illness and she has not attended school since that time.

She was a sweet little girl dearly beloved by her friends, teachers and classmates, and her death was a sad blow to them. She was an excellent student and stood high in her classes. As a member of the St. Paul's Sunday school, she had a good record for attendance and was a favorite with both teachers and scholars. As a tribute to her memory the Sunday school and the Ringsted high school placed beautiful floral offerings on her coffin. And her many other friends in town and country sent many more flowers to decorate her coffin and last resting place.

She leaves to mourn her a mother and two brothers and three sisters. Her brother John, who lives in Kansas was unable to be present at the funeral as he could not arrive here in time. Her mother, who was ill at the hospital at Rochester was able to come home and attend funeral. A large number of friends of the family followed the remains to their last resting place in the St. Paul's church cemetery and Rev. P. H. Miller, pastor of the church, preached the sermon and spoke the words of comfort to the sorrowing family and friends.

Card of Thanks

We take this means of extending thanks to our kind friends and neighbors for the assistance during the illness and death of our beloved daughter and sister, and for the many beautiful floral offerings and also Rev. Miller for the words of comfort spoken in our time of sorrow. These many kindnesses will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Madsen and children.

Contributed by: Esther Tripp.  Source:  Unknown newspaper, September 15, 1914.

CC Note:  Clara is buried in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery, Emmet county, Iowa.

MADSEN, Herman

SERVICES TODAY FOR HERMAN MADSEN, 81, OF RINGSTED

Herman Robert Madsen, 81, of Ringsted, passed away Monday, November 2, 1970, at the Holy Family Hospital in Estherville. He had been failing since February of 1970. Mr. Madsen was born August 14, 1889, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, He was the son of Peter and Margarethe (Buttenshun) Madsen. He received his education in the rural Ringsted schools.

On June 3, 1913, he was united in marriage to Ingeborg Thomsen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ringsted, Iowa. To this union was born one son and 5 daughters.

Mr. Madsen moved to the Ringsted area as a child with his parents in 1890. After his marriage, they farmed in the Ringsted area and moved to town in 1946.

Mr. Madsen served on the Ringsted School Board for over 40 years and also was a member of the cemetery board for many years.

Mr. Madsen was a faithful member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ringsted. He was a Sunday School Teacher of 8 years and was active on the Church Board.

He is survived by his wife, Ingeborg; five daughters and one son, Mrs. Clarence Petersen (Amelia) of Ringsted; Mrs. Clara Caswell of Estherville; Mrs. Enoch Rasmussen (Gena) of Lohrville, Iowa; Mrs. LeRoy Paulsen (Mildred) of Minden, Nebr.; Mrs. Paul Kochheiser (Evelyn) of Ankeny; and Milton Madsen of Arnolds Park, Iowa. Also surviving are 28 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include 3 sisters and 1 brother; Mrs. Carl Duer of Ringsted; Mrs. Sophia Birkeland of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mrs. John Pendeleton of Garnette, Kansas; and Mr. John P. Madsen of Minneapolis, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 5, 1970, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ringsted. Burial in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Rev. Harold L. Andersen will officiate. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Contributed by: Esther Tripp.  Source:  Ringsted Dispatch, Ringsted, Iowa.

CC Note:  For biography of Herman R. Madsen please see Emmet County biographies M-N.  Herman R. and Ingeborg Madsen are buried in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery.

MADSEN, Ingaborg Anna Marie Thomsen

INGABORG ANNA MARIE (Thomsen) MADSEN

Service for Ingaborg Anna Marie Madsen, 94, of Ringsted were held Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Fred Boyce officiating, Burial was in the church cemetery with Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home in charge. Mrs. Madsen died May 21, 1986 at Good Samaritan Center in Estherville.

She was born September 1, 1891 at Blauvelt, New York, the daughter of Knud Thomsen and Gena Nielsen. She moved with her family to Grundy County, Iowa before moving to Emmet County in 1905. She attended grade school in Cedar Falls and Dress Making School in Bancroft. She married Herman R. Madsen June 3, 1913 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ringsted. After her marriage she continued to farm with her husband in the Ringsted area until they moved into town in 1946. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and gardening and a highlight of her life was a trip to Denmark in 1975 where she met many of her relatives. She was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran, American Legion Auxiliary, Farm Bureau Women, ALCW and Ringsted Danish Fellowship.

