Schjeldahl, Erick O. 1848 - 1913

SCHJELDAHL, ARNESON, SEIM

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/26/2023 at 10:55:16

Source: Decorah Republican Jan, 16, 1913 P7 C5-6

We are called upon this morning to chronicle the sad news of E. O. Schjeldahl’s demise at 3:35 this morning. Although his death had been momentarily expected the last several days, still we feel it as a distinctive shock. It seems almost unbelievable that we shall no more see the features of this noble character in his accustomed place in the store and in the home. With his demise there passed from this world one of the finest men it has been the good fortune of this writer to meet. We have lost a friend that cannot be replaced, and we are not alone in the bereavement as his friends are numbered by the thousands, who feel the loss keenly, to see nothing of his family, who needs must deeply feel the loss of such an excellent husband and father. But though our grief is great, we can find consolation in the fact that he died in the faith, and we have reason to believe, has gone to his eternal reward and we know is resting peacefully and serenely from his toil and labor in this world. His was a strenuous life, filled with work and worry. But there were no complaints. His was a genial disposition, always satisfied, and there was always a smile and a word of good cheer for everybody. He lived an ideal life, and in his death we are left with an example worthy of our following. He was a staunch supporter of all those things which aid to a better and nobler life. He was generous to a fault. He always gave liberally to the church and the schools and if there was any donation to help some less fortunate one, Mr. Schjeldahl was the first man to put his name on the list with a liberal amount. He was public spirited to a high degree, a Progressive and supported all measures conducive to mutual advancement and benefits. It has been said Mr. Schjeldahl did not have an enemy in the world, and we thing{sic} this is the truth, for with his loving, forgiving and sympathetic nature enemies are not made. He gave his children the advantage of education and provided his home with all the comforts obtainable, and was never as happy as when doing something charitable. And in short his life was one we all can learn a great deal from and though his death has cast a great gloom over the entire community, still if it is true, and we believe it is, that “to live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die,” then E. O. Schjeldahl’s name and fame will be among the everlasting thousands of people who have met him and learned to know him either as a business man or as a friend will join with the bereaved family in our common sorrow. Erick Schjeldahl was born in Voss, Norway, June 23, 1848, where he grew to manhoow{sic}, coming to this country at the age of twenty, coming first to Chicago where he stopped a short time with an uncle, coming through to Highlandville on his birthday. He sought and secured employment with various farmers here. During the summer and in the winters he attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette. After graduating from the University he worked for Landers as clerk in the store at Decorah for about three years, when in partnership with Frank Landers he purchased the store building and stock from Mr. Torgerson at this place. This was in the fall of 1875, which partnership continued for two years. Mr. Schjeldahl then bought out his partner, and has since been conducting the business alone. He was appointed postmaster in 1876, and has served in that caapacity{sic} ever since, and if we are not mistaken was the oldest postmaster in point of service in Iowa. He was for a number of years associated with O. H Forde in a store at Bryant, S. D. and with Ole E. Eide in the creamery business at the same place. Poor crops in that locality for a number of years compelled him to sell out his interests there and has since devoted his time to his business here. He was united in marriage with Brynhild Arneson on June 10, 1881. To this union were born six children, who are all living, and were present at his bedside during his final illness They are Oscar of Haynes, N. D., Theodore, a civil engineer, and hence located at various places, Edgar, of this place. Arthur, Margaret and Randvia at home. Besides these he leaves to mourn his death his wife, two brothers, Thoston of Hatton, N. D. and Ole living in Norway. Also two sisters, Mrs. A. Seim and Mrs. O. C. Schjeldahl both residing in Norway, and a host of friends numbered by the thousands here and elsewhere, who join in expressing their sympathy to the immediate relatives who naturally feel the loss the keenest. Mr. Schjeldahl has been in failing health for more than a year but with his rugged constitution and build it seemed impossible that any disease could break him down. About the middle of September he was taken sick with typhoid fever and although he made a fine struggle for his life, and given the best of care, and everything was done that medical science could do, he was not able to overcome the dread disease and the death angel summoned him and found him ready and prepared to meet his Lord. He died as he had lived, beloved by all. Rest in peace.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he died Jan. 13, 1913 and is buried in the Big Canoe Lutheran Cemetery.

Big Canoe Lutheran Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen