Obituary: Adams County, Wisconsin: Anna OLESTON ************************************************************************ Submitted by Joan Benner, May 2005 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ From the Thursday July 29, 1920 Necedah Republican, Page 4 One of the oldest and most active members of the Trinity Lutheran church at Roche-A-Cris, Mrs. Anna OLESTON of Strongs Prairie township, died Saturday morning, July 17, 1920. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the west church and interment was made in the cemetery by the church, Rev. A. J. Raftshol officiating. She was born in Vaaler, Salor, Norway June 24, 1845, and has lived in Strongs Prairie township for 40 years, the family settling on their farm about four miles northwest of Arkdale in 1880. For some months her health had been declining gradually, but no one expected that the end would come so soon. On June 24th last she celebrated her 75th birthday anniversary surrounded by friends and relatives from far and near. About a week before she died she was suddenly taken sick after returning from morning worship at the church, and rapidly grew weaker and passed away peacefully in the faith of her Savior. Deceased was one of the most active members of the North side Ladies Aid Society, serving years ago as its president, and rendering efficient service in an official capacity otherwise. She was a member of the Lutheran church from childhood days, being baptized and confirmed while residing in Norway. She was one of those many Christian mothers who have consecrated their lives for the Master's service, especially in the home and in the church. She never shirked the duties and responsibilities of motherhood, but was self-sacrificing and faithful. She considered herself happy in having the privilege of caring for her home and training her children in the fear and admonition of the Soul. This was her true station in life, a position accorded her by God to fill her place in the home, the church and the community. She leaves to mourn the loss of a tender sister and dear mother, two sisters: Mrs. P. B. OLSEN of Arkdale and Mrs. HARRIS of Evanston, Illinois; three daughters: Mrs. Otto BREDESON of Arkdale, Mrs. Mattie OLESTON of Milwaukee, and Miss Minnie OLESTON of Strongs Prairie township; and four sons: Ole OLESTON of Nashua, Montana, Charles OLESTON, Cashier of Farmers Home Bank, Wautoma, Peter and Albert OLESTON of Strongs Prairie township; also an adopted son, Andrew OLESTON, Assistant Cashier of Farmers Home Bank, Wautoma; and four stepsons: Anton and Emil OLESTON, Hancock, and Martin and John OLESTON, Wautoma; 26 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. Mrs. OLESTON's position socially was thus remarkable, but she was one of those quiet, unassuming individuals that are not conscious of anything great. She was meek and lowly in her work as a Christian, having no righeousness of her own, but by faith through fellowship with Jesus Christ. This faith supported her in her life work, this faith carried her through the valley of the shadow of death victoriously into life eternal. All the relatives named above, except the son from Montana, and many of the grandchildren and some of the great-grandchildren were present at the funeral.