Woodrum

Oakland Independent (NE); Fri., 13 Apr 1934; p1&4

John A. Sanders, a resident of Oakland and community for 40 years, died at his home here last Saturday at the age of 76 years, 9 months, and 15 days. Several years ago he had a severe spell of sickness but he recovered. Later he was seized with heart trouble and was forced to take to his bed. From the beginning of this siege of sickness there was little hope for recovery, and he grew weaker as the days passed.
John August Sanders was born in Halmstad, Sweden, on June 22, 1857. He was the oldest of a family of 12 children, yet was the last to be taken in death. He spent his childhood days in his home in Sweden.
Mr. Sanders worked in that country for a while in the textile industry, and later became a sailor. He could tell many interesting stories from those years, when he visited many countries of the world and learned well the characteristics of people of many different nationalities. In 1880 he had tired of the sea and decided to stay in America.
He landed at Dover, N.J., and a year later was married to Miss Carolina Renstrom. The couple lived there until 1894, when the wife and children came to Oakland. Mr. Sanders remained and worked for a year, but in 1895 he followed his family west.
Starting to work as a farm hand, he later rented a place and farmed, until the family at last moved on the farm which Mrs. Sanders' father had owned before them. They continued to live on that place until 1927, when Mr. and Mrs. Sanders retired and moved to Oakland, leaving their youngest son to tend to the farm.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sanders were born seven children, all of whom are living: Amelia, Charles, and Alvin of Oakland, Fred of Los Angeles, Mrs. Axel Anderson of Council Bluffs, Mrs. Earl Skelton of Wauneta, and Mrs. Walter Potts of North Platte. There are also 18 grandchildren.
In 1899 Mr. Sanders was converted and the next year he joined the West Side Methodist church, of which he has been a faithful member. He possessed a friendly and kind nature, was usually glad and smiling, and was a good, dependable friend. He was very devoted to his family, and the church and its work was dear to him.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, to whom he was married 53 years, his seven children and 18 grandchildren, and many friends who will miss him.
Funeral services were held Monday from the home in town and the West Side Methodist church, with Dr. Leonard Stromberg in charge. Many friends had gathered to bid farewell to a man whom they had learned to love and esteem. Beautiful flowers bespoke the feelings of those present. Interment was made at the West Side cemetery.
Out of town persons present at the funeral of Mr. Sanders were Mr. and Mrs. John E. Bengston, son and daughter of Wakefield, Mr. and Mrs. Earl W. Skelton and daughter of Wauneta, Mr. and Mrs. Walter N. Potts and children of North Platte, and Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Anderson and children of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
John is buried in Oakland, Nebraska # 113529596.

Carrie 1863-1936 is buried in Oakland # 113529572.