Peter Follen Is Buried Monday

Retired Blair Farmer and Stockman, 80, Died In Omaha Friday

In poor health a year, seriously ill the past three months, Peter Follen, 80, retired farmer and stockman of this city, died Friday afternoon at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. In the hospital nearly three weeks, he would have observed his 81st birthday August 26.

Mr. Follen had lived in this part of Nebraska half a century. Since his wife’s death in December, 1931, Mr. Follen had spent most of his time at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chris Christoffersen, seven miles northwest of Blair, although he still maintained his residence at 600 west Nebraska Street.

Mr. Follen was born August 26, 1859, in Elmhult, Sweden, and spent the early part of his life there. He served as an officer in the Swedish army for 12 years. As a youth, he attended the same military academy as the present King Gustav of Sweden.

When 30 years old, Mr. Follen came to the United States, locating in Omaha. Here he was married to Christine Gregerson. Several years later he and his family moved to Washington County to farm. He retired from farming 24 years ago, since which time he had made Blair his home.

Surviving Mr. Follen are a step-son, Chris Gregerson of Herman; four sons, George Follen of Omaha, Albert D. Follen of Fremont, Roy Follen of Blair and Emil Follen of Herman; and three daughters, Mrs. Chris Christoffersen (Hilma) of Blair, Mrs. Hurlie Clements (Mabel) of Herman and Mrs. Soren Wolsmann (Clara) of Blair. Also surviving are a brother, Swan Strom, of Randolph, 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Follen and a son, Clarence, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Bendorf Funeral Home followed by services at First Lutheran Church, the Rev. Harold C. Jorgensen officiating. Interment was in Blair Cemetery. Pallbearers were six grandsons: John and Fred Gregerson, Clarence Follen, Vernon Christoffersen, Virgil and Irvin Clements.

#2-8 Aug., 1940 - The Enterprise

PETER FOLLEN, 81, BURIED HERE LAST MONDAY

Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon at the Bendorf Funeral Home and the First Lutheran church for Peter Follen, 81 year old settler who passed away Friday, August 2. Rev. H. Jorgensen was in charge of the services, and interment at Blair cemetery. Pallbearers, all grandsons of the deceased, were Clarence Follen and Virgil Clements of Omaha, Vernon Christofferson of Blair, Irvin Clements and John Gregersen of Herman and Fred Gregersen of Bennington.

Peter Follen was born in Elmhult, Sweden on August 26, 1859; his early life was spent in his native land, several years of which he served his country as a soldier. At the age of thirty he came to the United States to make his home in Douglas county. There he was united in marriage to Christine Gregersen, and several years later he, with his family moved to the farm a few miles from Blair which remained his home until he retired some twenty four years ago. Since that time he had resided in Blair.

He was preceded in death by his wife and one son, Clarence. Surviving are a brother, eight children - Chris Gregersen, Mrs. Hurlie Clements and Emil Follen of Herman; George Follen of Omaha; Mrs. Chris Christoffersen and Roy Follen of Blair; Albert Follen of Fremont; and Mrs. Soren Wolsman of Kennard. He also leaves seventeen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Peter Follen was a man of strong feeling; strictly honest and upright in his dealings, he scorned deceit in any form. In his younger days he was a good farmer and made a success of his work. He was a good citizen, a good friend and neighbor following the golden rule as nearly as humanity could do, and he leaves a large circle of friends who will respect his memory and mourn his departure.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library~~~