The Edgar Sun (Edgar, NE) Fri, Feb 27, 1931 - Pg 1
Last Rites for
A E Akerson
Held Sunday
--
Military Funeral Held at
Gethsemane Lutheran
Church at Ong
---
Arthur Edwin Akerson was born November 17, 1887, on the old homestead two miles west of Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), one mile east of Ong. At the age of six years his mother died and from that time his sister, Thilda, was as a mother to him.
Arthur received his religious training in the home and in the Stockholm congregation. In this church he attended Sunday school and was confirmed on the 17th day of May, 1903. In this vicinity he grew to manhood always living at home. He was never out of the state, until he was called to serve his country.
Arthur was a rather reserved young man, but he was good and faithful and his open manly face inspired confidence. He was a man with a sterling character and we have every reason to believe that he in faith had placed his trust in the Saviour. He was drafted for war service in the fall on 1917, and left for Camp Funston on Sept 22, 1917. At camp Funston he was one of the members who made up Co. M of the 355 Infantry. He came home for a ten-day furlough shortly before Christmas, returning to the camp Dec 22, 1917. That was the last time he was home. On the 27th day of February, 1918, he left Camp Funston for Camp Stuart, Virginia, where he was joined to Co. D of the 4th Infantry of the regular army. He sailed for France April 15, 1918, and went to the battle front May 30. During the months of June and July he took part in the severe fighting near Chauteau-Thierry. After the end of these two months he was given a rest and then we find him again in the battle line in the Argonne forest on the Verdon front.
On the 9th of November the folks at home received a telegram from Washington stating that Arthur was killed on October 8, 1918. The family for some time was hoping against hope that the report might prove to be unfounded.
Mr Akerson received a letter dated May 8, 1919, from the Bureau of Communication of the Red Cross at Washington and this gives the following testimony from a sergeant of Co. D, "I saw Akerson killed on October 4, 1918. He was in a shell hole close to me. I could see him plainly, saw him raise up to look over the top. Just as his head appeared he was hit by a machine gun bullet killing him instantly."
From a letter from Mr Belmey G. Stone, Arthur's first lieutenant, we give the following: "Arthur was in my platoon, was an ideal soldier. He was one of the few men I had whom I put great dependence and trust in. I greatly sympathize with you, for in him, I have lost a good soldier, a desireable (sic) comrade, an honorable man and a sterling gentleman".
October 4, 1918, Arthur was at the age of 30 years, 11 months and 18 days.
Memorable services were held at the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), Shickley, Sunday, June 1, 1919. Rev C. T. Carlson, then of the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic) at present at Concord, Nebraska, and Rev N. Malmstrom, then of Ong, were those who brought messages at these services.
December 3, 1930, Mr Louis Akerson, the brother of Arthur, received a letter from the War Department at Washington stating that his brother's remains had been recovered and would be forwarded from France to Ong, if so desired, at this time according to the original request. We quote the following from this letter; "In connection with the investigation which has been conducted by this office in the case of your brother, the late Private First Class Arthur E. Akerson, 2213760, Co. D, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division, please be advised that his body has recently been recovered and is being held in the Meuse-Argonne mortuary pending disposition advise. In order that you may have some knowledge of the details, you will be interested to know that your brothers' remains were disinterred from an isolated grave in a field near the Bois de Berge, Commune of Nantilllois, Meuse, France, which territory was covered by the organization during the Meuse Argonne Offensive, Sept 30, to Oct 27, 1918. At the time of the original interment one identification tag was placed with the body. The recovery of this tag with the body has materially assisted in re-establishing identity. The conditions under which the deceased met his death, as described in an investigator's report at the time, is borne out on examination of the remains. The dental chart constructed at the time of recovery of this chart of your brother made at the time of his enlistment confirmed the identification of this body as that of your brother."
Last Monday, Febr 16, Louis Akerson received a message from Quartermaster Supply Officer, New York, general depot, Brooklyn, New York, that Arthur's body would arrive at Ong Friday afternoon, February 20, under the government's escort, Corporal Fred B. Reffka of New York City, the remains arrived according to information given, last Friday.
