Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1934-04-26
Greetings to Pete


appeared in Minnesota weekly.
1t pays tribute to the man or
woman who goes quietly about
and renders friendly and neigh
borly acts. Such individuals are
like priceless jewels, or better,
for they are human, and what is
more they derive much happi-
ness and contentment out Of doing
the things they like to do. The
article follows:
Maybe the servant in your COM
munity is not called Pete, possibly
it may be John or Mary or Annie.
Makes no difference. The question
Is: Do you appreciate your servants,
the servants that fall in line and serve
cheerfully whenever there is a call
for them? 1t may be a young per-
son or an old one. Fortunately each
community has such. Generally it
is perhaps an old lady that fills the
place of honor; for it is a place of
honor. though you don't find any spe-
cial community gathering in honor
of them. If some professional man
did half as much for his community
there would be arranged a special
banquet for him.
Well. in our community his name is
Pete, or more specifically it is Pete
Jensen. He is not a seeker of fame
or public honor, but quietly and
peacefully he dwells among us. Some
times you hear the question: Where
is Pete Jensen now" And the an
swer follows:-''Well, let me see. Oh,
yes. He is taking care of such and
such a party" Not loafing around
on the streets at all, no time for
parties; for duty calls him to the bed
side of some old man in need. And
there he goes about his duties, kitch-
en- maid, dishwasher, nurse, general
caretaker and always on duty. A
couple of years ago when Mr.. o. r.
Johnson was ill for months, Pete was
on duty. When old ]. c. Larson later
was helpless for some time, Pete Tell
in line and week after week was on
duty and for the last couple of months
since Paul Sorensen became ill and
must spend his time in bed or in a
chair, practically helpless. Pete is
right there with his helping hand and
takes care of the house and Paul
making homelike conditions for the
old man up in the eighties, and
spreading good cheer and comfort TO
the scene which ordinarily would be
cherries. Not forgetting the calls
now and then of Mrs. Fisher who calls
with a special dish to cheer the meal
hour.)
Pete has a special mack for tend
ing the old men, up in the eighties,
all of them. They are weak and
tremble with age, needing almost the
care of little children; but what mar
velous service is revealed in the care
given them. AS you mediate on such
care which is rendered gratis and
cheerfully, it seems as if some echo
whispers into your ear familiar words
from the Good Book: Whatsoever ye
did unto the least of these, my little
ones, that did We even unto me-" And
therein lies the reward for such serv-
ants of each community.
Only a block from here tonight IS
Pete. A couple of years ago it was
just across the street. Our thoughts
go forth to him. AS we fancy MIN
bathing some feverish brow, giving
comfort to some one in pain, possibly
at times stroking some brow as q
farewell to some departing spirit, he
may wonder how it shall be with
himself when the closing hour shall
draw nigh. But surely some one shall
be near with comfort and good cheer,
and l would like to greet Pete land
others in similar service) as follows
When you grow old may you be found
with friends
Who'll give you comfort, care for you
with love,
Who'll stroke your feverish brow to
still your pain,
When you shall journey on to realms
above.