Henry County, Illinois Obituaries and Death Notices

MILDRED FAHNSTROM, WIFE OF ELMER FREDERICK FAHNSTROM
Mildred E Fahnstrom, 84, Widow of Elmer Fahnstrom, died in her home at 16, Northwest 4th Street on April 29th, 1985, shortly after she had been released from the hospital. A daughter of Charles A Craine and Sophia (Cottier) Craine, she was born June 25th, 1901, on a farm two and one half miles West of Galva. She attended a nearby country school in Galva, as well as the former Kewanee Business College.
For several years Mildred was the head of the Stenographic department in Hayes Pump and Planter Office. On July 12th, 1928, she was united in marriage with Elmer F Fahnstrom of Galva, in Aurora.
Mr Fahnstrom was a partner of his father, Andrew Fahnstrom in the Mens Clothing Business and tailor store, which bore the Fahnstrom name and his brother Axel Fahnstrom was also a partner in later years Mildred assisted in the store on certain occasions . Mr Fahnstrom died October 24th, 1967 and she had since occupied the house at Northwest 4th. She was a member of Galva First United Methodist Church, where she was treasurer many years, also Mildred had been an active worker in the Red Cross and during Bloodmobile visits here.
One brother Maurice A Craine of Ashland, Ohio. She was preceded in death by one brother and a nephew.
Services May 1st in Johnson – Gill – Schuster chapel were conducted by the Rev Dan Buck of the First United Methodist church, organist was Dorothy Talbot.
Interment was in Galva cemetery and bearers were Leon lewis, John Girvin,Harold Smith, Lawrence Ericson, Ed Miller and Dwain Warner.
[Galva News April 29th, 1985. Submitted by Susan Fahnstrom.]

JONAS FAHNSTROM.
GALVA NEWS, Feb 25, 1914.
Aged Resident Passes away.

Jonas Fahnstrom died, at his home in this city, Monday night about 11 o’clock, aged 80 years. 10 months and 15 days. Mr Fahnstrom had resided in Galva about 13 years and prior to coming here, he lived in Victoria about seven years, He was born in Sweden and was a soldier in the regular army of Sweden, He came to this country twenty one years ago in 1893. Mr Fahnstrom is survived by his wife Ingrid, seven sons and one daughter.

The funeral service will be held at his home tomorrow forenoon at 11 0’clock and will be conducted by Rev L B Bensen, pastor of the Lutheran Church.
Jonas Fahnstrom, a resident for the past thirteen years and one of the most highly respected resident of this community, passed away at his home on February 23rd, 1914, at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 15 days. Mr Fahnstrom was born in Aboda, Sweden, April 8th, 1833. He remained in s Sweden until twenty one years ago, when he came to America, locating in Victoria, Illinois. After living in Victoria for seven years, he moved to Galva and has made his home in this city. Mr Fahnstrom served for 30 years in the standing army and since that time has been drawing a pension from the Sweden Government.

He was a man of exceptions, character and was the most faithful and consistent member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. He is survived by seven sons and one daughter. William, Andrew, Ben, Edwin and George of Galva, Fred of Argyle, Minnesota, Amel of Brady, Texas and Minnie of Galesburg, Illinois. Amel Fahnstrom was unable to come from Texas to attend the funeral, but the remainder of the children were here at that time.

The funeral service was held this morning at 11 o’Clock from the home and was in charge of Rev Mr Benson, pastor of the Lutheran Church, The pall bearers were four of the sons of the deceased, William, Fred, Ben and Andrew.

CARD FOR THANKS.
We wish to express our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during our recent bereavement.
The Children.
[GALVA NEWS., FEB 26th, 1914. - Submitted by Susan Fahnstrom.]