She is survived by one son Milton of Spirit Lake, 4 daughters: Mrs. Clarence (Amelia) Petersen, Ringsted; Clara Caswell, Estherville; Mrs. Enoch (Gena) Rasmussen, Lohrville; Mrs. Alvin (Mildred) Christensen, Minden, NE.; 28 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, one sister, Mrs. Elenor Maxwell, Des Moines, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Thomas (Ida) Thomsen, Rock Rapids; Mrs. Nora (Madsen) Duer, Ringsted.

She was preceded in death by her husband (1970) one daughter (Evelyn) parents, four brothers (Thomas, John, Andrew, Fred) and one sister Marie.

Contributed by: Esther Tripp.  Source:  Ringsted Dispatch, Ringsted, Iowa.

CC Note:  Ingeborg Thomsen Madsen and husband Herman Madsen are buried in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery, Emmet county, Iowa.  Please see Emmet county biographies M-N for biography of Herman R. Madsen.

MADSEN, Marie Margrathe Buttenchun (Mrs. Peter)

April 1, 1915

Mrs. Peter Madsen, who lives near Ringsted, suffered a stroke of paralysis on Tuesday, and Dr. West was called to attend her.

The condition of Mrs. Peter Madsen remains unchanged. She is very sick and everything possible is done to improve her condition.

Dr. West accompanied Mrs. Gabriel, Mrs. Peter Madsen and Mrs. Hans Morritson of Ringsted and Mrs. Jake Bervin of Halfa, to Rochester, Tuesday of last week. The above named ladies all underwent examinations and the two from Ringsted remained for operations, the others returning Thursday. While in Rochester Dr. West attended the operating clinics.

Mrs. Peter Madsen Dead.

Last Thursday this community was shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Peter Madsen. It was not entirely unexpected as she had been so seriously sick for several weeks following the stroke of paralysis she had received, but all were hoping that she would recover in a short time. It is only a year since her fine new home in Ringsted was completed and she moved in from the farm to make a home for her daughters in town in order that they might have the opportunity of attending our public schools. Last fall her youngest daughter was suddenly called to the great beyond while Mrs. Madsen was receiving treatment at Rochester, Minn. This was a great shock to her and it is possible that this hastened her end. Mrs. Madsen has been a good Christian woman and an excellent mother and has born her many trails nobly. She will be missed, not only in her home, but by every friend and acquaintance.

Following is her obituary which Rev. Miller has kindly furnished.

Mrs. Peter Madsen's maiden name was Marie Margrathe Buttenchun. She was born January 3, 1862 in Gammelby, Southern Jylland, Denmark, and baptized and confirmed at the same place. In the year 1882 in her eighteenth summer, she left her home and came to America and traveled west until she reached Council Bluffs where she found relatives, and where she was engaged in domestic work for several years. She was married to Peter Madsen on Sept. 28, 1888, and to this union was born eight children, three of whom are already at the eternal shore and five, Herman, John, Nora, Sophia and Agnes, are well known in Ringsted as they are with us now and are mourning for a kind and dutiful mothers care. For 25 years they lived in this vicinity. Mr. Madsen died five years ago. Mrs. Madsen’s suffering has been long and severe since her husband’s death, but she passed away Thursday evening at 10 o’clock longing for her beloved ones which have gone before and saying "Jesus is with me, now I am well."

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the St. Paul's Church and were so largely attended that the church was not large enough to house them all. the body was laid in it’s last resting place at the church cemetery east of town. Rev. Miller conducted the services and spoke words of comfort to the sorrowing relatives and friends.

Card of Thanks

We wish to thank those who helped us during the sickness and death of our beloved mother and for the many beautiful floral offerings and also Rev. Miller for the words of comfort spoken in our time of sorrow. These many kindnesses will never be forgotten.

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Madsen
Nora, Sophie, Agnes, and John Madsen

Contributed by: Esther Tripp.  Source:  Unknown newspaper.

