Flom Area Biographies part two

continued . . . . . . . .

Martin and Selma Malmskog

Selma and Martin Malmskog and their children, moved to the Flom area in 1933. Their farm, located two miles south of Flom, is now known as the Duane and Helen Malmskog farm.
Selma, born in northern Minnesota, married Paul Waleski. They had two children; Ernest and Aida. Paul was killed in a forest accident.
Selma later married Martin, born in Sweden, who came with his parents to northern Minnesota as a child.
In 1929 they moved to a farm seven miles northeast of Ulen where they lived until moving to the Flom area.
They were members of the Walworth Baptist Church. Their children all graduated from District 46 grade school located two miles west of the farm.
Ernest went on to Crookston where he graduated from the Agricultural College. After military service in the Marine Corps during WW II, he was employed as a manager in the dairy industry, retiring from Cass Clay Creamery Company. He and his wife Harriet (Danielson) are now enjoying their retirement at their lake home in Minnesota. They have five children.
Aida graduated from Waubun High School and chose nursing as her profession. She is married to Norman Jensen. They are now both retired and reside at a senior resort city in Oregon. Howard served in the Army during WW II and after completion of this military service, got his degree from North Dakota Agriculture College. He was employed as a County Agent at the time of his death in 1957. He was married to Opal (Mattson) and they had five children.
Lorrayne, Verda, Duane, Gene, Larry and Shirley all graduated from Ulen High.
Lorrayne continued on to Detroit Lakes Business College. She is now retired from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and currently lives in California where she and her daughter and son-in-law manage their rental property. She was married to Thomas Adams, now deceased , and has two children.
Verda attended Business College in Fargo and later go her degree from Eastern Oregon State University. She is retired from the U.S. Forest Service and lives in Oregon. She was married to Walter Spickelmier who died in 1984. She ahs two children.
Duane continues to manage the Malmskog farm in Minnesota. He is married to Helen (Wermager).
Gene made the U.S. Air Force his career. After hiss military was completed, he managed the Control Tower at the Ardmore Airport in Oklahoma until retiring a year ago. He and his wife Ramona (deceased) had five children. Losing one son Mike who is deceased. He and his wife Rita (Mason) now travel around the country, with Oklahoma as their home base.
Larry served in the U.S. Air Force after high school. He and his wife VonDell (Pohalla) divorced, farmed for many years in the Flom area. They have three children; Jill, Jane and Judy. He married Lois (Seykora) and they reside at the lake home in Minnesota.
Shirley graduated from Business College in Fargo and, after several years of employment, retired from the Minnesota School Department to accompany her husband, Harlan Zurn, on his transfer to South Carolina. Now they are both retired and enjoying their lake home (across the lake from Ernest and Harriet). They have five children, losing one to death. On July 8, 2001, descendants of the family gathered at the Flom Hall for a family reunion. More than 60 people came from many different states.
Being in the Hall brought back to me memories from past years when families gathered in the Hall for wedding dances and farewell dances for the boys going off to World War II.
The day was Sunday with beautiful sunshine and I walked outside remembering, while a teenage, driving the family’s’ red pickup past the Hall and up to the brick creamery where one of the gallant men working inside would come out and unload the cream cans my dad had sent me to town with. I turned and walked East, thinking of Mork’s Cafe where ice cream cones cost a nickel; Thorstenson’s Store next to the Cafe and, on the other side of the road, Jacobson’s cafe and Narum’s Store.
On the corner, across from the Co-op, there once was a grassy field where people spread their blankets on summer Saturday nights and watched free shows on the big white movie screen.
"How fortunate I am, " I thought, "that after 50 plus years, with Duane and Helen on the farm and Flom still two miles up the road, I can come ‘home’ again."
Submitted by: Verda (Malmskog) Spickelmier

Arthur and Viola (Precht) Manthe

Arthur Ernest Manthe was born on August 13, 1903 to Carl and Emma Manthe, in Freedom township, Waseca county, Minnesota. He grew up in that area.
Arthur married Viola C. Precht on May 20, 1929 at Mankato, Mn. After their marriage they resided in Blue Earth County, Mn for three years.
They later moved to Waterotwn, Mn and resided there for eight years. They moved to Pemberton, in Blue Earth county where they lived for 23 years, coming to this area in 1963.
They were the parents of; Ronald, Dale, Lyle, Dean and Janice (Robert Westphal).
They were members of Calvary Lutheran Church, Ulen, Mn. Arthur died on June 6, 1967 at the Mahnomen hospital.

Helmer O. Melaas

Helmer Melaas was born on April 4, 1889 on a farm in Walworth township, near Flom. He was born to Ole and Olava Melaas. Helmer was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. He attended country school in the area and grew up in the Flom vicinity. He never married.
As a young man he was a butter maker for several years. He was called into the services of his country in World War 1, and served overseas. After being in the service he was limited to how much physical work he could do, but he still did some carpenter work, and farmed, had some cattle and chickens and a garden. The last few years, he had lived at the Nursing Homes in Alexandria, Hawley, Twin Valley and Erskine, Mn.
Helmer passed away on Thursday evening, July 22nd, 1976 at the Pioneer Memorial Home in Erskine, Mn. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn.

Ida Cornelia (Caroline) Amalia Melaas

Ida was born on October 20, 1878 to Ole and Olava Melaas, in Ossian, Iowa. She never married. Ida recieved a teaching degree and taught in area rural schools.
Ida was involved in a tragic accident which occured in her home. As she was working in the kitchen her clothing caught fire from a blaze in the kitchen stove.
She ran into the yard and neighbors helped to extinguish the flames. She was rushed to the Ada hospital, but her burns were so severe that she died there about one and a half hours later.
James Fredrickson the Norman County Coroner, stated that she was charred from toes to neck and had also recieved second and third degree burns to her face. Miss Melaas was at this time 79 years old and residing in the eastern part of Twin Valley, there was no damage to her home. Ida passed away on December 27, 1957 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom , Mn.

Joseph and Louise (Ask) Melaas

Louise Ask was born on December 23, 1883 to Bernt and Petrina Ask in Flom township. She grew up in this area, attending rural schools and was baptized and confirmed in the Wild Rice church.
Joseph and Louise were married on June 6, 1903 in at the Wild Rice Church. AFter their marriage they resided on a farm at Lonetree, ND, where they homesteaded. They later moved to Shevlin, Mn and in 1910 they moved to Fertile, Mn, where Joe operated a livery stable and was grain buyer and manager of Monarch Elevator Company for many years. In September, 1961 they moved to the Lutheran Memorial Home where Louise lived until her death.
Louise was active in the Ladies Aid and Sewing Circle of the church and has been amember of the Concordia Lutheran church at Fertile for 60 years. She enjoyed working in the Activity Room at the Lutheran Memorial Home.
Joseph and Louise were the parents of; Beatrice (Karl Zilliox) and Vera (Willard Knapp).
Joseph died on October 24, 1965 and Louise passed away on February 19, 1980, they are both buried at Concordia cemetery, Fertile, Mn.

Leonard Milton Melaas

Leonard was born on January 28, 1885 to Ole Olson and Olava (Larson) Melaas in Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn. He was baptized at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn, and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn, on November 18, 1900.
He never married. Leonard passed away on February 12, 1954 at his home in Walworth township. Funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church with burial in the church
cemetery.
May O. Melaas

May O. Melaas was born on October 27, 1880, in Walworth Township on a farm. The daughter of pioneer parents; Ole and Olava Melaas. She grew up on the farm, and was baptized in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church. She attended rural school in this area, and one year at Twin Valley. She never married.
During her life she did housework in private homes on farms and in towns for many years. The latter years she stayed at home. The last 17 years of her life she was a resident at Twin Valley, Mn and was residing at the Pioneer Rest Home in Erskine at the time of her death on September 4, 1971, at the age of 90 years.
Funeral services were held on September 6 with Rev. Percy Smerek officiating, and interment was at the Aspelund Cemetery.

Mina Mathilda Melaas

Mina was born on May 23, 1875 to Ole Olson and Olava (Larson) Melaas in Ossian, Iowa. She never married. Mina passed away in 1918 and is buried at Aspelund.

Ole and Olava (Larson) Melass

Olava Larson was born on January 27, 1851 to Lars Kristoffersen Flesvik and Inga Marie Olsdatter Bjortomte in Feiring, Hurdalen, Norway. Olava came to Ossian, Iowa on May 24, 1872. She came four years after her parents and the rest of her family had immigrated from Norway. Her sister were Anne Margrethe (Nelson), Karen Evina (Berkland), Ragnild Marie and Ida Jorine. She had two brothers; Christian Nicolai and Ole Ragnvald.
Ole and Olava were married on June 26, 1874 at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Ole and Olava lived in Iowa until June 15, 1879 when they came to Norman county, Mn and moved onto a farm here. The Melaas' lived in section 6 of Walworth township, in the same section as the Rue's and Purrier's. Melaas' lived on the west side of the Lake. The land is currently owned by Chris Erickson.
Ole and Olava were the parents of Helmer, Leonard, Oscar, Hilda, Mina, Ida and May.

Oscar Julius Melaas

Oscar was born on December 27, 1882 to Ole and Olava (Larson) Melaas in Walworth township, Becker county, Mn. He was baptized in Wild Rice Lutheran Church and confirmed in Aspelund Luther Church (November 20, 1896). He started farming on the home place at an early age and worked at it all his life.
He retired to a smaller farm in 1955. His health began to fail, and a few years later he began living in Twin Valley, Mn. He never married. Oscar passed away on January 18, 1968, he is buried at Aspelund.

Emil W. and Mildred (Jenson) Meyer

1t was in the year 1915 that William C. Meyer of Redwood County. Minn. purchased a farm located in Sec 25 in the SE part of Flom Township from Mrs. Malhilda Olson of Twin Valley. The agents for the transaction were P. C. Neisen and Jergen Nelson. The next year a son, Julius, together with his wife, Lenora, and family, began farming this land and built the house which still stands there today, although the house has undergone several remodelings in the interim.
Four years later. Julius gave up farming to enter another professiom and the land was rented to neighhors until another son, Emil W. Meyer came to run the farm which he later purchased from his father. In 1923 he married Mildred Jensen of Redwood County, and the two established this farm as their home and business. Here they continue to reside at the present time, some 52 years hence.
Early neighbors were Newton Midthune. Andrew Vange George Meyer (no relation). Eldor Hendrickson, Henry Gunderson, and John Jacobson.
Six children were born:
Joyce (Mrs. Matthew Martin of Seattle, Wash.):
Vivian. who died in infancy:
William C., who died at 36 years:
Lois (Mrs. Raymond Bergeson of Ortonville. Minn.:
Merlyn of Gary. Minn.: and
Russell of Bagley. Minn.
The family’s whole life was centered about the home. Local Community, church and school. Home was security: it meant food, shelter, clothing, love, and a center of learning of values, all attained through cooperation and total commitment of each family member. The land was good, providing a livelihood for the family. Only one son. William, continued farming, establishing his own farm in the SE corner of Flom Township of Norman County. He farmed there for ten years before he died in 1966.
Within the communily, Emil served on the town board for Flom Township for 30 years, together with Martinus Flaten, Anton Flom, and later with Anton Nelson.
In the early years travel to church was by horse and buggy, some 15 miles to Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Later as the family grew, they became active at Aspelund Church near Flom where Joyce served as organist for four years. For the past 27 years thev have been members of Trinity Lutheran in Waubun. Minnesota.
School has been a constant in the life of this family. In 1923-24 Mrs. Meyer taught in the Flom School and the following year taught at Cheerful Nook School. District 47. Emil later served on the District 47 school board for a number of years along with Henry Spielman and Theodore Thompson.
It was at this same Cheerful Nook School where all of the children, except Russell. who attended Waubun Consolidated School. gained their elementary education, grades one through eight. It was a good school, where, in spite of its physical limitations, few materials, and meager library, the basics were well taught, together with love of country, respect for individuals and their families, and reverence for religion, as was manifested by the many performances put on at the Halloween and Christmas programs for the families of the community.
The school day began with the ringing of the bell at 9:00 A.M. and was over at 4:00 P.M. with time out for two fifteen minute recesses and an hour for lunch. The students walked a maximun of two and a half miles one way to school in good weather, and the Dads brought them by horse and sled during the coldest part of the winter. Hot lunches consisted of food brought from home in a jar and heated in a pan of water on top of the wood burning stove. The curriculum included reading or language, arithmetic, history, and geography each day with spelling, penmanship, and manual arts once a week. (Manual arts consisted of making book ends, bread boards, or bird houses by the boys and embroidery for the girls.)
After elementary school, all the Meyer children attended and graduated from Waubun High School, some seven miles away, but sometimes as much as 35 miles away by school bus since the farm was at the beginning of the bus roule. At the present time all of the four living children are teachers: Lois teaches kindergarten and the other three teach secondary mathematics.
Merlyn Meyer is the only memher of the second generation who has continued his residence in Norman County. He married Gwendolyn Holte of Hawley and lives in Gary, where he teaches in the high school. They have three children. Rebecca, Roger and David.
All in all. the Emil W. Meyer family has twelve grandchildren. four girls and eight boys. four of whom will carry on the Meyer name in generations to come.

Orville and Muriel (Stende) Meyer

Orville, son of George and Maude (Wheeler) Meyer and Muriel Stende were married at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom on September 15, 1946 by Rev. Torgerson.
Muriel was born near Flom on March 19, 1926 to Edwin and Nellie Stende. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church and attended school at District 46. She graduated from Ulen High School and attended Detroit Lakes Business College.
Orville attended schools in the area and served in the army stationed in Korea. After his discharge they lived in Fargo where he worked part time at the Post Office and attended Interstate Business College when it was down town Fargo. Muriel worked as a stenographer.
After Orville’s graduation they moved to Grandin, ND They moved there in June of 1949 and have remained there since.
Three sons were born to this union; Terry, Wendel and Bradley. They all live in Fargo.
Orville started as a bookkeeper at the Hommerding Elevator and later managed the Grandin Hi-Way Service for 32 years. After semi-retiring he worked for the Stop-And-Shop. He still enjoys keeping books for the Lockhart Elevator on a part time basis.
The Meyers enjoyed setting up at the Flea Markets at Detroit Lakes for many years. Muriel worked for 17 years at Agway in Grandin and wrote for the Hillsboro Banner for nine years.
Terry married Clarice Bueng from Twin Valley. Wendel married Marcia Benson and Bradley married Bonnie Jo Haas.
The Meyer’s have 7 granddaughters, two step grandsons, two great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

William C. and Violet (Dahlsad) Meyer

William C. Meyer was born on October 20, 1929 near Flom, Mn, to Emil and Mildred Meyer. He grew up in the Flom area. After completing his education he started farming in Flom township section 36. He married Violet Dahlsad on December 10, 1955 at Waubun, Mn. On March 23, 1966 Bill Meyer passed away after being hospitalized at Mahnomen and Crookston hospitals He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waubun. After Bill's death Violet sold the farm to Marlyn and Mary Lou Syverson. Violet met and married Dennis Thorson of Flom, they live in Twin Valley, Mn.

N.O. and Anna (Thompson) Midthun

N. O. Midthun was born on September 18, 1853, in Dane County, Wisconsin. He moved with his parents to Freeborn county, Mn., in 1858. In 1876 he left Freeborn county coming to the Flom area, here he met Anna Thompson and they were married that same year.
Anna Thompson was born on August 4, 1857, in Freeborn ocunty and came to Norman county with her parents while quite young.
During the time they lived in the Flom area Mr. Midthun was one of our well known and highly respected pioneer farmers, he also held many offices of public trust, among them being that of county treasurer. The family moved to Twin Valley, Mn and resided there until a few months before Mr Midthun’s death, at which time they were living in Grand Forks, ND. N.O. Midthun died on January 4, 1924 at the home of his daughter and son in-law; Rev. and Mrs. S. L. Tallakson. Anna Thompson Midthun died on January 20, 1927.
N. O. and Anna were the parents of thirteen children; Mrs. Tallakson of Thief River Falls, Thelma of Thief River Falls, Mrs. R. Buckneberg, of Moorhead, Emma of Perley, Ellen (deceased), Theodore of Thief River Falls, Henry of Winger, Alfred of Ray, ND, Newton of Hawley, Nils of which we are only able to find 10 names. Ellen was born on October 16, 1880, she never married. She died on June 16, 1919 and is buried at Aspelund.

Herman and Nora (Flom) Miller

Herman C. Miller was born on August 25, 1880.
Nora Susan Flom was born on September 11, 1892 in Flom township, to Erick and Anna Flom. She grew up and attended school in the Flom area. she was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church.
Herman and Nora were married on September 30, 1912 at Flom. The couple resided in the Flom area where they farmed in section 33 of Flom township for 45 years. This is located on the cart trail one-half mile south and one-half mile west of Flom on the south side of the trail, known to many as Ronning's trail. In amongst the trees a lone evergreen tree marks the building site.
After Herman's death Nora moved into Flom in 1958. She was a member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church for many years and then transferred her membership to Aspelund Lutheran Church where she was also a member for many years. She was a life member of the ALCW
Herman and Nora were the parents of four sons and three daughters; Emmett, Noel, Charles, Virgil, Elpha (Oliver Gunderson), Erna (Richard Zimmerman), and Eileen ( Clifton Thorpe).
Nora passed away on Jamuary 21, 1969 at the age of 76 years at the home of her daughter in rural Ulen. Herman passed away on April 9, 1957. They are both buried at Aspelund Cemetery, Flom, Mn.

Clayton and Myrtle (Johnson) Minnie

Myrtle Johnson was born on June 27, 1915 in Home Lake township, near Twin Valley, Mn., to Mr and Mrs. George A. Johnson. She attended rural school in Home Lake Township and grew to womanhood here. She was one of seven children born to the Johnson’s. She had one brother and sister who proceeded her in death, those who survived here were; Norman, Mabel (Vernon Peppel), Esther (Milton Kirkeby) and Vivian ( Glen Hanson).
Clayton and Myrtle were married on April 4, 1937 at Ada, Mn. They were the parents of: Jerald, Mavis (Gordon Stich), Carol (Jerry Grieve), Linda (Lyle Larson) and Sandy (Hoffman). Myrtle passed away on July 29, 1983 and is buried at Sundal Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile, Mn.

Lisa Minnie
Lisa Minnie was born on September 20, 1965 at Mahnomen, Mn to Jerald and Carolyn (Svobodny) Minnie. She spent her early part of her life at Moorhead, Mn and later moved to the Twin Valley area at the age of 14. They lived in section 7 of Flom township, the former Flom farm last owned by Gerhard Flom. She attended school at Twin Valley and graduated from there with the class of 1984. After completeing her education she went to North Dakota State University at Fargo, where she was a student at the time of her death.
Lisa passed away on May 22, 1985, funeral services were held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Ada, Mn.

Johannes and Sigrid (Vangen) Moen

Johannes G. Moen was born in Oier, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway on February 7, 1848 and was baptized and confirmed in his childhood home. He came to Esophia in Coon Prairie, Wisconsin in 1874 according to the 1900 Federal census records. He came here to the Flom settlement in 1882 and bought land in Section 16 in Flom. The same year he married Miss Sigrid Erickson Vangen.
Sigrid Ericksdatter Vangen was born in 1853 in Oier, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway to Erik Andersen b.1804 and Maren Kristiansdatter b.1823. She was baptized on May 16, 1853. In the 1865 census of Norway they lived on the Hujordsstuen Farm in Oier. Sigrid was a sister to Mathea (Ericksdatter Vangen) Engebretsen who also lived in Flom Township. Sigrid came to America in 1881.
Johannes and Sigrid had one son, Emil, who was born November 3, 1885 and died in January of 1970 in Flom Township. Emil never married.
Johannes was a member of the Wild Rice congregation since coming to this area. He was of a very quiet but kindly disposition. He died on December 15, 1939. His wife Sigrid had died in 1919. They are both buried in Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

John and Clara (Pojar) Molacek

Clara Pojar was one of 15 children born to Herman and Katie (Hruby) Pojar. She was born on August 20, 1891 at Beemer, Nebraska. Here she grew up and attended school. She married John Molacek on January 20, 1914.
After their marriage they moved to Callaway, Mn where they farmed for many years. Following their retirement they moved into Callaway. John died on March 4, 1967, Clara remained in Callaway until 1979 when she moved into Flom and resided with her daughter and son-in-law; Lillian and Clarence Seykora. Clara remained living here until 1990 when she became a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Homes in Twin Valley, Mn.
Clara celebrated her 100th birthday just three weeks before her death on September 9, 1991. Funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church, with interment at Oakgrove Cemetery, rural Lake Park, Mn.

Leslie and Myrtle (Rasmussen) Moore

Leslie Robert Moore was born on September 27, 1899 to John and Mary (McCann) Moore at Lynd. Here he was raised and attended schools. He lived on a farm with his family there until the age of 16 when they moved to a farm south of Flom. As a young man he farmed with his parents.
Les married Myrtle Rasmussen on November 14, 1923 at Walworth Baptist Church, rural Flom, Mn. They made their home on the farm in Home Lake township for seven years before they purchased his parent’s farm in section 9 of Walworth township, where they remained through their lives.
They farmed until the mid- 1960’s when they sold the farm to their son Eldon and Les retired. They continued to live on the farm in the original home his parents had own. Eldon and his family lived on the same farm also in a second house.
Leslie was baptized at the Walworth Baptist Church in 1936, where he remained a member for his lifetime. He served as township assessor and treasurer of the school board and enjoyed helping out with the 4-H group in his community.
Les moved into the Lutheran Memorial Nursing home in early 1988 where he lived until his death on February 24, 1988.

Paul and Karen (Bakken) Morck

Paul was born on April 14, 1843 to Ole Frederick and Marit. Paul had two brothers Amund and Anders.
Karen Bakken was born in Gulbrandsdalen, Norway on June 16, 1852 to the Torger Bakken's. She left Norway in 1882 and settled in Hillsboro, ND.
Here she met and married Paul Morck and they were married in 1885 ( it reads that she married Paal Morken, so there may have been a name change at some time in the later years). They first came to this area and settled in Walworth township, they lived there about 10 years. They came to the Flom area around 1895. It was here they made their home for around 38 years. The later years after Paul's death Karen lived with her son Oscar and his wife Alvina in Flom. Where she reamined until her death. Paul died on January 6, 1903 and Karen on August 23, 1936. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery Flom, Mn.
Not much is known about them other than they were the parents of Oscar T. who ran Morck's cafe in Flom, Marie (Martin Dullum) and Clara (Giskaas), they also had one son who proceeded then in death, no name or place of burial is known.
Karen was a woman of a sociable and friendly nature. She had a large number of friends in the community.

Martin and Olga (Swenson) Morland

Olga Swenson was born on March 8, 1889 in Ulen township to Ole and Maria Swenson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Flom, Mn. She grew up in this area and attended school here.
Martin and Olga were married on May 14, 1927 at Bruce, Alberta, Canada. They made their home at Bruce, Alberta for 20 years, where Martin was engaged in farming. Martin passed away on January 19, 1946 and in 1947 Olga moved back to Twin Valley, Mn where she made her home until her death on April 28, 1970.
Olga and Martin had no children. She is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Flom. We don’t know where he is buried, most likely in Alberta.

Floyd and Delane (Warnsholz) Myers

Floyd Myers was born on January 3, 1923 to Norman and Lena (Holte) Myers in Clay Country, Moorhead, Mn. He attended school in Moorhead and Borup, Minnesota, graduating from Borup High School.
After completing his education he started farming and raising Purebred Angus Cattle. Floyd was married to Dorothy Manning in 1943, she died in March of 1950 and is buried in Ada. Floyd and Dorothy were the parents of three children; Ricky, Terryl and Norman.
Delane Pauline Marie Warnsholz was born on July 19, 1929 to Arthur and Clara (Hagenah) Warnsholz in Norman County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Church, in Green Meadow township of Norman County, rural Ada. She attended school at District 51 and Ada High School.
Floyd and DeLane were married on July 19, 1952 at St. John’s in Green Meadow township, near Ada, Mn. Floyd and DeLane were the parents of two children; Rodney and Debbie (see Harry and Debbie Bain).
Floyd and DeLane moved to the Flom area in March of 1959, when they purchased the Sven Huseby farm in section 18, of Flom township. Here they farmed and raised cattle on what is known to many as French Man’s Bluff. DeLane has worked as a homemaker and Pre school Aide. She still resides on the family farm in Flom township.
Floyd passed away on November 2, 1996 and is buried in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, at Twin Valley, Mn.
Ricky Edward was born on May 18, 1944 to Floyd and Dorothy. He married Marcia Jenson in 1968, in Fargo, ND. They had one son, Marty born in 1969. Ricky married Donna Warner in Spokane, Wa in 1982 and they now reside in Missoula Montana.
Terryl Mae (Terrie) was born on January 10, 1946 to Floyd and Dorothy. She married Stan Wieczorek in 1966 in Norman County, Mn. They have two children; Matthew and Andrea.
Norman Carl was born on December 10, 1945 to Floyd and Dorothy. He married Nadine Heth in Fargo, ND, in 1969. They reside in Delano, Mn. They did live in Norman county in section 12 of Home Lake township before moving to Delano. They are the parents of three children; Sarah Alise, Luke Ryan and Nesa Alise.
Rodney was born on February 8, 1953 to Floyd and DeLane. He married Phyllis Lehman on May 18, 1973 at Worthington, Mn. They have four daughters; Brenda, Johanna, Becky and Melissa. They have lived in Billings, Montana since their marriage and Rodney has always worked for John Deere there.
Debbie was born on April 29, 1954 to Floyd and DeLane (see Harry and Debbie Bain).

Narum Memories

The following is written by: Yvonne Narum, daughter to Ernest and Edna. She tells us about their lives and of growing up in Flom.
Ernest Alvin Narum was one of 12 children born to Nels and Eva Narum. He ws born in a log house, one mile north of Flom, Mn and about two and a half miles southwest. Ernest's father, Nels owned two stores, one in Flom, Mn population 100 and also one in Waubun, Mn. His mother Eva homesteaded out on the farm. There are alot of brave tales to tell about Eva. When she camae over on the boat from Sweden she couln't talk english. Way up to her death she had broken english. She'd plow the fields with the oxen. All the children were born in the log hosue since they didn't go to the hospital in those days. One of the twins passed away and they kept the box in the grainery until spring when they could bury her. She was from the Smaaland area in Sweden and they are all known to be artistic adn very hard workers. Ernest bought the grovery store in Flom after Nels passed away. He bought it right before the depression. The stock market crashed before 1930 adn the banks went broke and people who had moeny in the bank lost all their money. Everyone used to talk about the dirty thirties when they had such bad dust storms. The drought hit at the same time. Seed wasn't perfected like it is now and their crops would blow out of the field. The government started a program planting trees to prevent soil erosion. That is how the Gary pines got started abou 1 mile north of Gary, Mn.
Ernest married Edna Peterson in 1927. She went to school in Fergus Falls and taught school one year before they were married. We lived in a little white hosue on the corner south of our grocery store, L.B. Hartz Grocery Store. We were all born in that house except Evangely. When Yvonne was about in 6th gade our parents made an apartment in the garage that was connected to the grocery store. My dad used to tell me I scared the customers away when I practiced my trumpet.
Today I'd call that grocery store my parents owned "a small mini mall". You could buy most anything in that store. Motivated by ambition to get ahead they ahd a locker, Post Office, gas pump, dry goods department such as buying material and sewin gneeds, hardware such as selling bicycles etc., trading eggs from farmers to trade for groceries, my father would take a atruck and sell the eggs to Fairmont in Moorhead, minnesota. My father also hired Cecil Cary to sell gas to the farmers. Cecil always called me Vonnie. I couldn't say Vonnie, so I called myself "Nonnie". To even make a little mor money to support a family fo five children, my father went out in the country to sell Maytag Washing Machines. We had a little partition in the store where we'd have a dark room. You'd hold an egg up to a light to see if that was a fresh egg. Lots of times chickens would hide their nests in the woods and the farmers wouldn't know it and bring in old eggs. We'd have to separate the good and bad eggs in egg crates. The farmers also rented lockers to keep the meat they butchered frozen until they came to get the key to pick up their meat. they didn't have deep freezes in those days.
They slaughtered the animals in the east end of the store and I never liked the smell coming into our apartment. I would sit and watch them stick the pigs to draw the blood out to kill them. People would want the blood to make Blood Sausage. You'd cook it with flour and make it real thick and then boil it in cloth sacks. Then you'd slice it like sausage and put it in a frying pan and make a white gravy. Norwegians really like this. They also would make rolla pulsa. It is fat pork rolled up like a jelly roll and tied with string. You would boil that. You could slice that and eat it cold with mustard. No wonder so many people had high chlosteral.
Pete Larson was our butcher. He made the best homemade sausage. He would smoke them in the smoke house. My father also hired his borther, Clarence Narum to work in the grocery store. I was in 1st grade with their daughter Muriel who lives in Blue Earth, Mn as of 1989. I'll never forget the yellow and blue Hiawatha bicycle that I got for my birthday that came from our Gamble Store. It was my first bike. I'd drive around the four mile square alot. That was one of the thrills of my life.
Before my dad got married he ws kicked by a mule on his spine. He started to get paralized on his right leg and it kept on gradually getting worse. Finally his whole right side was paralized. He'd get alot of infections by cuts and burns because he couldn't feel anything. He'd put his hand on a hot tractor when he ws out selling washing machines to the farmers and would get a bad burn. He fell down in 1947 and got blood poisoning. They took him to the hospital and gave him a blood transfusion. He never came out of it. You caould see by te look on his face he died a thousand deaths but never complained. He was blessed with extra strength to get all the work he did, when he wasn't feeling well. He went to doctors all over the United States but it was impossible to operate on his spine. He went to the Hines Hospital in Chicago and the Veteran's Hospital in Fargo. He got the most relief by going to the doctors in Canistota, South Dakota. Mother would go along and get treatments too because he relaxed her nervous condition.
She would have less heart spells. Since our parents had such long, hard working hours in the grocery store there wasn't any time for family entertainment. Once they took our whole family along to Canistota
adn that was such a thrill. They took us to the point in South Dakota, near Yankton whree you are on the
border of three states. On the Fourth of July sometimes we got to go to White Earth to see the Indian Pow Wow. We'd have todrive to neighboring towns to go to a movie. I remember the one show I got to see that was Heidi with Shirley Temple. The little town of Flom would have a free movie on the screen outside in the summertime. Everyone would come to town on Saturday night. I was so disgusted because I had to work in the store. I remember on Sunday afternoos we sould visit our elatives on the farm. It was also fun going to church Ice Cream Socials.
The store had and old fashioned store front. It was sided with metal. Candy would be in bulk in a glass
counter. The different kinds of candy were divided by glass. There was mostly penny candy and nickle candy. I can still remember begging for a penny candy. I can hear my mother saying, "I suppose". The big treat was going to Morck's restauraant and getting a five cent ice cream bar. cookies would come in bulk in a long paper sack. you'd grind coffee in an electric grinder for the customer. You could dial the coffe grinder for fine frind, medium or coarse. Prunes, apricts and raisins and dates came in bulk too. We sold primost which is a rich spread you'd put on your bread. This is commonly made in Norway from goats
milk or cows milk. It kind of tastes like brown sugar. At Christmas time lutefish would come soaked in lye in big, round, wooded barrels. Each customer woudl receive a small sack of candy. Mother would do alot of canning real alte at night. We always got the peaches and pears that were starting to get too ripe.
Considering all the things sold in the store, it wasn't that large. It had wooden floors that were oiled. The
little town of Flom had two grocery stores, a gas station, two restaurants, a creamery which brought alot of farmers in to sell their milk, a Post Office, beer Parlor, barber shop. Years ago they had wooden posts on main street that they would hitch their horses to when they would shop. Uncle Willie Ostenvik had a feed mill on the north edge of town to grind the armeres grain to make feed for the animals.
Right south of our store was a red barn that was not being used. Right next to the barn was a one room school house where we went to school. I guess our folks decided to sell the store in Flom because five of us would have to go on the school bus to Waubun, Mn to high school. That was about 20 miles away (It is 10 miles to Waubun and 10 miles back again). Some years after the store in Flom was sold it burned down. I think another store was built in it's place.
Something that I have always remembered about my life in Flom was when my parents befriended a man who lived in a shack east of Flom. His name was Olaf Lund. He wore the same army suit and had a beard and long hair. His main meals were oatmeal. He only had orange boxes for furniture. He repaired clock and watches for everyone. He had them ticking all over his house. I don't htink he took a bath. He did have an odor. My folks would invite hime for meals. My father would also take him along to Fargo. People would stare because not many wore beards in that day. His means of transportation was a bicycle.
We moved to Gary, Minnesota when I was a sophomore in High School, in 1944. No home ec, band or choir in Gary. My father bought the Gary Seed and Produce and the L. B. Hartz Store. Mother still worked in the store in Gary. We all had our assigned tasks to do at home. One of us would work in the grocery store in the summer time. Every summer I candled eggs in the Gary Seed and Produce. Dad also sold see in the Produce. He would go to small towns near Gary and buy eggs from the grocery stores and bring them back to Gary, and have them candled. He hired alot of ladies to candle eggs. The ladies anad I would make up poems when we were working. After the eggs were sorted in the right egg crates we would put them on racks on an oiling machine. We would start the electric motor and the racks with the eggs would go around and around like the ferris wheel until all the eggs were oiled. That would sela the eggs so they would stay fresh. Then we'd put them in egg creates. The Gary Seed and PRoduce was right next to tthe railroad tracks. We would put the egg crates in the train box cars and they would be shipped to the Jews in Chicago. We did this right up to the time my father passed away. World War II started December 7, 1941, prices went up after that and people were getting back on their feet after the depression. People were getting out of debt and we didn't get as many hand me down clothes.
My father was a super shopper. He'd buy our girls Christmas dresses when he went to Fargo, when he sold eggs to Fairmont Creamery. They'd all just fit and were beautiful. I remember the crepe dresses he bought for us. Mother sewed alot of dresses for us too. My father bought my graduation dress when he went to Fargo. I really liked it. It was poweder blue. It had a brown trim hanging from the waist, with some orange trim.
My father had good morals. He didn’t drink or smoke. He was also one of the founders of the Gary State Bank at Gary, Mn. Of course, he was one of the first bank directors. He was a person that was all business and not much joking or fooling aorund. He had to keep his mind serious to support his family during all these hard times. He talked real fast. Alot of hsi hired help couldn't understand him and would have to ask him to repeat what he said. He had one speed and that was fast. He was a very large man. Even though my parents worked long, hard hours we stil made it to the Lutheran Church every Sunday. I was very fond of my father and it was very hard on me when he passed away. There was a big empty space in our home after he was gone.
My parents had a lively interest in home, Church, School and community affairs. My life has been blessed through their training and their ideals for me. My memory of them is always being active and forward looking. God Bless their memory.
Editors Note: I really enjoyed reading this and as Yvonne described Narum's Store I could envision walking through it. Although in my day it belonged to Sylve Stende's and then to Don and Kay Johnson. My father worked there as the butcher when Stende's owned the store. We would peek through the windows in the back store room so we could watch in the slaughter house as Vernon took the animal down. The sound of the chain being pulled on the pulley to lift the animal still sticks in my mind. I enjoyed going into the dry goods part of the store. It was here that we would be able to purchase a new pair of jeans or a pair of tennis shoes, for school. I enjoyed watching the ladies come in an purchase their embroidery floss and maybe dish towels for them to embroider on. It wasn't until I read this that I really thought about taking a walk through the store again. Hope you enjoy your walk down memory lane.
There are many interesting stories about different people who lived in and around Flom. I remember hearing the story of Olaf going to Fargo with Ernest Narum. On this journey he was walking the streets of Fargo, looking around and window shopping like so many people do. He must have looked like a transcient to the people there. The clothes, unshaven and just walking while he waited for Ernest to finish his business. When it was time to go, Ernest was unable to locate Olaf, after doing some searching and asking around he finally did locate him at the jail. The police had taken him in, thinking he was a transcient, and not just a innocent man waiting for his ride to finish business in town. Jennifer (Dorseth)