INGRID FAHNSTROM
Galvaland, Wednesday June 14th, 1911.
WIFE AND MOTHER CALLED TO HER REWARD.
Mrs Ingrid Elsie Fahnstrom died at her home in this city last Saturday forenoon, aged 52 years old, 6 days after an illness of over three years.
She was born in Mobeda Parish, Kronobergs, Lan, Sweden, May 24th, 1859, she was married to Andrew E Fahnstrom, May 24th, 1886. To them five children were born, four sons and one daughter, all of whom with their father are living. She united with the Swedish M E Church, March 10th, 1895 and has been a good faithful member.
The funeral service was held Monday afternoon at the Swedish M E Church and was conducted by Rev G A Nystrom.
[Galvaland, Wednesday June 14th, 1911. - Submitted by Susan Fahnstrom. Family Info submitted by researcher]

INGRID CATHARINA FAHNSTROM
MRS INGRID KATHERINA FAHNSTROM was born in Quanebargo, Kronsbarga, Lan, Sweden, Sept 1837 and on Feb 20th, 1858 was married to Jonas Fahnstrom. They came to this country in 1893 and settled in Victoria, later coming to Galva. Nine children were born to them, 8 sons and one daughter. All of which survive excepting one son Charlie. The husband passed away in 1912. The children which remain to mourn their mothers death are Minnie of Galesburg, Andrew, Ben, and William of Galva, Ed and Fred of Victoria, Amel of Brady, Texas and George of South Dakota.

Mrs Fahnstrom was ill but a few days, her death being due to her age which was a few days short of 80 years old.
GALVA NEWS, Sept 20th, 1917. Submitted by - Submitted by Susan Fahnstrom

MRS AMANDA FAHNSTROM.
RITES HELD FOR MRS AMANDA FAHNSTROM.
GALVA NEWS. April 25th, 1957.
Funeral services for Mrs Andrew Fahnstrom, 89, who died last Thursday morning in Kewanee Public Hospital were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Johnson Gill Chapel with interment in Galva Cemetery. Rev H L Thrall, a pastor of Grace Methodist church officiated the services and Mrs Verna B Anderson played organ selections. Pallbearers were Edwin Nelson, Leonard Lindquist, Lyle Lindbloom, Milo Goodale, Godfrey Jacobsen and Forest Hammerberg.

Mrs Fahnstrom had been suffering from a heart ailment for sometime and her condition had been declining since her birthday, March 22nd, She was removed to the Galva Home last Tuesday and was transferred to the hospital at 7;30, Thursday morning, her death occurred about three hours later.

NATIVE OF SWEDEN.
Her birth took place in Sweden, March 22nd, 1868 and as a young girl Amanda Holm came to the United States, locating in Chesterton, Indiana, where she was married to Mr Evans and where she spent 49 years.
As Amanda Evans, she was United in marriage with Andrew Fahnstrom, a Galva Tailor and clothing store operator in 1921. She had continued to reside at 213, Southwest East Avenue, following Andrew’s death in December, 1944.
Survivors include her two daughters and one son by her first marriage, Mrs Esther Mc Carthy and Mrs Eva Weldrake of Chicago and Albert Johnson of Hanna, Indiana, in addition two stepsons and one stepdaughter, Elmer F Fahnstrom, Axel L Fahnstrom and Mrs Roy Alverson. There were also two stepgrandchildren and one great Grandchild as well as nieces and nephews.

Mrs Fahnstrom was a member of the Grace Methodist Church, Womans Relief Corps and Rebekah Lodge.

EDWIN JONAS FAHNSTROM.
February 3rd, 1956.
VICTORIA. - Edwin J Fahnstrom, 73 of Victoria, died early this morning in Kewanee, where he had been a patient nine weeks.
He was born April 20, 1877, in Sweden and came to the United States at the age of 12. He spent most of his life in Victoria, except a short time he was in business as a tailor in Galva. He was married in 1909 to Selma Florine, who died in 1939.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs Christine Blackie of Victoria, a son Donald also of Victoria, two brothers, Amil of Brady, Texas and George of Galva and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas and Ingrid Fahnstrom, a son in infancy, a sister and five brothers.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2 pm, in the Victoria Methodist Church Friends may call Wednesday evening at the Johnson and Gill Chapel, Galva.