Mr Olof P. Akerson, the father, living at the time of Arthur's death, passed away Nov 17, 1929, Arthur's birthday.
Left to mourn at this time are, his brother, Louis; two sisters, Mrs Ed Johnson and Miss Thilda Akerson, all of Ong, one niece and one nephew, Olive and Harold Johnson, also of Ong, a number of relatives and a host of dear friends.
We are informed that Arthur had a profound trust in the word of God the 91st Psalm of David, which bears as title, "Security of him who trust in Jehovah" was a special comfort to him.
Today, though sad at heart we honor the memory of his heroic life, we bow in humble submission to the will of our mighty God and we lift our hearts with sincere gratitude to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, for Arthur and for our boys who have fought so nobly and heroically for our own beloved country.
The sacred influence of Arthur's life shall lie on among us until that day when, we trust, we shall see Arthur again in the greater and more wonderful world prepared for those who love our Saviour.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Febr, 22, 1931 at the home and 2 o'clock at the Gethsemane Lutheran church (sic), Ong, Nebraska. The Rev John Eckwall of Macon, Nebraska, state chaplain of the American Legion, brought a beautiful and powerful message on behalf of the Legion and as a tribute to our beloved, departed brother and friend, Arthur Akerson. Rev Henning L. Hassel of the Lutheran church of Ong used as text 1 Tim. 1:18, 19, choosing as theme, "War the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience."
H. C. Capsey of Shickley, chaplain of the State's National Guard, was also in our audience and had a part in the military formation. LeRoy Langren of Shickley had charge of the pre-arrangement of the Legion men. J. J. Van Wanning of Shickley was commander-in-chief of the military men and Legion formations.
The Geneva Post was represented by the firing squad. The bugler, Paul Curtis, of Geneva, in solemn tones paid a wonderful tribute to the heroic dead. LeRoy Langren, Adolph Malm, Harry Pearson, Harry Carlson, Emil Harrnett and Albert Herrick were the men who bore our beloved brother and friend to his last resting place.
The government's escort, Fred B. Reffka, had one of the conspicuous positions among the military formations. We honor him and through him our glorious country for the special beautiful service rendered the bereaved family and the Ong community through this honorable and worthy escort.
The quartet that brought comforting messages in the beautiful songs rendered were Mrs Harry Pearson, Mrs Emmert Nelson, Algot Peterson and A. L. Swanson.
Flowers in great abundance, beautiful and glorious, conveyed a message that words will not define.
Emmert Nelson acted in his usual capacity as chairman of the ushers and the parking arrangements for the cars.
The overwhelming attendance, in spite of the damp, rainy weather, filled the entire church to capacity and spoke silently, eloquently and profoundly in honor of the heroic life of Arthur Akerson as well as of the men who fought so nobly and honorably in the great world struggle. May God give us all grace to fight the greater contest, faithfully and honorably and some day we shall wear the greater crown
Interment was made in the Stockholm cemetery.
--Rev Henning L. Hassel.
Contributor: Jan Plambeck (46975511) • [email protected]
Last Rites for
A E Akerson
Held Sunday
--
Military Funeral Held at
Gethsemane Lutheran
Church at Ong
---
Arthur Edwin Akerson was born November 17, 1887, on the old homestead two miles west of Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), one mile east of Ong. At the age of six years his mother died and from that time his sister, Thilda, was as a mother to him.
Arthur received his religious training in the home and in the Stockholm congregation. In this church he attended Sunday school and was confirmed on the 17th day of May, 1903. In this vicinity he grew to manhood always living at home. He was never out of the state, until he was called to serve his country.
