Obituary, E. A. Hofland

Elling A. Hofland was born in Sogndal, Norway, on December 5th., 1851. He was baptized and confirmed at the same place. In 1870, at the age of nineteen, he came to America, staying in Stoughton, Wis., for three weeks and then coming to Mitchell County, Iowa, where he settled and spent the remainder of his life.

In 1898 he was united in marriage with Gertrude Engeseter. To this union six children were born, namely, Alfred, Sidney, Martha (Mrs. Ervin Schulze), Ella (Mrs. Ervin Dieterich), Oscar and Eugene, all of whom survive him.

Mr. Hofland enjoyed good health until five years ago. Since then he has been failing, but not until the last six weeks has he been confined to his bed. He was a quiet and unassuming man, highly respected by all who knew him. He was an active member of the church and attended regularly, except during the past five years when he was not able to attend as often as he wished. He was a home loving man and greatly attached to the home where he lived for over half a century. He was deeply grieved over the passing of his devoted wife on December 14th. 1933.

He passed quietly away on April 27th. 1934, at 2 P.M. at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 22 days. Besides his six children he is survived by three grand children, four brothers, Sever of Star Prairie, Wis., Anfin of Granville, N. Dak,; Andrew and Iver of Lyle, one sister, Mrs. Ella Thorstad of Star Prairie, Wis. Two brothers, Nels in the Civil Waf and Ole in 1933, preceded him in death. Funeral services were held May 1st., in the Six Mile Grove church, and interment was made in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, with Rev. O. M. Langehough officiating. The departed will be greatly missed by the immediate family and by a host of friends and other relatives.