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Obituary

Jens R. Krichau Obituary

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Jens R. Krichau, a well-known farmer and resident of the Hazard community since 1893 passed away April 6, 1956, after several weeks of serious illness, at the home of his son, Edward, at Ravenna.

Mr. Krichau was born in Solsted, North Slesvig, Denmark, on July 26, 1866, and was 89 years, 8 months of age at his death.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

In 1893 he came to America and in September of that year was united in marriage to Anna Rhode and they settled on a farm near Hazard.  To this union was born seven sons and one daughter.  Surviving are five sons, Hans of Carlisle, Ia., Edward, Ravenna, Maurice, Bladen, Arthur, Ravenna and Elmer of Columbia, Iowa; and the daughter, Christina Lovitt of Mason City.  There are also 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

His wife preceded him in death on July 3, 1951.  Also two sons, one in infancy and Peter on August 18, 1938, at the result of an accident.

He was a kind and loving father and grandfather, and was always thoughtful of others.

Funeral services were conducted from hazard Methodist church on Sunday afternoon, with Rev. A.L. Embree officiating.  Pall bearers were all grandsons.  Interment was at Highland Park cemetery, Ravenna.

Anna Rhode Krichau Obituary

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Anna Rhode Krichau was born in Host North Schleswig, Denmark, on Feb. 14, 1868, and passed away at her home in Hazard, July 8, 1951, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 19 days.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

In January 1893 she came to America and on Sept. 9, 1893, she was united in marriage to Jens Krichau and settled on a farm near Hazard.  To this union was born seven sons and one daughter.

Surviving are her husband, five sons and one daughter:  Hans of Swan, Ia., Edward of Ravenna, Maurice of Bladen, Christina Lovitt of Mason City, Arthur of Ravenna and Elmer of Swan, Iowa.  Also 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  One sister, Hanna Knudsen, of Woodstock, Ill., and one brother, Christ Rhode, of Denmark.

Preceding her in death are two sons, one in infancy and Peter on Augst 18, 1938.

She was a kind and loving mother, wife and grandmother and she was always willing ot help any one in need.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 6th, from the Methodist church in Hazard.  Rev. Lee Brigden, the pastor, was assisted by Rev. E.C. Fad in conducting the service.  Pall bearers were the grandchildren.  Interment was in Highland cemetery at Ravenna.

William Henry Karr Obituary

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William Henry Karr, son of Philip and Mary Karr, was born April 1, 1867 in Manhattan, Illinois and passed away August 30, 1958 at the Webster County Hospital in Red Cloud. He lived 91 years and 5 months.

The Karr family came to Nebraska when he was child and they settled on a farm in the Blue Hill community. On February 18, 1890, he was united in marriage to Dora Baker of Plymouth, Nebraska. To this union three children were born, one son, William and two daughters, Blanche and Hester. His wife preceded him in death on August 17, 1898

On January 15, 1913, he was married to Rebecca Virginia Shutts. They continued living on the farm where he was active in community affairs. He was president of the Cloverton Farmer’s Union at one time. In 1924 he and his wife moved to Blue Hill. His wife Rebecca passed away February 12, 1954. Since that time he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Sadie Zimmerman of Blue Hill.

He was a kind and loving father, grandfather and brother. He loved to visit with his many relatives and friends. He led a well and active life until a few weeks ago when he became ill and was taken to the hospital where he passed away.

He leaves to mourn his passing his son, William of Bladen, daughters, Mrs. Blanche Schulz and Mrs. Hester Schulz of Blue Hill, nine grandchildren, fifteen great grand children and his sister, Mrs. Sadie Zimmerman of Blue Hill.

Source:
Information courtesy of Delores (Karr) Krichau’s family history compilation

Attorney Gilham Writes of Another Pioneer

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The older residents of this city were grieved to learn of the death of Otto Skjelver, a farmer who resided northwest of Inavale from 1876 until his death on the 13th of March.  Mr. Skjelver was an unusually intelligent and educated Norwegian, who for many years acted as interpreter between the Scandinavian immigrants and other people of this county.  At that time the Scandinavians constituted a large element in the population of the western part of the county, and the services of Mr. Skjelver were much in demand to instruct his compatriots in the usages and laws to which they must conform in the land of their adoption.

It is not uncommon for persons occupying the positions Mr. Skjelver occupied to take advantage of the ignorance of his countryment, but during his entire life among us there was not even a suspicion that Mr. Skjelver betrayed any trust or confidence reposed in him.  He was the friend, helpful and wise, of the Americans and the ignorant Norsemen, and saw to the best of his ability that the dealings between them all were fair and just.

For many years he served as justice of the peace and general arbiter of the disputes arising in his neigh (article missing) are no longer required.

His daughter, Ada Skjelver, is one of the best educated ladies in the county and for a number of years was principal of the Red Cloud school in the First ward.  During the last few years she has given her father, who has been in failing health, all the care and tenderness of a devoted daughter.

Mr. Skjelver was married in his native town in Oslo, Norway, where he was born on the 14th of April 1849.  After his removal to this county the following children were born to this marriage:  Mrs. Zelma Brentson, of Pemberton, Minnesota, Mrs. Fred Lambrecht, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Olaf Erickson, Albert Skjelver and Otto Skjelver and Ada Skjelver.  His wife passed away January 30th, 1889 since which date his daughter Ada has given him her affectionate care.

His older brother Hans Skjelver came to this county some years before he did, and is still living at an advanced age at Silverton, Oregon.

There are seventeen grandchildren who are mourning the absence of a loved grandfather and all the early settlers of the county who came in contact with him are recalling pleasant memories of his integrity and courteous gentlemanly conduct.

Final services for Wilella Wilson

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Wilella, daughter of Francis Edward and Alverna Cather Payne, was born near Inavale May 1,1882.  Her entire life was lived in Webster County where she attended our local school in preparation for the training received in the Grand Island college.

Tragedy struck early in her life in the loss of her mother. Her grandparents, William and Caroline cather, cared for this 18 month old baby as well as making a home for the half-brother, Kyd Clutter, and the cousin Retta Ayer who was also motherless.

On reaching maturity, she assumed the responsibility of homemaking for her father who lived on a farm north of Inavale.

March 15, 1910, she was married to Conley Martin Wilson. Four sons and three daughters were born to them.

Preceding her in death was one son, Charles Richard, who passed away at five years of age.

Remaining to mourn the loss of this loved one are her husband, daughters, Verna Lutz, Retta Hanson, Edna Meyer and her sons James, Frances and Johnny.

Source:
Red Cloud Commercial Advertiser
April 1960