Jertina Jacobson Lee, daughter of Christen and Gunnel (Sorenson) Jacobson, was born July 7, 1869, in Freeborn County, Albert Lea, Minnesota. She was baptized by Rev. Jacobson of Albert Lea. At the age of four, she came in a covered wagon, drawn by oxen, to Yellow Medicine County, where her father took a homestead. She was confirmed by the late Rev. Thorstenson at the school house in District 23. In 1888, she witnessed the historic snow storm when hundreds of Minnesota pioneers perished. Her father and her brother, Samuel, both experienced the storm, the brother, later dying from the experience and the father was crippled for life. On November 19, 1889, Jertina was united in marriage to Mathias Lee. To this union 13 children were born. The Lees farmed until the year of 1935 when they retired and moved to Clarkfield. She lived in her home in northwest Clarkfield until October 24, 1959, when her daughter, Clara, urged her to make her home with her. There she was tenderly cared for until she passed away. She was another example of the faithful, patient pioneer women, in spite of her invalidism. Mrs. Lee passed away May 8, 1961, at the home of her daughter, Clara Afdem, at the age of 91 years. She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Mabel; and three sons: James, Carl and Peter. Surviving are five daughters: Tillie (Mrs. William Feist) of Hazel Run, Minnesota, Sophia (Mrs. Melville Long) and Mrs. Clara Afdem of Clarkfield, Mrs. Mattie Anderson of Veblen, South Dakota, and Thea (Mrs. Oscar Kopitzke) of Willmar, Minnesota; four sons: Reuben of Fort Meade, South Dakota, Alfred of Montevideo, Minnesota, Bernt of Minneapolis and George of Willmar, Minnesota; 28 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. She was a member of the Clarkfield Lutheran Church and a life member of the ladies aid. IN MEMORY OF MRS. M. J. LEE July 7, 1869 ~ May 8, 1961 Funeral Services Wednesday, May 10, 1961, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. C. M. Bagaason Organist, Miss Ingrid Anderson Vocal Duet, Mrs. Myron Friberg & Mrs. John Sturgeon Jr. "Nearer Still Nearer" "Rock of Ages" Casket Bearers Merald Lee ~ Michael Kopitzke Robert Lee ~ William Feist Jr. Ben Anderson ~ Mally Anderson Final Resting Place Clarkfield City Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield, Minnesota