OBITUARY: Bertha (Peterson) Williams, 1867-1944, Mitchell County, Iowa



                          Bertha Williams

Bertha Peterson was born in Hadeland, Norway on December 2, 1867 to Hans
and Ingeborg Peterson (Alm).  She was baptized and received some of her
early schooling in Norway.  At the age of 9, she came with her parents
to the United States.  They came directly to the Osage community.  Up
until the time of her marriage, she lived in the Osage and Orchard
communities.  She was confirmed May 22, 1882 in the Rock Creek Lutheran
Church by the Rev. Johann Olson.

On June 22, 1893, she was united in marriage with Gustav Millard Williams
of near Osage, and to this union was born five children.

Those preceding her in death were her husband, two sons Homer and Chester,
and one daughter, Bessie May, who died in infancy.

For the past years, Mrs. Williams had been in failing health, although
she had been up and about all of the time.  Because of not being well,
she had been forced to become less active.  Last Friday as she was
getting ready to accompany her family to town, she was suddenly stricken
and passed away almost immediately at about 3:30 in the afternoon.

There remain to mourn her death two of her children: a daughter, Clarice
(Mrs. Lawrence) Olsen, and a son, Stanley, with whom she lived.  Also
surviving are seven grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of
friends.

Her entire married life was spent in and around the Rock Creek community.
She was especially active in her church.  She has been given credit of
taking the initiative in starting the Missionary Sewing Circle of the
Ladies' Aid.


The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 1:15 at the Champion Funeral
Home in Osage and at 2:00 p.m. at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church.  The
Rev. C.B. Gunderson was in charge of the service.  Pallbearers were:
Edwin Maakestad, John Maakestad, Olvin Moe, Edward Moe, Theodore Finsand,
and Herbert Johnson.



       Copyright 2004, Steve Norby