Larson, Martha Mikkelson (Rando) (1838-1928)

RANDO, LARSON, MATHRE, TEIG, MYRBOE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/15/2024 at 18:41:29

From Story City Herald March 15, 1928 (page 8)

DEATH OF OLD PIONEER LADY

Mrs. Martha Larson Mathre (nee Martha Mikkelson Rando) was born in Skaanevig, Norway, April 16, 1838 and died near Randall, Iowa, March 8, 1928. She was at her death almost 90 years old.

Her parents were Mikkel and Gurina Mikkeson Rando. At the age of 11 years her mother died, leaving her, and a sister, Engeborg, and her brothers, Anders, Anfin, Toris and Mikkel, motherless. Mrs. Larson is the last one of these children to pass away.

The children mentioned above, with their father and stepmother, came to America and settled near Morris, Ill., in 1857. In 1861 she was united in marriage to Andrew Larson Mathre. In 1865 they moved west and settled on a farm near Randall. Mrs. Larson was the mother of ten children. Six of these children and her husband have preceded her in death.

The last five years she made her some with her children, Tobias, Anna and Johanna. On Jan. 16 of this year she suffered a stroke of paralysis, which made her bedfast until the end. She was gradually drawn closer to her Saviour and especially during her last illness did she received the blessed assurance that her sins were forgiven and that Jesus was her Saviour. She passed away peacefully with the name of Jesus on her lips. Her prayers and longing came true--to be with her Saviour in glory.

She leaves to mourn her departure four children, Tobias, Anna, Johanna and Mrs. Chris Twig, all living near Randall, and ten grand children and 4 great grand children; also two half-sisters, Mrs. Guri Myreboe, Platteville, Ill., and Mrs. Bertha Larson of Lisbon, Ill.

Mrs. Larosn was a charter member of the N. St. Petri Lutheran church, which church she attended regularly and faithfully as long as she was able to be around. She loved the house of God and was happy in hearing the word of God and partake at the Lord's table. Now we believe that she has entered up a higher service in the triumphant church above.

A great many friends and relatives were present at Mrs. Larson's funeral which took place from Elim church, Randall, Iowa, Tuesday, March 13, 1928. The beautiful flower-decked casket was carried by B. Anderson, L. Charlson, L. Braland, Henry Pederson, B. Grimsley and A. Mickelson.

The burial took place at the family lot, Mamrelund cemetery, 3 miles east of Randall. Rev. G. O. Paulsrud, with the assistance of Rev. T. Severtson of Eagle Grove officiated.

Her life was long and her memory will last long.