CC Note:  For more information please Emmet county biographies M-N for biography of Herman R. Madsen.  Ingeborg and husband Peter are buried in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery, Emmet county, Iowa.

MAHER, Francis

DEATH OF FRANCIS MAHER
ONE OF THE OLDEST SETTLERS IN EMMET COUNTY
CAME TO EMMET IN 1857
Died at Home of Sister, Mrs. Ann Donahue
Saturday, May 1 [l909], 86 Years of Age

Mr. Francis Maher died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Ann Donahue, in this city, Saturday afternoon, May 1st, [1909], aged 86 years.

Funeral was held from St. Patrick's church Monday morning and the body taken to Emmetsburg for burial. The pall bearers were: Pat Cain, Jerry Bowser, Wm. Swift, John P. Kirby, Tom Conlon and Walter Crowell.

Deceased was born in the county of Kildare, Ireland, in 1823. At the age of thirty years he came to this country, settling first in New York and four years later coming west and settling in Emmet county, on what is now the G. E. Moore farm in Jack Creek township which he filed as a homestead. He remained in this county several years and then moved to Palo Alto county, where he remained until seven years ago when he moved to Estherville where he lived until his death. He was never married and he and his brother William, who died two years ago generally lived together. He was a man of many excellent qualities, a good christian and a desirable citizen. He came here forty-nine years ago, when this country was a vast wilderness of prairie except in a few localities where there was some natural timber. He lived here during the Indian outbreak and also when the country was devastated by the grasshoppers and endured it all with patience and fortitude. When he died he was the oldest settler in the county with one exception and that was his brother Tom who came here in 1856 and is still living on a farm in Jack Creek township. Tom Maher and Mrs. Anna Donahue are the only surviving brother and sister of a once large family.

Contributed by:  Ruth M. Hackett.  Source:  The Vindicator and Republican, Emmet County Weekly Newspaper, Emmet County, Iowa, May 5, 1909.

MAHER, James

DEATH of J. MAHER
Died at His Home in Salem, Oregon on March 3rd
PIONEER OF ESTHERVILLE
Resided Here for Many Years Prior to Moving to Oregon Seven Years Ago

The Salem, (Oregon) Statesman gives the following account of the death of James Maher, a pioneer resident of Estherville.

"At his home at 246 Marion Street in this city, at nine o'clock Wednesday, March 3rd [1909], occurred the death of James Maher, aged 68 years of cancer.  Deceased had lived in Salem for the past seven years, coming from Iowa, but being a native of Ireland.  He is survived by his wife who is a sister of the Hon. Frank Davey, of Burns.  He has been in charge of the elevator at the state house for some years.  The funeral will take place from the Catholic church at 10 a.m. Thursday."

The death of Mr. Maher will be deeply deplored by his many old-time friends in this city [Estherville].  For nearly forty years prior to his removal to Oregon he resided in Emmet county.  He was among the first settlers in this vicinity.

Contributed by:  Ruth M. Hackett.  Source:  The Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, March 10, 1909.

MAHER, Thomas

AN OLD PIONEER IS CALLED HOME
THOS. MAHER, EMMET COUNTY'S FIRST WHITE CITIZEN, 
DIED LAST SATURDAY CAME HERE IN THE YEAR OF '56
Deceased entered on a Claim Near Mud Lake, where he has since resided 

On Saturday last, [November 6, 1915] at the City Hospital in this city, Thos. Maher, Emmet county's first white citizen, passed to that great beyond. It was in the latter part of 1856 or early in 1857 that Mr. Maher arrived at Dubuque, and wended his way into this great untraveled country. Dubuque was as far as there was travel by rail at that time and the remainder of the trip to Emmet County was made on foot. While here he selected claims for his brothers, who were then in business in New York City, and also for his brother-in-law, Edw. Donahue. He then returned to the city, and with his brothers, John, Patrick, William, Frank and James, and his brother-in-law, they returned here and located on the claims that had been selected near Mud Lake [later named Ingham Lake]. The day they arrived here was the fourth day of July, 1857. Since that time he has always resided on this claim, until about three years ago, when he went to live at the Emmet Moore home. He returned to the old homestead many times, however, and lived there alone, and as he called it, on a visit. 

