Caroline (Johnson) BERGEN

JOHNSON, BERGEN, GARDNER, KELLER, JACKSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

Caroline Johnson Bergen
23 February 1876 ---- 3 October 1924

Caroline Johnson was born on February 23, 1876 on the old farm home near Dows, Iowa where she spent her girlhood days with her parents Martin and Anna Johnson. The mother was called to the great Beyond when Caroline was 11 years of age and at 15 years she was left to earn her own way in the world, during which time she spent in the Popejoy and Dows vicinities.

On December 20, 1899, she was united in marriage to James Bergen of Popejoy, remaining there for three years before moving on the home farm where she passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, October 3, 1924 at the age of 48 years, 7 months and 10 days.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bergen were born three children: Mrs. Arthur Gardner, Dows and Maynard and Luella at home. Mrs. Bergen had also been a mother to her niece, Mrs. Myrtle Keller of near Iowa Falls, taking her into her home when her mother was taken from her at the age of 4 years and made her home there until the time of her marriage. For the past two years, Mabel Jackson, a niece has made her home with the Bergen family and assisted in the care of Mrs. Bergen, all of whom survive her.

Besides the former she leaves to mourn her loss, her husband James Bergen; three brothers: Morgan and John of Marshalltown and Peter Johnson of Minnesota and one granddaughter, Dorothy Gardner.

Mrs. Bergen was confirmed in the Lutheran church when a young girl; she has always been a great home body, spending most of her time in rearing her family and filling her place in the cares and comforts of the home.

She has been a patient sufferer for the past six years. During the winter of 1918 she was the victim of the flu followed by the dreadful disease that she has battled against so bravely to the end. Medical aid and loving hands did everything possible to relieve her suffering but the Death Angel claimed her. She has been unable to leave her home for several months but always enjoyed visiting with her many friends who called on her often.

Funeral services were held from the home and also the Lutheran church in Dows, conducted by Rev. Belsheim on Sunday afternoon. Interment was made in the Fairview cemetery in Dows.

source --- Betsy Monson