Person:Berit Foss (1)

Berit Olson obit Fergus Falls Daily Journal Monday, Nov. 28, 1927

Berit went by several names in her life time from Berit Ellevsdatter Foss II to Berit Kittelson to Berit Olson.

Mrs. Berit Olson Dies At Vining 98 Years, 7 mos

Was Born in Norway April 23, 1829 - Came to Otter Tail County In 1882

Vining - Nov 26 Mrs. Berit Olson was born April 22, 1829 in Sigdahl, Norway, had slept quietly away Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 24, 1927 at the extreme age of 98 years and 7 months. In 1851 she was married to Ole Kittelson of Bakken at Kradsherad and to them seven sons and a daughter (Anna) who died as a child were born. In the spring of 1882 they immigrated to the United States, coming to the home of Torket Risbrudt new Dalton, where two sons who had preceeded them to this country were employed. Mrs. Olson was also the aunt of Mr. Risbrudt. They remained here only a few weeks while a home could be prepared for the family and in the fall of the same year they came to their residence on a farm in Nidaros township one half mile north of the village of Vining which then consisted of one building, namely the Gysler restaurant. To do any amount of shopping a journey to Fergus Falls or Perham had to be taken, which was a dedious one in those early days. Mr. Olson passed away twenty-four years ago last April and since that time their son, Knute, sr., had chanrge of the farm up to the time of his death a year ago. Mrs. Olson lived by herself in her little home and cared for herself mainly until a few years ago when her son's family noticed that she was becoming child-like and irresponsible. The last year she has lived among her sons in the community. Until a very few months since she has been able to read from her bible and hymn book without the aid of glasses. Although aging in every way she retained her childlike faith in god and was a stirring and inspiring example of fine Christian life. She sang until very lately in a remarkably clear voice for one so aged the many hyms dear to her, the favorite of which seemed to be "Lov og tak, og evig Are." She leaves to mourn her, four sons, Kittel, Ellef and Ole of this place and Rev. Andrew Olson of Morris. Three sons have preceded her in death, namely Tosten, Knute Jr., and Knute Sr., and the before mentioned daughter. Thirty-eight grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren survive her the majority of whom reside about Vining and Henning. A sister, Miss Anne Thon residing in Tordenskjold also survives. Funeral services will be held Monday at one o'clock in the United Lutheran church, Rev. J. L. Drage officiating. She became a member of this church forty years ago when Rev. T. Moen was its pastor. The congregation then being a unit of what was known as the Conference. The remains will be laid to rest beside those of her husband in the local cemetery.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Digitized parish records.

   Buskerud, Sigdal in Sigdal, Parish register (official) nr. 6 /1 (1829-1843), Birth and baptism records 1830, page 2, entry #48.
   http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:kb_read?idx_kildeid=8511&idx_id=8511&uid=ny&idx_side=-7

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Andreas Mørch. S675. (Name: Historielag of Sigdal and Eggedal; Date: 1953;)
   Andreas Mørch, Sigdal og Eggedal, Bind II og III - Gard og Slekt published by the Historielag of Sigdal and Eggedal, printed by Harald Lyche & Co, 1953.

   _FOOT: S675 Andreas Mørch, Sigdal og Eggedal, Bind II og III - Gard og Slekt published by the Historielag of Sigdal and Eggedal, printed by Harald Lyche & Co, 1953.

3. ↑ Obit.