Mr. Maher was peculiar in many respects. Some of these peculiarities probably was derived from his lonely life on his homestead. He was exceptionally loyal to his friends, was scrupulously honest in all his dealings. 

Something like six weeks ago he was brought to the hospital in this city for treatment. Many times since being here he has desired to return to his old haunts where he had passed so many days. While he was ninety-four years of age at the time of his death, he was very bright and with an active brain. He had made a great study of the war until a short time ago, when his failing eyesight compelled him to desist. In his early days he was a weaver by trade, employed in the mills in the east. 

He was born in Ireland, May 21, 1821. He was married, and two daughters, Mrs. Jerry Flynn and Mrs. Mary McSweeney of Rock Valley, are the only survivors. The funeral services were held from the Mrs. Hattie Brown home, on Monday, the Rev. Father Murtagh officiating. 

If the data Mr. Maher could have furnished were in print, we would have a great story of early happenings in Emmet County.

Contributed by:  Ruth M. Hackett.  Source:  the Estherville Enterprise, Emmet County weekly newspaper, Emmet County, Iowa, November 10, 1915.  

MAMMEN, Karen

Karen Elaine Clark, daughter of Merlyn and Orva (Lee) Clark, was born August 15th, 1942, in Estherville, Iowa at Coleman Hospital. She grew up and lived most her life in the town of Wallingford, Iowa. She received her education in the Wallingford and Estherville schools. She graduated from high school in May 1960. She was a lifetime member of the Wallingford Lutheran Church.

On May 18th, 1961, she was united in marriage to Bill Mammen of Graettinger, Iowa. Their wedding ceremony was held in the Wallingford Lutheran Church, and thereafter they made their home in the town of Wallingford. October 8th, 1962, they became the proud parents of a baby girl they named Joan Elaine.

Along with being a wife, mother and homemaker, Karen possessed many talents. She played piano and organ beautifully, mostly by ear. She could blow on a harmonica, strum a guitar, and squeeze an accordion. She enjoyed many kinds of music and mostly listened to country/western songs. She used to sew, knit beautiful Afghans, paint pretty pictures, and put together different crafts.

Karen was an animal lover. She believed a pet's place was in the home. She was a "mother" to a variety of dogs and cats, not to mention a few farm animals along the way and of course the gamecocks she helped Bill raise. Her passion for cats led her to raise and sell purebred Himalayans for a while. Her wardrobe consisted of numerous sweaters, t-shirts, sweatshirts and jewelry that represented her love for cats.

Opportunity came for Karen when under the advice of her mother, Orva Clark, she took a Civil Service test, passed it and became employed by the United States postal service in the mid-1970's,. Her first duties were to work in the Wallingford post office as a part time on call assistant for good friend Nathalie Anderson. In 1978, Karen was called to go fill in as a temporary clerk for the Estherville post office. Proven to be efficient and quick learning, Estherville then never let her return to Wallingford and she became permanently employed there for 27 years. Karen retired from there in August 2002, when she turned 60 years old. She enjoyed her work and made many good friends there through the years.

In July of 1998, Karen and Bill moved to an acreage east of Estherville where they built a new home to live closer to Joan and her family. Enjoying life in the country they raised some cattle, gained a few more cats, and had a faithful dog and of course the "poultry" from ducks to geese to turkeys and for always the chickens. For her 59th birthday, Bill surprised Karen with a miniature donkey that she named Libby. With her stubborn temperament and silly actions she brought many moments of entertainment and smiles to Karen when she watched her" do chores" with Bill.

Grateful in sharing her life and her interests are her husband Bill of Estherville; daughter Joan, her husband Jay Ingvall and their two sons, Allen (13) and Matthew (11) of Estherville; mother, Orva Kaltved of Estherville. The oldest daughter of Merlyn and Orva Clark and big sister to Joyce Hanson and her husband, Larry of Des Moines, Iowa; Maureen Clark of Wallingford;, and Sheri Behrends and her husband, Gerry of Wallingford. "Aunt Karen" to many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed a warm cup of coffee and pleasant conversation with a good friend. She was easy and fun to talk to. She appreciated a good story and an occasional practical joke. She had said more than once" When you live with Bill Mammen, it helps to have a sense of humor."

