Gone To His Reward
Chas. H. Volstad

To chronicle the death of our fellow townsman, Chas. Volstad, has fallen to our lot, this week, but words fail us when we attempt to tell what the passing away of this Saint of God means to this little village. The grief and sorrow that fills the hearts of those near and dear to him, overshadows Lyle and the surrounding community, for he truly was a "Friend of Man." He was like his Master-always doing good- and the world will never know how much he accomplished through his strong Christian character and by his kind words and deeds. He has gone to his reward, but we who are left, have an heritage in his conscientious, humble life and example. It was due to these qualities of his nature that he was widely held in affectionate regard. A few of his friends and associates have been asked to give tributes "In Memorial," and they are published herewith.

OBITUARY
Last Friday evening this community was shocked and saddened by the report that Charles Volstad president of the Farmers State Bank had been the victim of an accident and his life was in danger. As the day progressed Dr. Meltzer who attended him, became apprehensive that his injury would prove fatal, and by evening the fear had became a certainty. A few minutes after three o'clock the following morning death came.

Mr. Volstad had been busy early in the morning getting ready to put on his screens for the summer. While carrying a few of them toward the steps of the back porch, he lost his balance in some manner and fell off the end of the porch to the cement walk below. While the distance was only about three feet, the shock rendered him unconscious. No one saw him fall but his wife stepped to the door a few minutes later and discovered his body on the walk. In response to her calls for help Dr. Meltzer and other neighbors carried the unconscious form into the house. After a time partial consciousness returned, but Mr. Volstad's brain was so dazed by the terrible concussion that he apparently never realized fully what had happened. The doctor feared a severe contusion of the brain with resultant hemorrhage, a theory which seemed to be borne out by later developments.

Charles H. Volstad was born Feb. 2, 1863 in a log house two miles northeast of Lyle, the homestead of his parents. Halvor and Ingeborg Volstad. He spent his childhood, youth and a large part of his mature years working on the old home farm, and was considered a very successful farmer. In June, 1902, he married Miss Mary Christianson of Sand Creek, Wis., and for a number of years was associated with his brother K. H. Volstad in general farming and the raising of bees and honey on the old home farm. At a later period the brothers dissolved partnership and Charles Volstad purchased from his father a quarter section by erecting adequate buildings and in Union township, Mitchell County, Iowa. He improved the place family lived there until 1913, when they moved to Lyle, where they have resided since. Mr. Volstad was made a director in the Farmers State Bank of Lyle when it was organized and became its cashier a position which he held until two years ago when he was made president of the institution, which office he held at the time of his death.

Aside from his personal activities Mr. Volstad had a large part in public matters, particularly in religious and benevolent work. Having a tendency to be modest and reticent about his own affairs, no one is able today to form a definite estimate of the extent of his work along those lines, but it is common knowledge that he was always ready to support every worthy cause as far as he was able. He has been active in the work of the Sunday School association for many years, and after the death of his brother K. H. Volstad two years ago, he became the chief support of the Mission Church in this village.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Lutheran Church which had been offered the bereaved relatives for the occasion, as it is the largest church in the village, but even this building could not accommodate the crowd that turned out to pay their last tribute of respect to their fellow citizen.

The services, while simple, were very impressive. A male quartet sang, "I Have Heard of a Land." Rev. George Fink of Austin, had charge of the services and made a brief address and was followed by Rev. W. A. Buell of Plymouth and Rev. C. N. Weibe of Clear Lake. A number of Sunday School girls sang "Wonderful Power of My Wonderful King," a favorite hymn of the departed brother. Mr. Arthur Dahl sang "Moment by Moment," and "Tell Them All I Can Die Like a Christian."

Interment was at the Six Mile Grove Cemetery where the remains were laid to rest.

Charles Volstad was the fourth of six children born to Halvor and Ingeborg Volstad. Only two of the six now remain, Julia who resides here, and Henry, the youngest of the family who is in Chicago, Besides these he leaves his widow and daughter Kasie to mourn his absence.

Other relatives present were Miss Matie Volstad, Mrs. J. W. Johnson and daughter Iona, Lloyd and Fred Dahl and Miss Helen Knutson all of Minneapolis; Mrs. S. Stenby, Mrs. H. Denesmore, Charles and George Knutson and Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Volstad all of Clear Lake Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. George Anderson and Miss Helen Anderson, of Austin.

Other from away who were here to attend the funeral: Morris Christenson (a brother of Mrs. Volstad) from New Auburn, Wisconsin, B. Bertleson and Jas Patterson of Clear Lake; L. A. Sherman, Dr. and Mrs. Pike, Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Lerud of Austin Lauritz Nelson and son., Nordahl of London.

Tributes

Chas. Volstad, late president of the Farmers State Bank, was connected with the institution from is organization in 1915, serving as cashier up to the 15th day of March 1921, at which time he was promoted to President, and in which capacity he served until his death on May the 12th, 1923.

Mr. Volstad was a man of rather quiet disposition but of a strong personality and always willing to advance with all his ability anything that he thought was right. He was a man of undisputed honesty and integrity, and if ever he wronged any man, I am sure it was by mistake and not by intention. He was always loyal and interested in the welfare of the community and of his fellowmen although no doubt, his highest aim in life was the spiritual welfare of his friends and of all mankind.

