OBITUARY: Ethel Jane Nelson, 1903-1923, Mitchell County, Iowa




                         Ethel Jane Nelson

The entire community was shocked to hear of the sudden sickness and the
death of Miss Ethel Jane Nelson.  Miss Nelson was suddenly taken ill on
August 12th with a severe headache, which was first taken for influenza,
but which later developed into infantile paralysis.  She first lost
control of her lower limbs and the paralysis steadily crept upward and
took control of her arms and then of her breathing.  The illness grew
steadily worse until she passed away on Monday.  Everything that medical
science could do for Ethel to save her was done.  Her doctor, Dr. Louis
Savre of Osage, administered three serum treatments and in consultation
with Dr. Holman of Mason City Park hospital, administered the fourth
treatment Sunday, but to no avail.

Ethel Jane Nelson was born on June 22, 1903 in Rock Grove Township, Floyd
County, Iowa to Iver N. and Mary Fosholdt Nelson.   She died Monday,
August 20th, at the age of 20 years, 1 month and 29 days.  She was
baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran church, Rock Creek.
She graduated from the Osage high school in 1922, and was making plans
to attend college the coming fall and winter to further her education.
She was a very active church and choir member, spreading cheer and
happiness wherever she went.

She leaves to mourn her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Iver N. Nelson,
one brother, Ira Melvin Nelson, and a large circle of relatives and a
host of dear friends.

Funeral services were held at the parental home on Tuesday, August 21st.
The Rev. O.C. Myhre of the Rock Creek Lutheran church officiated and
burial was in the Rock Creek cemetery.


        Copyright 2004, Steve Norby