Life wasn't always good. My mother endured several life threatening health problems as well as some of the hardships that come with life itself. She stood strong and overcame the things that she was faced with and lived her life to the fullest. Our home was often filled with love and laughter. Our door was always open to close friends, loving family, or a perfect stranger just for a change of pace.'

We spent countless hours talking about everything we knew of. She once said to me that she thought she might die of cancer one day. Little did we know it would be this type and this soon? She will be missed.

Go in Peace my mother, my friend.
Story written by: Joan Ingvall
 

MANIECE, Eleanor

MRS. FRANK MANIECE PASSES AWAY JANUARY 13

Highly Esteemed Lady Answers the Last Call--Funeral Services Saturday Afternoon

Eleanor Bussell was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, June 27, 1846, and died at her home in Estherville, Iowa, January 13, 1921 at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 17 days.

She grew to womanhood in her native land and was there united in marriage to Frank Maniece on December 14, 1875. To this union were born two daughters and two sons. During the year 1883, together with her husband and children, Mrs. Maniece came to America to make her home, and settled in Fennimore, [Grant county] Wisconsin, where they lived until 1890, when they came to Iowa and made their home not far from Estherville. Here they resided until about three years ago, when Mr. and Mrs. Maniece retired from the farm and came to Estherville, and have since that time lived in our midst.

For a long while Mrs. Maniece has been practically an invalid and a great sufferer, yet through it all patient and uncomplaining. She was ever a faithful wife, a devoted mother and a greatly beloved friend and neighbor. For many years she has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and knew the joys of her Lord and found great comfort in her faith in Him. After several weeks of complete helplessness she passed away on Thursday afternoon in perfect peace, leaving to mourn her going, her husband, Frank Maniece; two daughters, Mrs. George West and Miss Margaret Maniece; one son, Ed J. Maniece, all of Estherville. Besides these there are several grandchildren here, and a sister in Wisconsin and a brother in Belfast, Ireland, and other relatives in Ireland, South Africa and in Canada.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church on Saturday afternoon in charge of the Rev. J. W. LaGrone, and burial was made in the Oak Hill cemetery.

Contributed by:  Ruth M. Hackett.   Source: Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, January 19, 1921.

MARTYR, John P.

JOHN MARTYR, 77, DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

John P. Martyr, 77-year-old Estherville resident, died at 7:30 p. m. Thursday [10 May 1945] at his home. Mr. Martyr had been in failing health for some time.

Born May 1, 1868, in Kharoop, Armenia, Mr. Martyr came to the United States when he was 18 years old and settled first in the state of New York before coming to Iowa. He was married in Davenport in 1901 to Jeanette Lingenfelter.

For almost 30 years, Mr. Martyr and his son, Orlando, operated a restaurant in Estherville and Mr. Martyr retired from that occupation seven years ago.

Mr. Martyr was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Estherville lodge.

He was interested in horticulture and made it his hobby. A large fruit orchard consisting of 600 trees planted in the north part of Estherville was Mr. Martyr's pride. He experimented with grafting and also had a large vineyard.

He is survived by his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Robert Wilson of Puyallup, Wash., and Mrs. Viggo Jacobson of Lake Benton, Minn., and two sons, Paul Martyr of Chicago and O. J. Martyr of Estherville. He is also survived by two brothers, E. P. Martyr of Chicago; and B. P. Martyr of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2:15 p. m. at the Martyr home on North Eighth street and at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian church with the Rev. J. M. Kennedy officiating. Masons will attend the funeral services in a group. Burial will be in the East Side cemetery.

Contributed by:  Ruth M. Hackett.  Source: Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, May 11, 1945.

MASTERS, Opal

ESTHERVILLE -- Funeral services for Opal Masters, 73, of Estherville will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 23 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Estherville with Pastor Warren Baker officiating. Internment will be held at East Side Cemetery in Estherville. She died on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at the Good Samaritan Center in Estherville.

Visitation will be held from 5-9 p.m. this evening at