Arthur was a rather reserved young man, but he was good and faithful and his open manly face inspired confidence. He was a man with a sterling character and we have every reason to believe that he in faith had placed his trust in the Saviour. He was drafted for war service in the fall on 1917, and left for Camp Funston on Sept 22, 1917. At camp Funston he was one of the members who made up Co. M of the 355 Infantry. He came home for a ten-day furlough shortly before Christmas, returning to the camp Dec 22, 1917. That was the last time he was home. On the 27th day of February, 1918, he left Camp Funston for Camp Stuart, Virginia, where he was joined to Co. D of the 4th Infantry of the regular army. He sailed for France April 15, 1918, and went to the battle front May 30. During the months of June and July he took part in the severe fighting near Chauteau-Thierry. After the end of these two months he was given a rest and then we find him again in the battle line in the Argonne forest on the Verdon front.
On the 9th of November the folks at home received a telegram from Washington stating that Arthur was killed on October 8, 1918. The family for some time was hoping against hope that the report might prove to be unfounded.
Mr Akerson received a letter dated May 8, 1919, from the Bureau of Communication of the Red Cross at Washington and this gives the following testimony from a sergeant of Co. D, "I saw Akerson killed on October 4, 1918. He was in a shell hole close to me. I could see him plainly, saw him raise up to look over the top. Just as his head appeared he was hit by a machine gun bullet killing him instantly."
From a letter from Mr Belmey G. Stone, Arthur's first lieutenant, we give the following: "Arthur was in my platoon, was an ideal soldier. He was one of the few men I had whom I put great dependence and trust in. I greatly sympathize with you, for in him, I have lost a good soldier, a desireable (sic) comrade, an honorable man and a sterling gentleman".
October 4, 1918, Arthur was at the age of 30 years, 11 months and 18 days.
Memorable services were held at the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), Shickley, Sunday, June 1, 1919. Rev C. T. Carlson, then of the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic) at present at Concord, Nebraska, and Rev N. Malmstrom, then of Ong, were those who brought messages at these services.
December 3, 1930, Mr Louis Akerson, the brother of Arthur, received a letter from the War Department at Washington stating that his brother's remains had been recovered and would be forwarded from France to Ong, if so desired, at this time according to the original request. We quote the following from this letter; "In connection with the investigation which has been conducted by this office in the case of your brother, the late Private First Class Arthur E. Akerson, 2213760, Co. D, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division, please be advised that his body has recently been recovered and is being held in the Meuse-Argonne mortuary pending disposition advise. In order that you may have some knowledge of the details, you will be interested to know that your brothers' remains were disinterred from an isolated grave in a field near the Bois de Berge, Commune of Nantilllois, Meuse, France, which territory was covered by the organization during the Meuse Argonne Offensive, Sept 30, to Oct 27, 1918. At the time of the original interment one identification tag was placed with the body. The recovery of this tag with the body has materially assisted in re-establishing identity. The conditions under which the deceased met his death, as described in an investigator's report at the time, is borne out on examination of the remains. The dental chart constructed at the time of recovery of this chart of your brother made at the time of his enlistment confirmed the identification of this body as that of your brother."
Last Monday, Febr 16, Louis Akerson received a message from Quartermaster Supply Officer, New York, general depot, Brooklyn, New York, that Arthur's body would arrive at Ong Friday afternoon, February 20, under the government's escort, Corporal Fred B. Reffka of New York City, the remains arrived according to information given, last Friday.
Mr Olof P. Akerson, the father, living at the time of Arthur's death, passed away Nov 17, 1929, Arthur's birthday.
Left to mourn at this time are, his brother, Louis; two sisters, Mrs Ed Johnson and Miss Thilda Akerson, all of Ong, one niece and one nephew, Olive and Harold Johnson, also of Ong, a number of relatives and a host of dear friends.
We are informed that Arthur had a profound trust in the word of God the 91st Psalm of David, which bears as title, "Security of him who trust in Jehovah" was a special comfort to him.
Today, though sad at heart we honor the memory of his heroic life, we bow in humble submission to the will of our mighty God and we lift our hearts with sincere gratitude to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, for Arthur and for our boys who have fought so nobly and heroically for our own beloved country.
