I love old obituaries! Yes, I know, I’m weird—but my friend and relatives have known that for a long time. The old obituaries told all about the lives and times of the deceased, usually in very flowery language, and they are a real boon to genealogists. Recently I have run across the “last words” written about two men who were influential in the lives of the early immigrants.
Both of these obituaries were with the belongings of my father who passed away in 1982, and have survived the rigors of time and many moves just a little worse for the wear. These men were contemporaries of one another, although probably never met as they worked in different communities and moved in different circles, but each left their mark in the memories of the people they served.
Both of these obituaries give a clear picture of life on the frontier, some of the hardships endured by the pioneers, and the remarkable people who helped them through.
The first obituary is of Rev. Styrk Reque, an immigrant from Voss , Norway Spring Grove , Minnesota
Rev. St. S. Reque
Spring Grove, Houston Co., Minnesota
Our Beloved Pastor Has Gone to His Reward
In 1861 he was called to take charge of Roche a Cree, Lemonweir and Newport Wisconsin Wilmington Houston County , Minn.
He was installed in Wilmington Sept. 27, 1871 , and in Spring Grove and Black Hammer Sept. 28. In 1876 Rev. Reier Larsen became his assistant, and in 1880 Rev. E.P. Jenson was called as assistant. In 1894 the parish was divided and Rev. Reque from now on served Spring Grove and Wilmington Wilmington Wilmington Caledonia formed a new parish and called Rev. Wein. Rev. Reque continued to serve Spring Grove until his death, Aug. 21, 1910 .
In 1865 he was married to Cecillia Anderson, from Koshkonong , Wis.
After about three weeks sickness, Rev. Reque died in the faith of “Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners.” His long service in the Lord’s vineyard is now ended. His influence for good has been great, and long will he be missed and remembered by the thousands he came in contact with.
One of the largest, if not the largest, gathering of people in Spring Grove was present, from far and near, to pay the last respect and love to him who had faithfully labored among them.
Rev. Kristian Magelssen spoke at the house. After singing the hymn 455, Prof. Dr. H. G. Stub spoke in the church, using for his text Revelations 14, 15. Then followed hymn 456, 1, 2. Rev. O. P. Vangness spoke to the congregation using as his text Philippians 4, 9. The church choir then sang a touching funeral hymn.
Rev. K. Seehus spoke in English. His text was the first verse of Psalm 73. After the singing of the Doxology, Prof. C. K. Preus spoke in behalf of Luther College, Rev. P. Koren, (next few words obliterated) V. Koren, Rev. H. Halvorson spoke on behalf of La Crosse Special Conference and for four of Rev. Reque’s first confirmants from Wisconsin. Rev. G. Magelssen spoke for Church Extension. Rev. Kasberg and Wein spoke on behalf of their congregations. The services in the church closed with singing hymn 375, 5-7. At the grave Rev. H. J. Wein officiated.
The pallbearers were members of Spring Grove congregation, eight of the ministers and his sons. Among the ministers present were also M. Bleken, Thomas Nilson and Rev. Pankow. To mention the names of all who came from a distance to be present at the funeral is impossible. We noticed Dr. and Mrs. Stabo and Prof. Svanoe from Decorah , Iowa Wis.
The remains lay in state from 11 A. M. until 1 P. M. in the church. The floral tributes were many and beautiful.
The remains lay in state from 11 A. M. until 1 P. M. in the church. The floral tributes were many and beautiful.
In Spring Grove there was sorrow, it was a solemn occasion when so many gathered in their house of worship to see him for the last time who now lay lifeless before them. But in heaven he rejoiced and will through eternity rejoice, for blessed are the dead which died in the Lord.