CARL VANNARD FAHNSTROM.
LOST GRIM FIGHT MANY ATTENDED TRIBUTE SUNDAY FOR GALVA VET.
Carl Vannard Fahnstrom Died Friday in Sanitorium of Illness contracted in the Army.

Carl Vannard Fahnstrom, of this city, a 27 year old veteran of the World War, succumbed Friday in a sanitarium at Normal, Illinois, after a counter attack against tuberculosis in the Army forces of his country. He was the son of Andrew and Lisen Fahnstrom, a well known Galva business man.

While serving as a sergeant in the headquarters Company at Camp Travis, San Antonio, Texas, the young man was stricken with influenza, which later developed into tuberculosis. Until his honorable discharge from the service on March 26, 1920, he was confined in Government hospitals in San Antonio and Denver. A few months after returning to Galva, his condition became serious and he was taken to Normal.

The deceased entered the army in May of 1918, at Camp Stanley, Texas, he served with the calvary unit for three months, after which he was three months, after that he was transferred to the heavy artillery at Camp Travis, where he served as a sergeant until the armistice was signed. Before three years with the company K sixth Regiment, Illinois National Guard.

Carl Vannard Fahnstrom was born in Galva on August 28th, 1893, he was bought up and spent most of his life in this city, His education was obtained in the local schools at Browns Business College in Galesburg. In September 1918, he was united in marriage with Wilhelmina Van Auken, who with her one year old son Carl William Fahnstrom, survives him. Being widely known thoroughout this community, the deceased leaves many friends to mourn his death.

Until his health made it necessary for him to leave Galva, he was an active member of the American Legion of Galva. He remained unconscious until the last. After bidding his father Andrew, who was at his bedside, an affectionate farewell, he died. Beside his wife and son, the deceased is survived by his father Andrew Fahnstrom, one sister Miss Hulda Fahnstrom, two brothers, Elmer Fahnstrom and Axel Fahnstrom and a number of relatives. His mother Lisen Fahnstrom in 1911 and his brother Oscar Fahnstrom in 1912, preceded him in death.

GIVEN MILITARY HONORS.

A fitting tribute in the form of a full military was accorded the deceased, Sunday afternoon at the Swedish Methodist Church, the service was largely attended by civilians and ex service man in uniform, Rev AG Peterson, pastor of the church officiated. He was assisted by Rev JT Wigren and A R Rucks. An impressive musical program was rendered, consisting of Alfred Lundberg, Robert Miller, Bert Hall, and J F Bridgman, a quartet from the church, Mr and Mrs Eskill Johnson, Miss Cora Johnson and Osier Johnson and C F Schwab.

Interment was made in the Galva cemetery, the body was escorted to the grave by a uniformed unit of Seventy five ex Service men. Taps was blown by Bugler Ed Callow.

The pallbearers were John Sundquist, Walter Larson, Will Leaf, Robert Peterson, Harold Flack and Clarence Swanson. Among those attending the funeral from out of town were: Mr and Mrs Ed Fahnstrom and Mr and Mrs Fred Fahnstrom of Victoria, Mrs Andrew Norberg of Galesburg, Mr and Mrs Frank Van Auken of Kewanee, Charles Gibbs of Peoria and Mr and Mrs Charles Engstrand of La Fayette.

ANDREW FAHNSTROM
A E FAHNSTROM VETERAN TAILOR DIES ON SUNDAY.
Conduct Services Tuesday at Johnson Chapel.
Final services for ANDREW ERLAND FAHNSTROM, 80, veteran Galva tailor and resident for more than half a century, was conducted Tuesday afternoon at Johnson Chapel here, He died shortly after 4 o’clock, Sunday at his home on Southwest First Street after being in failing health for the past year. He had been bedridden for more than a week before his death.

Rev C H Malmquist of Chicago, former pastor of Grace Methodist Church, assisted by the present pastor Rev A H Nothdurft, officiated at the rites. Mrs Mary Johnson and Mrs Mabel Jacobsen sang duet numbers “ Good Night” and in the “Sweet by and By” in the Swedish language, Mrs Verna Bowman Anderson was the accompanist. Pallbearers were Avid Strand, Fred Jacobsen, John Peterson, Fred Carlson and interment was in the Galva Cemetery.