The sacred influence of Arthur's life shall lie on among us until that day when, we trust, we shall see Arthur again in the greater and more wonderful world prepared for those who love our Saviour.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Febr, 22, 1931 at the home and 2 o'clock at the Gethsemane Lutheran church (sic), Ong, Nebraska. The Rev John Eckwall of Macon, Nebraska, state chaplain of the American Legion, brought a beautiful and powerful message on behalf of the Legion and as a tribute to our beloved, departed brother and friend, Arthur Akerson. Rev Henning L. Hassel of the Lutheran church of Ong used as text 1 Tim. 1:18, 19, choosing as theme, "War the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience."
H. C. Capsey of Shickley, chaplain of the State's National Guard, was also in our audience and had a part in the military formation. LeRoy Langren of Shickley had charge of the pre-arrangement of the Legion men. J. J. Van Wanning of Shickley was commander-in-chief of the military men and Legion formations.
The Geneva Post was represented by the firing squad. The bugler, Paul Curtis, of Geneva, in solemn tones paid a wonderful tribute to the heroic dead. LeRoy Langren, Adolph Malm, Harry Pearson, Harry Carlson, Emil Harrnett and Albert Herrick were the men who bore our beloved brother and friend to his last resting place.
The government's escort, Fred B. Reffka, had one of the conspicuous positions among the military formations. We honor him and through him our glorious country for the special beautiful service rendered the bereaved family and the Ong community through this honorable and worthy escort.
The quartet that brought comforting messages in the beautiful songs rendered were Mrs Harry Pearson, Mrs Emmert Nelson, Algot Peterson and A. L. Swanson.
Flowers in great abundance, beautiful and glorious, conveyed a message that words will not define.
Emmert Nelson acted in his usual capacity as chairman of the ushers and the parking arrangements for the cars.
The overwhelming attendance, in spite of the damp, rainy weather, filled the entire church to capacity and spoke silently, eloquently and profoundly in honor of the heroic life of Arthur Akerson as well as of the men who fought so nobly and honorably in the great world struggle. May God give us all grace to fight the greater contest, faithfully and honorably and some day we shall wear the greater crown
Interment was made in the Stockholm cemetery.
--Rev Henning L. Hassel.
Contributor: Jan Plambeck (46975511) • [email protected]
The Edgar Sun (Edgar, NE) Fri, Feb 27, 1931 - Pg 1
Last Rites for
A E Akerson
Held Sunday
--
Military Funeral Held at
Gethsemane Lutheran
Church at Ong
---
Arthur Edwin Akerson was born November 17, 1887, on the old homestead two miles west of Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), one mile east of Ong. At the age of six years his mother died and from that time his sister, Thilda, was as a mother to him.
Arthur received his religious training in the home and in the Stockholm congregation. In this church he attended Sunday school and was confirmed on the 17th day of May, 1903. In this vicinity he grew to manhood always living at home. He was never out of the state, until he was called to serve his country.
Arthur was a rather reserved young man, but he was good and faithful and his open manly face inspired confidence. He was a man with a sterling character and we have every reason to believe that he in faith had placed his trust in the Saviour. He was drafted for war service in the fall on 1917, and left for Camp Funston on Sept 22, 1917. At camp Funston he was one of the members who made up Co. M of the 355 Infantry. He came home for a ten-day furlough shortly before Christmas, returning to the camp Dec 22, 1917. That was the last time he was home. On the 27th day of February, 1918, he left Camp Funston for Camp Stuart, Virginia, where he was joined to Co. D of the 4th Infantry of the regular army. He sailed for France April 15, 1918, and went to the battle front May 30. During the months of June and July he took part in the severe fighting near Chauteau-Thierry. After the end of these two months he was given a rest and then we find him again in the battle line in the Argonne forest on the Verdon front.
On the 9th of November the folks at home received a telegram from Washington stating that Arthur was killed on October 8, 1918. The family for some time was hoping against hope that the report might prove to be unfounded.
Mr Akerson received a letter dated May 8, 1919, from the Bureau of Communication of the Red Cross at Washington and this gives the following testimony from a sergeant of Co. D, "I saw Akerson killed on October 4, 1918. He was in a shell hole close to me. I could see him plainly, saw him raise up to look over the top. Just as his head appeared he was hit by a machine gun bullet killing him instantly."
