Birgit Williams obituary

Article Type: 
Obituary
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, December 12, 1944
Publication Date Is Approx: 
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Referenced Places: 

Mrs Williams Buried
Monday

Bergit (Betsey) Nordhagen, daughter of Guttorm and Marie Nordhagen, was born Feb 10, 1851, in Hallingdahl, Norway, was baptized and confirmed in the Ness church.

In 1866 the family emigrated from Norway to America in a sailboat, the trip across the ocean took eleven weeks, they landed in Quebec Canada and finally reached Beloit, Wisconsin on July 4th. Later they came to Northwood Iowa.

She was married to Teman Williams at Silver Lake, Iowa in 1872. The couple set out courageously to farm in Humbolt County near Bode and suffered all the hardships of pioneer life. They were not only interested in their own home but were zealous workers improving the community and helped build the first church and school house in Bode and were active in all progressive movements.

Nine children were reared in this home, one son, Gilmore, married Mina Lerdal, but he passed away in Dec. 1936, eight daughters: Mrs O G Blakestad, Lyle, Minn, Mrs H F Quinn, Kansas City Mo., Mrs S F Hopkins deceased June 1944; Mrs F M Higby, Portland Oregon; Mrs R A Anderson, Lyle; Mrs W S Rouse Pocatello, Idaho; and two daughters who died in childhood. There are 17 grand children and nineteen great grand children.

They left their farm home in 1906 and lived in the town of Bode a few years and from there they moved to Lyle in 1911. Mr Williams died in 1920, since which time Mrs Bergit Williams made her home with her two daughters, Mrs. Blakestad and Mrs R A Anderson.

She passed away on Dec. 12, 1944 at the age of 93 years 10 months and two days at the home of Mrs R A Anderson.

She was a charter member of Our Savior's Lutheran church of Lyle and an honorary member of church and Ladies Aid. She was always a loyal worker for the Master in the church and in the home.

Her family cherishes her memory as a Christian woman and a cheerful loving and self sacrificing mother. Her departure is deeply mourned by her many relatives and friends with whom she came in contact. After almost 94 years of useful life she was wiling and ready to go when the Lord beckoned her home.

Mrs Rouse and Mrs Quinn attended the funeral. Also Mrs Mina Olson of Goldfield, Iowa and Lt Lenore Ryan of White Sulphur Springs W Virginia and Mrs W J Paquette of Minneapolis.

CARD OF THANKS

The family of Mrs Williams wishes to thank the many relatives and friends for the beautiful flowers and generous memorial offerings; the Bode Ladies Aid and the Lyle Ladies Aid of memoriams. The pall bearers and drivers and those who furnished the music; the Ladies Aid who helped serve. Rev Langehough for his splendid service and words of cheer. Thank you all
The Family of Mrs T Williams