Elwood Narum

Elwood was baptized at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom and confirmed at Gary Lutheran Church, Gary, Mn. He graduated from Gary High School and went to work as a salesman. He also owned his own furntiure store. Elwood has one daughter Joni Marie who was born on March 11, 1963. Elwood and Diane reside in Burnsville, Mn.

Ernest and Edna (Peterson) Narum

Ernest Alvin Narum was born on March 20, 1898 at the home of his parents Nils A. and Eva (Johnson)
Narum in Walworth township, Becker county, Minnesota. He attending rural schools When he was seven years old his family moved to Waubun, Mn. He attended school here until he was fifteen years old. Ernest then moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn where he completed his education and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School with the Class of 1916. After graduation he moved back to Flom where he worked in his father's store here.
Ernest served his country in the Army of the United States in the summer of 1918, near the end of World War I. When he was released from the Army he returned to Flom and continued working in the family business here.
Edna Peterson was born to Peter and Helena Peterson in Atlanta township, Becker County, Mn, just south of the Atlanta Lutheran Chruch, rural Ulen. She grew up here and was a member of Atlanta Lutheran Church. She attended rural schools and then graduated from Ulen High School. After graduation she went to Fergus Falls, Mn where she attended Normal College. After graduating she taught school for one year, and then ran general stroes in Flom and Gary.
Ernest and Edna were married on June 29, 1927at Atlanta Lutheran Church. They made their home in
section 33 of Flom township in the town of Flom. The home maybe known to many as the Mike and
Genny Johnson home. They lived here and worked at Narum's Store until 1943 when they moved to Gary, Mn. In Gary, they were active in church and civic affairs. Ernest served on the school board, was a member of the American Legion Post 505, in charge of local advancement of the local Boy Scout Troop No. 206, a member of the Board of Directors of the Gary State Bank, and one of the founders of that institution. He operated businesses there such as Narum Seed adn Produce Company adn the Red Owl Store. Ernest was very active in the welfare of young people of his community, his latest venture as the laying of concrete on the floor of his potato house for them to use as a roller skating rink.
Edna was involved with various church activities, Legion Auxillary, and served on the School Board. She had been a member of the Multi-County Nursing Board and a 4-H leader. She was officer of district Garden Club, helped neighbors and loved to cook Norwegian dishes for company. She always had a garden and beautiful flowers.
Ernest and Edna were the parents of five children; Yvonne, Lovilla, Beverly, Elwood and Evlangelyn (Manley Hillstad).
Ernest passed away on September 4, 1947 at Crookston, Mn. He is buried at Gary Lutheran Cemetery, Gary Mn.
After his death Edna married Oscar Moen of Gary on April 12, 1951. They resided in Gary and Oscar continued to farm until into his 90's. Edna and Oscar would spend the winter months in Arizona and summer here in Minnesota. Oscar died on December 2, 1983 and is buried at St. Petri Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Gary, Mn. After his death Edna moved from her home in Gary, Mn to Grand Forks, ND.
She resided here until her death. Edna died on March 4, 1987 at Rochester, Mn and is buried at Gary Lutheran Cemetery, Gary, Mn.

Johannes C. and Karine (Hanson) Narum

John C. Narum was born in Vestre Toten, Norway, around 1849. He immigrated to the United States around 1866 and settled in Houston County, Mn. Here he met and married Karine Hanson. They lived in Houston County about five years and in 1875 moved here to Norman County, Mn. They took up a
homestead in Home Lake township section 12. Living here until 1913 when they sold their home and bought forty acres in the township of Flom, south of the Wild Rice Church and lived there until his death on September 16, 1914.
John and Karine were one of the earlier settlers to this area. They were the parents of eight children-five boys and three girls. They are also the parents to two adopted daughters; Deoline Thompson and Alma Anderson.
John was a kind hearted man and a good church member, always willing to help when help was needed. Funeral services were conducted at Wild Rice Lutheran Church by Rev. Vaaler on September 21. Many people came to pay their respects to the deceased and his family.
Albert Christopher Narum was born in 1879 to John and Karine Narum. Albert married a girl by the name of Martina, she was born in 1875. Albert passed away in1945 and Karine ion January 18, 1963.
They are all buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Nelson Brother's

Many may have heard about the Nelson Brother's who farmed together. They were known for their threshing. Gladys Houglum, their neice remembers the large Steam Engine coming down the road. The Nelson Brother's were also noted for their musical talents, they enjoyed having house parties and dances. Each brother would play a instrument; Charlie the accordian, Frank the violin and John on the mandolin or organ. In those days many people got together and enjoyed music and dancing till wee hours of the morning.
The brother's lived together and farmed with the exception of Hjalmer. He and his wife Bernice lived on a seperate farm. Charlie not only farmed with his brother's but was known as the cook. The boys lived and farmed together until 1962 when they bought a home in Twin Valley (still living together) and retired from farming.
Frank was born on January 24, 1890 at Cumming, ND. He served his country during WW I overseas and is a Veteran of WW I. He came home after serving his duration in the military and settled on a life as a farmer. Frank died on September 3, 1978 and is buried at Aspelund.
John Arvid was born on February 25, 1895 at Audubon, Mn. He was confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church in the adult confirmation class by Pastor Greenquist. He never married. He served his country during World War I, serving overseas in the Army. He is a Veteran. After completing his military duation he came back to the Flom area and farmed. John died on April 24, 1982 and is buried at Aspelund.
Charlie August was born on May 9, 1884 in Moorhead, Mn. He was the cook for the Nelson Brother's and also farmed with them. Charlie died on September 19, 1966, he is buried at Aspelund.
Hjalmer was born on September 29, 1898 at Audubon, Mn. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. At the age of five he moved with his family to the Flom area. He was a veteran of WW II and a member of the American Legion. Hjalmer farmed with his brothers.
Bernice O. Prestegord was born on July 1, 1908 to Ole L. and Betha (Olson) Prestegord in Flom township. She was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. She attended rural elementary schools. Bernice spent much of her time caring for her father and then her invalid mother. She also farmed with her borth, Lawrence. She was a very active member in her church and ALCW, taught sunday school, Vacation Bible School and also did a considerable amount of singing.
Hjalmer married Bernice Prestegord on November 26, 1961 at the Wild Rice Parsonage. They had no children.
Hjalmer died on March 22, 1970 and Bernice died on January 24, 1965, they are both buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.

Elling and Bertha (Stende) Nelson

Bertha was the oldest child of Ingeborg and Johan Stende. She was born at Dennison, in Warsaw township, Goodhue County, Mn., on July 13, 1876. She came with her parents, her brother, John and sister Julia to Flom township i October 1881 at the age of 5. She attended rural school in the Woodland Nook School, and after she completed school she went to Northfield to live with her aunt, Marit Steile where she attended an academy which is a private high school. After graduation she came back to the area and attended Moorhead Normal School earning a teaching degree. She taught school for about 20 years, some of which was done at the Dyrdahl school and later at District 46.
In 1915 she left Minnesota and went to Seattle where she married Elling Nelson. He had grown up in the area so they had known each other for quite some time. They remained in Seattle until Elling's death in 1932. Bertha died on May 29, 1958.

Charley and Anna (Johnson) Nelson

Charles (Charley) Nelson was born on April 16, 1851 to Nels and Sarah (Protho) Anderson in Westengotland, Sweden. When he immigrated to America he changed his name to Charley Nelson. He had one brother John who was killed in a railroad accident and a sister Kajsa who stayed in Sweden.
Anna Helena Johnson was born to Nels and Mary Johnson in Trollhattan, Vestserjortland, Sweden on April 19, 1860. Their first child John was born while they were still living in Sweden.
Charley and Anna were married at Trollhattan, Vesterjortland, Sweden. Charley and Anna came to the United States and first settled in Alexandria, Mn. They moved to Moorhead, Mn where Charley was a brick layer and then went to work for the Railroad. After Charley and Anna left Cummings, ND they went to Audubon, Mn, then to the Ulen area. Here they settled in Walworth township and purchased the Pete Jensen farm and the Higbie farm. In 1918 they bought a farm from Mr Zerney, here they lived the rest of the lives. The farm is now owned by Justin and Muriel Klemetson and is located in section 27.
Charley died on January 31, 1928 and Anna died on December 24, 1931, they are both buried at Aspelund Cemetery.
They were the parents of eleven children; Their first child John Arvid was born in Sweden, in 1882 he died at the age of six. Selma Caroline was born in Cummings, ND and died at the age of two. They both died from diptheria and their place of burial is not for certain, although family members believe them to be buried at Cummings ND. They named two other children John Arvid and Selma also.Their other children were; Frank, John Arvid, Charlie, Hjalmer (see the Nelson Brother's), Nellie (See Edwin and Nellie Stende), Selma ( Helmer Sather), Alma (Carl Johnson), Olga (see Emil and Olga Weum) and Clara (See Edward and Clara Sanden) and Alma (see Alma and Carl Johnson)

Hans and Annie M. (Larson) Nelson

Hans Nelson, was born April 20, 1847 in Telemarken, Norway, where he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. At the age of sixteen he immigrated to America, coming to Chicago in 1865. After a brief stay in Chicago, Illinois, he moved westward to Ossian, lowa. In 1873 he married Anna Larson, who had come to Ossian in 1868, with her parents from Christania (now Oslo), Norway, where she was born on March 18, 1848.
In the spring of 1879 Hans Nelson, his brother, and a brother-in-law left lowa by wagon and a team of oxen to find land on which they would like to homestead. Their search took them to Norman County three miles from Twin Valley, Minnesota. In the summer of 1880, the Nelson family left Ossian, lowa, by train to Lake Park. They had to go by team and wagon to Fossum Township in Norman County, a distance of more than thirty miles.
The first winter was spent in a dugout before they got the log cabin erected. Later appropriate farm buildings took the place of these primitive structures. In these days a trip to the nearest town for groceries took two days. This meant Mrs. Nelson and the children were left home alone for the night. Since the farm was located on a creek that the Indians followed for hunting and trapping, Mrs. Nelson warned the children not to make a sound to let the Indians know they were awake. At night, as the Indians walked by, they pounded on the outside of the house, while on the inside some very frightened people lay. During the day the Indians came and asked for food. Mrs. Nelson laid out her very best, so as not to offend them. What they didn't eat, they took along, leaving not a scrap behind.
Hans Nelson helped to organize the school district and gave the district an acre of land, on which the first schoolhouse was built.
Hans and Anna Nelson had five children Noldus, Oscar, Willie, Almer, and Charlotte. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson lived on the farm until the death of Mrs. Nelson on April 3, 1915. Mr. Nelson then retired from farming and made his home in Twin Valley with his sister, Mrs. Sagen, near Heiberg, Minnesota and later at the home of his daughter, Charlotte, where he died on December 29, 1945.

Hjalmer and Bernice (Prestegord) Nelson

Hjalmer Nelson was born on September 29, 1898 near Audubon, Mn., to Charles and Annie Nelson. He came to the Flom area with his parents at the age of five years. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
Bernice O. Prestegord was born on July 1, 1908 to Ole L. and Bertha (Olson) Prestegord in Flom township. She was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Church, and attended rural schools in the area. She spent much of her time caring for her father and then her invalid mother for three and one-half years. Bernice also farmed with her brother Lawrence.
Hjalmer and Bernice were married at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church on November 26, 1961. After their marriage they resided south of Flom for two years and then moved to their new farm in Fossum township in1963. They had no children.
Hjalmer was a veteran of World War II, a member of the American Legion, a past member of the Aspelund Lutheran Church and more recently a member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church. He famred all his life and also farmed jointly with his brothers for several years.
Bernice was a very active member in the church and the ALCW, taught Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. She also did a considerable amount of singing.
Hjalmer passed away quite suddenly at the Ada hospital on March 22, 1970. Bernice passed away on January 24, 1965. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

N.E. and Annie (Skofstad) Nelson

Annie Skofstad was born February 10, 1849, in Muskego, Racine County, Wisconsin to Johannes and Berta Skofstad. who immigrated to America in 1840 from Drammen, Norway.
She married N. E. Nelson May 4, 1869. He was born March 4, 1845. They operated a general store in Decorah, Iowa for a few years. Then they moved to Norman County, Flom Township, NW 1/4 of Section 28 where they operated a store and post office in the late 1800's before the village of Flom existed.
N. E. Nelson died February 3, 1907, he was a brother of Mrs. Nels Flaten, also of Flom Township). They had no children. However, Annie’s niece, Josephine E. Skofstad, came to live with them in 1874 at age three years and Nils Styve came to live with them January 6. I886. He was born May 20. 1883, and died at a young age, May 17, 1892
Annie continued to operate the farm after N. E.’s death with the help of a hired man until she died October 21, 1928 while staying with her brother at Lawrence, Kansas. She and her husband are buried at Immanuel Cemetery, Flom Township. She was remembered as a kindly lady who was always willing to help anyone in need.
Josephine Skofstad was born June 13, 1872, to Eben Skofstad and Mary Hegg Skofstad in Muskego, Wisconsin. Eben was a brother of Annie Nelson with whom she grew to adulthood. She married Sam J. Swenson March 14. 1892 (See John Swenson Aas familv).
Note of interest about Johannes Skofstad, 1794-1851, family of Muskego. Eben served in the Civil War with the 15th Wisconsin Regiment. His cousin. Col. Hans Heg was killed in action, and a statue of him now stands at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.
Also, Johannes was one of the pioneers who built the first Norwegian Lutheran Church at Muskego, Wisconsin the first church of its kind in America. It was later moved to Lutheran Theological Seminary, Minneapolis, where it now stands. The Rev. H. A. Stub preached the first Norwegian sermon in America within its walls in 1848.
This information was gathered from notes in an old Bible with the inscription under its cover (From Brother Albert. May 4, 1869).

Emil N. and Anna Bertine (Agrey) Nilson

Emil N was born in Flom Township to Nils and Anna Marie Nilson. He married Anna Bertine Agrey in 1910, at Parkside, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Anna Bertina Agrey was born on March 23, 1884, in Flom Township to Martin and Margaret Agrey. She received her education in rural school and attended Concordia College for a short time
Emil and Anna were married on November 30, 1910, at Parkside, Sask., Canada. They farmed in Flom Township until their retirement and then moved to Twin Valley where they remained until Emil’s death in 1950. After Emil died she made her home in Jamestown, ND. They are both buried at Wild Rice.
They were the parents of two children; Marvin A. and Winona (Kenneth) Urdahl.

Marvin A. and Gladys (Mikkelson) Nilson

Marvin Nilson was born on August 29, 1911 at his home farm near Twin Valley, Mn where he grew up. He attended schools in this area and then wen to the University of Minnesota.
He married Gladyce Mikkelson on September 7, 1937 at Twin Valley, Mn. He was a member of the Wild Rice Rural Electric Association, Flom township board, director of the Twin Valley-Flom credit Union and County President of the Farmer's Union.
They were the parents of two children; Karen and Marvin C.
Marvin A. Nilson passed away on May 27, 1969 at LaCrosse, Mn enroute to his home at Twin Valley, Mn. He is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.

Nils and Anna Maria (Swanson) Nilson

Nils Nilson came to the U.S.A. from Langeserud, Wermiand, Sweden and shortly after his arrival in 1872 was united in marriage to Anna Maria Swanson who had arrived from Sulerud, Wermiand, Sweden. They established a homestead claim, approximately five miles north and one half mile west of what is now the village of Flom in Flom Township. They were one of the very earliest settlers so had their choice of beautiful, rich farm land, but nearly all of it was heavily wooded. Several of Nil's brothers followed to this country, namely John, who homesteaded on the adjoining farm, and Otto and Eden, leaving one sister, Katrina in Sweden. Nil's father, Nils Petterson. came to visit and decided to help clear some land for Nils. He also cleared land on some unclaimed land and when chided about this he replied in his native tongue, "There is so much land here that no one will ever claim it all so what difference does it make."
Many hardships were encountered by these early pioneers. We remember being told how grandpa Nils walked to Lake Park, Minnesota to bring home flour for the family. In those days, walking across country for supplies became a three-day-trip. Also to bring in money for necessities, it was necessary for Nils to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad that was being built at that time. This cash was also used for machinery and supplies. His wife and two small sons, Wilhelm and Nils Emil, were left at home to take care of the livestock that was slowly accumulating. Much of the variety that was in their daily diet came from the apple trees and crabapples, plum, gooseberry and currant bushes and rhubarb plants which they had planted.
Two other children, a boy Albert and a girl Anna, were born to this family, but died in early childhood and were buried in the farmyard. A flower bed was planted over their graves.
The first log cabin was built on this homestead in 1872 and was soon replaced by a larger home and in 1908 a third house consisting of eight rooms with a large addition was built, and is still in use today. The total cost of the structure at that time was $1800. The original log house still stands and was used throughout the years as a blacksmith shop for farm repair.
Nils Nilson died very suddenly August 9, 1913, at the age of 68, his wife, Anna Maria, died February 12, 1917, just four years later at the age of 70.
Emil and Wilhelm Nilson assumed farming together. Emil was united in marriage to Anna Bertina Agrey in 1910. Two children were born to them a son, Marvin, and a daughter, Winona. Emil, Anna, and Wilhelm farmed and lived on this homestead for twenty-seven years. In 1937 Marvin was married to Gladyce Mikkelsen and then this third generation was engaged in active farming for thirty-two years until Marvin's death on May 26, 1969.
Each generation on this farm has seen many changes in the care and production of this land. Marvin lived a very active life serving his community and throughout the years was very active serving on township and county boards. At the time of his death he was county commissioner of this area.
Marvin and Gladyce were the parents of two children, Karen and Marvin C., Karen now resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, the wife of Dr. David Davis. They have two children David and Naomi. Marvin married Sylvia Gaasland and they live at Blue Earth, Minnesota with their three children Diane, Curtis, and Elizabeth.
This farm is still in the Nilson family, since it was homesteaded in 1872.

Wilhelm Nilson

Wilhelm Nilson was born in 1875 to Nils and Anna Marie in Flom Twp. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, taking up electrical engineering. He taught school for a time and also farmed. He never married. In his later years he lived with a nephew, Marvin A. Nilson until he went to the McIntosh Rest Home where he died in 1957. He is buried at Wild Rice.

Archie and Lovilla (Narum) Norden

Lovilla was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran church of Flom, Mn. After completing her
education she attended one year of nurses training. Lovilla married Archie Norden on December 26, 1949 at Gary, Mn. They were the parents of five children. Mark Allen was born on August 2, 1950, Roberta LoAnn was born on August 8, 1951, she passed away in November 2000. Daniel Archie was born on May10, 1953, Bradley Steven was born on May 24, 1957 and Susan Marie was born on January 31, 1959.
Archie passed away on March 21, 1987 andis buried at Grand Forks, ND.
Lovilla and Archie owned their own business. After Archie's death she married Gary Decicco on February 16, 1992 at Ft Myers Florida. He passed away on August 31, 2001, and is buried in New York. Lovilla continues to live in Ft Myers Florida.

John O. and Guri (Henningsdatter Stuedahl) Nysetvold

John Olsen Nysetvold was born April 15, 1850 at Haltdalen, Norway (although his Bible says March 15, 1850) to Ole Svendsen Ramlo/Nysetvold and Kari Jonsdatter Hilmo. His parents were not married. His father, Ole, was born on the Ramlo Farm in Haltdalen to Svend Olsen Ramlo and his wife Marit Pedersdatter Brenden on 8/12/1827. His father was a lensman or sherrif. He (Ole) purchased the Nysetvold farm in 1856 from his uncle, Borre Olsen Ramlo, who emigrated also to Iowa with his family. His father (Ole) went on to marry Anne Larsdatter Bjorgum in Haltdalen. To them were born the following children:
Marit Olsdatter Nysetvold, b.1/23/1854, married Anders Johnsen Tamlag. They took the Nysetvold name when they came to America. They lived in Flom Township for a short while and then moved up by Fosston, Minnesota. They lived there for a few years and then moved to Alberta, Canada.
Ragnhild Olsdatter Nysetvold, b.1856, married to Hans Simensen Heksem. They lived in Haltdalen, Sor Trondelag, Norway.
Beret Olsdatter Nysetvold, b.1862, married to Ole Pedersen As/Brendaes. They also took the Nysetvold name and lived in Haltdalen, Sor Trondelag, Norway. Some of their children did also use the Brendaes name. They purchased the Nysetvold farm in 1905.
Ingeborg Olsdatter Nysetvold, b.1871. She did not marry.
John’s mother, Kari, never did marry. She was born in Tydal, Sor Trondelag, Norway on June 9, 1823 to Jon Svendsen Midtaunet/Hilmo and Karen Pedersdatter Aas. She also came to America and lived the rest of her life with her son, John, at Flom, Minnesota and is buried in the Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery in an unmarked grave. Kari had two brothers.
Svend Jonsen Hilmo, b.1809, who married Lisbeth Olsdatter Aas and who’s son, John Svendsen Aas, also lived in the Flom area. His biography is found elsewhere in this book.
Peder Jonsen Hilmo, b.9/14/1815, who married Magnhild Estensdatter Lillebakken. They moved to Leksvik, Sor Trondelag, Norway and lived there. They had a son, Edvard Pedersen Hilmo/Lokken who emigrated from Norway and lived in Canada.
John was baptized and confirmed in his native country. He also attended school there. He helped his father operate the farm and so acquired a practical training that was a great benefit to him in America. On April 19, 1872 John Nysetvold emigrated from Norway to America on the Steamship “India” and landed in New York on the 19th of May. He went first to lowa where he worked for two of his uncles almost a year, (These uncles were Jonas Svendsen Ramlo and John Svendsen Ramlo, who lived in the Waterloo Ridge area) then he went on to Wisconsin where he worked six years lumbering in Dunn County. While there, he also applied for and received his Naturalization papers under the name of John O. Nasvold. These are dated the 7th day of April, 1874 in Dunn County. By now he had enough capital to set himself up in farming, and in 1878 he came to Norman County, Minnesota. In the 1880 census of Norwegian’s living in Minnesota, he is shown living with his mother, Kari, in Fossum Township of Polk County. Norman County was not in existence at that time. Here he homesteaded 160 acres in section 32, Flom Township, where he lived the rest of his life. This land was purchased under the name John O. Nesvold. The land office was in Crookston, Minnesota and the date he received the title to the land was December 19, 1885. The land was obtained under the Homestead Act of May 20, 1862.
To break up the land he used oxen, which served his purpose for fourteen years. These were also used to haul his grain thirty miles to the nearest market. Soon he began building first house, a small frame structure fourteen by sixteen feet, roofed with pieces of sod. The other farm buildings were of logs, but as time went by he added to the farm home and barn — the former becoming an eight room house. He was a grain farmer; raising mostly wheat and had some graded stock. In 1883, John was united in marriage to Guri Henningsdatter Stuedahl, who was born in Tydal, Norway, April 22, 1857, to Henning Henningsen Stuedal and Ingeborg Olsdatter Stuedal. Guri’s sister, Lisbet, was married to Anders Pedersen Sakrismo. They are the parents of Peder Sakrismo, who also lived in the Flom area. Guri’s sister Magli, who was married to Einar Larsen Lovoen, also lived in the Flom area. Two of her brothers came to America. They were Anders and Henning.
John and Guri were charter members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, Aspelund, at Flom and he served as trustee many years. He helped organize the school district and was its clerk for over thirty years.
He was the first township clerk of the Flom Township board. Before Flom had a designated post office the Nysetvold home was used as a post office for a period of time. Mrs. Nysetvold carded and spun her own wool and knit for her children and later stockings, mittens and scarves for the grandchildren. John died in 1929, Guri in 1935.
There were four children born to this union:
Ingeborg, (Belle) the only daughter, born in 1883, took over where her mother left off and was house keeper for her two brothers who never married, but continued the farm after their father died. Belle served many years as church organist. One Sunday a year an offering was taken to pay the organist. She was a competent seamstress and sewed for many friends. She had flocks of chickens and a large garden, and was a wonderful cook. She died in 1961.
Henry, born in 1890, and Johan (Johnny), born in 1892, were a team - working together, using and updating the good farming methods of the father. They, too, were active in community and church. Johnny died in 1964;
Henry sold the farm to a relative and moved into Twin Valley where he lived until he died in 1973.
Ole, born in 1885, spent his boyhood on the home place— but found a higher interest in building than in farming. He spent some time in Montana as a carpenter and when he returned to Norman County he bought a tract of land in Twin Valley—built a home and was married in 1912. His bride was Mina Aasgaard who was born in Home Lake Township in 1891, the daughter of Martinus and Maria (Larsen) Aasgaard of Stange in Hedmark and Eidsvoll in Akershus. Ole inherited the industry and thrift of his forbears. and in a few years had advanced himself to become an architect, contractor and builder. Many buildings, churches, homes, barns, etc., stand today as monuments to his talent and industriousness. His sons helped him when they became old enough. The second world war came and all four sons, Miles, Orwin, Arnt and Paul, entered military service and served overseas.
Building was at a standstill and Ole had a family to feed. He went to Couer d Liene, Idaho, and worked on a government project in the forties, and later worked on the' Alaskan Highway, putting up buildings necessary for the 'work of the road crews. When the war was over he was back in Twin-Valley actively drawing plans and contracting for building projects again. Ole was active in the community, being a member of the Twin Valley Council many years, a member of the fire department, a trustee of Zion Lutheran Church where they were lifetime members! Mina was a Sunday School teacher and a life member of Zion Church Women. There was a large garden for her to can and preserve; she sewed all her children's clothes, was a good friend and a concerned neighbor. Ole died in 1962 and Mina in 1967 To their union were born eleven children:
Gladys (Mrs. Andreas Heiberg)
Miles, married to Myrtle (Boberg)
Orwin, married to Ida (Hara)
lona (Mrs. Kermit Kvenvolden)
Arnt, married to Verna (Knutson)
Paul, married to Betty (Wien
Loanna (Mrs. Wayne Wagstrom)
Judith (Mrs. Marlowe Pfaff)
Enid (Mrs. Lloyd Burkholder)
Dorothy (Mrs. Robert Hammer)
One daughter died in infancy.

