Torkelanna (Olson) Lund (1856-1947)

LUND, MUNSON, OLSON, ORRES, PAULSON, SANDVEN

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:00

Mrs. Peter J. Lund, pioneer resident of Thor, died at the home of her son, Helge Lund, near Thor, on Sunday morning, December 22. For a number of years she had been bound to the home, owing to the infirmities of old age. A brief siege of pneumonia was the immediate cause of her death. She was 90 years at her last birthday on June 29.

Torkelanna Olson was born in Kvinherred Parish in Western Norway in 1856. As a child, in 1860, she immigrated to America with her parents, Soren and Anna Olson, arriving at Morris, Illinois. After a brief stay here, the family moved to Benton county, Iowa. In 1870 the family again moved, this time by covered wagon to Humboldt county locating near the site of the present city of Thor.

On April 25, 1876, she was united in marriage to Peter J. Lund. The newlyweds made their home on a farm southeast of Thor, where they lived until they retired, and left the farm operation to their only son, Helge Lund. They lived in Thor, until Mr. Lund died in 1937, when Mrs. Lund moved out to the farm to make her home with her son and daughter-in-law, and remained here until her death.

Besides her son, the departed leaves to mourn her passing, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She also leaves four sisters and two brothers: Mrs. Serena Paulson of Rutland; Mrs. Bertha Munson of Humboldt; Mrs. Inger Sandven of Hardy; Mrs. Lizzie Orres of Hardy; John Olson of Humboldt; and Severen Olson of Thor. Two sisters died in childhood in Benton county.

The departed was baptized in infancy in Norway. On July 10, 1871, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Benton county. She was one of the pioneer members of the Ullensvang Lutheran church of Thor, being an active member of the Ladies’ Aid society from the beginning, and also a very faithful attendant at the public worship as long as she was able to get out. She was a regular attendant at the communion table, and appreciated the regular visits of her pastor when she could no longer attend church. She expressed her faith in Christ as her Saviour from sin and death and her last request from her pastor was that he would remember her in his prayers.

Mrs. Lund was a good and faithful mother and wife. She made many friends in her church and community by her kindness, hospitality, and readiness to help those who were in need.

Funeral services were held at the Thor Lutheran church on Thursday afternoon with the Rev. T. B. Thorson officiating. Mrs. Ray Nation and Miss Charlotte Larson furnished the special singing and Mrs. T. B. Thorson served as pianist.

The Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 2, 1947