Homer Stanton Peterson (1897-1935)

PETERSON, ROBINSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/9/2024 at 10:22:41

From Story City Herald November 7, 1935 (page 5)

OBITUARY OF HOMER PETERSON

Homer Stanton Peterson, son of John and Anna Peterson of Randall, was born at Randall, Nov. 28, 1897, and died Oct. 30, 1935, at the age of 37 years, 11 months and 2 days. The circumstances of his death are very sad. With his father he went duck hunting at Goose lake northeast of Jewell. While his father had gone a little ways off Homer ventured too far out in the lake and sank in the mud bottom. His father hurried to his assistance but could not reach him before he had expired. This tragedy was the greatest shock this neighborhood had experienced for several years. It cast a gloom upon the whole community and a heartfelt sympathy went out to the Peterson family in their bereavement.

The shock was severe to all, but more so for the family, especially to the father, who blamed himself in part for the accident. However, it is a well known fact that the Peterson family had done all they could for Homer. They have tried in every way possible, and knowing that he was a lover of duck hunting, they would not deny him this pleasure and privilege. It would have gone very much against Homer's feelings if they had denied him this pleasure. The accident just happened and no blame attaches to anyone.

Since Homer's graduation from the Story City high school he has assisted his father in the mercantile business in Randall, a place which he filled to the satisfaction of all customers. He was a young man of the finest character and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

Tho his lot in life was not the best due to his being subject to fainting spells, nevertheless, he was cheerful and happy and seemingly enjoyed life as well as anyone. He was honest to the core and very pleasant to trade with, and he would always wind up his transaction by saying in a pleasant tone: "I thank you." His customers will not soon forget that pleasant "I thank you."

He was a member to the Randall church; here he was baptized and confirmed, and here he worshipped quite regularly and seemingly enjoyed the services in the house of God, and from this church he was buried Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, Nov. 2. Because of the weakness of Mrs. Peterson, who could not attend the church services, a short service was held in the home. Rev. Paulsrud conducted the services both in the home and the church. His text was taken from the gospel according to Matthew 11:28, where Jesus utters these comforting words: "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." A sympathetic audience filled the church to its capacity. At the home Mrs. P. G. Pederson and Mrs. Clarence Larson sang an appropriate duet, and in the church a quartet sang two well selected numbers.

The pall bearers were Hans and Julius Miller, P. G. Pederson, S. M. Teigland, Ed Erickson and Ole Sopeland. The body was laid to rest at the Danish cemetery a half mile north of Randall.

Homer is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Peterson; one sister, Ina Robinson of Caripeto, Venemela, S. A.; and four brothers, Cyrus Peterson, a merchant of Ringsted; Dr. Marvin Peterson, professor at oxford university, Oxford, O., Drs. Phillip and Paul Peterson of Brookfield, Ill.