Edwin and Helen (Stende) Ochsner

Helen Stende was born on October 11, 1920 to Edwin and Nellie (Nelson) Stende. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. She attended rural schools in the Flom area and then went to Twin Valley High School where she graduated.
Edwin Ochsner was born on August 6, 1912 to Geroge and Marth Ochsner at Medina, ND.
Helen married Edwin Ochsner on June 13, 1943 after their marriage the farmed in the Ogema area. In 1965 they moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn here Helen worked at Swift's Inc for 28 years and retired in 1983. Ed died on February 14, 1994. After his death Helen married Harland Erickson (a widower; see Harland Erickson). Helen and Harland reside in Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Helen and Ed were the parents of two children; Elwood and Robert. Elwood was born on August 17, 1944, he married Terry Buchholz. Robert was born on August 21, 1946, he is married to Lynette Grahn.

Hans Peder and Anna (Loven) Odegaard Family

Hans Peder Odegaard was born on June 30, 1849. He died on March 5, 1900 in Twin Valley, Mn at the age of 50 years.
Anna Jensina Loven was born in Rio Wisconsin on August 28, 1852, to Hans Loven and Ingeborg. She died on March 2, 1942 in Prince Albert Sask, at the age of 89 years.
Hans and Anna were married in Rio, Wisconsin. They were the parents of; Peder Gustave born on July 5, 1876. He died on March 29, 1957 in Shellbrook Sask. at the age of 80 years. Peter married Annie Vhali in Twin Valley, Mn in 1901. It is unknown where Annie was born. She died in 1917 in Kilwinning Sask. They were the parents of Bert, Marvil, Lillian, Helmer, James and Erwin.
Henry Alvin born on April 8, 1880. He died on December 29, 1951 in Shellbrook Sask. At the age of 71 years. He married Mabel Louise Low in Ordale Sask, in 1936. Mabel was born in Three Crees Sask on April 15, 1913. After Henry’s death she married Arnold Adamson in Shellbrook Sask. In 1953. Henry and Mabel were the parents of Lois Lorraine (April 8, 1937), Henry Murray (June 9, 1940), Eileen Mae born on May 4, 1944. Eileen was married twice. Once to Lorne Collins in 1965 and then to Joseph Derr on December 10, 1983.
Edward Severin was born in Twin Valley, Mn on February 19, 1882. He died on September 20, 1906 at the age of 24 years.
Anna Marie was born on April 17, 1884. (see Hans Korsgaden and Anna Marie Odegaard) George Rudolph was born on August 3, 1886. He died in 1966 in Brantford Ont, at the age of 79 years. He married Mary Elizabeth Jennings, in Prince Albert Sask, on March 17, 1920. Mary was born in Ireland. George and Mary were the parents of: Aileen (1922), Wildfred (1924), He was married twice. The first time he married Olga in Ontario. The second marriage was to Joyce Anderson in London England in 1945. Doreen Iris ( 1926). Brian (1930) Brian died in 1990 in Paris Ont, at the age of 60 years. Gordon (1931).
Theodore Bernard was born on May 23, 1888 (twin), in Twin Valley, Mn He died on August 27, 1965 in Duncan BC, at the age of 77 years. His body was interred August 30, 1065 in Duncan Anglican Cemetery. He married Annie Louise Roach in Valbrand Sask, on November 12, 1916. Annie was born in London England on January 11, 1883. She died on December 27, 1962 in Duncan BC at the age of 79 years. Theodore immigrated in 1910 with his destination a homestead in Valbrand Sask. Theodore and Annie were the parents of Hazel ( October 16, 1917), she married Donald Carlson in 1938. June (June 17, 1919), Hans (August 10, 1920) and Walter Theodore ( August 25, 1921).
Emma S. was born on May 23, 1888, (twin) was born in Twin Valley, Mn. She died in August 1971 in Prince Albert Sask, at the age of 83 years. Emma married Martin Oscar Nordby in November of 1909. They were the parents of Marvil (April 27, 1911-July 23, 1996), buried at Dry Creek Cemetery, Sask.
Erchil (May 12, 1912), Evelyn (1913), Ferdinand (Mary 9, 1915), Harriet ( May 5, 1917), Peder (July 2, 1918), Blanche (December 20, 1920), Wallace (August 11, 1921), Roland (December 21, 1922), James and Jeanette: twins (August 21, 1924) and Shirley (August 29, 1929)
Ida Pernilla was born on December 12, 1890, in Twin Valley, Mn. She died on November 4, 1984 in Shellbrook Sask, at the age of 93 years. She is buried at Dry Creek Cemetery in Sask. Ida married Arthur (Archie) Lohmeier in Twin Valley, Mn onDecember 5, 1912. Arthur was the som of Henry and Emma Lohmeier. Archie died on May 22, 1948 in Prince Albert Sask, he is burried in Valbrand Sask, Dry Creek Cemetery. Ida immigrated in 1913, with her destination homestead. Ida and Archie were the parents of; Harvey ( June 11, 1913) and Iona Ardis ( February 19, 1915).
Clarence Jonathan was born o February 24, 1893 in Twin Valley, Mn. He married Nanny Marie Peterson in Valbrand Sask, in 1918. Clarence and Nanny
Marie were the parents of; Marion (1919) and Doris (1921)
Hattie Palma Anetta was born on May 24, 1897 in Twin Valley, Mn. She was confirmed at Twin Valley, Mn at the age of 17 years. Hattie died on September 29, 1967 in Prince Albert Sask, at the age of 70 years, she is buried at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, Sask. Hattie married Agdar Johan Fjerwold in Prince Albert Sask, on July 20, 1935. Hattie and Agdar had one child; Larry Agdar who was born on June 22, 1936.

Ole and Julian (Jacobson) Odegaard

Julia was born on July 6, 1885 and died on November 19, 1957. She married Ole Odegaard who was born on January 21, 1886 to Hans Peterson and Anne P. Odegaard. He died on April 24, 1972. They are both buried at Aspelund. They had one daughter Eva (Evelyn) who was married to Archie Waller, they had one son Bruce. Hans Peterson Odegaard immigrated from Eidnanger, Norway in 1854. He first settled in Bonnet Prairie, Wisconsin. He came to Norman county in 1882 and settled on land he bought in Section 1 of Flom township. Hans and Anne P. Odegaard were married in 1875

Chester and Eleanor (Stende) Odland

Eleanor Stende was born on March 27, 1919 at Ulen, Mn to Edwin and Nellie (Nelson) Stende. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. Eleanor attended rural schools in the Flom area. Eleanor married Chester Odland on December 12, 1943 at Flom. The couple had lived in Minneapolis, and Detroit Lakes before residing in Moorhead, Mn. Eleanor was a sister to; Clarence, Lester, Sylve, Gladys, Helen, and Muriel Stende.
They were the parents of seven children; George (11-21-44), Eugene (3-20-1946), Larry (1-21-1950), Myron (3-5-1952), Linda Ponto (12-7-1947), Nancy Colewell (4-4-1958) and Carol Martinez (5-8-1954). Eleanor died on April 18, 1967 at the young age of 48, she had been ill for some time. She left her husband and all the children still at home.
Eleanor is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn. Chester died on March 17, 1987, he is burid in the cemetery of the Crow River Church at Belgrade, Mn.

Tennis and Hanselina (Rinde) Oftedahl

Tennis Oftedahl was born in Norway on October 16, 1873. He came to the United States and to Minnesota at the age of 18. In June of 1898 he married Hanselina (Lena) Rinde, daughter Hans and Kari Rinde of Flom township. They farmed in the area until 1948 when Lena passed away.
Hanselina "Lena" Rinde was born to Helge and Kari Rinde on September 12, 1864 in Rice county. She was baptized in Rice county, and moved to this area with her parents when she was a child. She was confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Tennis and Lena were married in Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom on May 27, 1899. They resided in Home Lake township after their marriage for twenty years. before moving to their persent farm in Wild Rice township in 1917.
The following is a story relating to Lena's death; Tragedy struck the Tennis OFtedahl home last Wednesday morning, fire completely destroying the residence and Mrs. Oftedahl meeting her death as a result of the conflagration. The origin of the fire is unknow, as Mrs. Oftedahl was at home alone at the time of the fire, her husband having gone to town with the cream. Mrs. Oftedahl had evidently tried to extinguish the blaze with the result that her clothing caught fire and her lifeless body, quite badly burned, was found at the well, about three yards from the residence.
The fire was detected after it had gained considerable headway by M.H. Brevik, local mail carrier, who called the Twin Valley fire department. Although prompt response was botained, all the firemen could do was to safeguard the other buildings in the farm yard. Lena died on June 16, 1948, at the age of 83 years, 9 months and 25 days.
Lena was very acrtive in her church and a member of the Ladies Aid with which she was affiliated for many years, she had many friends throughout this area. Lena was a respected and esteemed by all who knew her. The entire community joins with us in extending sincere condolences to the family.
After Lena 's death he stayed on the farm until failing health caused him to moved into Twin Valley around 1965, Tennis then moved in with his daughter Tonette Skauge and her family.
They were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, where he directed the choir for many years.
Tennis and Lena were the parents of Tonette ( Fred Skauge) and Ludvig.
Funeral services for Lena were held at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, with interment in the church cemetery.

Hans and Sina (Johnson) Oien

Hans was born on February 4, 1883 to the Iver and Thora Oien in Walworth township, Becker County, Mn. His parents were both born in Norway; Iver on December 7, 1853 and Thora H. in 1853. They had only one child Hans. Iver died on February in 1936 and Thora on March 31, 1943 both are buried at Aspelund.
Hans grew up in Walworth township and was a member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.
Sina Johnson was born in 1879 in Norway. She had one sister Anna (Rishovd). Hans and Sina were married on September 10, 1909 in Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Hans and Sina were the parents of five children; Tilford, Lawrence, Johnny Sandvick, Alice; see Carl and Alice Sandal, and Thea; see Henry and Thea Haroldson.

Johnny Sandvick Oien

Johnny Sandvick Oien was born on November 8, 1911 to Hans and Sina (Johnson) Oien. He grew up on the family farm in section 10 of Walworth township, Becker county, Mn. After his father's death in 1941 Johnny took over the operations of the family farm. Johnny died unexpectantly at the age of 32 from a heart attack. Johnny was at his home in Walworth township at the time of his death. Funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom with interment at the church cemetery. Johnny passed away on November 3, 1943.

Tilford Oien

Tilford was born on May 30, 1916 in Walworth Township to Hans and Sina (Johnson) Oien. Here he grew up on the family farm located in section 10. He took over the farm and in his later years he moved into Flom where he lived with his sister Alice (Sandal) until he entered the Lutheran Memorial Nursing home in Twin Valley, Mn. Tilford died on February 23, 1999 and is buried at Aspelund.

Arnold and Selma (Lee) Olson

Arnold Olson was born to Hans and Amanda (Tollefson) Olson in Flom Township on February 7, 1901. He was married to Selma Lee on June 23, 1923 at Grand Forks, North Dakota. They came to the Kvaas Farm and farmed together with his parents. Their daughter, Betty Lou was born on August 23, 1924.
Around 1932, they purchased the Tom Helland farm located 1 1/2 miles east of the Kvaas Farm in Popple Grove Township of Mahnomen County. Their son, Gordon Wayne was born November 16, 1939 in Crookston, Minnesota and died the same day. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery at Flom, Minnesota.
Arnold and Selma purchased a home in Detroit Lakes in 1962 and retired after 38 years of farming. For some years after, they divided their time between the farm and their home in town.
Selma died on August 21, 1977. Arnold died on November 27, 1993. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery at Flom, Minnesota.
Betty Lou’s mother Selma, was born to Louis and Betsy (Tveten) Lee on August 4, 1903. She died on August 21, 1977.
Betty Lou grew up on her parent’s farm in Popple Grove Township, Mahnomen County, Minnesota. She attended school in Waubun, Minnesota and graduated from there in May of 1942. She married Allan Houglum on May 18, 1946.
Allan was born to Martin and Sena (Severtson) Houglum on March 31, 1924. He has the following siblings: Mendley, Dennel (Dan), Raymond, Pearl (Briggs), Robert, Joseph, Lucille. They were all born and raised in the Audubon/Cormorant, Minnesota area. They moved to the Flom Area around 1939. Martin Houglum was born in 1873 and died in 1964, Sena Severtson was born in 1878 and died in 1959.
Allan and Betty Lou have two children:
Bonita Louise, born August 15, 1955 and Bradley Allan born December 7, 1957.
Allan is currently resides at the Lisbon Veteran’s Home in Lisbon, North Dakota.
Betty Lou lives on the farm with her son, Bradley.

Arthur and Irene (Flaten) Olson

Arthur E. Olson ("E for Excellent", he often said), son of Martin and Selma Knutson Olson, was born at his parents' farm home on July 23, 1915 near Geneseo in southeastern North Dakota. He attended school near Geneseo and was confirmed at the Bergen Lutheran Church there. Art came to the Ada, Minnesota, vicinity in 1933, along with three brothers, a sister and several neighborhood boys, to seek employment. He was employed at Ira and Claris Miller's farm and also for William Ashbach in the Ada area before coming to Flom, after hearing that a farmer west of Flom was looking for a hired man. Having grown up in the "Dust Bowl" of North Dakota during the Depression years, the wooded region near Flom looked pretty inviting. He almost changed his mind about coming,
however, when he arrived at the corner north of the Martinus Flaten farm and found the road nearly impassable; but Art forged ahead, not even knowing at that time about "The Farmer's Daughter" who would become his bride six years later. Despite the huge snowdrifts, the hard work of farming with horses, and the unfamiliar language (Norwegian), Art stayed at the Flaten farm until 1942 when he entered the U.S. Army and ended up marrying "The Farmer's Daughter" in 1943. Art often called Flom, "Little Norway".
After the short time Art and Irene spent in Kansas and Mississippi, Art was sent to Europe with the 94th Infantry Division, where he served under General Patton in Germany during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star with the Oak Leaf Cluster for "distinguishing himself by his outstanding leadership ability and forceful initiative. In addition to maintaining an uninterrupted flow of supplies to his unit, he led a platoon on two aggressive assaults and accomplished his mission, despite intense hostile fire, with the greatest of success."
Discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945, he returned to the Flaten farm where he and Irene farmed until his retirement in
1984.
Art was very active in church and community affairs. He and Irene were members of Wild Rice Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, as Sunday School superintendent and in the church choir. He also served on the World Hunger Task Force of the Northern Minnesota District of the American Lutheran Church, a project that was dear to his heart.
Art also served on the Board of Directors of the Flom Co-op Oil, the Norman County Fair Board, the Norman County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation (ASC) Committee, the East Agassiz Soil Conservation Service Board, the Twin Valley School Board, and as a 4-H leader.
He was also a member of the Lions Club, VFW POST 3818 of Flom, and the Nesseth-Lien American Legion Post of Twin Valley, serving as leader of its firing squad for nearly 40 years, rarely missing a Memorial Day observance or funeral of a departed comrade. Art loved his country and was proud to have served it in time of war. Art passed away on March 17, 1986, and is buried in the Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Irene, the daughter of Martinus and Nora Flaten, was born on May 20, 1919 and grew up on her parents' farm in Flom Township, which would be her home for most of her 67 years. She attended Woodland Nook School and later graduated from Twin Valley High School at the age of 16.
In 1939, she received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Following graduation, she taught in Peterson, Minnesota, and later at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She then returned home to the farm to marry "the hired man", Arthur Olson.
Irene's work outside the home took her back to Twin Valley High School where she taught German and history and to the U.S. Postal Service where she faithfully served as a clerk in the Twin Valley Post Office for 20 years, retiring in January 1986.
Irene was also very active in her church and community. A member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church her entire life, she served on the church council, as church treasurer, as a Sunday School teacher and choir member, and as a member and officer of the Wild Rice American Lutheran Church Women, serving as president at the time of her death. Irene was also a
member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Twin Valley, the VFW Auxiliary of Flom, and the Flom Happy Homemakers Club. She also served as a 4-H leader. Irene was a faithful wife and loving mother.
Being the quiet wife of a vivacious husband, she was the "hub" around which the family moved.
A deep thinker, she was widely read and an "expert" to her family on many subjects. Cherished by her husband, Art called her his "Honey Bee". Irene passed away on September
4, 1986, less than six months after the death of her husband, and is buried in the Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Art and Irene had four children. Kathleen Faye was born on October 30, 1946, and married Larry Solseth of Twin Valley on December 22, 1968. They live in Fargo, North Dakota, and have two children. Nathan Paul married Allison Moe; and they live in Fargo, North Dakota. Melissa Kay married Michael Lynnes of Leonard, North Dakota, where they live with their two children, Zachary Michael and Rebecca Kathleen. Kathleen has a small clerical business which she runs out of their home.
Noreen Sheila was born on February 18, 1950, and married Scott Pederson of Twin Valley in April 1969. She later married Rodney Stromberg of Fargo, North Dakota, on December 23, 1972. They had two children. Stephen Lee lives in Phoenix, Arizona; and Angela Beth lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. Noreen also currently lives in Fort Collins where she manages a Blockbuster Video Store.
Laurel Lee was born on February 14, 1954, and married George James Yost of Ada, Minnesota, on December 30, 1972. They live in Ulen, Minnesota, and have three children. Jamie Lee lives in Fargo, North Dakota; and Ryan Patrick lives in Houston, Texas. Kristin Amber currently attends the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Laurel is the secretary/bookkeeper at the Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen.
Marlin Arthur, often returned to by his father as "Son One", was born on November 1, 1960. He lives in the Briarwood community south of Fargo, North Dakota, where he is the accountant at Dakota Bumper Exchange of Fargo. It is interesting to note that Marlin, having never met his grandfather, Martinus Flaten, bears a striking resemblance to him in looks, temperament and mannerisms.
In 1990 the Flaten-Olson farm was sold to Curtis Holum, marking the end of a 112-year period of ownership by the Flaten and Olson families.
Submitted by Kathleen Olson Solseth

Gilmer and Mabel (Berg) Olson

Gilmer Olson was born on February 2, 1901 near Lake Preston, SD, to John and Nettie Olson. He moved with his family to Madison, where they lived for three years before moving to a farm in Home Lake township.
Mabel Berg was born in 1902 to Minnie (Kjos) and Christ Berg. She baked at a restaurant and dormitory in Montana. During WW II she worked in a ship yard. She had one sister Nora (Stordahl).
Gilmer married Mabel Berg on February 28, 1925, near Twin Valley. They were the parents of one daughter Verna (Leslie Prestegaard) born in 1926. They moved to Flom township and farmed here until Mabel’s death in 1947. Gilmer then worked for neighboring farmers and the Bergeson Nursery. He was also the janitor of the Wild Rice Lutheran Church, near Twin Valley, for 19 years. He lived just north of the church.
One of Gilmer’s favorite enjoyments in life was working as a steam engine operator at the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion at Rollag. For many years he operated the largest steam engine at Rollage, and he trained younger men to operate the steam engines and carry on the tradition. He also enjoyed working outdoors trimming and pruning trees and shrubs.
Gilmer passed away on February 27, 1992 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Hans and Amanda (Tollefson) Olson

Hans Olson was born on the Fidjestodl Farm in Kvaas, Lyngdahl, Vest Agder, Norway in 1869 to Ole and Gunvor (Tollisdatter Fidjestodl) Hansen Royseland. He left Norway on March 19, 1886 from Kristiansand, Vest Agder and entered at Ellis Island in New York. His destination was Minnesota. Two of his sister’s also emigrated from Norway to America, Anne Teoline (Mrs. Ole Vinger) left Norway on March 31, 1888 and Tomine Dorthea (Mrs. Peder Baukol), who left Norway on June 13, 1884.
He married Amanda Tollefson on May 27, 1892. They purchased the SW 1/4 of Section 13 in Flom Township from Andrea Otterness in October of 1892. The land had originally been Northern Pacific Railroad property.
They had eight children born to them: Theodora (Dora) (Mrs. Dortinius Larson), Geneva (Mrs. Olaf Solberg), Anna (Mrs. Harold Solberg), H. Arnold, Alpha (Mrs. Olaf Tveten), Myrtle (Mrs. Oscar Kindseth), Guy and Selma (Mrs. Hans Tveten).
Their son Guy, rented the farm in 1932. He married Alice Larson on October 26, 1934. She was the daughter of Erling & Christina (Thompson) Larson and was born at Centuria, Wisconsin on June 28, 1914. They rented the farm until May of 1945 when they purchased it. They had 2 sons Lloyd and Merlyn.
Guy originated the dairy business, even though his father milked cows for the family’s use. Guy milked 12 cows by hand and sold the cream. In 1937, he mechanized his farm by selling his horses and purchasing a new Allis Chalmers WC tractor and John Deere plow for $900. Guy was the first in the neighborhood to go all tractor power. The tractor was the first WC Chalmers sold at Johnson & Gravely in Flom and is still in working order on the farm. Another highlight for the Olson Farm was Christmas Eve of 1945. That was the day electricity was hooked up to the farm, and they had purchased a string of Christmas tree lights just in case.
During the 1950’s, Guy switched from dairy to beef, having only two dairy cows for house use. During the 1960’s, Merlyn showed an interest in farming and rekindled the interest in dairying. He remodeled the barn and built the herd to 31 cows. Merlyn married Sylvia Waller in June of 1970. She is the daughter of James and Nina (Erickson) Waller. Guy and Alice moved to Twin Valley. They both worked for Lutheran Memorial homes for several years. Alice died in 1990 and Guy in 2000.
Merlyn and Sylvia purchased the farm in March 1973. They have two children, Crystal (Mrs. Rodney Lampton) and Matthew.
Now the farm has been continuously owned and lived on by the Olson Family for 110 years. Merlyn and Matthew continue to dairy and are presently the only dairy farm in Flom Township. They have a 60 cow tie stall barn with E-Z track computeriws automatic take-off milkers.

Kenneth E. and Helen (Kyllingstad) Olson

Kenneth Olson, the son of Ole K. and Laura Olson was born March 11, 1906 in Anthony Township of Norman County, Minnesota. Being the youngest of six boys he moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and worked at the city light plant for twelve years.
He was united in marriage to Helen Kyllingstad, the daughter of Carl and Mathilda Kyllingstad of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In 1942 he moved to Vancouver, Washington to work in the shipyards as a steamfitter for three years.
After his mother's death, in 1945, he moved back to Anthony Township and farmed his parents' farm for ten years. In 1955, he purchased his own farm, the former Wild Rice Children's Home in Section 6 of Flom Township.
Kenneth and Helen are the parents of three children, namely: Mrs. W. F. (Barbara) Roper of Abilene, Texas;
Ronald, and
Donald both farming at home and two grandchildren Joel and Jeff, Barbara’s children who live in Texas.

Milford and Ruth (Hanson) Olson

Milford A. Olson was born at Lake Park, Mn. on October 25, 1905 to Mr. and Mrs. Ole Olson. He spent his early boyhood there and moved with hish familly to the farm at Fossum, where he remained the rest of his life. He was confirmed by Rev. Opdahl in 1921. He attended country school at District 41.
Milford and Ruth were married on June 21, 1931. They were blessed with three children; Carol ann, Linda Ruth and a daughter Myrna Ruth (who passed away in infancy and is buried at Wild Rice). When they were first married they lived in Twin Valley, Mn for the first two years and then moved out on the Olson farm where they have lived since. Milford loved to hunt and trip. He also hauled grain for farmers and gravel for road construction. They were faithful members of the Wild Rice Congregaton.
Milford was only 35 years of age when he died. He had suffered the last two years from malignant hypertension and everything was done to stay the malady, but to no avail. Much suffering has been his lot, especially this past year, but he has borne the cross with remarkable courage and fortitude. Milford died on December 18, 1940 and is buried at Wild Rice.


Ole Helgeson Olson and Golena (Lena) Christiana Olson

Ole Helgeson Olson was born in Little Iowa, Iowa, which was one of the first Norwegian settlements in the United States, on January 9, 1858 to Helge and Sigrid Bergetangen Olson (See article on Helge and Sigrid Olson).
Ole was 24 years old when his family moved to Flom Township in 1882. He farmed a couple of miles east of Flom in section 36 of Flom Township. He married Sophie Johnson on February 19, 1885. Sophie was born about 1863, the daughter of Martin and Caroline (Bergerson)Johnson. Sophie died in October of the same year. Ole marrried his second wife, Golena (Lena) Olson in 1886 or 1887.
Lena was born January 28, 1870 in Atwater, Minnesota to Knut Olsen and Berit Narvesdatter. Knud and Berit came to America from Sigdal, Norway in 1857. Knut and Berit lived in Dodge County for several years. They moved from from there to Atwater, Minnesota until 1877, when they moved to Louisville, Minnesota. Lena's parents purchased a farm and lived there until their deaths. In 1891, Ole purchased 40 acres of land from his father, Helge Olson in section 20 of Flom Township.
Ole and Lena Olson had the following children:
Cecelia Karoline Olson was born on May 6, 1888 and died on April 5, 1892. Cecelia is buried in the original Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Bertine Heline Olson was born in June 28, 1889 and died on April 7, 1892. Bertine is buried in the original Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Helmer Clarence Olson was born on March 31, 1891. He married Lillian Oswell in Duluth about 1923 or 1924 and Helmer died on August 31, 1964 in Seattle King County, Washington.
Bertha Cecelia Bertina Olson was born on February 3, 1893. She married Arthur Otterstetter in Duluth, Minnesota. Bertha died in December 1985 in Southgate MI.
Sophia Elvera Olson was born on March 13, 1894. She married Gilbert Erickson in February of 1919 in Duluth, Minnesota. Sophia died on January 15, 1993 in Duluth, Minnesota.
Oscar Carl Olson was born April 30, 1896. He married Cecelia (Lucille) Linzmeier on June 28, 1926 in Blenker, Wisconsin. Oscar died on March 16, 1978 in Duluth, Minnesota.
Julia (Olson) Caza was born on January 14, 1898. She married John Joseph Caza in Duluth, Minnesota. Julia died on December 31, 1989 in Duluth, Minnesota.
Leonard Oleander Olson was born on October 23, 1901. He married Esther Skudstad about 1940. Leonard died on August 18, 1945 in Duluth, Minnesota.
Edlin Milford Olson was born on October 16, 1904. He married Elfreida Severson in Duluth, Minnesota about 1947. Edlin died on October 21, 1978 in LaPorte, Indiana. He is buried in Duluth, Minnesota.
Ole Helgeson Olson was killed when a load of hay tipped over on him on February 17, 1905. The exact particulars are not known, however, it seems that Ole had been after a load of hay and was on his way home when somehow the load tipped over, covering him up. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery. His children were age three months to fourteen years old at the time of his death. Lena and the children moved to Crookston, Minnesota in 1908. They later moved to Duluth, Minnesota in 1912. Lena died on July 16, 1945 in Duluth, Minnesota. She is buried at the Bethany Cemetery in Duluth, Minnesota

Walter Olson

Walter Olson came to Flom township from Tracy, Mn with his parents; Gust and Amanda Olson in the early 1900’s. They settled on a quarter section of land in the NE 1/3 of section 21. The farm was formerly known as the Churness farm.
Walter had one brother Bill and two sisters; Rose (see Rose Flom) and Florence (Haraldson).
Walter farmed with his parents until they retired and then he took over the farm. His parents both died in 1949 and are buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery. Walter acquired three more quarters of land thru the years. He bought the Underdahl quarter which adjoined his farm and the Haraldson quarter all in section 21. He also acquired a quarter section in section 20 of Flom township known as the Bill Olson quarter.
Walter always had a lot of cattle, and limited amount of good fence, as a result his cattle were know to frequent the neighbors fields occasionally.
Walter served his country in the United States Army during WW I, and was taken prisoner for a time. He said he got very little food in prison. He was also exposed to Mustard Gas. Walter was a member of the American Legion and Flom-Twin Valley VFW Post 3818, of which he served as the commander for a time.
During his retirement, Walter spent many winters in Brownsville, Texas. From there he would got to Monterrey, Mexico and visited the Suarez family, Marina Suarez is married to Delwyn Haraldson, who is Walter’s nephew. While in Monterrey Walter met Alicia Suarez, Marina’s sister, fell in love and they were eventually married.
Walter bought a house in Monterrey and lived there until his death. Walter is buried in Monterrey, Mexico.
Alicia was a very kind and caring person and took very good care of Walter, during his failing health and before he passed on.
Walter was a good friend and neighbor, a kind and gentle person who never used profanity. His favorite saying was "that beats all."
submitted by Kenneth Holum

Henry and Mabel (Kvidt) Ommodt

Henry was born to John and Annie (Anderson) Ommodt on March 11, 1897, he was born in Finley, Wisc. He married Mabel Kvidt daughter of Jens and Hannah (Albertson) Kvidt on July 16, 1899. They farmed in the Flom area for seven years and in 1929, he began working in the Flom Creamery. He was named manager of the creamery in 1931 and continued in that capacity until his death on August 18, 1958. Mabel passed away on October 24, 1984.
They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn. Henry and Mabel had one son; Donald
Donald Henry Ommodt and his wife Evelyn live in Fargo, ND. Don worked at the bank in Waubun, Mn for 2 and a half years before beginning work at Cass Clay Creamery in 1953. He held several positions with the company before becoming general manager in 1965. He was later promoted to President in 1983. During this period the company continued to grow and grew ten fold during the 20 years 1965-1985. Don retired in 1997 from Cass Clay Creamery, but continues to be President of the Hour of Worhsip in Fargo, ND. Don and Evelyn have four children; Linette (Hartman), Kevin, LeeAnn (Leech) and Jodi.

Ommodt Family; John and Annie (Anderson) Ommodt

The Ommodt family moved to the Flom area in 1912 and lived about five miles northeast of Flom, on the farm currently owned by David Haugo. It is located in Popple Grove Township of Mahnomen County. At that time seven of their 10 children still lived with them and they farmed in that area for many years. John Ommodt was born in Norway in 1854 and came to America at the age of 15. He married Annie Anderson in 1880 and lived in Wisconsin, southern Minnesota and western North Dakota before moving to the Flom area. The seven children that were with them were Martin, Bennett, Charley, Alice, Henry, Mabel and William, several of which stayed in the Flom area for most of their lives.

Martin and Inga (Helland) Ommodt

Martin Ommodt married Inga Helland on November 19, 1916. She was born to the Helland’s at Kragnes, Minnesota. They made their home on a farm northeast of Flom, just east of the Ommodt home place. Around 1924 his health began failing and eventually became crippled and finally bedridden. He passed away on April 5, 1935 and Inga passed away in 1970. Both are buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom Mn.
They were the parents of three children; Evelyn (Larson), Ardis (Hanson) and Marlin.
Evelyn married Ernest Larson, they lived on the home place in Popple Grove Twp where they farmed and raised their family. They were the parents of two children; Linda (Hesby) and Myron. Today Evelyn is living in Waubun, Mn.
Ardis married Neil Hanson (deceased), they farmed near Rosholt, SD. They had two children; Doreen (Murphy) and Wanda (Jensen).
Marlin married Alvira Walz of Waubun. They lived in Kent, Mn for many years both are deceased. They had no children.