From a letter from Mr Belmey G. Stone, Arthur's first lieutenant, we give the following: "Arthur was in my platoon, was an ideal soldier. He was one of the few men I had whom I put great dependence and trust in. I greatly sympathize with you, for in him, I have lost a good soldier, a desireable (sic) comrade, an honorable man and a sterling gentleman".
October 4, 1918, Arthur was at the age of 30 years, 11 months and 18 days.
Memorable services were held at the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), Shickley, Sunday, June 1, 1919. Rev C. T. Carlson, then of the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic) at present at Concord, Nebraska, and Rev N. Malmstrom, then of Ong, were those who brought messages at these services.
December 3, 1930, Mr Louis Akerson, the brother of Arthur, received a letter from the War Department at Washington stating that his brother's remains had been recovered and would be forwarded from France to Ong, if so desired, at this time according to the original request. We quote the following from this letter; "In connection with the investigation which has been conducted by this office in the case of your brother, the late Private First Class Arthur E. Akerson, 2213760, Co. D, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division, please be advised that his body has recently been recovered and is being held in the Meuse-Argonne mortuary pending disposition advise. In order that you may have some knowledge of the details, you will be interested to know that your brothers' remains were disinterred from an isolated grave in a field near the Bois de Berge, Commune of Nantilllois, Meuse, France, which territory was covered by the organization during the Meuse Argonne Offensive, Sept 30, to Oct 27, 1918. At the time of the original interment one identification tag was placed with the body. The recovery of this tag with the body has materially assisted in re-establishing identity. The conditions under which the deceased met his death, as described in an investigator's report at the time, is borne out on examination of the remains. The dental chart constructed at the time of recovery of this chart of your brother made at the time of his enlistment confirmed the identification of this body as that of your brother."
Last Monday, Febr 16, Louis Akerson received a message from Quartermaster Supply Officer, New York, general depot, Brooklyn, New York, that Arthur's body would arrive at Ong Friday afternoon, February 20, under the government's escort, Corporal Fred B. Reffka of New York City, the remains arrived according to information given, last Friday.
Mr Olof P. Akerson, the father, living at the time of Arthur's death, passed away Nov 17, 1929, Arthur's birthday.
Left to mourn at this time are, his brother, Louis; two sisters, Mrs Ed Johnson and Miss Thilda Akerson, all of Ong, one niece and one nephew, Olive and Harold Johnson, also of Ong, a number of relatives and a host of dear friends.
We are informed that Arthur had a profound trust in the word of God the 91st Psalm of David, which bears as title, "Security of him who trust in Jehovah" was a special comfort to him.
Today, though sad at heart we honor the memory of his heroic life, we bow in humble submission to the will of our mighty God and we lift our hearts with sincere gratitude to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, for Arthur and for our boys who have fought so nobly and heroically for our own beloved country.
The sacred influence of Arthur's life shall lie on among us until that day when, we trust, we shall see Arthur again in the greater and more wonderful world prepared for those who love our Saviour.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Febr, 22, 1931 at the home and 2 o'clock at the Gethsemane Lutheran church (sic), Ong, Nebraska. The Rev John Eckwall of Macon, Nebraska, state chaplain of the American Legion, brought a beautiful and powerful message on behalf of the Legion and as a tribute to our beloved, departed brother and friend, Arthur Akerson. Rev Henning L. Hassel of the Lutheran church of Ong used as text 1 Tim. 1:18, 19, choosing as theme, "War the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience."
H. C. Capsey of Shickley, chaplain of the State's National Guard, was also in our audience and had a part in the military formation. LeRoy Langren of Shickley had charge of the pre-arrangement of the Legion men. J. J. Van Wanning of Shickley was commander-in-chief of the military men and Legion formations.
The Geneva Post was represented by the firing squad. The bugler, Paul Curtis, of Geneva, in solemn tones paid a wonderful tribute to the heroic dead. LeRoy Langren, Adolph Malm, Harry Pearson, Harry Carlson, Emil Harrnett and Albert Herrick were the men who bore our beloved brother and friend to his last resting place.
