OBITUARY: Syver J. Fosholdt, 1840-1927, Mitchell County, Iowa



                          Syver J. Fosholdt 

Syver Johnsen Fosholdt was born in Hedalen, Norway on January 2, 1840,
the ninth of ten children of John Torkilson and Sigrid Haakonsdatter
Kjensrud Fosholdt. He enjoyed the blessings of a Christian home and
was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church of his native place.
From early youth he showed great interest in obtaining both a secular
and Christian education. He attended the parochial school, the high
school, and also the Business College at Ringerike, Norway.  After
completing his business course he was employed for some time in a
store in Drammen.  Later he and his brother Torkil entered into the
general merchandise business at Bragerdokken in Hedalen.

On February 25, 1862, Mr. Fosholdt was united in marriage to Miss
Marthe Marie Lunde of Aadelen, Norway.  They were married in Vestre
Gausdal, Gudbrandsdalen, where she was then living.  They made their
home in Norway until 1867, when they immigrated to America with their
two young children, Sigrid and John.  They were living in a lumber
camp in Manistee, MI when their infant son John died on October 26,
1867.  They located in Black Earth, WI before moving to Iowa on
May 3, 1868.  The made their home temporarily in the Thideman Docken
cabin in Cedar Township, Mitchell County.  Marthe Marie Fosholdt died
in this cabin on October 29, 1868 after giving birth to a daughter,
who was named after her mother.  Hers was the first burial in the
Rock Creek Lutheran cemetery.

On February 20, 1874, Syver was married to Miss Johanne Grov, of this
community.  In 1875, they bought some land in Rock Grove Township,
Floyd County.  With diligence, hard work, and God’s blessings, he
built his family a beautiful home where he continued to live until
his death.  Shortly after coming to this community, he joined the
Rock Creek Lutheran church and was always a loyal and active member.
Being especially interested in the Christian education of children,
Mr. Fosholdt taught the parochial school of the congregation for
several years, and for many years held several positions of trust
in the church and Sunday School.

His second wife, Johanne Grov Fosholdt, passed away on June 25, 1894.

Two daughters from his first marriage survive him: Mrs. Olaus (Sigrid)
Norby and Mrs. O.C. (Malla) Christiansen, both of Osage.  Eight
children were born to his second marriage and the following survive:
Gabriel of Long Beach, CA; Harold and Mrs. Iver (Mary) Nelson of
this community; Isabelle, Elizabeth, John and Thorvald (Tom) at
home.  Four nephews, two nieces, eight grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren survive.

Mr. Fosholdt had enjoyed good health until about six years ago, since
which he has gradually failed.  His children ministered to him
lovingly during his declining years and last illness.  He passed
away March 15, 1927.

Funeral services were held at the home at one o’clock and at the
Rock Creek Lutheran church at two o’clock p.m.  Interment was in
the Rock Creek Lutheran cemetery.  The Rev. O.C. Myhre and the
Rev. J.A. Urness spoke words of instruction and comfort at the
services.


     Copyright 2004, Steve Norby