Bennett and Mabel (Dorseth) Ommodt

Bennett Ommodt was born on November 8, 1890. He married Mabel Dorseth on May 6, 1917. Mabel was the daughter of Hans and Ronnaug Dorseth, she was born on March 1, 1898 near Flom. She grew up on the family farm in section 28 of Flom Township.
Bennett held several positions including manager of Flom C0-op Creamery. He later went on to hold several government positions including USDA leadership positions. He was instrumental in setting up the cheese grading program for the USDA which became the standard for many years. Bennett and Mabel had one son; Bennett V. Ommodt
Bennett V. “Bud” Ommodt worked for Government services for many years and has since retired. He lives in Alexandria, Va. Bud has two children, Dana K and Robert Bennett.

Charley and Thilda (Kvidt) Ommodt

Charley was born in 1893 to John and Annie (Anderson) Ommodt. He married Thilda Kvidt in 1916. Prior to his marriage he attended the state college at Brookings, SD. After his marriage he operated creameries in Sundal, Barnesville and Hawley, MN. In 1925 he became field manager of Land O’Lakes Creameries, continuing in that position until he was appointed assistant commissioner of agriculture. He held that position three and on half years before becoming the Commissioner of Agriculture in 1937. Following this he was manager for resettlement farms in the Thief River Falls area until becoming manager of Cass Clay Creamery, Moorhead, Mn in 1941. Charley was credited with building Cass Clay Creamery into a regional company over the 22 years he managed it. During these years the company grew rapidly and moved from Moorhead to a new plant in Fargo, ND. Following his death a tribute was written and printed on the annual statement of the creamery. It read in part: “With the passing of Mr. Ommodt, the dairy industry ahs lost a great champion and we personally lost a good friend. The work he did speaks eloquently of what can be done by one who had talent and a real devotion to his calling. He was a dedicated man. He gave the wholehearted attention of his keen mind and physical being to the dairy industry day after day, throughout his life.” Charley and Thida had one daughter; Florence (Carlson).
Florence and her husband Milton Carlson lived in Starbuck, Mn for many years and taught school there. Florence passed away in 1999. They had two children; Kay (Newstrom) and Don.

William and Nolda (Kvidt) Ommodt.

(the Ommodt-Kvidt connection-three brothers married three sisters)
Bill Ommodt was born on June 22, 1902 to John and Annie (Anderson) Ommodt at Pittsville, Wisconsin. Nolda was
born on November 11, 1902 to Jens and Hannah (Albertson) Kvidt. They were married on December 5, 1925. They
started their farming career on the home farm where John Ommodt had built all the buildings, In 1945, they moved to
the arm which they had bought earlier and lived there until retiring in 1965 when they moved to Flom. They lived in Flom east of the old school house until l990. They sold their home to Jeanine Hoseth’s mother and step father Fred Klingfuses, they in turn sold it to Mike and Shari Qual who still reside there. When Bill and Nolda left Flom they moved to the retirement home in Twin Valley (Valley Pines). Bill passed away on May 8, 200 and Nolda passed away on September 1, 1996.
Bill and Nolda had one daughter; Arla. Arla was married to Kenneth Bromander, son of Hugo and Clara (Solid) Bromander of Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn. Kenny and Arla farmed on the Bromander family farm just four miles south of Flom. They were in the dairy business for 25 years and continued to grain farm for several years after that. Arla taught English and Speech at Ulen High School for many years during the time they were farming.
Kenny and Arla were bless with four children; Katherine (Blascyk), Lowell, Karen (Runck) and Roger. After they retired from farming they moved into Twin Valley, Mn. Kenny passed away on April 16, 1998, he is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. After Kenny died Arla continued to live in Twin Valley until the spring of 2001. It was at this time that Arla married Russell Kent. They moved to his farm near Ogema, Mn.

Adolph and Inga (Strand) Opsahl
Adolph and Johanna (Bakken) Opsahl

Adolph Selmer Opsahl was born on February 14, 1887 in Ulen township, to Ludvig and Eline Opsahl. He married Inga Strand on December 16, 1914. They had one daughter Ellen who along with her mother passed away in 1918 during the flu epidemic. After Inga’s death Adolph married Johannah Bakken and they were the parents of three children; twins, Elna and Irene and one son Ludvig.
Adolph served for many years on the Home Lake township board and school board. He farmed and threshed in this community. Adolph passed away on October 12, 1946 at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Ludvig and Eline were the parents of; Lewis, Ole, Adolph, Mrs. Lewis Ramsey, Mrs. Knute Knutson and Inez. Three sons proceeded them in death, they were; Joseph, Oscar and Henry.
Adolph, Johanna, Lewis, and Mabel are buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. We don’t know where his first wife Inga and their daughter Ellen are buried.

Lewis and Mabel (Evanson) Opsahl

Lewis E. Opsahl as born on July 29, 1891, in Clay county, Minnesota. He grew up in Clay country where he attended schools in the Ulen area.
Mabel Evanson was born in 1895.
Lewis married Mabel Evanson on September 5, 1914 near Twin Valley, Mn. After their marriage they farmed in the Ulen and Twin Valley areas until retiring in 1974. At that time they moved into Twin Valley, in 1980 Lewis moved into the Lutheran Memorial Homes where he resided until his death in 1982. Mabel passed away in 1983, they are both buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Lewis and Mabel were the parents of; Eldred, Mildred (Sagen), Evelyn (Norman Albertson).

Ormbreck Family History

Marit "Marie" Kvale was born on August 25, 1860 to Thorsten and Berit Kvale in Vang Valdres, Norway. She came to America in 1885, coming to the Minneapolis, Mn area. Here she met and married Ole Christoferson on May 30, 1891, also of Minneapolis. To this union four children were born; Chris, Oscar, Alfred and Clara. Clara died at the age of sixteen months. Ole passed away on August 13, 1899. He is buried in southern Minnesota, not sure of the exact location.
On November 30, 1901 she married Halvor Ormbreck and move to the Flom community. They lived in section 19 of Flom township on the farm owned today by Sylvia Boman. Halvor was one of the organizers of the Flom Co-op Creamery in 1902. He also worked in Waubun for a short time as manager of the yard at the Wilcox Lumber Company in Waubun, Mn., before the family moved to Ulen, Mn. (The Waubun Diamond Jubilee Book records the name as Orenbrech).
Halvor and Marit were the parents of two children; Bertha (Walter Halvorson) and Ingeborg (Gordon Evans). Halvor passed away on June 16, 1912. Halvor was the father of seven children with his first marriage. They were; Julia (Beneke), Henry, Berget (Andrew Peterson), Helga (Ben Ybarra), Ruth (Ole Peterson) two children Halvor John (1895-1908)and Signe (1882-1908) are both buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn. We don't know where his first wife is buried or her name.
After Halvor’s death Marit moved to Ulen, Mn where she opeated a store. She resided in Ulen until her last four years of life. At this time she lived with her daughter Ingeborg , at LeSueur. Marit was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid, the American Legion Auxiliary, all of Ulen. She was a devoted Christian mother and loved by all who knew her.
Marit passed away on May 28, 1946 at LeSueur at the age of 85 years. God Bless her memory.
Halvor and Marit are both buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Chris Ormbreck married Christine Vesterheim from Fertile, Mn. Three of their boys remained in the Ulen area, they were; Clayton, Neal and Paul. Paul worked at Northwestern State Bank of Ulen until his retirement.

Hans and Jorgine (Farkvam) Martinusson Ostenvik

Hans Kornelius Martinusson, born 1841, at Alesund, Norway to Martinus Hanson Korneliusson, his mother's name does not show on the records and it is believed they were among those lost when the Alesund Church burned in 1904. His baptism and confirmation dates also are not yet found. He was educated in Alesund, became a Seaman (Not a fisherman). Probably was retired since he was past his 50th birthday and thus was able to leave Norway.
Hans was married on April 12, 1866 to Jorgine Rasmusdtr Farkvam, b.1849 in Molde, Norway to Anne Eriksdtr Seth (Saet) and Rasmus Jorgen Farkvam. Her baptism or confirmation records are not known, or where she was educated. Because she married a Seaman,she at times lived in
Orsta where some of the Farkvam family resided.
Hans and Jorgine with her husband at sea so much of the time, suffered sadness alone. She bore 16 children - eight of whom died when very young from sickness and epidemics, one was severe whooping cough, in Norway.
Hans and and Jorgine emigrated from Orsta,Norway on June 20, 1891 with children
HANS JORGIN Martinusson, b. 1873;
ANNE Martinusson, b. 1879;
RASMUS Matias Martinusson b. 1881;
WILHELM Andreas Wexels Martinusson, b.1887 at Alesund.
ANTON remained in Alesund to finish his schooling and another daughter, GINA, was already in the U.S., as well as ANNA.
MATHIAS (Matt) Ostenvik was born in Norman County, Minnesota, November 23, 1981.
The family changed the name from Martinson to OSTENVIK After their arrival in the U.S.
Hans and Jorgine were not young emigrants. Their eldest daughter Anna, b. 1866 persuaded her family to come to America - and not too long after she and her husband Matias Benson moved back to Alesund where they lived the rest of their lives. Hans was a kind, gentle and helpful man - They were a devout Lutheran family. Jorgine knew the Bible almost by heart.
They lived in Gary, Twin Valley/Heiberg area and the date they moved to Flom, MN is not known but it was some years before 1917.
Hans and Jorgine lived with Elsie and William Ostenvik until their deaths. When they lived on the Faith farm,Pastor Opdahl used to come and visit her and even though she was practically bedridden, he came one day and persuaded her to go with him to a celebration at the Wild Rice Children's Home.
Hans died January, 1918 at Flom, and Jorgine died in 1926 at the farm at Faith, MN. They are both buried in the Immanuel Cemetary at Flom, MN.

Mathias and Ella (Braaten) Ostenvik

Mathias "Matt" Ostenvik was born on November 23, 1891, in Norman County to Hans and Jorgine Ostenvik, just a
few months after they arrived in America. He was their last child born to them and the first to be born here in the new
land. He grew up in the Twin Valley/Heiberg area where he was baptized, confirmed and attended school. It was
sometime in the years before 1917 that they family moved to the Flom area. Matt continued to live with his brother
and his wife when they moved to a farm near Faith, Mn, in 1923. He stayed with them up through the first months
after his marriage to Ella.
Ella Braaten was born in section 22 of Flom Township on September 18, 1895 to Gulbrand and Anna Braaten on the
family farm. She grew up in the Flom area and attended school here.
Matt and Ella were married on November 17, 1923. They lived with Matt’s brother for the first few months of their
marriage up until they purchased a farm in the Flom area.
Ella had a daughter Elvina who was born in 1916. She was seven years old when Matt and Ella were married.
Although never formally adopted by Matt, she took the Ostenvik name- she was a bright, pretty red-haired child. She went to school in the Flom area. It speaks well for Matt and Ella that she grew up a happy, self assured young woman.
Matt and Ella had one son born to them on May 25th, 1925 who was born in Flom, Mn. He was a beautiful and healthy boy. He died on January 31, 1926 from a abdominal obstruction. At his funeral six little girls carried his white coffin. It was a very sad day for his parents, family and friends. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. Matt and Ella had no more children.
Matt had a love for music as did his brothers, Rasmus and William. When they got together they would have a great time fiddling song like "Turkey in the Straw", Setergjenten’s Sondag" and songs by Norwegian composer Edvard Greig, among other songs they loved to play. His brother Anton lived father away so didn’t share in the fun-but he too, was a good violin player. Matt was a farmer all of his life until he retired.
Ella was a quiet, neat little woman. She was so allergic to poison ivy that every time she went to clean the graves which folks did every Memorial Day, she suffered with really serious poison ivy rashes. She was a good wife, mother and aunt. A capable gentle person. Her bachelor brothers used to live with she and Matt during the winters, so she was also a good sister and family person.
Matt was interested in music and loved the violin, and he and Elvina used to have lots of fun with Matt playing the violin and Elvina chording on the organ. He used to play the baritone and bass instruments in bands and orchestras and Elvina’s Uncle William taught her to how to play the cornet so that little combo used to be asked to play at various functions.
Matt died on January 9, 1971 and Ella died on February 9, 1978, they are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.

Rasmus and Alma (Jellum) Ostenvik

Rasmus was born and baptized as Rasmus Matias Martinusson in Alesund, Norway b. 6-21-1881. Records show he emigrated to America under that name with his parents Hans and Jorgine Martinusson Ostenvik in June 1891. He was confirmed and educated in the Twin Valley/Heiberg area. Rasmus was a farm worker in the Flom area when a young man.
On 3-26-1925 he married Alma Jellum, b. 1901 in Goodhue County, MN, she and they first farmed the Holm farm in Flom. Several of their children were born there.
Their children:
1. Rose Alice b. 12-26-1926, died in January. She lived only about a week when she died a crib death - (sudden death infant syndrome) She is buried in the Aspelund Cemetary, January 1927..
2. Ardis, b.12-1927, in Flom, she married Oliver Larson b.4-1908. d.6-1989 and is buried in Ulen Cemetary. They had two children (a)Valerie, b.in Ulen, married 1968 to Alvin Knutson, Jr. b.1944, d. 1975. They had five children: Valerie, Heidi, Lynn, LaDonna, and Timmy. In 1976 she married Alvin Knutson.Sr., b. 1918, d.1987. They had one child, Jason, b. 1978. (b) Oliver Leland-b.1954, married Luann Beth Kjos b.1959, married 1977. They had two children Tyler and Brett.
3. Jane-b.1929 in Flom, married in 1951 at Tacoma. WN. to Robert Bassett, b.1929. They had four children, Terry b. 6-21-953, d. 6-22-1953. Roberta,married Bernard Kozak in 1988 in C leveland, Ohio, their child- Kevan Kozak, b.1988. Michael Bassett, b. 1961 marriedFelicia Farr, Ft.Worth, Tex. No children. Sally Lee Bassett, was stillborn 11-16-1962, Jane later married Don Cramer - they had no children.
4. Darlene, b.1931at Flom,MN. In 1950 married Orlin Wasfaret at Bethlehem Lutheran Chuch, Ulen, MN, They had four children:(a) Randy, b. 1951,
and d.1996. married Kathryn Gooding, Ulen, 1971- they had a daughter Tina. They divorced. In 1976 he married Noy Pingwung, Sattahip, Thailand. He retired as Master Sgt. in the USAF - spent 22 years in this service. He is buried in the
Bethlehem Luth.W. Cemetary, Ulen, MN. (b) Robin-b. 1955, married Gerald Johnson, Watertown, S.Dak and they adopted Kellie Jo b.1972, Moorhead . (c)Angel b.1960 In 1976 ,she married Kenneth Warling.and they divorced March 1981 - had no children. Later Angel married Jackie Heimbach - their children ,Jennifer,b.1976(adopted,) Tiffany b.1979 (adopted). Jared, b. 1985, and
Jacob.b. 1989.
(d)Jeffrey Wasfaret - b.11-18-1957, d.10-16-1981 as result of a car accident.
5. Ruby Violet. b. 4-1934 at Bagley, MN first one not born at Flom, MN. in 1952 married Waldo Hammer, Hitterdahl, MN he was b. 1932 and d. 2-5-1987.
They had two daughters, Kimberley b.1953 at Naval Hospital.Oakland, Calif. married in 1971at Seattle,WN to Robert Pennini, JR. b.1952, They had 2 children, Aaron and Crystal. Kimberley & Robt.divorced in Calif.
1975. She in 1975 married at Seattle.WN., James Lykken, b. 1949 in Grafton, S.Dak., and they have two children born at Renton, WN, Lisa and Stephanie.
Ruby's second dtr. Tonda b.1956 at Renton, WN. They divorced in 1979 and In 1983, she married James Crowder, b.1953 at Gadson, Alabama.
They had children born at Renton, Kira, 1985, Rachel, b. 1987 and a full-term baby stillborn, 1959 at Renton.
6. Harlan (twin to Harlow) b. 7-16-1939. stillborn
7. Harlow, b. 7-16-1939 at Ulen, MN -in 1961 was married at Barrett.MN toGloria Johnson, b. 1940 They had two daughters - (a)Brenda b.1963 at Fergus Falls, MN- in 1985 she married at Heron Lake. MN, Jeffrey Appel.b.1963.
Their son Jeremy b. 1987. (b) Lisa. b.11-17-1966 at Fergus Falls, MN.
She married Darren Saner, b. 1967, Freeman, S. Dak. m. 8-13-1988, and they have two children Melissa Saner, b.January 1991 and Kyle Saner b. 3-10-199

William and Elsie (Narum) Ostenvik

William Ostenvik was born 10-01-1887, baptized Wilhelm Andreas Wexels Martinusson in Alesund, Norway, to Hans Kornelius Martinusson, born Alesund, and Jorgine Rasmusdtr. Farkvam born, Molde Norway.
In America the surname was changed to Ostenvik, an americanized version of Orsta Vik. They first settled in Gary, MN and then Twin Valley/Heiberg area. He was confirmed and went to school in that part of Minnesota. He was a farmer, miller, and a musician.
His parents and family came to Flom some years before 1917, and at first farmed the Lund Farm.
William married on June 24, 1917, Elsie Louise Narum, b. 11-10-1891, twin to Ned Narum, daughter of Nels and Eva Narum,Walworth Township,where she was one of the 11 children born to Nels and Eva in the log cabin on their homestead. She went to school at Dist #46, Walworth School. When she was 16, the family moved to Waubun.
Wm, along with his brother, Matt, started the Flom Roller Mills in Flom where they ground flour, about in 1918.
The huge engine furnished electric power for the town, which made life more pleasant. The power was on from 6pm until 11pm and then turned on again in the morning. The lights winked twice to warn when the lights would go off and they would need kerosene lamps.if they wantedto stay up late.
They moved into an apartment above the restaurant in Flom because the house moved to the mill property needed a lot of work done it to make it livable. They lived there until they stopped grinding flour, and then they moved to a farm near Faith, MN area in 1923. In 1927, they moved back to Flom
and ground feed in the mill. The house had been worked on and made livable so they could live by the mill. There was another small house built alongside it, but it had no foundation, but was set on blocks We had a tornado in 1928 which tore that building of the "foundation" and broke it apart into a pile of small pieces and shredded wood. The sewing machine foot treadle and metal framework was broken into many small pieces, Bestemor's beautiful rosemaled trunk, full of her lovely dishes, had the lid completely torn off and every dish in the trunk was in little pieces. There was nothing left to salvage- everything in that house was gone. Elsie and Wm had planned on that being an extra room. The storm was frightening because the main house shook a lot and Dad would not go into the cellar because he felt the whole thing could come down on us.
William owned a couple of threshing rigs and was kept very busy during the harvest season. For some years, he rented land near Flom and raised grain.
In earlier years before the town hall was built, the mill was used sometimes for dances when the town had some big celebration. It also was a wonderful place for band
practices.
Wm was very neat and kept the mill tidy- the eldest child was to sweep and dust and in the winter the broom and dusting brush handles were like a chunk of ice, and after the work was done, it was painful to go into the house where the heat made the cold hands really hurt. For this chore 5 cents was earned, which then was a lot of money. the child would approach him to tell him the job was done with fear and trembling that it would not be done well enough because he would always say"Does it stand inspection?" of course,he said it was fine
People were afraid to work in the mill and when he was very ill once, that child had to try and help- The engine was hard to start - he had to stand inside that huge wheel to make it turn and start the engine. It was dangerous. Then that 12 year old had to put the sacks of grain on one foot to use it to help carry sacks in from the loading platform and out again when the job was done. The tall wheat sacks were very hard to handle. The gunny sacks seemed easier - they had to be fastened on the chute to fill them after they were ground. Made one realize that being a miller was a heavy job.
William was a talented musician and was asked by the Reverend and Mrs. Norby if he would start a choir and he ended up directing choirs at Aspelund and Wild Rice Churches. At one time combined them into 100 members. He spent a lot of time through the year coaching singing groups - such as thje men's quartet.
In the spring of 1932 there was discussion about something to do with the young people,and he did something - started the Flom 4-H Band! He got hold of instruments, music, music racks, etc., taught children, spent endless hours helping kids to learn and that fall,the band went to the State Fair in St. Paul and competed with huge well-established bands with beautiful, ornate uniforms. The performance was considered excellent by the judges, and if we had known we should have had an overture, we would have won first place, but we proudly came in 2nd. Considering that just a few months before most of the young people had not played an instrument ,or read music, this was little short of a miracle.
It took a truly dedicated teacher to inspire these young people to accomplish this as well as to have a teacher willing to give so much of himself. this was a generous gift,. freely given, and a valuable one to the community. He dicontinued this work in about 1937.
There was no way children in Flom could get to high school unless they roomed and boarded in the town where the High School was located and few could afford to do this, but in 1932 William was one of the men who gathered together and managed to make arrangements to have a bus from Flom to Waubun High School that fall. Martin Lunde was the bus driver. It was not easy for him that year, since Norman county did not clean the snow for part of the way and the bus could not get through so he had to resort to using an open sled pulled by horses for a few weeks - The next year Norman County opened the road. In the winter Mr Lunde had to rise early to get to Flom to pick up the students at 5 am.
When REA came in and everyone could grind their own feed, Wm bought land in Mahnomen County amd built a cabin there and sold the mill. The material was used to build a house in Gary. They moved to the Mah- nomen area about in1949., and he cleared the this forest land by cutting down trees,sawing his own lumber
to build a house, and digging a basement. Unfortunately, Elsie got sick, had surgery for cancer, but died in 1958 and then he, too, got cancer and died in 1960. He never got a chance to build their home. Elsie and Wiliam are both buried in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetary, Flom, MN
William and Elsie were good, kind, honorable people. He was a hard-working, responsible and honest generous man who contributed much to his community and to his family.
Children of William and Elsie Ostenvik
A. EVELYN, born 3-26-18, Flom, MN.
See Paul and Evelyn Ingebretson
Baptized 4-21-1918 - Aspelund Church (Godparents Anna & Andrew Rogen and Thorvald Thorson)
Confirmed 1932 Aspelund Church
B. HELEN, b. 12-2-1919, Flom.
Baptized at Aspelund
Confirmed at Aspelund
School - Flom School, Twin Valley High School, and Graduated from Waubun High School
Helen did housework around the area, then went to Minneapolis, MN and worked there. During WWII she lived in Tacoma, WN did domestic work on railroad cars. She moved back to Minneapolis for some time and then moved to Portland, OR where she worked at a plant where they made burlap bags.
She met Harland Schultz in Portland and married him on June 24, 1950. They had one child,
Linda, b. 4-6-1953. Linda attended Portland schools and graduated from Franklin H.S. She married G. Putnam in Portland, They had two children Heather and Roy.
They were divorced and she married Don Worthington,and they have one daughter, Jennifer, now 22 years old. Linda is a phlebotomist, her husband is a medical courier in Portland.
Helen died from emphysema and heart failure on 5-25-1978 and her husband died from heart problems on 5-24-84. They are both buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetary, Portland OR
C. WILMER, b 4-16-1921, Flom, MN
Baptized at Aspelund+
Wilmer was a farm worker and worked very hard all his life for many farmers in the community.
He lived in the Flom area until his last years when he lived in one of the little retirement houses as a neighbor of John Haroldson in Twin Valley. Wilmer was very ill with cancer and had several operations.
He than went into the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley.
Wilmer died 8-12-87 there, and is buried in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetary Cemetary. He was unmarried.
D. ALICE- b. 3-30-23, Flom, MN
Baptized at home on the farm at Faith, MN by Pastor Opdahl.
Confirmed - 11-1936 at Immanuel Lutheran Church
Attended Flom School
Alice was and is a homemaker. Her hobbies were sewing - she made many quilts for her brothers. and she loved to read, and travel.
She married Alvin Ochsner on 11-23-1941 at her parents home, Flom, MN She and Alvin lived on a farm in Waubun and then one in Ogema in 1943. They then moved to Missoula, MT, where Alvin worked for the Northern Pacific R.R. as a locomotive fireman. In 1948, he went to work for Armours, W. Fargo,and they had a home built there. When the plant closed, he was transferred to Armours, Portland, OR and they moved there on 8-1959. He worked for them until he retired in1979, Alice still lives in their home in Portland. Alvin died 2-5-2000 and is buried in Columbia Pioneer Cemetary, Portland.
ALICE AND ALVIN HAD 4 CHILDREN
Harold, b.1-01-43 - in Detroit Lakes Hospital - hospital honored him as being the first baby born in Detroit Lakes in 1943. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flom, confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in West Fargo,graduated from Jefferson HS. Portland, OR. in 1962. Attended Multnomah College, Portland,
Harold served in the US Navy for ten years. He died on 11-17-1998 as result of an accident at Nabisco Co., Portland,OR
Harold was buried in the Willamette National Cemetary,Portland, OR on 11-23-1998
He had no children.
Gwendolyn- b. to Alice and Alvin 11-24-1944 at Detroit Lakes. She was baptized at the Lutheran Church, Waubun, MN and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, and graduated from Jefferson High School, Portland, OR in 1962. She attended business college and studied the comptometer. Gwen married Ladd Dick in Portland, OR in 1965 and they had two children,
Lane and Lori Dick.
Gwen lives in Nevada - has three grandchildren.
Ivan - b. 2-7-1948 at Detroit Lakes. Baptized at Faith Lutheran Church, W.Fargo, confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Portland, OR. He graduated from Benson High School,Portland,
He went to Multnomah College in Portland, but was drafted and served in the US Army.
He has his own home, but takes care of his mother, Alice, who is wheelchair bound and blind, besides his fulltime work at Precision Cast Parts, Portland. His hobby is the computer and reading, and before his father died,. he took annual vacations to interesting places like the Fiji Islands.
Daniel Scott Ochsner was born in Moorhead, MN on 12-15-1949.
Baptized at Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, confirmed St. Johns Lutheran Church, Portland. Graduated from Roosevelt H.S., Portland, OR in 1967. He enlisted into the US Army Corps at age 17, and served in Viet Nam for 18months,after which he served for one year in Korea where he met a Korean girl - After he was out of the service
He flew back to Korea and married Pokh Cha there and brought her home to Portland. They had a son Lester born in 1978.
Scott died 5-30-1980 and was buried in the Willamette National Cemetary, Portland, OR 6-3-1980.
E. JOHN - b. 3-2-1925 on a farm near Faith, MN
He was baptized with Alice in June 1925 by Pastor Opdahl
No record of his confirmation
He attended Flom School
He was a farm worker - bought his farm in Mahnomen County in 1960 where he still lives.
He never married. His hobbies - he likes to visit, and going to auctions sales.
F. ERVIN -b. 11-20-1926 on the farm at Faith, MN
His baptism and confirmation date are unknown'
He attended Flom School and Waubun H.S. On his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the US Army
He and John both stayed with Alice in W. Fargo and found work in that area- He never had trouble finding work wherever he went. He was a very bright boy. Stayed a while with Evelyn and Paul in Portland and worked at several jobs here. He worked at the Vets Hospital in the kitchen at Milwaukee, Wisc. in the 1980's. He was ill for many years and suffered from emphysema and heart problems and died 7-5-1993. Ervin was buried in Wood National Cemetary, Milwaukee, Wisc. Ervin never married.
G.GRACE- b.2-17-1930, at Flom, MN
Baptized and confirmed at Aspelund.
Attended Flom School, Waubun HS, and graduated from Boulder City HS, Boulder City, Nevada
At age 17 she went to live with her sister Evelyn & Paul Ingebretson, Portland, OR. and attended Morrison Secretarial Schjool. After graduating she worked at several jobs.
She married Len Anderson, b. 5-2-1921 at Bethel Lutheran Church Portland,and they had two sons, David b. 9-26-51 and Curtis, b. 12-15-1952. Both are teachers
and married. David married Susan Single and they had three children and 2 grandchildren.
David is the musician and his three children play the violin and cello and bass violin. David plays the bass violin in the Portland Philharmonic Orchestra. When her children were grown, Grace went to work in the Multnomah County Assessors Office where she worked the rest of her life.
Grace enjoyed her music all her life - She played the organ and sang at many weddings and funerals only about a month before she became totally down in bed with her cancer, she sang at a funeral. She was well known and had many friends. She died 5-9-1987 and is buried at Willamette National Cemetary, Portland, OR.
Grace's husband served in the US Army in WWII. He was a mechanic, and after he retired, his hobbies were in art, doing pencil drawings and oil paintings. He died suddenly at his son, David's home on 10-19-1998. He is buried in the Willamette Natl. Cemetary.
H-ROBERT Eldon Ostenvik as born on January 11, 1933 at home in Flom to William and Elsie (Narum) Ostenvik. He was baptized on April 10th, 1933 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom. On June 12th, 1949 he was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, Mn.
He received his education his first year at the Flom school, then he went to Porland Oregon where he attended one year. He came back to the area and attended one year of school in Waubun. The family moved and he went to the Ahmann school in rural Mahnomen where he completed his education in 1948.
Bobby worked at various jobs during his life. He farmed, drove Milk truck, did mechanic work and his last job was a custodian in Moorhead.
Pearl Irene White was born on December 19, 1946 in Fargo, ND. She was baptized and confirmed on November 4, 1961 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. She received her education at Linnell School in Becker County where she attended her first grade year. Pearl then went to school until 5th grade at Carsonville, from there she went to school at Waubun, where she received her diploma and graduated in 1964. Pearl went on to further her education at Detroit Lakes where she attended one year of business college. When Pearl married Bobby she took on the responsibility of being a Homemaker which she enjoyed. She loves to do needle work and crafts in her spare time.
Bobby and Pearl were married on June 5, 1971 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. They lived by Mahnomen from the time they were married until 1974 when they moved to Glyndon, Mn. They stayed there until 1992 when they moved to Felton, Mn where Pearl still resides.
Bobby passed away on March 8, 2000 and is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn.
I-RALPH Evan Ostenvik was born on September 29, 1936 at home in Flom. He was the first born of the set of Ostenvik Twins. He was baptized on November 1, 1936 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom. He was confirmed at First Lutheran Church, of Mahnomen, Mn on March 30, 1958.
Ralph attended his first year of school (1944) at the Flom, Mn school. He then attended school in Waubun until 1946 when the family moved. He then went to school at the Ahmann school in rural Mahnomen. Ralph helped his parents out on the farm, he then helped his brother Robert farm until 1974 when Bobby and Pearl moved to Glyndon. Ralph moved with them to Glyndon and then to Felton in 1992 where he still resides with his sister in-law Pearl.
J-RAYMOND George Ostenvik was born on September 29, 1936 at home in Flom, Mn. He was the second born of the Ostenvik Twins. He was baptized on November 1, 1936 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom and confirmed on March 30, 1958 at First Lutheran Church of Mahnomen, Mn. He attended Flom school his first grade year, then went to Waubun until 1946. His family moved to the Mahnomen area and he then attended Ahmann School, rural Mahnomen, Mn. He has been a farm laborer and has stayed on the family farm which William and Elsie moved to in 1946, in rural Mahnomen.

