ALFRED JOHAN CLAUSON 1865 - 1944

CLAUSON, ANDERSON, OBANION, STEHLEK, WALDEMER

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 5/3/2024 at 17:08:02

KIRON RESIDENT SINCE 1868

Alfred J. Clauson was born in Vestervik, Smaland, Sweden, Oct 20, 1865. He came to America with his parents, the C. F. Clausons, at the early age of three. The family settled in Stockholm township, Crawford county.

Alfred Clauson attended the first school in the community and thus trained himself for the building of a better community. He continued to assist his father on the homestead until he was 27 years of age, when he began to farm independently. After two years he rented the homestead and has since lived upon the same property. He engaged actively in farming up to recent years when poor health compelled release.

Mr. Clauson has won recognition both as a farmer and a public official. It should be pointed out that he has served his community well. He has served as school director, road superintendent, township clerk, justice of the peace and assessor. For over 60 years he has been identified with Stockholm township and has been justly regarded as one of the leading and substantial citizens.

He was baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist church of Kiron of Dec 8, 1886. From the early age of his Christian experience he has always revealed his devotion to Christ through the untiring efforts in behalf of the church. Each of these could be mentioned in turn, however, attention is brought to his work as treasurer of the Dorcas Aid society and also his faithfulness in the work of the choir. For almost 50 years he sang with the choir. His interest in the ministry of music in the church was keen and vibrant in the very last days of his life. His work in the church cannot be expressed in words, but the influence he has wrought will live long after him.

On Dec 29, 1890, he was united in marriage to Lottie Anderson. During the 49 years and 3 months of their married life they have lived devotedly for each other. During the past few years Mr. Clauson has not been well. On Nov 24, 1943 he was confined to bed and there tenderly cared for by his wife and daughters. From this bed of illness God called Mr. Clauson home. He passed away Saturday morning, March 18, 1944, at the age of 78 years, 4 months, and 28 days.

Surviving to mourn his passing are his widow, Mrs. Alfred Clauson, four daughters, Mrs. Mert O'Banion of Fort Dodge; Mrs. John Stehlek and Mrs. Joe Stehlek, of Vail, and Mrs. Clarence Waldemer , of Kiron, Six grandchildren, two brothers, E. E. Clauson and William Clauson, both of Kiron, and a host of other relatives and friends. One daughter Ethel, preceded him in death in 1920. One brother, Otto Clauson, and one sister, Mrs. Ida Anderson preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Kiron Baptist church with Rev. S. Bruce Fleming officiating. The choir sang "In the Sweet By and By" and a men's quartet sang a Swedish hymn. Pallbearers were S. M. Sjogren, B. A. Samuelson, J. E. Winquist, Elmer Mauritz, C. W. Lindberg and Ray Anderson. Interment was in the family plot in the community cemetery.

Relatives attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Gust Anderson of Lake View; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hansohn, of Holstein; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Moline, of Odebolt, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Anderson and Walter Anderson, of Pocahontas. Rev. and Mrs. Emil Dal and J. D. Tyndall, of LeMars, and L. Clauson, of Ames.

Kiron News clipping
From Glenn Gustafson