Nels H Bentson Obituary

Haxtun Harvest, Haxtun, Colorado, May 15, 1929
 
N.H. BENTSON DIED SUNDAY AFTERNOON
 
Had Been Active Resident Of Haxtun For More Than 40 Years And Was Active Figure In Community Life. Funeral Tuesday.
 
Nels H. Bentson, 45, prominent Haxtun resident died at his home here Sunday morning following an illness from which he and his friends had known for some time there was little or no hope of recovery.
 
Mr. Bentson, with his parents, settled at Haxtun 42 years ago when he was but a child, and he had been one of the foremost figures in the development of the Haxtun country for more than two score years. That he was known and well thought of in the community was evidenced by the large throng that gathered at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon to pay their last respects. Following the funeral services at the church a funeral procession more than a mile long followed the remains to the last resting place in the Haxtun cemetery.
 
During his busy career Mr. Bentson was associated with several business enterprises in Haxtun and was always an active worker in the Haxtun Commercial club. Members of that organization attended the funeral in a body and occupied practically one whole section of the church.
 
The following obituary which gives a more detailed account of Mr. Bentson’s life and activities was read by the Rev. Hugh Neville, pastor of the Methodist church.
 
Nels Herbert Bentson was born March 16, 1884, at Billesholm, Sweden. He, with his parents, came to America in 1885, settling first at Oakland, Nebraska. Two years later, in 1887, they came to the Haxtun country, settling on a homestead in the Fairfield community.
 
He was one of a family of nine children, and the first to be called in death. The others are: Mrs. J.W. Anderson, Greeley, Colorado; Mrs. Elmer Johnson, Haxtun, Colorado; Mrs. J.T. Anderson, Haxtun, Colorado; Miss Ellen Bentson, Haxtun, Colorado; Mrs. C.W. Gale, Paoli, Colorado; Mrs. R.R. Newman, Mutual, Oklahoma; Mrs. E.G. Mattson, Haxtun, Colorado; Emil Bentson, Haxtun, Colorado, all of whom were present to comfort him in his last hours. His father, Bent Sorenson, was called to his reward in 1925, and his mother followed in March of this year.
 
With his parents, brother and sisters, Mr. Bentson went through all the trying experiences of the pioneers, whose labor, faith and courage were a necessary part of the development of a new country.
 
At about the age of eighteen years, he came to live in the town of Haxtun, working first as a clerk in the store of Manuel Anderson, later going into the mercantile business for himself, in which he continued for a period of about 17 years. Since selling his store, he was engaged in real estate, insurance and banking, and more recently has been conducting an implement business.
 
He was married at Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 11, 1914, to Miss Bertha L. Riley, who had been a teacher in the Haxtun schools. To them were born four children: Beryl Almyra, aged 13 years, Mark Stanley, aged 12 years, Carol Christine, aged eight years. One daughter, Shirley Ann, preceded him in death in the year 1920, at the age of 15 months.
 
The name of N.H. Bentson is prominently identified in the community with every movement which made for the betterment of the own, the church, the school, the home, and he has always been numbered among its substantial citizens. He served the town as a member of its council, as president of the commercial club, was for many years a member of the school board, and has been for several years a member of the official board of the M.E. Church, always giving his services freely and cheerfully. He was, at the time of his death, a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Haxtun lodge of I.O.O.F. No. 159.
 
Mr. Bentson had been in failing health for more than a year, and last December sought medical attention at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This seemed to help him for a time, but his strength gradually failed until two weeks ago, when he became bedfast. The end came quietly on Sunday, May 11, at four o’clock in the afternoon. During his painful illness he was never heard to complain, and his chief concern was for the welfare of his wife and children. He was a firm believer in Christ, and the kindness, patience and high courage shown during his illness testified to his abiding faith in the Divine Father, in whom he placed implicit trust. In the passing of Nels Bentson, a good neighbor, a kind father and loving husband and an upright citizen has gone from among us.
 
The deepest sympathy and regard of the whole community are extended to the bereaved family in their sad loss.
 
 
NELS H. BENTSON
Family information for Nels
 
Father: Bent Sorenson
Mother:
 
 
Spouse: Bertha L. (Riley)     Married : August 11, 1914 
 
 

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