LEARNED TRADE IN SWEDEN.
ANDREW ERLAND FAHNSTROM was born in Sweden on January 22nd, 1864,, one of a family of ten children born to Mr and Mrs Jonas Fahnstrom.
At the age of 10 years old, he began serving as an apprentice from house to house in the rural districts of Sweden, employing five or six men to handle any tailoring that the families might want done. The first year Mr Fahnstrom paid 15 Kron for the priviledge of learning the trade. Although he did not have to pay for his training the following year, he received no wages for his work.

LEAVE FOR AMERICA.
Mr Fahnstrom was married to Lisen Magnuson on May 24th, 1886 in Sweden. One son Oscar was born to them in Sweden and a short time later in the year 1888, they came to America, two brothers had previously come to this community. He began working for Captain Peterson Johnson, father of the late L C Johnson, who was operating a tailor store at the time. A short time after they were settled here, the Fahnstrom’s made arrangements for other members of the family to come to Galva. Both the father and mother are buried inb the local cemetery.

Other children besides the son born in Sweden were: Elmer, Carl, Axel and Hulda ( Mrs Roy Alverson of Galva). Mrs Fahnstrom died in 1911 and two sons preceded him in death, Oscar who died at the age of 25 years in December of 1912 and Carl Vannard Fahnstrom who died at the age of 28 years in March of 1921.

Mr Fahnstrom ‘s marriage to Mrs Amanda ( Holm) Evans of Chicago, took place November 21st, 1921 and they had lived in Galva during this time.

OPENING TAILORING SHOP.
Opening of the tailor establishment that was later to be known as “ FAHNSTROM’S & SONS” took place when Mr Fahnstrom with his brother Ed Fahnstrom formed a partnership here. The Business continued for ten years when the brother opened a shop in Victoria, where he was still in business.
In 1915, a son, Elmer Fahnstrom entered the tailoring trade and sometime later another son Axel Fahnstrom also joined the firm. During the past year, Mr Fahnstrom had been in failing health and had been in the shop infrequently, although previously he had been active in the business.

A member of the Grace Methodist Church, he had served on the official board for several years. He was a member of Galva Masonic lodge and at one time was a member of the Old Fellows lodge here. Survivors include his widow, two sons Elmer and axel, a daughter Mrs Hulda Alverson, and two Grandchildren, all of Galva. There are all five brothers, Ben, George and Fred of Galva, Ed of Victoria and Amel of Temple, Texas. Relatives attending the funeral services included the following: Mrs Amanda Fahnstrom, Mr and Mrs Elmer Fahnstrom, Mr and Mrs Axel Fahnstrom, Mr and Mrs Hulda Alverson of Galva. Mrs Frank McCarthy of Chicago, Ben and George Fahnstrom of Galva, Ed and Fred Fahnstrom of Victoria, Mrs Anna Louise Fahnstrom and Anna of Victoria, Mr and Mrs Stewart Fahnstrom of Galva, Herman and Harvey Fahnstrom of Galva, Mr and Mrs Edward Fahnstrom of Victoria, Mr and Mrs Clarence Fahnstrom of Victoria, Mrs Charles Gibbs and Mrs Betty Johnson of Galva and Mrs Hugh Steele of Galesburg.
GALVA NEWS. THURSDAY DECEMBER 14th, 1944. Submitted by Susan Christine Fahnstrom]

Anna Louise Fahnstrom
MRS FAHNSTROM RITES TODAY AT JOHNSONS HERE.
Victorian dies at home after stroke. Funeral rites will be held at 2 pm today for Mrs Anna Louise Fahnstrom, 74, at Johnsons Chapel with Rev D A Bloomster, pastor of Victoria Methodist Church and Rev Nils E Bengtson, pastor of Galva Messiah Lutheran church officiating.

