John
August Edward Nelson
SOURCE: The Nebraska Signal, 24 April 1941
page 1, column 3
Transcribed by Sharon Lindbloom
John August Edward Nelson, son of Jonas Peter Nelson and Anna Caroline
Danielson, was born in Sweden, October 5, 1860. He passed away at his home
in Geneva at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1941, at the age of 80 years, 6 months
and 11 days.
Mr. Nelson immigrated to America as a boy at the age of nine and with his
brother Charles and some friends settled at Galesburg, Ill. Later his
parents, brothers and sisters joined him in Illinois. In 1881 he moved to
Fillmore county, Nebraska, where he resided with his parents for a short time
before buying an adjoining home of his own in Chelsea township.
He was united in marriage to Hannah Skoglund December 19, 1885, and lived with
his devoted wife fifty-four years. To this union five children were born
and reared on the farm. Those surviving are Mrs. Eda Anderson of Geneva,
Elmer Nelson of Humboldt, Mae Nelson at the home in Geneva and Mrs. Lilly
Franzen of Geneva, also one sister, Anna Nelson, one brother, Fred Nelson of
Geneva and many other relatives.
His wife preceded him in death fifteen months ago. One son, Bert, and
three grandchildren also predeceased him.
His three daughters, sister and brother besides other relatives and friends,
were at his bedside when he passed to the eternal home.
Mr. Nelson faced the real difficulties of the pioneers. He moved to his
present home in Geneva in December, 1912, twenty-nine years ago, having moved
only once in the fifty-four years of his married life. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary December 19, 1935.
He was a kind, devoted and loving father and husband, always ready to lend a
helping hand not only to his loved ones but also to his many friends. As
long as his health permitted he was a hard working man and took great interest
in the home.
He was confirmed at an early age in the Swedish Lutheran Church in Illinois and
lived a fruitful Christian life all these years. He was a charter member
of the Chelsea church and was one who helped organize the first Chelsea church,
as well as the United Brethren church iin Geneva. He served as a steward
and a trustee of these churcehes for many years. Always helping at any
task he could, he was active and regular in his church attendance as long as his
health permitted. The United Brethren churches lost a real Christian
worker and brother, but the Church Triumpant has gained triumphantly. He
will be greatly missed by his loved one and a host of friends.
The love and memory of this beloved father is best expressed in the follwing
words:
"A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is still,
A place is vacant in our home
which never can be filled.
All is dark within our dwelling,
Lonely are our hearts today.
For the one we loved so dearly
Has from us passed away.
The boon his love hath given
Altho the body slumbers here,
The soul is safe in heaven."
The floral offerings were many and beautiful, mute evidence of the high esteem
in which Mr. Nelson was held.
Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon from the United Brethren in
Christ church, Rev. A.W. Swanson being in charge. Mrs. A.W. Swanson sang
at the home, "Sweet Bye and Bye." A quartet composed of Howard
Hamilton, Mrs. H.A. Rosenau, Mrs. A.H. Elder and Edgar Miller, sang "Going
Dow The Valley One by One." "How Beautiful Heqven Must Be" and
"Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Mrs. F.M. Holtz was accompanist.
Pallbearers were W.C. Schupbach, Lewis Fox, Fred Meyer, Fred Nunns, Lyman Brooke
and Ed McCluskey. Interment was in the Geneva cemetery.