Amund and Ingeborg (Ytterlie) Otterness

Amund Otterness was born in 1835 in Sogne, Fjord, Norway, in the area also known as Ottness. He married Martha Ytterlie in Norway. They immigrated to America in 1862, arriving in Goodhue county. Martha passed away at the early age of 30, while they were living at Goodhue, Mn. Amund packed up his belongings and two children Andrew and Anna and left Goodhue county in 1865. They come to Norman county where they homestead in Fossum township, near the site of the Fossum Store. Ten years after Martha's death Amund married Ingeborg Lien also had two children from her first marriage; Anna (P.O. Lien) and Petra (John Vehle). Together Amund and Ingeborg had Albert see (Albert Otterness), Edwin (see Edwin Otterness), Sena (Lyle Neft) and Amanda (Johnnie Schow).
Ingeborg was born in 1850 in Guldbrandsdalen, Norway. She was born Ingebor Pauline Lien. She came to America with her sister and other relatives in 1881. She settled in Flom Township and married Amund Otterness in 1883.
Amund died in 1920 and Ingeborg died in 1920, they are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley.
Andrew Otterness died as a teen-ager, we don't know the date or where he is buried.



Albert Otterness

Albert was born to Amund and Igneborg (Lien) Otterness in 1885, in Fossum Township. He grew up in the area, he married Ellen Haugen in 1911 at Crookston, MN. They farmed near Crookston for seven years, then moved to the Twin Valley area in 1919 and farmed here until 1927. Albert also was employed by the county.
Albert and Ellen were the parents of ; Elmer, Alfred, Alma (Halvor Halvorson), Inanda ( Manley Berg), Dorothy (Ernest Goff) and Lillian (Ben Wirth/Mjor)

Edwin Otterness

Edwin was born in 1886 to Amund and Ingeborg (Lien) Otterness in Fossum township. He spent his entire life in this community. He married Clara Rikhus in 1931. Clara was born to Anton A. and Annie Gilbertson Rikhus (see Anton and Annie Rikhus). Clara grew up in the Flom township, just north of Flom. They were the parents of one daughter; Carol Cassman. Edwin died in 1971 and is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.

Amund and Martha (Ytterlie) (Kvidt) Otterness Family

Amund (Kvidt) Otterness was born in 1835 in Aurland Sogn. Norway. He grew up there, and worked as a carpenter. He married Marthe Monsdatter Yttreli. They had two children, Andrew and Anna. In 1869, he and his family came to America, settling in Columbia County, Wisconsin: later moving on to Housten County, Minnesota.
Amund had two brothers, Ole and Johanas Kvidt. They had taken claims in Fossum Township in Norman County. Deciding this would be a better place to live, he moved there and stayed with his brothers until he could get his claim and build a house. This was a very small house with a sod roof, but it was a place to live and call home.
This area was newly opened up so there were no roads and no churches. The nearest town was Lake Park. Minnesota, a two day trip by oxen.
The settlers all worked together to make roads. Each settler was assessed so many days work as a poll tax.
Amund had brought his carpenter tools along from Norway. He helped build the first Wild Rice Church in 1874.
Marthe, his wife passed away. In 1881, his daughter, Anna, was married. After being left alone, he had to have a housekeeper, so he hired Ingeborg Lien, a widow with 2 children, (Anna and Petra), who had just come from Norway, and was staying with her Aunt, Mrs. Lien. After she had worked there for sometime, they were married and to this union, five children were born: Lena, Albert, Sena, Edwin and Amanda.
There were many hardships through the years such as a complete loss of crops from grasshopper and droughts.
This claim was close to the Reservation. They had many encounters with the Indians. Some were very friendly. Amund's daughter. Anna. seemed to get along well with the Indians. They would bring necklaces and trinkets. She even was given an Indian pony. The Indians had learned to like milk. so if they happened by when the cows were being milked, they would take all the milk. If refused the milk, they would become very angry and chop their axes into the walls or whatever was near.
By 1885, things were getting a little better so a larger house was built. This was also built from logs. They lived in this house until 1912, when a frame house was built, which still stands on the place.
After Amund passed away in 1919, his son operated the farm.
In 1967, being elderly and in poor health, he had to leave the farm so decided to make his home at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley. He passed away in 1971.
By Mrs. Phillip Hovde

Christian and Maren (Aas) Pederson

Maren Aas was born on February 17, 1856 to Svend Olsen Jenshauggjardet Aas and Kari Pedersdatter Brendås on Jenshaugen Vestre in Tydal, Sor Trondelag, Norway She immigrated to America in June 1882, coming to the home of Ole Ingebretson near Lake Park, Minnesota, where she worked for sometime and later worked at Heiberg and Ada, Mn. She had the following siblings:
Ragnhild b.1834 and married to Lars Olsen Stuevold in Tydal.
Ole Jensen Aashaug b.1836, never married and took over the farm in Tydal.
Peder b.1838 and married to Beret Jonsdtr. Østby from Smedgjardet.
Kari b.1841 and married to Even Olsen Østby, they moved to Skultrø in Tydal.
Sigrid b.1843 and had a son with Ole Antoniussen Hars: Svend b.1865
Ingeborg b.1850 and married to Ole Jensen Aas, they came to America.
Anders b.1853 and married to Ingeborg Tomasdtr. Østby from Høglia. They came to America in 1882. They lived in Baltic, South Dakota
Christian “Christ” Pederson was born in Denmark on May 24, 1852 to Peder Christensen and Berte Nelson. Who were farmer‘s in Denmark. He emigrated from Denmark and came to America and settled in Walworth Township. We do not know where he was born, nor do we know when he came to America. Christ was issued a pre-1908 homestead and cash entry land patent on property in Walworth township. He had been there a long time before 1908.
Maren was united in marriage to Christian Pederson on September 22, 1883 and they immediately settled on his homestead in Section 4 of Walworth township. Section 4 is the same section where Walworth Baptist Church is located. Here they farmed the land and became very active in the church.
Maren and Christian were the parents of; a foster son, Peter Ingebretson, who lived with them since 1888. They had no children, but took into their lives the son of Maren’s first cousin, Ole Ingebretson, of Lake Park, Mn. Whose mother, Maren Pedersdtr Lovoen Bergaard born in 1811 was a sister to Maren Pederson’s mother, Kari Pedersdtr Loveon born in 1811. Peter was between four and six years old at that time. Maren and Christ nurtured and educated him to adulthood. He knew his birth family and kept in touch with them. Maren became his mother and his and Mabels children were much loved by her.
Christian and Maren were both charter members of Walworth Baptist Church. They were among the members who met on the 11th of July, 1897 and voted to organize a Baptist church which was to be named Walworth Danish-Norwegian Baptist Church. This church was located quite near to their farm. They were active members and leaders of this church all their lives. They were very well thought of and respected in the community. The farm was near Flom, so Flom was very much a part of their lives. Christian died on October 28, 1918 and Maren passed away on January 22, 1939 at her home in Walworth township. After their death’s Peter inherited the farm in Walworth township, where he farmed for some 56 years. Maren was of a quiet, unassuming character and a devout Christian. She possessed a keen mind and her judgment and counsel were clear, freely given and found good by her neighbors and many loyal friends she had acquired through the years.

Johnny and Liz (Brigger) Pederson

Johannes "Johnny" Pederson was born on October 29th, 1892 to Lars Pederson and Johanna Christensen (sister of Julius Christensen). He was born in Springdale, Iowa. He was baptized in 1936 and attended school grades 1-5. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1959. Johnny’s father Lars was born in Denmark and settled in Iowa in 1885, in Springdale Township, Cedar County, Iowa. From there they moved to Sanborn, Mn and finally to Fulda, Mn where Lars is buried.
Elizabeth "Liz" was born on August 19th, 1904 to Harman Brigger and Ida Grunzke in Kinbrae, Mn. She was baptized the summer of 1936 and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1959. She attended school up to the 8th grade.
Johnny and Liz were married on November 5th, 1920 at Worthington, Mn. They started their married life in Kinbrae, Mn, Nobles County, Mn. They moved to Fulda, MN in Murray County living there until they left in 1950 coming to the Flom area. Here they farmed and did a lot of fishing, which they loved. They purchase a farm in 1949 from Mrs. Bloomquist of Waubun, it was know to many as the Brenden farm in section 28 of Flom Township (Norma Lunde currently lives on that lot). They farmed there until the fall of 1958 when they purchased the Westby house on the southeast side of Flom in Section 34. At that time their daughter Mary and her husband Eugene took over the farm and lived in the home in section 28.
Besides farming Johnny also had other jobs such as a school bus driver, carpenter and truck driver. Liz loved to garden, fish, raise capon chickens. She loved to make quilts and do needlework. Liz also was a school bus driver and drove Johnny’s second bus.
Johnny and Liz were the parents of four daughters;
Elizabeth was born on May 20th, 1921 at Kinbrae, she died one day after her birth and is buried at Kinbrae, Mn.
Bernice married James Jackson on December 28th, 1946 at Oaklanad, California. He was in the Army and is retired now, and they live in Mesa, Az and Blaine Wa. They have three children; Bob married Ingrid Jones. They have three children. They are in service and finance. They have three children. Jim has two children and is not married, he is in college pursuing finance in Boston, Mass. Susan married Carl Knight after he died she married Paul Schaeffer. Susan has two children and one grandchild. She lives in California.
Beatrice married Del Klanderud, they had the Jacobson’s Cafe in Flom for a short time after Tillie retired. They have one daughter Pat who is married to Jim Hall, their daughter Samantha is in school. Pat has two children by her first marriage Beth who is working in Mesa and Richie who is attending school. They all live in Mesa Arizona.
Mary: See Eugene and Mary (Pederson) Albertson

Albert and Christine (Swenson) Peterson

Albert B. Peterson was born in 1852 in Sogn, Norway. He came to this country at the age of eight. He lived in Columbia County, Wi., for three years, then moved to Goodhue County, Mn.
Christine Swenson was born on February 23, 1857 in Goodhue County, Mn to Mr. and Mrs. John Swenson. She spent her childhood and girlhood in Goodhue county.
Albert and Christine were married on July 8, 1875 in Goodhue county. They resided there until 1882, when they moved to Norman County and settled on the farm in section 33 of Fossum Township, there that was to be their home for almost half a century.
In 1928 they moved to Twin Valley, Mn, where she resided until her death on her 61st wedding anniversary.
They were the parents of ten children; Joseph, Mary Floen, Martin, George, Clarence, Ervin, Francis, Ella, Hattie Grande, and Delly Peterson.
They were members first at Immanuel where he held a leading part in organizing the Immanuel congregation.
Because of distance and for the benefit of the settlements further north, he later helped organize the Bethlehem congregation in 1895. In 1923 when Bethlehem and Wild Rice became one church they went to Wild Rice Lutheran Church, where they are buried.
At her funeral Rev. J.E. H. Akre, who was a frequent guest there twenty five years ago, spoke freely of that home as a home where hospitality, sweet kindliness, and gentle Christian spirit sat in the high seat and a finer complement can not be paid to any home. Humble in sprit, sincere in faith, confident and trustful in the faith of her Savior, so I found her when I called.

Clarence and Agnes (Gunderson) Peterson

Clarence Peterson was born in 1893 to Albert and Christine (Swenson) Peterson, near Twin Valley, Mn.
Agnes Gunderson was born in 1895 to Ole and Olivia Gunderson at Gary, Mn. She grew up and attended school at Gary. She went on to further her education at Moorhead State Teachers College in Moohread, where she received her teaching degree. She taught elementary school for several years in Norman County.
Clarence and Agnes Gunderson were married in 1919 at Gary, Mn. He was a partner in a hardware store in Gary.
After their marriage they moved to Canby, ND until 1922 when they moved back to Gary. He also was engaged in farming and trucking until 1960 when they moved to Fargo, ND and he was employed as a automobile salesman.

Carl and Annette (Thompson) Peterson

Carl Peterson was born May 28, 1880 at Elbow Lake, MN, the son of John Peterson Eik and Anna Kaasa. Carl was married to Annette Isabelle Thompson on November 30, 1901. Carl was a Foreman on the Railroad and the family lived in various towns in North Dakota and Minnesota. When Carl retired they lived in Fargo ND for several years until moving to Flom. Carl died October 22, 1957 in Twin Valley MN. Funeral services were conducted at Aspelund Lutheran Church in Flom. Carl is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead, MN.
Annette Isabelle Thompson, the daughter of Tosten Thompson and Dora Haukom, was born July 3, 1881 in Valley City, ND. She died on November 24, 1948 in Hillsboro, ND.
They had the following children:
Clifford Arnold Peterson was born August 23, 1902 in Elbow Lake MN, he married Arlaeen Geiger and had a son, Wallace. Clifford died on December 23, 1946 in California.
Grace Burnette Peterson was born March 1, 1904 in Elbow Lake MN, she married Martin Schlieman. They had one adopted son, Darwin. Grace died on March 18, 1976 in the state of Washington. She is buried at Spring Canyon Cemetery.
Donald Truman Peterson was born March 25, 1908 in Elbow Lake, MN , he married Gladys Falstad. They had three children. Donald died on May 7, 1988 in White Bear Lake, MN.
Alice Genevieve Peterson was born November 13, 1909 in Enderlin, ND, she married Melvin Jaranson. They had two daughters. Alice died on October 20, 1983 at Detroit Lakes, MN. She is buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, ND.
Lyle Kenneth Peterson was born July 19, 1912 in Verona, ND, he married Phylis Norby. They had three children. Lyle died on May 4, 1990 at Fargo, ND. He is buried at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Twin Valley, MN.
Lauretta Irene Peterson was born July 21, 1914 in Harvey ND, she married Kenneth Akesson. They had two sons. Lorretta currently resides in Renton, Washington.
Harry Carl Peterson was born July 26, 1916 in Fingal, ND, he married twice and had one son by his first wife. His second wife was Arlean Pearson. Harry died February 3, 1995.
Raymond Leroy Peterson was born June 28, 1919 in Deisen, ND, he married Betty in 1946. They had three daughters. Raymond died on March 3, 1998 in Minnesota. He is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetary.
Norma Elaine Peterson was born on January 13, 1923 in La Moure, ND, she married Lyle Klemetson July 3, 1942 , Norma died on October 28, 1998 in Fargo, ND. Norma is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery in Flom (see separate article on Lyle and Norma Klemetson).

Ella Peterson

Ella Peterson was born in 1889 to Albert and Christine (Swenson) Peterson. She never married and died at the age of 99.

Flom Farmer Killed By Bull Last Saturday
Elvin Peterson

People of this community were shocked and grieved Saturday evening when it was learned that Elvin Peterson, well-known young farmer of Flom Township, had been killed by a bull. The accident occurred at about 7 PM and there were no witnesses. He was found dead by his housekeeper, Magda Skansgaard, upon his failure to return to the house for the evening meal. Dr. Theodore Loken of Ada, deputy coroner, was called to the scene and determined from the evidence that the death was accidental. He died on July 19th, 1947.
Born in Home Lake township January 5th, 1902, to Nels and Elsie Peterson. The deceased was 45 years old and lived in the community practically all his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
He had operated the home farm in Flom Township for a number years and was unmarried.

Joseph B. Peterson

Joseph Peterson was born in 1876 to Albert and Christine (Swenson) Peterson. He married Julia Shawstad at Gary, Mn. They operated grocery stores in Gary and Knox, ND, before moving to Hinghan, Mt., where he homesteaded and operated a bank. They later moved to Butte, Mt, where he operated a hotel. He moved back to Moorhead, Mn. In 1971 to live with a brother.

Nels and Elsie (Olson) Peterson

Nels Peterson was born in 1865 in Sogn, Norway. He came to Minnesota at the age of nine years.
Elsie Olson was born in 1863. Nels and Elsie were married at Fargo and after their marriage the farmed in Section 8, Flom Township, Sunny Hill School District. They later moved to Twin Valley. They were among the early members of the Wild Rice Church to celebrate their golden wedding in 1938.
Nels and Elsie were the parents of eight children. Oliver, Albert, Elvin, William, Petrina (Nick) Pogrebra, Amanda (Theodore) Kapp, Alice (W.H.) Morrison and Emma (Howard) Groebe.

Oliver Peterson

Oliver Peter was born in 1891 to Nils and Elsie Peterson of Flom Township. He grew up in the Flom area and later took up a homestead in Havre, Montana. He entered the service in the fall of 1917. He started his training in Camp Lewis, Washington, then was transferred to Camp Merrit, NJ. He sailed from there in Decemeber and was one of the first Norman County Men to arrive in France, arriving there Christmas Day 1917. In the service he was a Pvt. in Company B. 127th Inf. 32nd Div. He had been in the front line only a few weeks when he recieved wounds in action. He was only twenty five years old at the time. Oliver was a well known and highly respected person in the southeatern part of Norman County. It is said that he was wounded on the later part of July and he died at the base hospital 43, on August 5, 1918 in France. It is said that he is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.


Peter M. and Helena (Brekke) Peterson

Peter M. Peterson, son of Mikkel and Anna Peterson, was born on March 16, 1868 in Winnebago County, near Forest City, Iowa.
Helena Halvorson Brekke was born in Winnebago County at Forest City, Iowa on October 14, 1871, the daughter of Ole and Live Halvorson Brekke, who had come to that area from Telemark, Norway.
Peter was one of 12 children, and Helena was the oldest of seven girls. They were united in marriage in November 1889 and to this union five children were born. They were Melvin and Ada (Iver Engebretson) were born while they lived in Iowa. Palmer, Olga (Gustav Klemetson) and Edna (Ernst Narum/Oscar Moen), were born on the family farm in Atlanta Township, section 9.
In 1890, Peter and Helena along with Peter’s parents Mikkel and Anna went to Dreary, Idaho and filed on a tree claim. Helena did not like the big timber country, so they came back to Iowa and in 1896 they came by immigrant car, back to Minnesota, where more land was available. Here they settled down on a farm in Atlanta Township (section 9). In 1902, all of their buildings, some of their machinery and livestock were destroyed by a tornado which was a most disastrous event. There was no insurance in those days, so it meant starting all over again, from scratch. They would gladly have returned to Iowa, but they did not have enough money to move. Thus with a lot of hard work, determination and they put the bit in their mouth, as the old saying goes and carried on.
On February 14, 1914 another devastating blow came to the family. Peter was kicked by a horse and died from injuries he received. At this time their children Melvin and Palmer were old enough to carry on the farming operation. They helped Helena with the farming until she retired and moved to Gary, Mn to live with her daughter Edna.
Melvin later purchased the farm from his mother and it was here he raised his family. Melvin and Mabel lived on the farm and raised their family. After Melvin’s death Mabel moved to town and the house was rented out, until it was destroyed a few years ago by fire. Today their son Myron owns the farm.

Darrell and Linda (Gunderson) Phelps

Linda Jane Gunderson was born on July 4, 1942. She attended school at Ulen, Mn and went on to Concordia College in Moorhead, Mn. She married Darrell Phelps on August 7, 1965 at Atlanta Lutheran Church, Ulen, Mn. Darrell was a teacher and principal, sold Real Estate and also worked for the US Postal Service. Linda worked as a cashier for Morrells in Sioux Falls, SD, also was a school secretary there. They are now retired and live in Mission Texas.
Linda and Darrell are the parents of; Mark Darrell who was born on June 6, 1968. He graduated from Brookings College in South Dakota. He is unmarried. David Allen was born on February 5, 1970. He graduated from Brookings College in South Dakota and is unmarried. Brian Lee was born on January 9, 1974. He married Dawn Postrallo on October 4, 1997 at Sioux Falls, SD.
Thorval and Cecil (Strand) Potter

Thorval Potter was born on November 1, 1858 at Wautoma, Wisconsin to Andrew and Live Potter. He came to the Lake Park area in 1874.
Thorval and Cecil Strand were married on December 5, 1885. They farmed in Walworth township of Becker County from 1885 until 1915 when they bought a farm north of Ulen, Mn. They lived here until 1942 when they moved into Ulen where they made their home. Cecil passed away on March 27, 1948. They last few month of Thorval’s life he was a resident at the Lutheran Memorial Home in Twin Valley, Mn.
Thorval had many public interests and served many years as County Commissioner, assessor, on town
boards, school boards and he also was active in Church work until age prevented him from going on with his public duties. Thorval passed away on September 15, 1950 in Twin Valley, Mn. Funeral services were held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen, Mn.
Thorval and Cecil were the parents of Alfred, Laura (Morken), Agnes (Paul Perry), Tina (Alfred Knutson) and Clarence ( who died in infancy).

Arnold Prestegord

Arnold Clifford was born on July 12, 1932 to Severt and Borghild Prestegord. He married Virginia Grenbowski on October 8, 1952. Virginia was born on July 9, 1933. Arnold and Virginia were the parents of four children; Steve, Vernon, Eddy and Dorothy (Larry Vincent).
Arnold married Darlene Glawe in 1981. Darlene was born on May 10, 1938 to Theodore and Margaret (Kraft) Glawe. She grew up in the Detroit Lakes area. She married Melvin Askelson in 1956. After their marriage they farmed in the Felton, Mn area. Melvin passed away in 1972.
Melvin and Darlene were the parents of; Duane, Deloris (Billy Halvorson), Elaine, Denise (Roger Halvorson) and Julie (Richard Klemetson).
After Arnold and Darlene were married they lived at Felton, Mn and in 1989 they moved to Twin Valley, Mn. Darlene passed away on November 13, 1995 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery. Arnold resides in Twin Valley, Mn.

Elling and Helga (Brenden) Prestegaard

Elling was born on October 6, 1878 to Lars and Lukris (Wangen) Prestegaard, in Freeborn Conty, Mn. . He grew up in the Flom area and later married Helga Brenden.
Helga was born in 1891 in Guldbrandsdalen, Norway. She came with her mother Ronnog to America when she was around 15 years old.
Elling and Helga were married in 1908 by Rev. J.R. Vaaler. Elling purchased about eighty acrfes of wooded land, cleared it and started farming. He was a long time and faithful member of the Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. In 1936 Helga became ill and was admitted to a Fargo Hospital for gall bladder surgery, she did not recover and died there on March 19, 1936. Elling died on January 20, 1946. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Elling and Helga were the parents of four children; Lewis, Esther, Hazel (see LeRoy and Hazel Stundahl) and Joyce (Harold Balzum).
Lewis R. was born in 1909 in Fossum Township. He attended rural schools here. He never married. Lewis died on February 16, 1949 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Esther was born in 1910. She was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. She attended rural school at Plentywood. In 1941 she married Louis Hanson. Louis was born in 1908 at Gary, Mn, to Hans and Karen Hanson. After their marriage they farmed in Bear Park township until moving to her parents farm in section 34 of Fossum township. Esther was a active member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church. Louis did carpentry work, besides farming. Esther and Louis loved children but had non of their own. They shared their loved with many nieces and nephews who would spend their summers with them.
Esther died on January 7, 1985 and Louis on July 7, 1987. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Lars O. and Lukris (Wangen) Prestegaard

Lars Olssen Prestegaard (Feten) was born on June 24, 1833 to Ole Toraldsen Pretegaard and Synnove Kristensdatter Kvam in Aurland Sogn, Norway.
Lukris Olesdatter Wangen was born on March 29, 1845 to Ole Ellginsen Vangen and Tora Skjerdal, in Aurland Sogn, Norway.
Lars and Lukris were married in their native land of Norway in 1866. A few years after they were married they left Norway and immigrated to America, along with them came their two young daughters and a adopted nephew. When they arrived in America they first settled in Freeborn County, Minnesota and later moved to the Flom area. By looking at the dates of their childrens births we can figure they left Norway around 1870 and came to the Flom area around 1883.
Lars O. died on December 10, 1923 and Lukris on November 7, 1932, they are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Lars and Lukris were the parents of eleven children; Ole (see Ole J. and Ingeborg Prestegaard), Soneva L. (see Mons L. and Soneva Stene), Olina (see Torris and Olina Stundahl), Thora, Jensina, Ole L. (see Ole L. and Bertha Prestegaard), Elling (see Ellings and Helga Prestegaard), Louise (see Torris and Louise Stundahl), Theodore L. (see Theodore and Martha
Prestegaard) , Louis (see Louis L. and Carrie Prestegaard), and Severt (see Severt L. and Borghild Prestegord).
Thora was born on November 12, 1871 in Freeborn County, Mn. She was the first child of Lars and Lukris’ to be born on American soil. Thora grew up in the Flom area and married
Christian Nelson on December 29, 1899 in Norman County, Mn.
Jensina “Sina” was born in August of 1874 in Freeborn County, Mn. She married Paul Hanson on July 20, 1899 in Norman County. They had one daughter Luella (Olson) who was born on January 7, 1901. Luella died on October 3, 1947. Sina Passed away on March 24, 1927. We weren’t able to find out where they were buried before the book went to print.

Lars and Edith (Verdahl) Prestegord

Lars Andreas Prestegord was born on December 20, 1918 to Severt and Borghild (Bottolfs) Prestegaard. He was born in Flom township, Norman County, Mn. As a child he was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn.
Lars married Edith Ottilas Verdahl on December 4, 1941/Decemer 5, 1942 (received two dates). They were married at the home of her parents, near Flom.
Lars served his country by entering the military on April 30, 1942, where he served in the Army Air Corps, as an aircraft mechanic, during WW II. On November 9, 1945 he was honorably discharged from the service. They returned to the area setting down in section 20 of Fossum township. Lars worked most of his life on construction doing shingling, painting, and repair work. He was also know for working on church steeples.
Lars and Edith were active in the church and were members of Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. Lars served on the church council for many years. He enjoyed doing woodwork in his shop during the winter months.
Lars died on October 24, 1987 at his home, at the age of 68. He is buried at Wild Rice Lutehran Cemetery.
Lars and Edith were the parents of two children; Richard and Janice (Bobby Brevik).

Louis L. and Carrie (Myrvold) Prestegaard

Louis L. Prestegaard was born in Flom township to Lars and Lukris (Walden) Prestegaard on August 9, 1886. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. He grew up and attended rural schools in the Flom area.
Carrie Myrvold was born on March 25, 1888 in Hadeland, Norway to Andrew and Mina Myrvold. She was baptized and confirmed in Jaren, Norway and grew to womanhood in her native land. At the age of 17, she left Norway with her parents and they came to America, first settling in North Dakota and then coming to this area shortly after.
Louis and Carrie were married on March 5, 1909, in a double wedding ceremony at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church. Following their marriage they resided on a farm in Flom township, retiring to Twin Valley in 1955.
Louis was an active life-long member of the Wild Rice church, serving on various boards there, also serving on the Flom township board and the Rural School board for many years. He was also custodian at Wild Rice for several years and took care of the Twin Valley skating rink for two years. He and his wife liked to sing and sang for the old people in the Norwegian language on many occasions.
Bringing up a large family and with her role as a farm housewife, Carried worked hard and diligently. Being a very pleasant and likeable person, she had many friends, Carrie was a member of the Wild Rice Lutheran church for many years and a conferred Life Member of the ALCW.
Carrie passed away on January 19, 1966 and Louis passed away on November 28, 1969, they are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Louis and Carrie were the parents of a very large family; Leroy (see Leroy and Clarice Prestegord), Leslie, Kenneth, Sidney (born around 1918), Erwin, Selmer (born around 1919), Minnie and Johnny (twins born in 1920 and both died in infancy and are buried at Wild Rice Cemetery), Myrtle (Arnold Pieper), Jean, Meldford Duane (1931-1932 buried at Wild Rice Cemetery), Louise (Anthony Miller), Thilda (see Clarence and Thilda Hanson) and Hillery “Verna” (Syverson Kreig).

Ole L. and Bertha (Olsen) Prestegaard

Ole L. Prestegaard as born on March 7, 1875 in Freeborn County, Mn., to Lars and Lukris (Wangen) Prestegaard. He came to the Flom area with his parents as a small child. Here he grew to manhood.
Bertha Olsen was born in March of 1873 in Bergen, Norway.
Ole and Bertha were married on May 20, 1903 in Grand Forks, ND and moved to the Twin Valley area shortly after their marriage.
Ole was for many years, until his death the financial secretary for Wild Rice Lutheran Church, and a member of the Plentywood School board.
He passed away on May 18, 1932 and Berth in 1949. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Ole built a fine home for himself and his family, here they raised their four children; Lawrence Alfred, Alice, Bernice and Lillie.
Lawrence Alfred was born on his mother’s birthday on March 31, 1904. He lived with his parent’s north of Flom on the family farm. He attended rural school at District 12, Plentywood. He never married He died on April 11, 1960 at his hoem and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Alice Sophia was born on November 20, 1905. She grew up on the family farm and attended school at District 12, Plentywood. As a young girl she worked at various places. She married Carl Richard Rasmussen on October 8, 1928. Carl was born on June 1, 1897, at Hunter, ND. He served his country during WW I. After their marriage they lived at Hunter, but later moved to Ulen, Mn. Alice died on January 3, 1953 and Carl on March 4, 1977. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery. Alice and Carl were the parents of three children; Vernon, Donn (Sip) and Ruth (Rude).
Lillie Christine as born on May 5, 1910. She married James Ed Jenson on October 16, 1943. James was born on December 27, 1904.

