This community was shocked Sunday to learn of the sudden death of Alvin Bierstedt at the McCreery hospital in Whittemore, following an operation for appendicitis on Wednesday. Alvin had not been feeling well for several days before going to the hospital and thought he had an attack of stomach flu which has been going to the rounds here. However, an examlnation by his doctor disclosed the fact that he had an acute attack of appendicitis, and an immediate operation was performed. It was then found that his appendix had burst and he had been in this conition for a day or so. Everything that medical aid could do was done, but all was in vain.
Alvin was practically in charge of his father's farm, and the bulk of the farm work rested on his shoulders, his father getting along in years, and Alvin being the only son left at home. Alvin was an industrious and frugal young man, a hard worker and his place will be hard to fill.
He graduated from Fenton high school with the class of 1929, and since then has been assisting his father on the farm. That he was held in high esteem by the members of his class was shown by the beautiful floral offering that was sent as a last remembrance. His obituary follows:
Alvin Frederick Theodore Bierstedt was born February 19, 1911 in Fenton township, Kossuth county, and he passed away August 19, 1934 in the hospital at Whittemore at the age of 23 years, and 6 months.
Born of Christian parents, he received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism in his infancy. The parents reared the child in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord. After due instruction in the fundamentals of the Christian religion he renewed his baptismal covenant at the alter of his God. His pastor gave him as a remembrance of this sacred act the words of John 3:16 "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He remained in the home of the parents and became an obedient and industrious son on whom the aging parents depended for much of the work on a farm.
On Wednesday last he was taken to the hospital and was operated on for appendicitis. His condition following the operation was such that the best of hope prevailed for his recovery. On Saturday a change occurred for the worse and on Sunday morning he passed away.
He leaves to mourn his early passing: His parents, his brothers, Ferdinand, Clarence, Emil and Gustav; his sisters, Mrs. Ferdinand Mueller, Luellna and Esther Bierstedt.
Services were held Tuesday afternoon at St. John's Lutheran church at Fenton in charge of the local pastor. Interment took place at St. Luke's Lutheran cemetery, Fairville.
Relatives from out of town attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schulte, Mr. and Mrs. August Otto and daughter, Dolores, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bierstedt, and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bierstedt, all of Gaylord, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bowman and children, of Fairmont, Minn.; and other relatives from West Bend, Whittemore, Burt, Bancroft and Fairville.
Pallbearers were: Art Priebe, Hilbert Hantelmann, Alfred Bell, Walter Jentz, John Haack and Henry Wilberg.
The Reporter extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives.