Johnson, Walter Leonard 1910-1914

JOHNSON, PETERSON

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/5/2024 at 17:14:08

Note:Though his obituary doesn't say it he was born in 1910. His mother's maiden name was Peterson.

Walter Leonard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Johnson, southeast of town, passed away early Monday morning, February 2, 1914, after a brief illness, of gangrenous affection of the bowels, aged 4 years and 17 days. The child first complained of pain Saturday and the attending physician at first found no alarming symptoms; but the little patient became much worse Sunday morning and the nature of the trouble was determined. A faint hope for recovery was held out in an immediate operation. Drs. J.N. and Alexis Warren came from Sioux City, accompanied by a trained nurse, and, assisted by local physicians, the operation was performed Sunday afternoon in the local hospital. However, medical skill and the best of care could not avail and the child gradually failed. At an early hour Monday morning an invisible messenger gently closed the fluttering eyelids in the last peaceful sleep and the little, spirit returned to Him who gave it. Thus was answered the, prayer so sweetly repeated by the child to his mother only about an hour before:

"Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
If I die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take."

Walter was a bright, lovable and cheerful little fellow. The torturing pain of his last illness was borne with a fortitude far beyond his years. So closely entwined was his childish love in the hearts of his parents and three sisters that they are stunned by the poignant sorrow of his sudden and untimely taking away. They have the sympathy of the entire community.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock in the new Scandinavian Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. Ford, of Dalesberg, S.D., and a large number of sympathizing friends were in attendance. Six little girls, dressed in white, acted as pallbearers. There were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment was made in Riverside cemetery.

[Source: The Akron Register Tribune; Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA; Thursday, February 5, 1914, Page 1]