The government's escort, Fred B. Reffka, had one of the conspicuous positions among the military formations. We honor him and through him our glorious country for the special beautiful service rendered the bereaved family and the Ong community through this honorable and worthy escort.
The quartet that brought comforting messages in the beautiful songs rendered were Mrs Harry Pearson, Mrs Emmert Nelson, Algot Peterson and A. L. Swanson.
Flowers in great abundance, beautiful and glorious, conveyed a message that words will not define.
Emmert Nelson acted in his usual capacity as chairman of the ushers and the parking arrangements for the cars.
The overwhelming attendance, in spite of the damp, rainy weather, filled the entire church to capacity and spoke silently, eloquently and profoundly in honor of the heroic life of Arthur Akerson as well as of the men who fought so nobly and honorably in the great world struggle. May God give us all grace to fight the greater contest, faithfully and honorably and some day we shall wear the greater crown
Interment was made in the Stockholm cemetery.
--Rev Henning L. Hassel.
Contributor: Jan Plambeck (46975511) • [email protected]
Last Rites for
A E Akerson
Held Sunday
--
Military Funeral Held at
Gethsemane Lutheran
Church at Ong
---
Arthur Edwin Akerson was born November 17, 1887, on the old homestead two miles west of Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), one mile east of Ong. At the age of six years his mother died and from that time his sister, Thilda, was as a mother to him.
Arthur received his religious training in the home and in the Stockholm congregation. In this church he attended Sunday school and was confirmed on the 17th day of May, 1903. In this vicinity he grew to manhood always living at home. He was never out of the state, until he was called to serve his country.
Arthur was a rather reserved young man, but he was good and faithful and his open manly face inspired confidence. He was a man with a sterling character and we have every reason to believe that he in faith had placed his trust in the Saviour. He was drafted for war service in the fall on 1917, and left for Camp Funston on Sept 22, 1917. At camp Funston he was one of the members who made up Co. M of the 355 Infantry. He came home for a ten-day furlough shortly before Christmas, returning to the camp Dec 22, 1917. That was the last time he was home. On the 27th day of February, 1918, he left Camp Funston for Camp Stuart, Virginia, where he was joined to Co. D of the 4th Infantry of the regular army. He sailed for France April 15, 1918, and went to the battle front May 30. During the months of June and July he took part in the severe fighting near Chauteau-Thierry. After the end of these two months he was given a rest and then we find him again in the battle line in the Argonne forest on the Verdon front.
On the 9th of November the folks at home received a telegram from Washington stating that Arthur was killed on October 8, 1918. The family for some time was hoping against hope that the report might prove to be unfounded.
Mr Akerson received a letter dated May 8, 1919, from the Bureau of Communication of the Red Cross at Washington and this gives the following testimony from a sergeant of Co. D, "I saw Akerson killed on October 4, 1918. He was in a shell hole close to me. I could see him plainly, saw him raise up to look over the top. Just as his head appeared he was hit by a machine gun bullet killing him instantly."
From a letter from Mr Belmey G. Stone, Arthur's first lieutenant, we give the following: "Arthur was in my platoon, was an ideal soldier. He was one of the few men I had whom I put great dependence and trust in. I greatly sympathize with you, for in him, I have lost a good soldier, a desireable (sic) comrade, an honorable man and a sterling gentleman".
October 4, 1918, Arthur was at the age of 30 years, 11 months and 18 days.
Memorable services were held at the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic), Shickley, Sunday, June 1, 1919. Rev C. T. Carlson, then of the Stockholm Lutheran church (sic) at present at Concord, Nebraska, and Rev N. Malmstrom, then of Ong, were those who brought messages at these services.