Mrs Fahnstrom died at 7 o’clock Sunday morning at her home in Victoria after being in critical condition following a stroke suffered two weeks previously. The song service will include three duet numbers, “In the sweet by and by” “ Safe in the arms of Jesus” and “Gathering Home” in Swedish sung by Mrs Verna Bowman Anderson. Pallbearers will be A L Fahnstrom, Elmer Fahnstrom, Edward Fahnstrom, Donald Fahnstrom, Stewart Fahnstrom and Clarence Fahnstrom. With burial in the Galva Cemetery.
NATIVE OF SWEDEN.
Anna Louise Fahnstrom was born June 23rd, 1870 in Sweden and came to the United States at the age of 17 years old in 1887, settling first in Pennsylvania. Later she met Carl August Fahnstrom in New York, whom she married in the year 1891, In Ossing, New York.

They first lived in Ossing, New York then later moved to Galva, Illinois to make their home. Following the accidental death of her husband in 1905 ( killed by a train in Galva) Mrs Fahnstrom returned to the east and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. Fourteen years ago, she returned to Victoria, Illinois to visit relatives and then she decided to remain in the community. Surviving are three daughters, Anna Fahnstrom who lived with her in Victoria, Mrs Leonard Meline of Galesburg, Illinois and Mrs C Johnson of Worcester, Mass and two sons, Carl G Fahnstrom of Worcester, Mass and Capt Hjelmer M Fahnstrom, who is a chaplain in the service, stationed in Iceland. One daughter died in infancy, also surviving are 11 Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren.

[GALVA NEWS. JANUARY, 1945. Submitted by Susan Christine Fahnstrom who adds the following information:
Pallbearers were Axel Lawrence Fahnstrom and Elmer Fahnstrom, who were both sons pf ANDREW ERLAND FAHNSTROM, Donald Fahnstrom was the son of ED FAHNSTROM, and Edward Fahnstrom and Clarence Fahnstrom were sons of FRED FAHNSTROM.
The daughter that died in infancy was Helen Fahnstrom, 7 days old, she is buried on Lot 45, owner Jonas Fahnstrom .
Jonas and his wife Ingrid Fahnstrom are also buried on Lot 45 and Jonas and Ingrid’s daughter Minnie Fahnstrom and their oldest son William Fahnstrom are buried there and Carl August Fahnstrom and his wife Anna Louise Fahnstrom are also buried in Lot 45, I have it all on a burial card that someone sent me from Galva.]

STEWART FAHNSTROM
STEWART “STEWIE” J FAHNSTROM was born June 22nd, 1895 in Victoria, Illinois, his father was Benjamin Aaron Fahnstrom born March 11th, 1870 in Kvenneberg, Smaland, Sweden. Stewart’s mother was Hattie Stewart, Stewart was the only child of Ben and Hattie Fahnstrom, after the birth of Stewart, the family moved to Galva, where Stewart Fahnstrom became a Blacksmith, after his father Ben, the mother Hattie Fahnstrom died in a house fire in Galva in 1899.

At the age of 15 years old Stewart did an apprenticeship for Hayes Company in Galva. He became a soldier on May 17, 1917, during World War 1, While serving overseas, one of his jobs was to shoe horses. After the War he worked at the John Clark Company of Peoria, Illinois, where he was employed in a Blacksmith shop, he received his state Blacksmith License while working there.

Stewart also owned a Blacksmiths store in Galva. The Fahnstrom Blacksmith Shop was on NE First Street and Market Street in Galva. He worked at the Colony Blacksmith Shop in Bishops Hill, the Old Swedish Settlement near Galva. This is a tourist center then and still is today. He made many items for State property including the Chandeliers and other iron work structures in the Old Church there at Bishops Hill, he also did demonstrations there for the tourists.