Ole J. and Ronnag M. (Larson) Prestegaard

Ole Jensson was born on September 27, 1857 in Aurland, Norway to Jens Olesson Prestegaard and Johanna Kristensdatter. He was the second child born to them. Ole’s older brother Kristen Jensson Pretegaard was born in June of 1853 and a younger brother Ostein Jensson Prestegaard was born in 1859. Both Kristen and Ostein immigrated to America, although we have no information on them.
In 1862, when Ole was only 6 years old his mother was hospitalized with leprosy and his father’s health was failing. Because of his parent’s health Ole was adopted by his uncle and aunt Lars and Lukris Prestegaard. In 1871 when the family left Norway, he immigrated along with them. They first settled in Freeborn county, Mn and later came to the Flom area around 1883. Here he grew to manhood.
Ole married Ingeborg Bothum, who died in 1911. We don’t know where she is buried. Ole and Ingeborg were the parents of seven children: Peter, Sena (Wangsness), Bertina, (Vollum), Johan (was born in 1883 and die don February 12, 1945. Ostina (Christopherson), Dorthea (Gaylord) was born in 1886. Ida (Hanson) was born in July 1899 and died in December of 1975.
Bertina was born in 1881. She married Nels Vollum and they were the parents of five children; Esther, Pearl, Thelmer, Norman and Iner. Nels died on April 14, 1937 and Bertine in July of 1976.
Ostina married M. C. Christopherson and they were the parents of two children; Inez Irene and Kenneth.
After Ingeborg’s death in 1911, Ole married Ronnag M. Larson.
Ronnag was born on July 18, 1870 in Nordre Fron Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. She was baptized on August 28 of that year and confirmed on May 10, 1885. Ingeborg left her native land of Norway and came to the Flom area in 1906 with her daughter. Ronnag’s daughter Helga Prestegaard married Mr. Elling. She passed away in 1936. Ronnag stayed in the Flom area for a short while, then moved to Montana where she married Mons Skeim. Only eight weeks after their marriage Mons was lost in a snow storm and died. After his death she returned to this area and married Ole J. Prestegaard in 1914.
Ole and Ronnag purchased property in the area and lived here for twenty years. After Ole’s death in 1934 she remained in their home, where she lived practically alone. Her last winter that she was on this earth a elderly lady stayed with her.
Ronnag was a true Christian woman, faithful church worker and a kind neighbor. She was beloved for her simplicity, sincerity and her devoted work. Blessed be her memory.
Ole died on March 3, 1934 and Ronnag in 1937. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Severt and Borghild (Bottolfs) Prestegord

Severt was born on August 13, 1888 in Flom township to Lars and Lukris (Wangen) Prestegaard. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
He spent his youth in the Flom area where he grew to manhood.
Borghild Bottolfs was born in Mordum, Norway to the Andrew Bottolfs on April 14, 1898. She immigrated to America with her father at the age of sixteen and they settled in the Twin Valley area.
Severt and Borghild were married on July 3, 1915 at the Wild Rice parsonage. They farmed in Fossum township for 29 years, at which time they moved to Winger, Mn in 1945. Here they farm for a years but returned to this area in 1946 and went back into farming. They remained on the farm until 1957 when they retired and moved into Twin Valley, Mn.
Severt served on the board of trustees of Wild Rice Lutheran church for many years, had served as a trustee for the Norwegian Parochial School at Wild Rice for several years, and had been a church delegate from Wild Rice for many functions.
The Prestegord’s were well known in the area for their musical talent of singing. Severt passed away on September 12, 1962 at his home. Borghild passed away on April 26, 1964.
They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Severt and Borghild were the parent’s of seven children; Lars Andreas (see Lars and Edith Prestegord) , Alfred, Martin, Arnold (see Arnold Prestegord), Lenora Bertina (Berger Locken), Selma (Sigvold Hassel) and Hilda (Gerald Grove).
Lenora Bertina was born on August 16, 1917 in Flom township. She married Berger Locken on November 19, 1936 and they had four children. Berger passed away in August of 1973. Alfred Bernard was born on December 6, 1924. He married Betty Ellen Carlson and they were the parents of four children, of which one died in infancy. Alfred served his country during WW II in the Navy.
Martin Olag was born on June 16, 1927. He married Irma Malinda Allrich on July 16, 1947. Irma was born on April 5, 1929 and they were the parents of six children.
Selma Bernice was born on July 13, 1920 in Fossum. She married Sigvard Hassel on December 21, 1938. Sigvard was born on June 28, 1914. They were the parents of seven children.
Hilda Mary was born on October 28, 1922. Hilda married Gerald Grove on March 28, 1951. Hild and Gerald reside in Twin Valley, Mn. They are the parents of four daughters; Linda (Vigessa), Ellie (Meyer), Susie (Johnson) and Gerri (Bueng).

Theodore L. and Martha (Boslie) Prestegord

Theodore L. Prestegaard was born on November 5, 1884 to Lars and Lukris Prestegaard, the seventh child and first one to be born in Flom township. He was baptized and confirmed at
Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. He grew up on the family farm and attended rural school here.
Martha Boslie was born in 1883 in Stavanger, Norway, to Nils and Barbo Boslie. She immigrated to American, coming to Norman County, when she was nineteen years old.
Theodore and Martha were married on March 6, 1909 at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. They made their home in Fossum township, where they farmed for 21 years. They quit farming and moved to Grand Forks, ND where they remained for five years, at which time they moved to Gilby , ND for a short time, before returning to this area. They came back and settled on a farm in Fossum township, where they resumed farming until retiring in 1956. After their retirement they moved into Twin Valley.
Theodore was active in his church and community. Having served on the Board of Trustees of the Wild Rice Church for some time and also served on the Rural School Board. He was fond of music and singing and knew many of the Old Norwegian Hymns.
Martha passed away on June 23, 1965 and Theodore passed away on May 18, 1977 at the age of 92 years. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Theodore and Martha were the parents of: Louise T. (who was born and died in 1910 and is buried at Wild Rice) and Leona (Odin Lien) who was born about 1914.

Merrill and Mary (Hodson) Purrier

Merrill, the son of Joseph and Olive Purrier, was born on September 5, 1857 at Plattsburg, New York. He was one of a family of ten children. When Merrill was only a young boy, his family emigrated to Nicollett County, Mn, near Mankato. In 1893, Merrill was married to Mary Ellen Hodson, who also lived in the Mankato area. Mary was the oldest daughter of James and Minerva Hodson. Five children were born to the Purriers while they lived in Nicollet county.
On day the family went to Judson, Mn, their nearest town, to do some trading, as it was called then. While there, Merrill met Watson Dunham a friend and neighbor. They also met a land agent by the name of Wadell. He talked the men into going to Clay county to look at land that he wanted to sell. Since both men were of an adventurous nature, they left on the train that very afternoon for Ulen and left Mary with a team of horses hitched to a buggy and five small children to get home the best way she could. Getting home involved fording the Minnesota River. It was a frightening experience. Years later, Olive, took a picture of the place where they crossed--she was a baby at the time. Merrill and Watson purchased the land they had gone to see. It was 320 acres owned by Mr. And Mrs. A. P. Brandvold in Section 4, they paid $7000.00 for it. They also rented the S.O. Holte farm 4 miles east so they could live in the buildings. The land was poor and consisted mostly of a sand ridge. Later that same year, Merrill loaded all of the family and belongings in rail cars and they moved to Clay County. He and Watson went with the train to feed and milk the cows and care for the animals. The family arrived in Ulen early in the morning and they were taken to the Fred Revine restaurant for breakfast and then on to the farm.
The Ole Burud family lived to the north and they were the first neighbors to call. The children called them Mr and Mrs Ole. Bururd was just to hard to say. Claude Sanford came the next spring and they had many good friends and neighbors while they lived in Hagen. Jesse, Lee, James and Ted went to school in District 56. Some of their teachers were; Ina Anderson., Clara Wiger and Mathilda Rost. The Purrier’s later moved to the Ole Fuglie farm but still went to the same school.
Mary’s sister came from Mankato later and married Watson Dunham. Another brother, Joseph, married Ona Anderson of Hagen. They had many good friends and neighbors in Hagen, township. One of the bad things the family remembers were the dirt storms. At time, the dust blew so bad the children had to hold on to each other to find their way home. There were lots of grasshoppers, too, but somehow the family managed to put up enough hay to feed the cattle and they lived well. They had a big garden and "boarded" the teachers. Hannah Mellum and Charlotte Skalet both stayed at the Purrier home when they taught school Besides the teacher, the Purrier’s took in agents, peddlers and sometimes beggars--anyone passing through the country that needed a home for a night.
Mr. Purrier rented the land from Edwin Evans and one day he came with his new Ford touring car. That was an exciting event. He asked Ted, Olive and Lucy if they wanted a ride, which they did! What a thrill to go so fast! They were dropped off at the schoolhouse and walked home-thrilled with their new adventure.
The family enjoyed school picnics and house parties, but all of the church services in the neighborhood were in either Norwegian or German. It wasn’t until they moved to Walworth township that they found a church home at the Walworth Baptist Church. It was in 1911 that they left Clay county. Merrill and the boys found work that winter cutting wood to be sold. They walked two miles and cut cord wood all winter for $3.00 a cord, cut and piled.
Jesse and James helped on the farm and Lee and Ted worked for neighbor farmers. Lee went to North Dakota to work on summer and was called into the Army to serve during World War I in Germany. James was called , but the war ended before he could be sent overseas. Ted served during WW II. The youngest son, Lyle, died in the flu epidemic of 1920.
The depression hit the family hard. Jesse and James managed to hold on to enough to keep the family going and stay on the farm and later they purchased it. Louis and Ted went into trucking. The following were married: Lee married Gertrude Bergeson and they became the parents of seven children. Olive married Palmer Stende (see Palmer and Olive Stende). Lucy married Arthur Burud and they had one daughter. Louis, married Pearl Grande and they had three children. Alice married James Wheeler and they had one son.
Purrier’s buried at Walworth Baptist Cemetery: Merrill (1857-1925), Mary Ellen (1872-1957), Schuyler Lyle (1908-1920), Jesse M. (1893-1968), James Earl, he was a Pvt Co C125 Engineers WW I, he was born on February 24, 1897 and died on November 7, 1971, Teddy W. was a Pvt US Army WW 2, he was born on May 12, 1899 and died on June 24, 1982.

Edward and Sena (Korsgaden) Qual

Edward P. Qual was born on August 7, 1968, at Faaberg, Norway. He came to the United States with his mother the following year. They resided in Goodhue county, Mn until 1881, when they moved to the vicinity of Faith, in eastern Norman county.
Sina Korsgaden was born to Lars and Ronnag Korsgaden in Flom, township. She grew up in the Flom area. On June 12, 1901 she married Edward Qual.
Edward and Sena owned a general store and he was postmaster for a time at Qual, Mn. The postoffice later was discontinued and in 1907 he moved to Mahnomen, Mn and was associated with stores there. IN 1938 he retired to the Detroit Lakes, Mn area where he lived for 15 years, until his death in 1954.


Ludvig Qual

Ludvig Oscar Qual was born on May 22, 1889 on a farm in Home Lake Township. He was born to Louis and Marth Qual. He was baptized and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. He worked on the home farm most of his life. He had never married.
He was a brother to Gustave and Marie (Lien).
He moved into the Lutheran Memorial Retirement Center and later in the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home, due to his age and health. He died on January 28,1 972 at the age of 82 years, at St Ansgars’s Hospital in Moorhead, Mn.
He is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Note: Qual, Minnesota was located in Fossum township. It has a Store and Post Office, it was conducted by Sievert Aamoth.

Michael and Sharilyn (Stone) Qual

Michael was born on February 27, 1965 to Sherman and Sandra Qual in Mahnomen, MN. He attended and graduated from Mahnomen Public School. He was baptized and Confirmed in the First Lutheran Church of Mahnomen, MN. Sharilyn (Stone) was born September 26, 1968 to Dave and Marilyn Stone in Red Lake Falls, MN. She attended and graduated from Waubun-Ogema-White Earth Public Schools. She was baptized in the Methodist Church of Erskine by Rev. Carl Clausen (Grandpa) and Confirmed in the United Church of Christ of Ogema, MN
Michael and Sharilyn were married on April 22, 1989 at the First Lutheran Church of Mahnomen, MN.
Michael was working on a farm in Ada and Shari was a beautician for Cost Cutters of Moorhead. In 1989 we moved to Ada where we made our home for 4 years before moving to Flom Township. In January of 1993, Sharilyn started the Hair Palace of Flom and in April of 1993 we moved to Flom when Michael started with Spielman Farms Inc. We rented and bought the Harry Boreen home. When our family started to grow we needed a bigger home, so we moved to the up town area of Flom. In 1995 we bought the Bill Ommodt’s home. Currently Michael works for Aggregate Ind. of Mahnomen, MN and Shari will be graduating from Minnesota State University of Moorhead (MSUM) in December 2002 with a degree in Special Education EBD/SLD.
Children:
Ashay Alizabeth was born on February 11, 1991 at Merit Care in Fargo ND. She died on February 11, 1991 and is buried at the Riverside Cemetary in Mahnomen, MN.
Zackary Michael (9) was born on July 23, 1992 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN. He was baptized Zion Lutheran Church of Ada, MN. He currently attends Waubun-Ogema-White Earth Public Schools and is in the 4th grade where he is active in wrestling, basketball, and the Rising Sun 4-H group.
Macaylee Nicole (8) was born on February 9, 1994 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was baptized in the United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN. Macaylee attends Waubun-Ogema-White Earth Public Schools and is in the 2nd grade where she is active in dance, piano, basketball, and the Rising Sun 4-H group.
Maddison Kay (3) was born on Novemeber 22, 1998 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was baptized in the Circle’s of Faith Church of Waubun, MN. She currently attends Val Syverson’s Wonder Noses daycare of Flom. Maddison is very active in dance and coffee time up at the Flom Cafe.

Adolph and Anna (Jacobson) Raad

Adolph and Anna Raad were both born and raised in South Dakota. They were married on March 29th, 1916 in Nunda, SD. In 1918 they moved to Northern Minnesota. In 1921 they bought a farm in Flom Township but the house burned
down before they could move into it.
Anna's father, Ole Jacobson and Adolph then built the new house where they raised their eight children. Around 1950 they retired and moved to Crookston, Mn. Adolph had a variety of jobs in his lifetime including:
Farming, hauling lumber, owned a hay business, custom work for threshing, clover hulling, silo filling, wood sawing, assessor of Flom Township, had a ward line and did leather work. They had 39 grandchildren and 64 great grandchildren. Adolph and Anna are buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery near Flom.
Their children are:
Leola Raad Kenny who was born in Madison, SD. She married Ed Kenny and they live in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. They have five children.
Reome Raad Jensen was born at Waubun, Mn. See Lester and Reome Jensen
Orville (Buddy) Raad was born at home near Waubun, Mn. He married Doris Hill and they lived on the family farm in Flom Township before moving to Shevlon, MN. They are both deceased. They had six children, three of who are also deceased, Laurie, Mary and Brian. Shirley lives in Atlanta, Georgia, Carla in Minneapolis, MN and Sheila in Boise, Idaho.
Edna Raad Johnson was born at home near Twin Valley, Mn. She married Alvin Johnson and they lived at Flom for several years where Alvin worked at Mike's garage. They later moved to Beltrami and then to Ada, Mn. They had nine children. Two are deceased, a baby and a daughter Darlene, Dean is in Texas, Darolynn and Annie are in Michigan, Daryl in Fergus Falls, Mn, Danny in Illinois, Dolly in Georgetown, Mn and Deon near Ada, Mn.
Lorraine Raad Piper was born at home near Twin Valley, Mn. She married Gordon Piper and they live in Columbia Heights, Mn. They have six children.
Milo Raad was born at home on the family farm near Twin Valley, Mn. He lived for many years in Fergus Falls, Mn and then later in Ulen, Mn. He is deceased.
Lois Raad Piper was born on the family farm. She married Clifford Piper and they live in Blaine, Mn. They have eight children.
Allen Raad was born on the family farm. He is married and lives in Virginia, Mn They have three children. Steven is married with two children and lives near Eveleth,MN Cindy is deceased and Sally is married and has three children. She lives in Duluth, MN.

Louis and Rachel (Opsahl) Ramsey

Rachel Marie Opsahl, was born to Ludvig and Eline Osahl on August 6, 1893 near Ulen, Mn. She grew up and attended local schools and bacame a dress maker. She married Louis Ramsey on January 23, 1918 and they farmed near Syre, Mn until 1938. Then Louis and Rachel bought a farm in Flom township in Section 11 and moved there in March 1938. They raised grain, milked cows, and had hogs and chickens. Louis had a threshing machine, so he did custom threshing for some of the neighbors in the area.
In 1951 they sold the farm to Geff Horn and moved into Twin Valley, Mn. Louis passed away on September 28, 1954 at the age of 64 as a result of a tractor accident while working on his farm in Mahnomen County. After his death Rachel continued to live in Twin Valley, Mn.
Rachel liked growing things and she always had pretty flower beds and a beautiful vegetable garden. After they moved to Twin Valley, Mn., Rachel began a floral business, making corsages, bouquets for weddings and often decorated the church. She also made wedding cakes. One of her favorite times was the Junior-Senior Prom. She kept up this hobby until she was in her eighties.
Louis and Rachel had one daughter; Eleanor (Russell Jeske).
Rachel lived her last years in Nursing Homes in Ulen and Twin Valley, Mn. She passed away on September 12, 1990 at the age of 97 years. They are both buried at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Twin Valley.

Christian and Anna Rasmussen

Christian F.W. Rasmussen was born on April 18, 1864. Anna Margaret Hanson was born on January 7, 1964. Both were born in Denmark. They were married on November 20, 1885 in Kjoge Sjaeland, Denmark, and came to the United States in December of the same year, at the age of 22. They first arrived and settled in Storden, Minnesota, in Cottonwood County where they were employed on a farm for one year. The Rasmussen’s then rented a farm until 1902 when they purchased a farm in Section 4 of Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn. This farm was located one mile south of Flom in the Northeast corner of Section 4. Besides farming the land they purchased, they also rented additional farmland.
Christian and Anna were the parents of nine children; Helmer, Arvilda, Rudolph, Anna, Henry, Theodore, Myrtle (Leslie Moore), Violet ( Curtiss Olson) and Fred. Six of their children were born while they lived at Storden, Mn, with three of them passing at a very early age, they are buried at Storden, Mn.
Their last three children were born while they lived in Walworth Township.
Christian passed away in March of 1915 and Anna in December of 1944. They were members of Walworth Baptist Church, rural Flom, Mn.

Burton and Agnes (Lunde) Raun

Burton Hanson Raun was born on February 3, 1896, near Fertile, Iowa, to Marcus and Anna Raun. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, attended rural schools and at the age of 18 years he came to the rural Ulen area.
Burton and Agnes were married on December 30, 1920 at the Sven Lunde residence near Ulen. They then farmed near Ulen for eight years, moving to Kathryn,ND in 1928. Theylived there for two years, moving to Pine River, Minnesota in 1930, where they farmed for ten years. They returned to this area where the purchased a farm in Ulen township and resided until Burt’s passing in 1971.
Burt was a veteran of World War I, he was inducted into the armed service December 17,1917, from Moorhead, Mn. He served in the Army Expeditionary Forces in France from September 3, 1918 to February 10, 1919. He was honorably discharged on March 20, 1919, from Camp Dodge, Iowa. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ulen. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen for many years.
During their lives they farm for many years and retired in 1961. They Raun’s celebrated their Godlen Wedding Anniversary on August 30, 1970 at the home farm and at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Burton passed away on November 25, 1971 at the age of 75 years, funeral services were held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen, Mn.
Burton and Agnes were the parents of Maynard, Lyle, Ingeborg (Roland Asleson), Beverly (Darrell Monteith, Barbara (Eugene Rasmusson) and Arlene (William Stanger).

Marcus and Anna (Thorson) Raun

Marcus Hanson Raun was born in Kolding, Denmark on August 22, 1865, to Hans Hanson and Karen Raun. He was brought to Jesus as an infant through Holy baptism. He renewed his baptismal covenant by the rite of confirmation in the church where he was baptized in October of 1879.
In February 1880 he came to American and lived at Sabula, Iowa where he worked two years as a youth
among strangers. From here he moved to Mason City and was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad Co. for about fifteen years, first as a fireman and later as engineer and held a life certificate as engineer on that railroad.
Marcus and Anne Kjestine (Aanaas) Thorson were married on September 27, 1884 at Fertile, Iowa. To this union eight children were born; Carrie (Severt Lunde), Eda, (Lewis Halvorson), Amanda, Harry, Luvina (Chris Klemetson), Burton, Arthur and Esther (she died at the age of 4).
Because of his failing health Mr. Raun had to leave the employment of the railroad and moved on a farm near Fertile, Iowa in 1893. This land was nearly all covered with timber. This remained their home until 1915 when they moved to this area, which remained their home until their deaths. Amanda never married and remained with her parents and in their later years she kept house for them.
Marcus was always interested in church work and was on of the charter member of Trinity Lutheran church of Mason City, Iowa and also became an active member of the Lutheran church of Fertile, Ia. When they moved here he joined the Lutheran church at Ulen where he continued his life as a devout Christian who established a fine home environment, on who regularly read the Bible and conducted family devotion without fail. Blessed be their memory.
Anne passed away on November 23, 1926 and Marcus at the age of 69 years 5 month and 18 days in 1935.
They are both buried at Ulen West Cemetery.

Alfred Rickhus

Alfred Rickhus was born to Anton and Anna (Gilbertson) Rickhus on March 29, 1909, southwest of Flom Minnesota. Here he lived with his family before entering the Wild Rice Children’s Home, where he grew up and attended school.
He lived and farmed with his father east of Twin Valley, and after his father’s death Alfred took over the farming operation, with his mother.
They operated the farm until 1973, when he moved into Twin Valley, Mn, where he made his home until his death on March 3, 1990, at the Mahnomen Nursing Center.
Alfred never married. Alfred is buried at North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen, Mn.

Anton and Anne (Gelbertson) Rickhus

Anne Gelbertson was born in 1885, the daughter of H. O. Gelbertson and his wife, Esther. Helgaen Gelbertson and his wife were married in Hallingdal, Norway and immigrated to America and lived at Spring Grove before taking a homestead near Ulen, Minnesota.
Mr. Gelbertson built a log house on land that was to be used for the building of the railroad. He gave up the land and moved his home into the woods. Anne was two years old at the time.
Anne attended school in Ulen. She studied reading, choir and singing, as she recalls.
She married Anton Rickhus and they were farmers near Flom. Anton was born in Norway in 1872. He came to the United States when he was eleven years old and they settled in the Flom area. All of Anne's brothers and sisters have passed away except one sister. She has a daughter living in Oregon and a daughter and son living in the Twin Valley area.
Anne recalls that Mrs. Ulen was a sister to her grandmother. In Norway, her grandmother had a grocery store.
Anton and Anie were the parents of Ed, Alfred, Martin, Christ, Alice (Stafford) and Clara (Otterness). Anton died on November 10, 1954 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.

Helge and Kari (Iversdatter Ofredalen) Rinde

Helge (Helje) Hanson Rinde was born in 1826 to Hans Trulson Ulvestadn and Eli Heljestre Vestreim in Rinde Feios, Leikoanger, Sogn, Norway. He married Kari Ivarsdatter Ofredal who was born in 1825,in Offerdal, Aardal, Sogn, Norway. They were married in 1855 in Leikanger, Sogn, Norway. She at the time was a widow from Ardal, Nowary. Her first husband was Hans Anderson Smidge, whom she married in 1844. With him she had four children; Endre, Anders (see Anders Smidge), Jorunn (see Julia Lockrem) and Ivar Smidge.
Helge and Kari were the parents of two sons; Hans (1858-1888) and John see John Rinde, and three daughters; Eli (J.T. Huseby), Carrie ( Mons E. Hammer see below) and Lena (seeTennis and Lena Oftedahl).
Helge and Kari both died in 1894 and are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Eli married J.T. Huseby. She was born in 1856 in Smidje, Leikanger, Sogn, Norway. Hans was born in 1858 in Smidje, Leikanger, Sogn, Norway.
Note: Carrie and Mons (Mike) Hammer had three children: Edwin, Annette (Reseland) and Christine Hammer.
They lived in Heiberg, Mn. Edwin married Lucille Fabre of Waubun and they are the parents of Robert, LaVonne (Dorseth) and Janine.

John H. Rinde

John was born ot Helje and Kari (Ofredahlen) Rinde in 1878 near Nerstrand, Rice County, Mn. He was baptized in Valley Grove Church, by Rev. N. Quammen. John came to Norman County, Mn with his parents in the spring of 1878, he was confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. He remained at home with his parents until 1894 when he moved in with his sister Carrie and her husband Mons Hammer at Heiberg, Mn., he also lived with Alfred Swenson for a time.
They had just completed the potato harvest on the Swenson farm and were preparing to go to town when the accident occurred. Milton Christensen had been hunting in the area and had placed his loaded gun in the cab of the truck. In attempting to remove the gun before leaving the gun discharged accidentally, killing John Rinde who was standing in the truck box. Funeral services were conducted at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn with interment at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Clinton and Marie (Storbeck) Rishovd

Clinton Rishovd moved to Flom in 1956 when he purchased the School House. Before that he had farmed with his brothers south of town. He continued to farm and in the Fall he would trap for about three months.
He married Marie Storbeck on October 15, 1960 and continued to live in Flom. They are members of Aspelund Lutheran Church.
After retiring in 1988 we moved to Detroit Lakes and continue to reside there.

Edwin A. Rishovd

Edwin Arthur Rishovd was born to Ingebret and Anna (Oien) Rishovd on the family farm in section 10 of Walworth township. Here he was raided and attended country schools.
Edwin spent his entire life on the family farm. As a young man he farmed with his parents, later taking over the farming operation with his brother Teddy. Edwin was an avid hunter and trapper.
Edwin died at his home on July 16, 1987 at the age of 78 years.
Both Edwin and Teddy are buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery, Flom, Mn.

Ingebret O. “Ed” and Anna Marie (Oien) Rishovd

Ingebret O. was born to Ole Olsen and Aagot (Olasdatter) Rishovd in Hol, Hallingdal, Norway on October 14, 1860 on the Riishovd Farm.
He emigrated from Norway at the age of 19 and came to America. He came directly to this area in 1879. He lived with his brother who had come earlier and worked around at farm labor and began his profession as a painter.
He married Anna Marie Oien on December 19, 1902 at Lake Park, Minnesota. Anna Marie was born to Iver and Thora Oien. The following children were born to them: Clinton, Odin, Thomas, Edwin, Harry, Palmer, Oliver, Alice Evelena (Davis), Ida and Alpha (Louderback).
Ingebret died January 15, 1943 and Anna died in 1956. Both are buried in Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Odin Rishovd

Odin Adolph Rishovd was born on April 18, 1906 to Ingebret and Anna Marie (Oien) Rishovd near Flom, in Walworth township of Becker County. Here he attended school and was raised. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn, where he remained a member throughout his life.
He served as church custodian for nearly 30 years and also dug graves for many years at the cemetery. Odin also farmed south of Flom in section 33 where he resided until 1970 when he retired and moved into Flom, purchasing the former Ricka Braaten home on the east side of town.
Odin always enjoyed being outdoors and spent many hours over the years hunting , fishing and trapping gophers.
Odin passed away on June 29, 1988 at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Mn. Funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church with interment at the church cemetery.

Ola Olson Rishovd, 1826 to USA 1885
“From the Book "Rosemaling in Hallingdal"
Translated by Aaron Swenson

Rishovd is a remote off the main path Farm. It is high in Sudndalen. It was a seter until the late 1700's. Here Ola Rishovd was born August 20, 1826, the youngest of six children. These are his siblings: Nils, Anders, Knut, Embrikk and Guri. His parents Ola Nilsson & Kari Andresdtr. had to sell the Farm with a Foreclosure auction when Ola was half grown. At the age of 30, he bought back the Farm, he had to borrow 150 riksdaler, mortaging the Farm. This mortgage was more than he could handle. He was in a bad economy. Ola married Ågot Olsdtr. Hytteplassen f.January 16, 1824 in 1859. Ågot’s parents were: Ola Hytteplassen and Sigrid Kvamshaugen and she was born in Hovet, Buskerud. They had five children, Ingebret, Ole, Mrs. Krogstad and Mrs. Dan Danielson. Ågot also had the following siblings: Anders, Tomas, Rangde (Hallsteinsgard-Mork), Margit (Lisleslett, Gro and Sigrid (Kongsrud). In 1881 the Rishovd farm was sold at public auction. The new owner sold again in 1885 and Ola with family emigrated from Norway to the USA. The oldest son had emigrated three years before.
If Ola Rishovd studied with older Hallingdal Rosemaler's it is unknown.
However, it is simple to see he used the Beara Tradition, (Nils Beara was a well known early Halingdal Rose Painter) which was used by many in Hol, Halingdal, of the Sand Grøt school. Ola later used flowers influenced by Munedal and Telemark Rosemaler's.
The tone of his craft was in the height of Hallingdal best. In creating new form, he was helpless, compared to older Hallingdal painters. However, he was capable of doing good work. That which often spoiled the entirety is unsure and urgently need of color. When Ola started paintin, the last of the 1840’s, Rosemalling had reached it’s peak and was on a downward slide, confusion and failure of color knowledge took over Hallingdal painting and added to it’s downfall. Only the older painters , those that had been trained in the high period of rosemalling had strength to show advantages and hide disadvantages. It is in this light you have to look at the work of Ola Rishovd. His colors are often restless and in reciprocal disagreement. Older painters like Pål Grøt and certainly Torstein Sand, used strong colors but they had the ability to bring them together, like strings of a violin. It is first and formost the angry gold color that spoiled Rishovd’s painting. With light red, dark red, parisian blue mixed with white, a deep green color that he sometimes uses works better. With that as ground color, it gives the work a pleasant look. The trunks he painted often used English red or lead red as ground, sometimes leisured with a brown was with scrolls.
In Ola Rishovd time, woodgraining became popular, simulating oak and other woods. Ola learned this technique. He sometimes used gold brown oak grain on cupboards as background color and a gold brown wash over Rosemalled areas.
You will find much rosemalling after Rishovd, both in Hol, Hallingdal and Sogn. He worked steady from 1850-1880. His best work was done in the early years. The living room at Halvorsgård and south Berg is painted as early as 1852. At Mork Larsgård, it is written on (From Skap) Front cupboard (painted Ola Rishovd for Erik Larson Larsgård June 1856) The year after he painted living room at south Berg, the red fråmskop has gold panels in doors with roses in red and blue. The crown moulding is white, decorateing in black. At Granne gård, north Berg, where he painted in 1880 it is written on From skap:
Kogskab er en kilde skjon
Klg cupboard is a fountain of beauty
Øs deraf saa faar du løn
From there you get a reward
Gud give os mad i dette skab
God give us food in this cupboard
At mette mig og mine smaa
To feed me and all my children
He has painted at upper Jorde and at north Sindrol. The painting in bedroom off the living room at Halvorgård, that is dated November 25, 1869 is much different from his other work. Ceiling and walls are light blue with margleizing in darker blue. In five white decorated areas he has painted an angel bird. Luther, with book in hand, the King and Queen, a loudly colored building with steeple and spire, a Kings castle, other wise there is very few people in his paintings.
A chair from Sudndalen (Norsk Folkmuseum) has a picture showing how weaving is done. (Hol’s book II pages 595-624) Smaller work he has done, a clock and shelf at Gullstein. (Hol Book II page 619) Trunk from Hagalesletten (T. Moen Hovet) Trunk from Loyte (Hallingstad Hol) Historisk museum has a trunk Berg dated 1864. Norsk Folkemuseum has one from 1866.
Ola Rishovd often went over the mountains to Sogn, often to Aurland. Gammel at Sinjarheim, a little mountain farm, high up in Aurland Valley, you will find his Rosemalling.
Ola Rishovd is buried at Aspelund Cemetery at Flom, Minnesota.

Ole O. and Kari (Sjursdatter Stundahl) Rishovd

Ole O. Rishovd was born to Ole Olsen and Aagot (Olasdatter) Rishovd in Hol, Hallingdal, Norway on April 5, 1860. He was married to Kari Sjursdatter Stundahl in Aurland, Sogn og Fjordane in 1881. She is the daughter of Sjur and Katarina Stundahl. They came to America in 1883 and settled in the Flom area.
The following children were born to them: Olaus, Severin and Agatha. A daughter, Sofia was born and died in 1886.
Ole died November 30, 1932 and Kari died December 21, 1932. Both are buried in Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery at Flom, Minnesota.