December 3, 1930, Mr Louis Akerson, the brother of Arthur, received a letter from the War Department at Washington stating that his brother's remains had been recovered and would be forwarded from France to Ong, if so desired, at this time according to the original request. We quote the following from this letter; "In connection with the investigation which has been conducted by this office in the case of your brother, the late Private First Class Arthur E. Akerson, 2213760, Co. D, 4th Infantry, 3rd Division, please be advised that his body has recently been recovered and is being held in the Meuse-Argonne mortuary pending disposition advise. In order that you may have some knowledge of the details, you will be interested to know that your brothers' remains were disinterred from an isolated grave in a field near the Bois de Berge, Commune of Nantilllois, Meuse, France, which territory was covered by the organization during the Meuse Argonne Offensive, Sept 30, to Oct 27, 1918. At the time of the original interment one identification tag was placed with the body. The recovery of this tag with the body has materially assisted in re-establishing identity. The conditions under which the deceased met his death, as described in an investigator's report at the time, is borne out on examination of the remains. The dental chart constructed at the time of recovery of this chart of your brother made at the time of his enlistment confirmed the identification of this body as that of your brother."
Last Monday, Febr 16, Louis Akerson received a message from Quartermaster Supply Officer, New York, general depot, Brooklyn, New York, that Arthur's body would arrive at Ong Friday afternoon, February 20, under the government's escort, Corporal Fred B. Reffka of New York City, the remains arrived according to information given, last Friday.
Mr Olof P. Akerson, the father, living at the time of Arthur's death, passed away Nov 17, 1929, Arthur's birthday.
Left to mourn at this time are, his brother, Louis; two sisters, Mrs Ed Johnson and Miss Thilda Akerson, all of Ong, one niece and one nephew, Olive and Harold Johnson, also of Ong, a number of relatives and a host of dear friends.
We are informed that Arthur had a profound trust in the word of God the 91st Psalm of David, which bears as title, "Security of him who trust in Jehovah" was a special comfort to him.
Today, though sad at heart we honor the memory of his heroic life, we bow in humble submission to the will of our mighty God and we lift our hearts with sincere gratitude to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, for Arthur and for our boys who have fought so nobly and heroically for our own beloved country.
The sacred influence of Arthur's life shall lie on among us until that day when, we trust, we shall see Arthur again in the greater and more wonderful world prepared for those who love our Saviour.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Febr, 22, 1931 at the home and 2 o'clock at the Gethsemane Lutheran church (sic), Ong, Nebraska. The Rev John Eckwall of Macon, Nebraska, state chaplain of the American Legion, brought a beautiful and powerful message on behalf of the Legion and as a tribute to our beloved, departed brother and friend, Arthur Akerson. Rev Henning L. Hassel of the Lutheran church of Ong used as text 1 Tim. 1:18, 19, choosing as theme, "War the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience."
H. C. Capsey of Shickley, chaplain of the State's National Guard, was also in our audience and had a part in the military formation. LeRoy Langren of Shickley had charge of the pre-arrangement of the Legion men. J. J. Van Wanning of Shickley was commander-in-chief of the military men and Legion formations.
The Geneva Post was represented by the firing squad. The bugler, Paul Curtis, of Geneva, in solemn tones paid a wonderful tribute to the heroic dead. LeRoy Langren, Adolph Malm, Harry Pearson, Harry Carlson, Emil Harrnett and Albert Herrick were the men who bore our beloved brother and friend to his last resting place.
The government's escort, Fred B. Reffka, had one of the conspicuous positions among the military formations. We honor him and through him our glorious country for the special beautiful service rendered the bereaved family and the Ong community through this honorable and worthy escort.
The quartet that brought comforting messages in the beautiful songs rendered were Mrs Harry Pearson, Mrs Emmert Nelson, Algot Peterson and A. L. Swanson.
Flowers in great abundance, beautiful and glorious, conveyed a message that words will not define.
Emmert Nelson acted in his usual capacity as chairman of the ushers and the parking arrangements for the cars.
The overwhelming attendance, in spite of the damp, rainy weather, filled the entire church to capacity and spoke silently, eloquently and profoundly in honor of the heroic life of Arthur Akerson as well as of the men who fought so nobly and honorably in the great world struggle. May God give us all grace to fight the greater contest, faithfully and honorably and some day we shall wear the greater crown
Interment was made in the Stockholm cemetery.
--Rev Henning L. Hassel.
Contributor: Jan Plambeck (46975511) • [email protected]
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