Stewart Fahnstrom married Mary Franz ion January 12th, 1921, she was born September 4th, 1898, they fostered a daughter Pearl Fahnstrom, who was the daughter of Mary’s sister that died. Pearl Fahnstrom married Edward Wilkerson. Stewart and Mary Fahnstrom lived at 219, SW Seventh Street, Rock Island, Illinois, most of their lives. Stewart had membership in the Masonics, The American Legion, The Low 12 Club, The Bugle Corps, the Galva Lodge 243 AF, the club of his WW 1 Army Unit and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He had an article in the 1975 National Geographic, a hard back book, they called it the Craftmens of America, it was a two page article about craftsmen from all parts of America, it was an article about him working at Bishops Hill also, there is also an article from the Galvaland Magazine and picture of him meeting the King of Sweden when he visited Galva, several years ago.

Stewart and Mary Fahnstrom celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1971, he died in June of 1979 at the age of 84 years old and Mary died in 1980 at the age of 82 years old, both of them are buried in the Galva Cemetery. [Submitted by Susan Christine Fahnstrom]

OSCAR FAHNSTROM
OSCAR FAHNSTROM was born in Hjortsberga, Kronoberg, Sweden, May 18th, 1887 and he died in Galva, Ill, December 23rd, 1912, being at his departure, 25 years, 7 months and 5 days old, he had been failing in health for about two years. He came to America with his parents when he was only a year old and resided in Galva the rest of his life, except two years when he lived in Waterloo, Iowa.
Oscar was of a quiet nature and very helpful with the home duties during his mothers illness and since her death, last year in 1911. He is mourned by his father Andrew Fahnstrom, one sister and three brothers and many other relatives and friends. The funeral services were held at the Swedish Methodist Church, Christmas Day in the afternoon. Many of Oscar Fahnstrom’s comrades were present and the church was filled with sympathetic friends. Rev Nils W Bard had the charge and spoke in the Swedish language and Rev J W Swenson made an address in English. The choir sang two beautiful selections. The soldiers gave the salute at the Galva cemetery
[GALVA NEWS. DECEMBER 24th, 1912. Submitted by Susan Christine Fahnstrom]

DEATH OF JOHN WILLIAM RYAN.
Mr J W. Ryan of Peoria, passed away at the home of his daughter , Mrs Frank Van Auken, near Galva, Monday afternoon. The following notice regarding his death is from Tuesday’s Peoria Journal.

John William Ryan, a well known resident of Peoria, where his home had been for 32 years, died at the home of his daughter Mrs Grace Van Auken, in Galva yesterday. Mr Ryan was a soldier in the Civil War and identified always since with the G. A. R.. He was past commander of the Bryner Post in his city. Mr Ryan had been in poor health, but his death was not expected at this time. He had gone from his home here to visit in his daughter’s home and was overtaken.

He is survived by his wife Mrs Flora R Ryan of Peoria and four daughters: Mrs Grace Van Auken, at whose home he died, Mrs Mabel Ewalt, Kewanee, Mrs Monnie Rosenthal, Chicago and Mrs Lilian Belcke of Des Moines, Iowa. The funeral is to be held from the Camerford funeral home, Wednesday afternoon at 2 0’clock. Interment will be in the Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.
[Galva News. September 11th, 1913. Submitted by Susan Fahnstrom]

BEN FAHNSTROM DIES TUESDAY, RITES FRIDAY.

BENJAMIN A FAHNSTROM, 78, died Tuesday night in East Moline State Hospital, where he had been a patient three years.
Benjamin Aaron Fahnstrom, one of nine children of Jonas and Ingrid Fahnstrom was born March 11th, 1870 in Smaland, Sweden. He came to the United States at the age of 18 years old and worked at a farm in the Victoria vicinity until about 1900, when he came to Galva.
In 1884 he was married to Hattie Stewart, who died in 1899 in a house fire.
In 1905 he was married to Mammie Burns of St Louis, who was born in England, she died in 1930.
Mr Fahnstrom worked about 35 years in the Blacksmith department of the Hayes plant in Galva, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge 30 years and at one time a member of. the Baptist Church
Surviving are his son Stewart Fahnstrom of Galva and four brothers, George and Fred of Galva, Amel of Brady, Texas and Edwin of Victoria. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Charlie, William, Andrew and one sister, Minnie Fahnstrom. [GALVA NEWS 1948.]