Thomas Chester “Teddy” Rishovd

Thomas C. Rishovd was born to Ingebret and Anna (Oien) Rishovd, on April 28, 1914 in Walworth Township of Becker County, Mn. Here he was raised and attended country schools.
He worked on the family farm before entering the service of which he was a veteran of WW II. After serving in the European Theatre for several years Teddy returned home to the farm where he was raised and lived their with his brother Edwin.
Ted was a member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. As a young man he enjoyed baseball and hunting.
Teddy passed away on July 21, 1987 at his home in Walworth township.

Agnes Rogen

Agnes was born on July 15, 1908 at Flom, Mn. She moved to the Twin Valley area with her parents around 1919. Here she attended school and graduated in 1927 from Twin Valley High School. She remained at home with her parents after graduation and after her mothers death she took on the housekeeping duties.
Agnes was a cheery and friendly disposition, active in church and in the L.D. R. and readily made friends of all with whem she came in contact with.
Agnes died in July 1942 at Crookston, Mn where she had undergone a major operation. She was just a few days short of her 34 birthday. She had four sisters and two brothers; Mrs. C.E. Wein, Valborg, Blenda, Eva, Martin and Paul. She is buried at Twin Valley, Mn., services were held at Zion Lutheran Church.

Andrew and Anna (Solum) Rogen

Andrew Rogen was born at Decorah, lowa, March 1, 1868, to parents, Ole and Ingeborg Rogen. When he was a year old he came with his parents by covered wagon to Flom Township, Norman County, Minnesota, where they settled on a homestead. The trip had taken three weeks. He was the oldest of a family of seven children. When he was sixteen years old he left home to look for work. He took the train from Ada, intending to go to Moorhead, Minnesota. At Glyndon he apparently did not have the patience to wait for the train to Moorhead and walked the railroad tracks carrying his belongings in a small immigrant chest. When he came to Moorhead, he went to the home of his aunt, Mrs. Ole Nelson. His first job was working on a farm near Argusville, North Dakota, for about eighteen months. He next took a job with the Martinson General Store in Moorhead as a delivery boy using one horse and a light wagon. He became a clerk and bookkeeper and spent ten years at this job. In 1895, he married Anna Solum, who was born at Rollag, Minnesota, June 16, 1875. The wedding was held in the church at Rollag. During the first year of their marriage their small home was swept off the foundation by the flooding of the Red River. He told of taking furniture out through the upstairs window, loading it on a raft, and taking it to higher ground.
In 1899, Andrew and Anna with their daughter, Blenda, moved to Faith, Minnesota, where he had purchased the store. He operated this store for one year, and then moved to Flom, Minnesota, having purchased the store there. He also was postmaster, operated a feed mill, saw mill, dealt extensively in horses and also did some farming. In 1919 he sold out at Flom and moved to Twin Valley, Minnesota where he owned and operated the Corner Store, and Little Red Grocery. In 1946, he sold the Little Red Grocery and retired. In his retirement he worked up a considerable business selling greeting cards and notions. Anna passed away in 1930, Andrew, in 1950.
Andrew and Anna Rogen became the parents of seven children—
Belinda, born in 1898. After finishing grade school at Flom she took nurses training at St. Luke's Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota, graduating as a registered nurse in 1921. She practiced her profession for just a short while before she became ill. She passed away at Sunnyrest Sanitorium, Crookston, Minnesota, in 1925.
Alpha, born in 1901, after finishing grade school at Flom, she attended business college at Fargo, and in 1922, she married Edwin C. Wien at Moorhead. They are now living at Bremerton, Washington, where Edwin retired from the Navy Yard. They became the parents of three daughters.
Valborg born in 1903, finished the grades at Flom and attended school for a short time at Twin Valley. She spent several years working in her father's stores, also working at stores in Sheyenne, North Dakota, and Minneapolis. In 1926 she was married to Andrew Hedin, of Minneapolis. He worked for the Omaha Railroad for forty-two years. They are now retired and living at Twin Valley. They are the parents of two sons.
Paul, born in 1905, graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1930 and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1933. He is now retired from social work and lives at Crosby, North Dakota.
Agnes, born in 1908, graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1927. She was her father's housekeeper after her mother passed away in 1930. She passed away in 1942.
Eva, born in 1910, graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1929. She worked in Minneapolis and Glenwood, Minnesota. In 1931, she married George Zemke a salesman at Glenwood. They became the parents of two sons.
Martin. born in 1912 graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1931. He spent the major part of his life as a salesman. In 1946, he married Charlotte Williams of Fargo, North Dakota. They became the parents of two daughters. In 1971, he passed away at Spokane, Washington.

Blenda Rogen

Blenda was born on August 5, 1898 at Moorhead, Mn and when she was seven weeks old moved with her parents to Faith, Mn. When she was one and one half years old her parents moved to Flom, Mn. She attended school at Flom finishing the eight grade there. She stayed home for a few years before furthering her education at St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Fargo, ND., where she graduated on May 12, 1921.
After graduation she did private nursing at various places until in October 1922, when due to ill health she had to give up her work. She then went to Sunnyrest Sanatorium at Crookston where she remained until her death on December 14, 1925 at the age of only 24. She is buried at Twin Valley, Mn and services were held at Zion Lutheran Church.

Martin Rogen

Martin Sylvester Rogen "Marty" was born on November 15, 1912 to Andrew and Anna Rogen. He was born in Flom, Minnesota. He grew up in the Flom area and was baptized at Aspelund Lutheran Church. In 1919 his family moved to Twin Valley, Mn were he finished school and graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1931.
After graduation he worked in Fargo and Glenwood before moving to Spokane, Washington. He served three adn a half years in the Army, most of the time overseas. He followed the profession of salesman. He was a member of Central Lutheran Church and served as deacon and trustee, taking an active part in church work.
Martin and his wife Charlotte were the parents of Clo Ann (Albert Kovats, and Marcille Clair.
Marty was a cheerful and happy person, he passed away at his home in Spokane on April 13, 1971. His funeral was at Central Lutheran Church at Spokane.

Ole T. and Ingeborg (Skeim) Rogan

Ole T. Rogan, residing on Section 10, Flom Township, was one of the influential and better known citizens of Norman County. He was of the earliest settlers of that region, taking up his residence on his farm when the land was wild and Indians were more in evidence than civilization. He remained to accumulate a well improved and valuable farm which was the direct result of his own industry and good management, he had a good reputation as a citizen and agriculturalist.
Our subject was born near Christiana, Norway, August 20, 1840. His father Thomas Rogan. was a farmer throughout his career, and was a blacksmith by trade. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Dorst Oleson, and her father, Ole Nelson was a farmer by occupation. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Halga Thompson, was a farmer also.
When our subject was fifteen years of age, the parents and children immigrated to America and settled in Winneshiek County, lowa. Our subject was the oldest of a family of six children, and he was early put to farm work.
At the age of twenty years he enlisted in Company K. Fifteenth, Wisconsin, a Scandinavian regiment enlisted from Madison, Wisconsin. He was sent south and was under General Rosecrans. The first engagement was at Union City, Tennessee, and our subject then went through Tennessee and Kentucky, and participated in the battle of Stone River, Nashville, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the Atlanta campaign.
He went to Savannah, and was then returned to Chattanooga, and in February, 1865, was mustered out of the service. He served three years in active army life and was injured by falling off his horse. After the battle of Chickamauga he was confined to the hospital three weeks. He enlisted as a private and was mustered out of the service with the rank of sergeant. He was appointed an orderly to carry messages for General Rosecrans, and served thus one year as sergeant.
After his return from the war, he worked for farmers in lowa for one year, and then followed farming for himself in lowa for three years.
He came to Norman County, Minnesota with his family in 1873, driving overland four hundred miles with ox team and covered wagon, one month being consumed in the journey. Upon his arrival in Norman County he took up his residence on the farm which he purchased. He built a log shanty with a sod roof and built a sod barn. He farmed with oxen ten years and broke land with them. He passed through six years of grasshopper times. He worked for others to make a living for his family. These were the most discouraging times of his life. He had no market nearer than thirtyfive miles, and he endured many deprivations and hardships.
He became the fortunate owner of two hundred and eighty acres of land, with one hundred and fifty acres under cultivation. He followed diversified farming and had many head of cattle and horses.
Our subject was married in 1866 to Ingeborg Johnson Skeim, a native of Norway and a daughter of Andrew Johnson Skeim, who was a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Rogan were the parents of seven children, named as follows:
Andrew, a merchant of Flom;
Dorothy. Mrs. Erick Urdahl,
Girty. Mrs. E. O. Bakke;
Anna, Mrs. Sven Huseby,
Kaia,
Taedamin, and
Otto.
Mr. Rogan served as postmaster of Flom for five years, took part in the organization of his township and was one of the first township officers. He was a member of the G.A.R.

O.T. Rogen

Ole T. Rogen was born in 1841 in Norway. He immigrated to the United States first stopping in Wisconsin before coming to Norman County, Mn where he settled.
Ingeborg Skeim was born in 1844 in Norway, she came to this country as a child with her parents when she was seven years old. They lived in Dane County, Wi and later in Winneshiek, Ia.
Ole and Ingeborg were married in 1866. When they came to the Flom area in 1873 he accompanied by; J. J. Waller, Ole P. Lien and Lars Huesby. Ole settled in Section 10 of Flom Township, he lived here until the last five years of his life at which were spent in Twin Valley, Mn.
Ole served his new country by giving of his service in the Civil War. He died in 1909 and Ingeborg died on October 19, 1932.They are both buried at Wild Rice.
They were the parents of three sons: Andrew, Ted and Otto, and four daughters; Mrs. S. L. Huseby, Mrs. Erick Underdahl, Mrs. George Dahl and Mrs E. O. Bakke.

Paul Rogen

Paul Oliver Rogen was born on July 20, 1905 to Andrew and Anna (Solum) Rogen. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. He attended grade school at Flom until his family moved to Twin Valley in 1919, where he attended Twin Valley High School and graduated with the class of 1923. He then went to Concordia College in Moorhead, where he graduated in 1930. After completing his education at Concordia he went on to Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Mn where he graduated in 1933.
Paul worked for his father in the mercantile store in Flom and Twin Valley and he also worked as a painter-decorator in Fargo.
Paul served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. He entered the service on March 25, 1942 and was discharged on October 2, 1945.
Paul worked in the county social service in the North Dakota communities of Wahpeton, Finley, Cavalier and Crosby, before returning to Twin Valley, Mn for his retirement.
He was the last member of the Andrew Rogen family, having been proceeded in death by his parents, five sisters and one brother. Paul died on September 2, 1991 at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, he is buried at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley, Mn.

Carl Ronning

Carl was born on February 19, 1913 to Ole and Ronnag (Johnson) Ronning near Flom. Here he grew up and attended school. After completing his education Carl entered the United States Army where he served from May 5, 1942 until he was discharged in 1946. Carl then returned to the Flom area and worked for the Swenson Brother’s Construction as a carpenter until the mid 1970’s. He continued to live in section 33 of Flom township until his later years when he moved to Ulen, Mn. Here he was a boarder of Silven and Mabel Syverson’s. He remained here until the late 1980’s when he became a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Homes.
Carl passed away on January 28, 1992 at Twin Valley, Mn. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.

Helmer Ronning:

Helmer J. was born on July 9, 1908. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
He worked in Flom for Art and Reggie Thorstenson at their IGA Store.He was inducted into the armed forces on March 31, 1942, served in the 90th Inf in World War II. He served his country in the military as a Pvt 1st Class Co. C 359 Inf WW II BSM-PH. In World War II he received the Purple Heart. He was discharged from active duty on November 11, 1945. He never married. He worked for Thorstenson’s for twenty five years and when they moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn he moved with them. Helmer died on September 7, 1964 and is buried at Aspelund.

Ole and Ronnaug (Johnson) Ronning

Ole Ronning was born in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. He married Ronnaug Johnson in Norway in 1903. In 1904, we find him leaving Norway for America. Ronnaug was born in 1876 in Nordre Fron, Oppland, Norway to Johan Olsen Kaltrud and his wife Lisbet Østendsdatter who were married November 3, 1870 in Sodorp, Oppland, Norway. In the 1900 census of Norway, we find her living on the Kaltrud Farm with her parents and her son, Sigurd O. Kaltrud who was born July 14, 1899. Also living there are her brothers Østen J. Kaltrud b.1874 in Vaage, Oppland, and Paul J. Kaltrud b.1893 in Nordre Fron, Oppland. Two of her sisters were also living on the farm: Anæ J. Kaltrud b.1883 and Anna J. Kaltrud b.1886, both in Nordre Fron, Oppland. Ronnaug’s brother, Ole Johnson b.7/23/1871 also came to the Flom area. Ole and Ronnaug lived just south and west of Flom on the cart trail known to many in the area as Ronning’s Trail. Here they raised their children.
John, Carl, Edwin, Helmer, Gustav, Orville, Sigurd, Alvin and Anna.
John did carpenter work in Flom area. He also worked for E. A. Narum at Narum's store in Flom. He married a girl from White Earth, Mn. They resided there where he was employed by the school.
Carl was born on February 19, 1913. Worked construction with the Swenson Brother’s of Flom, Mn for many years before retiring and moving to Ulen, Mn. Carl was a veteran of WW II, he was a SGT US Army during WWII. Carl died on January 28, 1992 and is buried at Aspelund, Flom.
Edwin was born in March of 1919. He worked for various farmer’s in the area. He was well noted for being the one who would pick berries in the fall for canning. Many gallons of Chokecherries, Cranberries and grapes were picked by him. He was a kind and decent person. I can remember one Christmas when he stayed at my parents (Vernon Dorseth’s) that we were all sitting and opening up our presents. Edwin sat and watched us three girls with the excitement of the holiday season and giggling with delight as we opened our presents. We handed Edwin his gift from under the tree and he just sat there not knowing what to do, holding back tears as he looked at the beautiful package with his name on it. When Edwin opened that gift, there in the box was a simple pair of slippers for him to wear in the evenings after coming in from chores. Edwin choked back tears as he told us it was his best Christmas ever, one would have thought we had given him all the gold in the world, but it was just the simple gesture of friendship and the true meaning of giving at Christmas that has always stayed in my mind.
Edwin died sometime in the fall of 1979, the date says November 3, 1979. He had disappeared in the fall, a local person was out deer hunting when he happened to come across the body. Edwin is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn In 2000 Jacob Klemetson made him a foot stone to mark his grave as a 4-H project. He received Grand Champion at both the local Mahnomen County level and also at the State Fair, along with it he received the community caring hands award. On the footstone are the words: Amazing Grace …….. I once was lost but now am found.
Helmer J. was born on July 9, 1908. He worked in Flom for Art and Reggie Thorstenson at their IGA Store. He served his country in the military as a Pvt 1st Class Co. C 359 Inf WW II BSM-PH. In World War II he received the Purple Heart. He never married. He worked for Thorstenson’s for twenty five years and when they moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn he moved with them. Helmer died on September 7, 1964 and is buried at Aspelund.
Gustav Adolph lived at home and never married. He died on September 28, 1956 and is buried at Aspelund.
Orville was a born on July 28, 1921. He never married. Orville served his country during WW II as a Pvt lst Class in the Army. After he came back from the service he worked for the Flom Co-op then he moved to Moorhead and worked for Sioux Oil. Orville was a good guitar player, he like to play the guitar and sing. He died on July 25, 1996 and is buried at Aspelund, Flom, Mn.
Sigurd was born on July 14, 1899 in Norway. He came to America at the age of 6. He lived at home and was a carpenter by trade. He never married. He was in the process of building a barn on the Vernon Dorseth farm when the scaffolding went down and Sigurd fell to his death. He died at the scene on June 20, 1959. He is buried at Aspelund. Flom, Mn.
Alvin was born on December 20, 1915. He grew up in the Flom area and served his country in the military. He served with the troops that were sent in to liberate Norway. He was among the unit of "Ski Troouper", he was among the first to be sent in beause he could speak fluent Norwegian. He met and married Bernice Reynold on July 26, 1967 at Moorhead, Mn. She had two sons James and Bernard and two daughters; Delores ( C. Moss) and Darlene (James Loock)They lived in Moorhead, Mn where he worked for Power Construction Co. Alvin is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo, ND.
Anna married Nels Johnson: See Nels and Anna Johnson

Alfred and Thea (Dorseth) Rue

Alfred Rue was born on Nov. 16, (17th according to the obit) 1897 to Peter and Gunnild (Gronlie) Rue in Walworth Twp, Becker County, Mn. He was confirmed in 1913 at Aspelund church by the Rec. B.L. Larson.
Thea H. Dorseth was born on Oct. 29th, 1900 to Hans and Ronnag (Fossen) Dorseth in Flom Twp. She grew to womanhood on the family farm located in section 28 of Flom Twp.
Alfred and Thea were married in the fall of 1922. The lived in Flom for a few years before moving to the farm where they lived until his death. They settled in section 30 of Flom township on the farm known to many as the Boyd Johnson farm.
They remained here active in farming until Alfred's death.
Alfred and Thea had two children; Donald and a son who was born and died on April 23, 1932, just 6 days following Alfred's death.
After Alfred's death Thea moved to Sauk Center, Mn where she worked as a Matron in a girls reform school. She remained there until 1965 when she retired and moved to Fargo, ND where she resided until her death.
Alfred passed away on Sunday morning April 17th, 1932 at his home the cause of death was from pleurisy and pneumonia.
Just six days later Thea gave birth to their second son who was born and died on April 23rd. Thea died on July 8, 1986 at Fargo, ND. Alfred, Thea and infant son are all buried at Aspelund, Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.

Dina Rue

Dina Rue was born in Ossian, Iowa on May 25, 1881 to Per and Gunhild (Gronlie) Rue. The family moved to Walworth township when she was two years old. Here she resided since, except for a few winters in which she would live in Ulen, Mn.
Dinah (Dina) Rue never married, she died on Spetember 21, 1956 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom ,Mn.
She had three brothers; Ole, Alfred, Henry, sisters; Olina, Clara (died in infancy), Clara (Kirkbey) , Marie (Grefsrud) and Clara.

Henry and Mabel (Gunderson) Rue

Henry John Rue was born on May 5th, 1895 in Clay County near Ulen, Mn to Peder and Gunnild (Gronlie) Rue. He had three brothers Alfred, Ole and Henry and three sisters Clara (Kirkeby) Dinah and Marie (Grefsrud).
Mabel Gunderson was born 1897 to Henry and Bertha (Embretson) Gunderson.
Mabel had four brothers: Clarence, Edwin, Burton and Floyd and one sister Adelia. They lived one mile east and 1/4 mile south of Flom in section 35.
Henry and Mabel were married on October 28th, 1917. Henry and Mabel started their married life out farming 1 1/4 miles southeast of Flom. Here they lived in a log home for a few years until they built a new house.
They stayed here and farmed from 1917 to 1941 in the Flom area. They then moved to Popple Grove Township in Mahnomen County. This farm is currently
owned by Mark and Ranelle Fogelson.
They moved off the farm and into Waubun in 1981 where they lived until Henry's death in 1983 at the age of 87 years. Mabel then moved to Twin Valley and lived in the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home until she passed away on March 6th, 1988 at the age of 91.
They were lifetime members of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN where they are buried.
Henry and Mabel had three children. Genevieve (Johnson) Verna (Christensen) and Delyle. All three of their children were baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.

Peder (Per) and Gunnild (Gronlie) Rue

Peder O. Rue was born on May 3, 1855 in Telemarken, Norway. He was baptized in Norway. At the age of three he left with his parents for America, coming to Ossian, Iowa in the spring of 1858. Here he grew to manhood, being confirmed in the Washington Prairie church by Dr. V.Koren.
Gunnild Gronlie was born on Sept. 29, 1859 to Mr. & Mrs. Gronlie in Decorah,Iowa.
Peter and Gunnild were married in 1881 at Ossian, Iowa, by Dr. V. Koren. A year after they were married they left Iowa for Lake Park, Mn., coming here in the spring of 1882. They recieved a letter from Olava Melaas urging them to come and take land as their neighbors. They settle on the homestead west of Flom and resided there until their deaths.
Peder filled a very eminent place in his communityand his church. With his very fine and kindly Christian personality he has wonthe esteem of all. He has been ver iberal in his help both tothose who sought and especially to his church.
To this union eight children were born; Clara, Mari, Alfred, Ole, Dina, Clara, Henry.
Ole was born on July 27, 1884 in Walworth Twp, and died on April 3, 1953.He never married.
Alfred was born on Nove 16th, 1897. See Alfred and Thea Rue.
Henry was born in 1895 in Walworth Twp. See Henry and Mabel Rue.
Clara (Kirkeby) See Lewis and Clara Kirkeby.
Marie (Grefsrud) See Olaf and Marie Grefsrud,
Clara who was born in 1890 and died on August 19, 1891. Is said to be buried at the Old Aspelund Cemetery, and Dina (called Randina in the 1900 census) who was born on May 25, 1881 and died on Sept 21st, 1956. She never married.
Peter died on January 23, 1855 and Gunnild died on May 1, 1939. Peter, Gunnild, Ole, Alfred, Henry, Clara, Mari and Dina are all buried at Aspelund Cemetery, Flom, Mn.

Douglas and Sandra (Bratvold) Ruud

Douglas grew up on the family farm with his parents, Don and Ilene, and his sister, Donelle. He graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1969. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul and Morris campuses. Doug returned to the area to farm in partnership with his dad.
After Don retired, Doug continued farming on his own, making him a second generation farmer. He married Sandra Bratvold on July 3, 1976 in Grand Forks, ND. They met when she obtained a teaching job at the Twin Valley school.
Sandra graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High. Her parents are Orien and Delores (McKeever) Bratvold. She has one brother, Gary. He is also an educator, serving as Superintendent of the Bagley Public Schools. Sandra received her teaching degree from Moorhead State University and has taught Kindergarten in the district all of her teaching career.
Doug and Sandy have three children: Ivory (1979), Brandon (1981) and Megan (1985). Ivory graduated from Norman County East in 1997, with Brandon following in 2000. Megan will graduate in 2003. Ivory graduated from Concordia College in 2001 and is currently employed as Assistant to the Engrossing Secretary at the Capitol in St. Paul, Mn. Brandon attends Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Mn.
Doug and Sandy have been active in the community. They attend Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, are past members of Jaycees and Women of Today. Sandy is a member of the Twin Valley Modern Study Club, Education Minnesota, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Doug was elected to the Wheat Growers Association Board. Both were selected as delegates in the Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program.

Ernest and Jackie Saeland

Ernie Saeland was born in Hillsboro, ND. He moved to a farm southeast of Twin Valley, Mn on the west side of Fossum, he was two years old when he moved to this area, with his parents Otto and Atelia in 1952. Ernie was confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran and graduated from Twin Valley High School.
After graduation he moved to Fargo, ND and attended Hanson’s Mechanical Trade School.
Ernie met Jackie in Fargo at the time he was going to school. Jackie was born in Breckenridge, Mn and attended Fargo North High School. Jackie attended church at Elim Lutheran Church, in Fargo.
Ernie and Jackie were married in 1972. They moved to the farm in Fossum Township near Twin Valley, in 1973. It is at this time that Ernie started his own business "Ernie’s Repair Service" which he continues to operate. Jackie does daycare in her home, which she has been doing for many years.
Ernie and Jackie have two children.
Brian was born in 1971 at Fargo and Terri Jo was born in 1975 at Ada, Mn. Brian is married to Shayne Rankins whom he married in 2001. They live in Fargo, ND where Brian is employed by T & M Transport in West Fargo, ND as a accountant. Shayne is employed by Slumberland in Dilworth, Mn.
Terri married Vance Kaupang in 1996. They live on a farm near Winger where Vance farms with his father, and during the school year he is employed as a teacher in Erskine. Terri does substitute teaching and daycare on days she is not teaching.

Ole and Ingeborg (Johnson) Saeland

Ole Saeland was born in Christiansand, Norway, on October 2, 1875. It was there he grew up into manhood.
In his native land he met and married Ingeborg Johnson on May 15, 1900. In 1902 Ole left his native land of Norway to pursue a dream and better life for his family. He first settled in Valley City, ND and in 1904 he sent for his family to join him in the new land. They remained in Valley City until 1915 when they packed up their belongings and came to Norman County, Mn. Here they settled on a farm near Gary, Mn where he resided until his death. Around 1952, Ingeborg passed away. After her death Ole stay with a daughter and her family until he died on January 25, 1954 at St. Olaf, hospital, Austin, MN from a severe heart attack at the age of 78. Funeral services and interment were at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, MN.
Ole and Ingeborg were the parents of seven children; Carl, T. G., Margaret, (Melvin Hugland), Lyle, Otto, Trygve, Ralph, and one daughter who died in infancy.

Otto E. and Atelia (Soliah) Saeland

Otto Emil Saeland was born to Ole and Ingeborg Saeland on June 7, 1907, at Valley City, ND. He was baptized on July 3, 1909 at Valley City. He was confirmed in the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, Mn., on November 26, 1922. He came with his parents to this area in 1915 and attended country school and grew up here in the Faith area. Otto had four brothers; Torlaf, Carl, Trygve, and Rolf and one sister; Margaret.
Otto went to Hatton, ND where he worked for a farmer there. The farmer had a daughter named Atilia Soliah who was born on October 24, 1908. Otto got to know Atilia , which led to a courtship and later marriage.
Otto married Atelia Adeline Soliah on June 27, 1949 in the Bethany Lutheran Church at Hatton, ND. They made their home for three years in that area. The Saeland's then moved to Fossum, Mn where they moved onto a farm. Here they farmed for many years. Thier son Ernie and his wife Jackie currently own the farm on the west side of Fossum.
Atelia passed away on August 26, 1954 and is buried at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, in rural Hatton, ND. Otto passed away on February 13, 1979. Otto is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Otto and Atelia were the parents of one child; Ernest (see Ernie and Jackie Saeland)

Trygve Saeland

Trygve Saeland was born on October 28, 1910 to Ole and Ingeborg (Johnson) Saeland at Valley City, ND. In 1916 he moved with his family to the Twin Valley area whre he was raised on the farm and attended Faith School. On September 26, 1926 he was confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, Mn.
As a young man he worked at teh Hormel packing palnt in Austin, Mn. He also worked at several logging camps before entering the Army on May 5, 1942, to serve his country during World War II. He was stationed in Europe and Africa until his discharge on October 12, 1945. At that time he returned to the area and took over the family farm.
He retired and sold the farm in 1976, but continued to make the farm his home until the time of his death, on May 5, 1988.
He was a longtime member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, Mn and also served on the Fossum Town Board for several years. He was a member of the Nesseth-Lien Post No. 431 of Twin Valley. Trygve enjoyed playing cards and coming into town to eat, which gave him the chance to visit with people and enjoy the company of others.
He is buried at St. Olaf Cemetery, Faith, Mn.

Andrew and Esther (Stueness) Sakrismo

Andrew Sakrismo was born on July 25, 1906, near Gatzke, Minnesota, to Peter and Anna Sakrismo. He spent the first years of his life in the Gatzke area and when he was 12 years old his family moved to the Flom area.
Here they moved onto a farm and were active in the farming operation. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. As a young man he worked in the Flom community and also spent some time in Montana.
Andrew married Esther Stueness on June 23, 1936 on the farm in Flom township. They took up farming and remained in this area where they raised their family. They were the parents of: Loyal and Phillp. Their son Loyal took over the farming operation after Andrew's retirment and resides on the home farm in section 36 of Home Lake Township.
Andrew was active in his church and community having served on the Church board, Immanuel Cemetery Board and also as the school board where he was a clerk for many years. They were member of Immanuel Lutheran church until it's closing and then joined Aspelund Lutheran Church where they remained. Andrew was an avid hunter throughout his life.
Andrew passed away on March 12, 1986 in St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Mn. Funeral services were held at Aspelund with interment at Immanuel Cemetery. After his death Esther remained on the farm, later moving into Ulen where she resides today.

Johnny Sakrismo

Jahann "Johnny" Sakrismo was born on December 21, 1916 on a homestead in Rollis Township in Marshall County, to Peter and Anna Sakrismo. He was raised and attended area schools in the Flom community and graduated from Waubun High School. Johnny was known throughout the area for being a brick and block layer nearly all his life. Over the years, he had worked on many porjects in this part of the state. He had lived on the family famr all of ihis life and had operated it for the last many years. Johnny also worked in Alaska for several summers.
He was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. the Detroit Lakes Lodge of the Sons of Norway, the Local 12 Brick and Block Layers Union of Crookston. He never married.
Johnny passed away on Monday, January 27, 1983 at his home section 32 of Flom Township. Funeral
services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church Flom, Mn with interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Lars and Alice (Jensvold) Sakrismo

Lars was born on August 16, 1910 to Peder and Anna (Swendson) Sakrismo at Gatzke, Mn He attended country school and was baptized and confirmed at Syre Lutheran Church, Syre. Lars was a farm laborer around the Flom area. He later moved to the iron range and worked for the railroad. He then worked on the West Coast in a Lumber Mill. When WW II came he served in the Pacific Theater.
Alice was born on June 10, 1923 to Jens and Sigrid Anna (Aas) Jensvold in Tydal, Norway. When she was five years old her mother died and she moved in with the Sakrismo family who became her foster parents. As a young girl she would work with them milking goats and house chores. She later worked at the Hotel Vaekrastua and also as a nanny in Oslo. During the German Occupation, Alice served as a cook in Norwegian Home Guard.
Lars and Alice were married on August 23, 1947 at Tydal, Norway. Alice came to the United States in 1948 with her infant daughter Sigrid. Lars and Alice farmed and had dairy cattle living in Section 1, Ulen Township, Clay County, Mn. He also did mason work. Alice took on the duties of a farm wife and mother when she came to America. She helped with the dairy operation and raised their family. After her children had all left home Alice worked at the Flom Cafe. Through out most of her life she was always knitting; caps, scarves, sweaters and was well known for her mittens and gloves, which she would sell.
Lars died on November 19, 1988 and Alice died on November 2, 1999, they are both buried at Immanuel Cemetery.
Lars and Alice were the parents of four children; Sigrid, Linn, Stephen and Sonja.
Sigrid Marie was born on January 6, 1948 in Norway. She attended school at Ulen, Minnesota and graduated from there. She is married to James A. Beckstrom. They have two children,
Andrea T. Sunde, born December 4, 1971. She has a son Austin A. who was born May 19, 1995.
Carl R. who was born April 20, 1974. He is married to Sarah M. Baumgartner.
Linn Audrey was born on December 10, 1952. See Linn and Jeri (Busby) Sakrismo.
Stephen Jon was born on August 19, 1960 (twin).See Stephen and Tammy (Ritter) Sakrismo.
Sonja Beret was born on August 19, 1960 (twin). She is graduated from Ulen-Hitterdal High School and attended Moorhead Vo-Tech where she took up Commerical Art. She was married to Greg Tigue on September 24, 1994, who was born September 8, 1963 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Sonja works as a Dental Lab Tec at Precision Dental Lab and Greg is an Electrical Design Consultant at Vareberg Engineering. They have one daughter, Natalie Ann who was born March 2, 1998. The Tigue Family lives in Moorhead, MN.

