Obituary in the THE WASHBURN LEADER OCTOBER 8, 1915
“Hans Holtan Was Well Known in This County”
Many heard with sorrow of the second stroke of partly-as that caused the death of Hans Holtan last Saturday morning. Three years ago, he had a stroke but seemed to have recovered from it. During the last years of his life, he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Grothe, and it was at her home in Washburn that he passed away three days after the attack which rendered him unconscious and from which he never rallied.
Mr. Holtan was born in Telemarken, Norway, on August 19, 1834. In 1858 he was married to Mary Nordgaarden. In 1862 they immigrated to America and located in Olmstead County, Minnesota, where they lived four years. They moved from there to Iowa and twenty years later came to McLean County. Halvor and Thomas, the two oldest sons, remained behind and they still live on the old homestead.
To Mr. and Mrs. Holtan were born 13 children, 10 of whom are living and all were present at the funeral. They are: Halvor and Thomas, Forest City, Iowa; Ole, Elsie, Martin and Mrs. Sarah Grothe, Washburn; Engebrigt and Henry, Ryder; Gilbert, Turtle Lake and Theodore, Wheaton, Minn.
Mrs. Holtan died at the farm north of Washburn, July 6, 1906. Six years later Mr. Holtan sold the farm and has since lived with his children.
The funeral services were held in the Methodist church at Washburn by Rev. Thurmo of Turtle Lake at half past twelve. Another service was held in the Sverdrup church at two o’clock conducted by the Rev. Breen and Rev. Diesen. Interment was made in the Sverdrup cemetery.
Mr. Holtan was one of the most successful and prominent farmers in McLean County and he will be greatly missed by everyone.
The bereaved have the heart felt sympathy of many friends.