As an associate and superior he was considerate and kind, always pleasant, always willing to overlook the faults of others, he always seemed to his satisfied, never complained or never seemed discouraged no matter how discouraged no matter how discouraging the outlook might seem, he was absolutely unselfish, always considering first the happiness and convenience of others and often taking the burden on himself to make life easier for others. To work with him and to know him was to like him, and all that were close to him in a personal or business way will long continue to miss his presence and to many, including myself, the loss of his true and genuine friendship will be irreparable.
H. E. Lerud, Cashier.

The sudden death of a life long friend and business associate Chas. Volstad, not only is a great personal loss to me but to the whole surrounding community, who came in contact with him. It recalls to me our boyhood days spent together while he lived on his fathers farm in Nevada township and the country school life which we had the privilege of spending together. A thing that always impressed me, was his jolly disposition and clean moral habits, that not only made us respect him in the younger days of our life, but have been felt by all who knew him down through life until he was suddenly called away.

While a member of the Six Mile Grove Lutheran church, he was a very active Sunday School and temperance worker in our community. His genial disposition and his willingness at all times to help his neighbors, what-ever that might be, as always a daily part of his life. Mr. Volstad was one of the founders and organizers of the Otter Creek Creamery which he served as its first president. Under his term of office the creamery made a steady growth and was a big factor in building up the dairy industry in this community. Later when the creamery organized under the name of the Lyle Farmers Creamery Association, Mr. Volstad was again called as its first Treasurer and manager. It was always a pleasure for the board to work with him in this capacity, and as secretary of the creamery board I always found a ready and willing helper.

What especially characterized Charles Volstad, and appeared to me, was his earnest and sincere Christian life, which will Iive to his memory.
L. M. Eggen.

In the death of Chas. Volstad, no only the family but the community as a whole suffers a great loss. He was a true Christian friend and was loved by everyone that knew him. His one aim in life was for the betterment of humanity and he spared neither time nor money for this cause. In his business life he was an honest, conscientious man who could always be trusted. His life should be a model for those of us who are left and if we all would live the life that Charley did, what a great future would be in store for us. May his memories live forever.
Chas. Fossey.

I should like to say a few words in regard to our dear brother, Chas. Volstad, that has gone home to Gory.
I haven't known Mr. Volstad very long, but have had some real heart to heart talks with him of late. He loved to talk about the Book of Books, and was a very great help to me in Spiritual things. He had built upon that solid rock and was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ Jesus.
H. A. Matter.

Lyle and vicinity was shocked last Friday to hear that Chas. Volstad was seriously injured, and there was deep sorrow in every home when on Saturday morning the news came that his much beloved and respected citizen had passed to the great beyond.

We find no words to express our own sentiments and that of this whole community any better than to repeat Rev. Buehl's words in his Eulogy to Mr. Volstad when he said I weep not for my self-for the friend I have lost, for this departed brother but I weep. For Mr. Volstad was a friend to all, not merely in words but in deeds and truth. As a business associate his reputation was beyond reproach and in death, Lyle loses one of its best respected citizens.

The life of this Christian Character, his many kind and charitable deeds with remain with us.

Truly it can be said "The world is much better because this man has lived."

Some Day
"Some day all doubt and mystery
Will be made clear;
The threatening clouds which now
Will disappear. [we see]

"Some day what seems a punishment
Will prove to be God's blessing sent
For very gain.

"Some day our weary feet will rest
In sweet content,
And we will know how we were blest
By what was sent.

"And looking back with clearer eyes
O'er life's short span
Will see with wondering glad surprise,
God's perfect plan.

"And knowing that the path we went
Was God's own way,
Will understand His wise intent
Some day, some day."
O. H. Dahl.

By the death of Charles Volstad, which came so suddenly, the citizens of Lyle and vicinity were so shocked it is hard to realize that this good man has been removed from our midst. He was a man of very strong character and possessed that trait that appealed to the better side of man. He was unassuming, quiet and kindly in disposition, sympathetic in a marked degree toward those unfortunate in life's battle, yet he was strong and brave, and believed justice should prevail. It has been said that good that men do, "lives after them" and I feel sure we will all realize this in the taking away of this good man. He had unswerving views in following the straight and narrow path taught in the Bible and I believe he lived that life so nearly perfect that his friends are unable to pick a flaw. He was devoted to the Mission Church where any minister of the Gospel is welcome to preach regardless of sect or creed. He was instrumental during the past winter in having many meetings conducted, with the results of many taking the stand for leading a Christian life; some that were very near and dear to him and this made him extremely happy during his last days on earth.
By M. F. Beach.

CARD OF THANKS

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the many kind friends who assisted and comforted us in our late bereavement. Especially are we grateful to the members of the Lutheran church who granted us the use of their church building and supplied the beautiful decoration; to the speakers and singers at the funeral; to the directors of the bank who served as pall bearers; and to each and all who expressed their sympathy and comforted us in our sorrow.

Mrs. Chas. Volstad and Kasie, Mrs. K. H. Volstad and Family, Miss Julia Volstad, Henry J. Volstad.