Haaken/Haakon P. Espeland (1855-1938)

ESPELAND, VETTERHUS, MORROW, SKARE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/10/2024 at 11:46:30

From Story City Herald October 6, 1938 (page 2)

HAAKON P. ESPELAND

Haakon P. Espeland, son of Peter and Ingeborg Espeland, was born at Odda, Hardanger, Norway, March 11, 1855, and died at Randall, Iowa, Sept. 17, 1938, at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 6 days. He had been failing in health for some time due to old age.

He has had his home with his son, Peter Espeland of Randall. At this home he received all the care that loving hands could give him.

Mr. Espeland lived in Norway until the year 1880, when he came to America, locating first at Luverne, Minn. He was a tailor by profession, but coming to this country he was at first engaged in farming, and would have continued as such but suffering a sun-stroke, he had to give up farming. In 1892 he took up his residence at Jewell, Iowa. Since 1912 he has had his home in Randall, living with his son, Peter.

Sept. 7, 1881, he was united in marriage to Julia Vetterhus. Six children were born to them. One boy died in infancy and a daughter, Mrs. Ida Morrow of Joy, Illinois, died in June, 1933. His wife died Dec. 12, 1897, leaving the father with five small children to care for. Mr. Espeland being of poor health himself, made his struggle so much harder. But with faith and trust in God he was able to care for his children and see them grow up as good citizens.

The surviving children are: Peter and Bertha of Randall, George of Nashwauk, Minn., and Clara of Seattle, Wash. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Sigrid Skare, and a half-brother John, both of Norway; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many other relatives.

Mr. Espeland was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Altho living in Randall for many years, he retained his membership in the Bethesda Lutheran church at Jewell.

Funeral services were held Sept. 21, at 1:30 from the Espeland home and at 2:00 o'clock from the Elim church at Randall, where Rev. G. O. Paulsrud officiated. A quartet rendered three appropriate songs in the church. Burial was in Evergreen cemetery in Jewell, beside his wife. Grandsons and grandsons-in-law served as pall bearers.