Linn and Jeri (Busby) Sakrismo

Linn Audrey was born on December 10, 1952 to Lars and Alice (Jensvold) Sakrismo in Ada, Mn. He was baptized on March 15, 1953 and was also confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. He attended school at Ulen, Mn from grades 1-10, then Ulen and Hitterdal schools merged and he went to Ulen-Hitterdal High School for grades 11-12 graduating in May 1971. Linn went to Bemidji State University from 72-75 then went back in 79 graduating in January of 1980. He worked in Fairbanks Alaska as a custodial worker at Pioneer Home, and also was a carpenter through the Local Union 3113. He came back and started to work as a carpenter for Swenson Brother’s Construction, Flom, Mn which he did for several years.
Jeri Lyn Busby was born on May 20,1957 to Loyal and Doloris (Hogenson) Busby in Moorhead, Mn. She was baptized in 1957 and confirmed on June 18, 1972 at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, Mn. Jeri went to Hitterdal Public School at Hitterdal, Mn for elementary school. Then with the merger of Ulen-Hitterdal she attended Jr and Sr High at Ulen-Hitterdal High School at the Ulen Site. She graduated on May 29, 1975. After graduation she attended Moorhead State University at Moorhead, Mn where she graduated May 25, 1979,with a degree in teaching. She was first employed as the High School Business Teacher at Annandale, Mn from September 1979 until May of 1982. She is currently employed as a High School Business Teacher at Detroit Lakes, Mn where she has been since 1982.
Linn and Jeri were married on August 14, 1982 at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, Mn.
They live in Section 19 of Flom Township in Norman County . Here they are raising their three daughters; Amanda, Christine and Heidi.
Amanda Ruth was born on July 23, 1985. She was baptized on September 29, 1985 and confirmed on June 4, 2000 both at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. She will be a senior at Norman County East this fall (2003).
Christine Ann was born on September 28, 1987. She was baptized on November 22, 1987 at Aspelund. She will be a freshman at Norman County East this fall.
Heidi Jean was born on July 3, 1990.
She was baptized on August 19, 1990 at Aspelund. Heidi is a 6th grader at Norman County East-Gary Site and next year will be a 7th grader at the Twin Valley Site.
Sakrismo Family

Peder and Anna were married in 1902, in Tydal, Norway. Peder was the son of Anders and Lisabet Sakrismo. Anna Svenson VoId was the only child of Greta Pehrson from Ljungdalen, Sweden, and Svend VoId of Tydal.
They came to America in 1904, landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia in February, and arriving by train in Syre, Minnesota. Peder's maternal uncle, Anders H. Stuedal, had sent them tickets so they came to his farm near Flom.
Peder's mother's four siblings, Magli Larson, Guri Nysetvold, Henning and Anders H. Stuedal, were all settled on farms in the same section near Flom.
Henning and Anders never married. Henning died early in life. Magli and Einar Loven had four children, all of whom died in early infancy. Three are buried on the farm, the fourth in the Immanuel Cemetery by his parents.
Einar also died suddenly, so Anders moved to live with his sister Magli. When she passed away, he moved back to the neat log house in the Sakrismo yard. Guri and Joe Nysetvold had four children, Ole, Ingeborg, Henry , and Johnny. They and Magli and Anders added very special meaning to our lives
as we were growing up.
The first two years in the Flom area, Dad worked on farms, the first year at the N.C. Flaten farm. The second year both Mom and Dad were employed by Andrew Dorseth. Mother kept house and took care of Andrew's four small children. Well do we remember our mother saying, "Men han Anders Dorseth var en snild man. "
A couple of Tydalings, Peter Aune and Joseph Peterson, from Gatzke, came for a visit. They encouraged the folks to move to the Gatzke area, where land was still available for homesteading. There was a large group of Tydalings already settled there. While there, my Dad farmed and worked in the lumber camps near Bemidji during the winter months. Much of the land in that area was flat, with poor drainage and was covered with peat, so it took many years before they got deep drainage ditches and were able to burn off the peat. Eventually it became very good land for farming.
Dad's uncle wanted them to move back to his farm, so in April, 1917, they finally did. Dad purchased the farm and it was their home for the remainder of their lives. The move from Gatzke to Flom took four days, with three stops: Middle River, Crookston, and Syre.
Our parents were active members and supporters of the Lutheran church. Our Dad was also active in community affairs. Our parents were neither rich nor poor in money, but we look back with rich memories to a home of good Christian living and a wealth of memories of all the fine times we had with our many friends. Our parents always welcomed our friends and food and lodging were readily shared whenever or with whomever as the need or occasion arose.
Mother passed away peacefully at home on New Year's morning in 1957, in the presence of family and a neighboring nurse, Mrs. Bert Albertson.
Dad went to Norway in May, 1958, after an absence of 54 years and died suddenly in the house where he was born in July, 1958. Their final resting place is the beautiful Immanuel Cemetery , located a mile and a half north of the homeplace.
The following are updates of what was written 25 years ago:
There were eight of us children: Elizabeth, Anders (Andrew), Sven (Sammy), Lars (Lewey), Greta, Petrina (patsy), Johan (Johnny), and Singne Marie (the only one with two names).
Elizabeth
Elizabeth and Sidney Swenson (also Tydal ancestry) lived near Flom. Sidney was a builder. In fact, he was 23 years old when he and Ted Puffier, with the help of Peder and the boys, built the house at Sakrismo' sin 1927. To this day, there is not a sag in the house anywhere. Elizabeth was a skilled seamstress, a very loving and caring big sister. Elizabeth passed away in November, 1977, Sidney in September, 1978. Their twin sons, Aaron and Arvid, have their own construction company and live on the home place .
They have added a beautiful Scandinavian Heritage room to their home, which attracts many visitors from far and near. Jeanine, their sister, and husband, Luveme Ehnert, live near Frazee. Vern is retired from the Minnesota Highway Dept., and Jeanine is a retired nurse. All four of the above are very much involved and skilled in Norwegian arts and crafts, as well as other crafts, too. Jeanine and Vern have two sons. Robert is a construction engineer for Powers Construction in Fargo. Erik graduated from Vo Tech in Alexandria and is employed by Tool & Die Co. in Detroit Lakes.
Andrew
Andrew and Esther (Stueness), also of Scandinavian descent, retired from fanning. Andrew passed away in March, 1981 Esther has a nice apartment in an assisted living complex in men. She will celebrate her 90th birthday on July 20, 2002. She still is an expert cook and baker of Norwegian kringles, lefse, etc.
Their two sons are Phillip and Loyal.
Phillip and Diane (Norwegian heritage) live in West Fargo. Phillip is retired from Class Clay. Diane is teaching in West Fargo. They have two children, Lisa and Tony.
Lisa and Mike Trinka live in West Fargo. Lisa is a teacher, but presently a stay-at-home mom for their three children, Allison, Thomas, and David. Mike is a graduate of N.D.S.U. in Grand Forks and works in Investments.
Anthony and Linda live in West Fargo. Anthony attended Moorhead Tech. and N.D.S.U. and works for Thermo-King in refrigeration. Linda works for Bremer Banks.
Loyal and Patty (Krueger) operate a dairy farm on the home place. Besides helping Loyal with farm work, Patty works as a secretary for Peterson Insurance in Ulen. They have three children: Tracie, Troy, and Tricia.
Tracie and Bruce Paulsrud live in Rantoul, lllinois, where Bruce is employed by the University as an Extension Specialist. Tracie is an English teacher, but presently a stay-at-home Mom for their children, Andrew and Elizabeth.
Troy works for Meineche Construction in Fargo. He is a busy and loving dad for his two little girls, Shanea and Chelsie.
Tricia and Gordon HaIl live in Red Lake Falls. Tricia works as a cook in Thief River Falls and Gordon has been employed as an engineer for the county but is presently moving to another position.
Sven (Sammy)
Sven (Sammy) never married and passed away rather young in July, 1957, from damaged lungs caused by exposure to a poisonous gas which forms from the silage in silos. He was fanning with his Dad at the time he became ill.
Lars (Lewey)
Lars(Lewey) worked on farms and the railroad. He served in the Japanese theater in IeShima, Okinawa. He came home from the war on Christmas Day, 1945, and on Christmas Day, 1946, he and his sister traveled to Tydal, Norway, to visit their ancestral homes. While there he met and married Alice Jensvold, and they made their home on a farm in the Northeast part of Clay County. Lewey passed away in November, 1988. Later, Alice moved to Ulen. She passed away in November, 1999.
Their four children are Sigrid, Linn, Stephen, and Sonja. Sigrid and Jim Beckstrom live in Moorhead. Sigrid, a Concordia graduate, works in the registrar's office at Concordia. Jim is employed by Accent Construction Co. in Fargo. Their daughter, Andrea Sunde, also a Concordia graduate, works at Merit Care. She has one son, Austin. Their son Carl and his wife, Sara, both Concordia graduates, live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Carl is manager of Walgreen Drugs by Wells Fargo.
Linn and Jeri (Busby) live near Flom in the lovely home built by themselves near the Immanuel Church. Linn majored in business at Bemidji State but chose to continue in construction work. Jeri teaches business at Detroit Lakes High School. They have three daughters: Amanda a senior in
high school, Christine in ninth grade, and Heidi, in seventh grade.
Stephen and Tammy(Ritter) live in Moorhead. Stephen, a Concordia graduate, works for Wells Fargo. Tammy works as a secretary and receptionist for Muchler Bartrum Architects. They have two children; Kari, a senior in high school, and Tanner, who is in junior high.
Sonja and Greg Tigue live in Moorhead. Sonja is a dental lab technician and Greg an electrical design consultant. They have one sweet little daughter, four-year-old Natalie Ann.
Greta
Greta and Arvid Engeseth (Gulbransdal) retired from farming near Lake Park. They spent their retirement years at their beautiful lake home on Lake Tulaby. Arvid passed away suddenly in March, 1987. Since then, Greta spends the winter months with her daughters, Yvonne and Randie and the rest of the year in her own home at the lake.
Yvonne Opdahl lives in Mahnomen and is an English teacher at the Twin Valley High School.
Randie Conner lives in Morris and was also an English teacher but is now retired due to ill health.
Petrina (Patsy)
Patsy was married to Marvin VanDenEinde. They lived north of Mahnomen. Patsy died and Marvin still lives on the farm.
The following children were born to them Sharon, Mylla and David:
Sharon is married to George Spaeth. They live in Chief Township in Mahnomen County. Their children are:
Michael who is married to Bobbi Johnston, they live in Eau Claire, WI with their 3 children, Jacob, Joshua and Amber.
Andrew who is married to Teresa Capliner. They live and farm in Mahnomen county with their 2 children, Gregory and McKenna.
Thomas who is married to Lori Dorfler. They live in Fargo, ND with their two children, Tyler and Zachary.
William who is married to Tracy Koski. They live in Hawley, MN with their two children, Sammy and Jon.
Theresa who is married to Kevin Podlak. They live in Mahnomen with their 4 children, Amanda, Benjamin, Nicholas and Christopher.
Howard who is married to Trina Jordahl. They live in Fargo, ND with their two children, Autumn and Mattia.
George who is married to Julie LaVoy. They live in Fargo, ND with their son Payton.
Christine who is employed by the County Attorney’s office in Mahnomen.
Mylla is married to Will Marwitz. They live at Pipestone, MN. Mylla is a Tutor and Will is a retired English Teacher. They have the following children:
Jorden who is married to Leigh Erickson. They live in Janesville, MN
Tamara who is married to Mike Furth. They live in New Ulm, MN with their son Samuel.
Ryan who is married to Tasha Langdahl. They live in St. Cloud, MN.
Alison is currently in St. Paul, MN studying for the Bar exam. She will be in Brainerd, MN in the fall.
David is married to Maureen Busby. They live on the family farm and have 3 children, Katie, Ezra and Emily.
Johnny
Johnny spent many years doing seasonal masomy work in Alaska. After our parents died he purchased the homeplace where he farmed and also did masomy work. He died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 66. Having never married, he spent much of his time being a wonderful uncle, good brother, and friend.
Singne
Singne and Bjarne Aune (also Tydal ancestry) were married in June, 1952. We spent most of our married life in Alaska, Bjarne in construction, Singne in teaching; but we did have an interest in fanning in Minnesota and spent a few years there. All told, we really lived an interesting life. (I might add that Bjarne's grandfather, Joe Haugen, built the Aspelund Church; he lived near the church before moving to Gatzke.)
We were blessed with four children, Ann Louise, Thelma Mignon, Beth Renelle, and Peter Erik.
Ann and Gustav Langworthy live in Fairbanks. Gus retired from the Operating Engineers Union and has recently completed the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at the University of Alaska. Ann received her nursing degree from the University of Minnesota but at present is a stay-at-home mom for their five children Ruth, Rebecca, Renee, Peter (twins), and Rachel, ranging in ages from 14-8.
Thelma and Daniel Hess live in Fairbanks. Dan works for the Federal Government as a welder. Thelma has degrees in both business and teaching but is also a stay-at-home mom for their three children Amber, Joel and Andrew.
Beth received her undergraduate degree in music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and her master's in counseling at the University of Alaska. She taught music in the Fairbanks public schools for 20 years, was president of the teacher's union for two years, and most recently has been working as a counselor at Arctic Light Elementary on the Ft. Wainwright AnDy Base in Fairbanks. Beth is unmarried and has no children.
Peter Erik died in a car accident shortly before his 20th birthday in 1977. He had been working for two years following his high school graduation and was planning to enter college to study mechanical engineering at the time of his death.
Contributed by the Sakrismo Family

Stephen and Tammy (Ritter) Sakrismo

Stephen Jon Sakrismo was born on August 19, 1960 (twin to Sonja Tigue) to Lars and Alice (Jensvold) Sakrismo at Ada, Mn. He grew up on a small dairy farm near Flom, Mn. He was confirmed in May of 1975 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. He attended school at Ulen, Mn where he graduated in May 1978 from Ulen-Hitterdal High School. He furthered his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, Mn where he graduated in May of 1992, majoring in Business Administration/ Accounting and minored in Scandinavian Studies. Stephen is employed with Wells Fargo Banks (formally Norwest) where he has been employed since July 1, 1982. His position is a Correspondent Banker for Wells Fargo covering North Dakota, Montana and Northwest Minnesota.
Tammy Jo Ritter was born on November 28, 1961 in Moorhead, Mn to Harvey and Muriel Ritter (Harvey is deceased). She attended school in Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School in June 1980. Tammy went to Moorhead Vo-Tech where she took up secretarial classes, graduating from Moorhead Tech in 1982. She is currently employed by Mutchler Bartram Architects in Fargo, ND as a
Office Assistant.
Stephen and Tammy Jo Ritter were married on March 16, 1985 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead, Mn. They have made their home in Moorhead where they are raising their two children; Kari and Tanner.
Kari Marie was born on August 27, 1985 and is currently a Junior at Moorhead, High School. She participates in Cross County, Track and Gymnastics. Tanner Jon was born on August 22, 1989 and is currently a 6th grader at Robert Asp in Moorhead, Mn. He enjoys recreational and traveling soccer.
In their spare time Stephen enjoys woodworking, golf, hunting, and likes to travel. He was able to go to Norway in 1980 and plans are to return for a visit in July 2002.
The Sakrismo’s are members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Mn.

Sven Sakrismo

Sven Sakrismo was born on December 8, 1908 in Marshall County, Mn. He moved here with his family and was active in the family farming operation with his father. He died in 1957 at the age of 48 at a Crookston, Mn hospital where he had been a patient for about two months. Funeral services and burial were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn.

Albert Sandal

Albert J. Sandal was born on January 23, 1908 at LaMoure, ND, to John and Agnes Sandal. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith at LaMoure, and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom Mn. , in 1922.
He attended rural schools in the area and Northwest Agricultural College at Crookston, Mn.
He served in the 3269th Ordinance Base Depot and in the European-African Middle Eastern Theater during World War II. Albert worked on farms all his life, living in section 19 of Flom township, currently owned by David Boman. He had been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for many years. He was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3818 at Flom, Mn. He never married.
Albert passed away on July 15, 1973, at the age of 65 years, at the Mahnomen Hospital. He is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Carl and Alice (Oien) Sandal

Carl I. Sandal was born on Marchy 4, 1902 at Fort Dodge, Iowa, coming to the Flom area in 1910. Carl was baptized at Fort Dodge, Iowa, he was confirmed on November 4, 1917. He attended elementary school in the area and then went on to the Agricultural College at Crookston, Mn. Carl operated a small grocery store in Moorhead before coming to the Flom area. Prior to his marriage he had lived at the Mabel and Edgar Skansgaard home in Flom, renting one of the rooms upstairs.
Alice Regina was born on December 2, 1919 in Walworth Township. She grew up here and attended Aspelund Lutheran Church. She married Carl Sandal on June 18, 1949 at Hitterdal, Mn at the parsonage.
They lived in Flom in section 34 the later years, on the east side of town. Carl farmed and did work as a DHIA tester. He last worked at the Flom Co-op in Flom. Carl died on June 12, 1968 quite suddenly. Alice did housekeeping duties for various people in the area. She remained in Flom after Carl died. On July 27, 1996 Alice passed away, they are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN.

Elmer and Agnes (Flom) Sandal

Elmer J. Sandal was born at Fort Dodge, Iowa to John and Johannes Sandal. He came to the Flom area with his parents as a child. They settled in section 19 of Flom township and here he grew to manhood. Elmer served his country during WW I of which he was a veteran.
Agnes Louise Flom was born on September 24, 1901 at Flom, Mn., to Gulak and Kari Flom. She grew up in the area where she attended rural schools.
After completing his military service he married Agnes Louise Flom, on November 8, 1934. They resided in Flom township. Where they were active in farming. In 1952 they moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn, where they had lived the last twenty years, until his death on September 7, 1972, Agnes passed away on August 1, 1979 at a Detroi Lakes Hospital. She had been a resident of the Frazee Retirment Center for several years. They are buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Elmer was a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Barracks 2175. At his funeral WWI Veterans served as pallbearers and the Barracks also had charge of military rites.

John S. and Johanne (Oen) Sandal

John S. Sandal was born in 1863.
Johanne Oen was born in Syndfjord, Norway on December 4, 1868. She came to American with her parents in 1890 and they settled at Fort Dodge, Iowa. At the time of her death there was a brother George Hetle of Grand Rapids, ND and as sister Mrs. Elling Orness of Dickey, ND, listed as survivors.
John and Johanne were married in Fort Dodge, Iowa on May 6, 1895. They moved on to Marion, ND in 1904, where they lived for six years, before coming to Norman County, Mn. Here they settled in section 19 of Flom township in 1910. This is currently owned by David Boman. John died on April 14, 1917, he is buried at Immanuel Cemetery.
John and Johanne were the parents of eight children…All boys!
Elmer was born in 1896 (see Elmer and Agnes Sandal), Immanuel Cemetery
Sivert was born in 1897 and died in 1957, Immanuel Cemetery
Julian was born in 1899 (see Julian and Julia Sandal), Aspelund Cemetery
Carl was born in 1902 (see Carl and Alice Sandal), Aspelund Cemetery
Arthur was born in 1903 and died in 1957. Immanuel Cemetery
Martin was born in 1905 and died in 1954. Immanuel Cemetery
Albert was born in 1908 (see Albert Sandal), Immanuel Cemetery
Alfred was born in 1912 and died in 1990, he is buried in Santa Barbara California.

Sivert and Lillie (Erickson) Sandal

Sivert Benjamin Sandal was born July 22, 1897 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was baptized by Rev. O. Shefeland. He came with his parents, John and Agnes Sandal, to Flom Mn, when he was a child. He was confirmed by Rev. O.N. Nelson.
On October 21, 1918 he was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he served three months.
On February 20, 1921 Sivert and Lillie were married, to this union one son Lyle, was born. Sivert and Lillie farmed in section 19 of Flom township. Their son Lyle took over the farming operation until he retired. Lyle still resides on the home farm.
Sivert passed away suddenly at the age of 60 years, on the farm. He is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. After his death Lillie continued to live on the farm with her son Lyle, which she did until the last few years when she moved into the Lutheran Memorial Homes in Twin Valley.

Anker and Guri (Braaten) Sanden

Anker, the son of Wilhelm and Sigri Sanden was born in Nes, Hallingdal, Norway on May 12, 1860.
There he grew up and at Norway’s military age he entered the service and trained as all young men did.
During this time, his family left Norway. After completing his military service, he too, had visions of America, the land of opportunity. As much as he liked to go, he hated to think of leaving his sweetheart, Guri Braaten of Gol, Hallingdal, to whom he was engaged. However, after due consideration, it as decided he should go to seek his fortune in this new land and that she would wait for work from him when to come.
Anker arrived in American in 1887. Since his parents had already settled in Walworth township he naturally went there. Anxious to get a start in this country, he hired out to Lars Hitterdal near Hitterdal, Mn to work as a farm laborer. There he worked faithfully, earned money so that he could send Guri money for passage far. She was patiently waiting to come to America. The following ears she arrived.
They were married by Rev. Hans Johnson at the Wild Rice parsonage a short distance northwest of Flom, Mn.
They built a small log house on his father’s farm where they lived for a few years. Anker continued to work for Mr. Hitterdal. Each weekend he walked to and from the Hitterdal farm which was a distance of about 16 miles. Guri also got a job as "hired girl" for Arne and Gunhild Evans, of Ulen. Which was a 10 mile walk from her home. As pay, Guri received a cow which was the start of Guri and Anker’s dairy herd.
They were both ambitious and eager to get a good start and a good home for themselves. They worked and saved and in 1891, they were able to buy a quarter section of land from Andrew and Mary Larson, adjacent to his parents’ land for the sum of $3.00 per acre. This was the northeast quarter of section 23.
Now they had their own farm. Now their next move would be to build a home on this property. Never letting up, they toiled on and on and soon built al log house and moved in with their family of two girls.
How proud they must have been. They were making progress in spite of hardships and handicaps. Years passed and the family increased and by 1902, the second house was completed. A new additions were added in later years. They were blessed with twelve children. Life in pioneer days was not an easy life.
They worked from early morning until late at night, tilling soil, raising cattle and poultry.
All the necessities of life came from the farm. In spite of hard labor and anxieties, life had it’s pleasures.
The Lord was merciful as health and happiness prevailed.
The Aspelund Lutheran Church of Flom, Mn was their home church. There the children were baptized
and confirmed in the Norwegian language. All attended school District #35.
Both Anker and Guri died on the farm, he in January 1933 and she in 1944. They are buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Anker and Guri were the parents of; Christina, Wilhelmina, Sophie, Edward, Ole, Ida, Caroline, Albert, Anna, Theoline, Gilbert and Elmer.
Christina married Helmer Arneson and they settled at Lake Eunice township.
Wilhelmina married Herman Sams and they lived in Duluth, Mn.
Sophie was born on October 11, 1892. She married Albert Krause and they were the parents of Clyde, Joe,
Raymond, Adolph, Melvin, Robert, Alice Gladys and Hazel. Sophie and Albert are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom.
Edward was born on December 16, 1894. He married Clara Nelson, the daughter of Charley and Anna (Anderson) Nelson. They were the parents of; Hermine Grace, Gladys Annabelle, Mavis Annabelle, Laurine Rose, Anna Helen, Ellen Clarice and Edsel Charles. Edward and Clara are a buried at Aspelund. Ellen Clairce Sanden was born on December 24, 1920 in Walworth township, Becker County, Mn. She died on January 25, 1921 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.
Ole was born on October 4, 1896. He never married and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
Ida married Henry Anderson. They lived at Detroit Lakes, Mn., and they are both buried at Detroit Lakes.
Caroline married Edgar Brattland. They lived on a farm near Hendrum, Mn, until his death. Caroline then moved to Moorhead, Mn.
Albert married Ella Malvick. The lived in Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Edward: see Edward and Clara ( Nelson) Sanden
Anna married Edwin Somdahl and he passed away on May 24, 1984 and is buried at the Ulen North
Cemetery. Anna then moved to Turtle Lake, south of Lake Park, Mn.
Theoline married Alfred Kaiser. They lived in Murfreesboro, Tennesse and are both buried there.
Gilbert married Berlette Shay. They resided in Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Elmer was born on March 18, 1915 in Walworth township. He never married. Elmer passed away on May 24, 1995 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church.

Edward and Clara (Nelson) Sanden

Life was simple in Walworth township in 1894. People depended on the land and their cattle for a living, and on their neighbors for help with the work and during a crisis. But to Anker and Guri Sanden it was a special year. That was the year their fourth childe and first son was born.
Edward Sanden was born on December 16, 1894 on the farm his dad had purchased in 1891, four years after his arrival in America. He grew up on this farm was baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian language at Aspelund, in Flom ,Mn. He attended school in District No 35 located two miles from his home. The school in enrollment from 24 to 30 students a year.
Edward, or Eddie as he was called, and his brothers and sisters walked to and from school every day. One day on the way to school they saw a skunk. Eddie and a neighbor boy, boys being boys, decided to throw stones at it. Needles to say, the skunk defended herself the only way she could. When the boys got to school, they smelled so bad that the teacher wouldn’t let them in. They sat in the wood shed until noon.
By that time, Eddie’s buddy was allowed to go back into the schoolhouse, but Eddie’s clothes still smelled too strong; so he was sent home. It didn’t hurt his feelings though, because school to him, as to most boys, was a necessary evil.
There were five boys and seven girls in the Sanden family; so there was never a dull moment. Card parties and dances were the chief means of entertainment. It was nothing to drive several miles by horses for a good game of cards, summer or winter.
One celebration the family never missed was the 14th of June Celebration at White Earth. Anker would drive there with horses and a lumber wagon, he and Guri up front on the seat and the family riding in the back.
Along with the good times came hard work. Wood was used for fuel and had to be hauled for miles. Eddie, his Dad and a brother would drive to White Earth or Popple Grove, Northwest of Waubun, with two teams to get the fuel. They would cut down the trees, trim them, cut them and load them on the sleigh and go home again the same day. After they got the wood home, it had to be sawed, and split with an ax so it would fit into the cook stove and wood heater.
Another important item was flour. After harvest in the fall, Eddie would haul a load of wheat to the Faith Mill and trade it for flour. Sometimes he would drive to the Mill at Richwood and get the flour there. He would get enough flour to last until the next harvest.
Eddie farmed with his Dad and brothers until his marriage, taking time to go into the army during World War I.
On January 28, 1920 he married Clara Nelson of Detroit Lakes, Mn. They drove to Ogema by sleigh and horses, stayed at a hotel there, then took the train to Detroit the next morning, returning the same night on the "Midnight Flyer". All this as necessary even though Ed was sporting a new Model T. Ford, as there were no snowplows to clear the roads. They had their wedding dance later at his folks’ house, a gala affair, even though the weather was cold.
Clara was the daughter of Charley and Anna Nelson, also of Walworth township. She was 9th in the family of eleven, having five brothers and five sisters.
Ed and Clara bought some land not far from his folks, built their home, planted trees and began farming. All the work was done by horses until tractors came into use.
Haying was an important time as it meant feed for the cattle all winter, or extra money if it could be sold. A garden was a must as it meant vegetable for the winter. Wild plums and strawberries were also appreciated.
Since there was no electricity, all the vegetables, fruits and meat had to be canned.
Wood and water had to be carried into the house every day. It was the job of the younger children to "keep the wood box full." Kerosene lamps and lanterns were used as light. The lamp chimneys and lantern globes had to be cleaned often, and the wicks trimmed so they wouldn’t smoke.
Seven children were born to the Sandens. They were all baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, of Flom. They attended school in District No 54, the Wild Rose school. It was a one room school with a large entry where the janitor supplies and some wood for the heater were stored. There was a barn on the school yard, too. One third of it was used as a wood shed and the other part was for horses. Some of the children drove to school or rode horseback and would leave the horses there all day.
The school term was eight months long, closing about the first of May each year. When the school closed in 1944, the children were bussed to Ulen and attended school there.
In 1945, the Sandens moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn. Ed first worked for the Madison Silo Co. summers and the Addison Miller Ice Co. winters. Later he worked at Swift and Co., until his retirement in 1949. Clara passed away on April 24, 1975 and Ed on July 31, 1984.
The Sanden children are Ellen, Edsel, Gladys, Mavis, Anna, Lorraine and Hermine.
Ellen Clarice was born on December 24, 1920 and died on January 25, 1921 in Walworth. She is buried at Aspleund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn.
Edsel married Mary Morris. They lived in Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Gladys Annabelle was born on June 30, 1923, she died on September 6, 1924 at the age of 14, months.
Gladys is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
Mavis graduated from Ulen High School and went on to Moorhead State University. She taught for many years at Frazee, Mn. She married Ervin Swapp, he is buried at Aspelund.
Anna graduated from Ulen High School and Moorhead State University. She taught at West Concord. Anna married Burton Bisbee.
Lorraine graduated from Detroit Lakes High School. She went on to graduate from Glenwood Hills Hospital, in Minneapolis and Kahler Hospitals School of Nursing, in Rochester, Mn. She worked as a private duty nurse.
Hermine graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and Gale Institute. She married Richard Rew and they lived at Blomkest, Mn. She passed away on January 18, 1978.
Written by Mavis Sanden Swapp

Henry and Thora (Nykriem) Sannan

Henry was born in 1884 to Ole and Marit (Lien ) Sannan. He grew up in the Fossum area.
Thora Nykriem was born to Severin and Martha at Ulen, Mn in 1885.
Henry and Thora were married in 1905 at Ulen, Mn. They operated general stores, first in Ulen, then in Fossum for thirty years. In 1963 they moved to Twin Valley, Mn
They were the parents of five children; Silas, Maxwell, Harvey, Clarice (James Lien) and Ruby (Gust Burkhart).

Ole and Marit (Lien) Sannan

Ole Sannan was born on May 25, 1846 at Trondhjem, Norway to Hans Johnson and Girsten Imdatter.
He immigrated to the United States in 1870, coming to Norman County. He settled on the farm just east of the Wild Rice church in Section 5 of Flom Township, where he endured the early day struggles of pioneer life. Here he built a home.
Marit Lien was born in 1862 to Hans and Marith (Teiger) Lien in Guldbrandsdalen, Norway. She immigrated from Guldbrandsdalen, Norway in 1887.
Ole and Marit Lien were married on May 11, 1888, in the old log church of the Wild Rice congregation. The Sannen’s made their home on the farm until the 90’s when they moved to Twin Valley and were for some years engaged in a business there. They moved back to the farm for a short time, but later sold it to Erick Ballangrud, and in 1898 they moved to Felton, being engaged in a business there until 1900. From there they packed up their belongings and moved on once again this time to Ulen, Mn. Where they were engaged in the restaurant business until 1915, when they sold out and retired to a five acre tract they purchased from their son, Henry Sannan. Here they build and enjoyed a most comfortable home in their old age.
They were the parents of two children. Henry and Hannah Asleson.

Maurice and Mildred (Bergeson) Sargent

I was the fifth child born to Lauritz and Lena Bergeson and was named Mildred after my sister, who died at the age of four.
I was eight years old when we came to Norman County in 1916 and attended Home Lake School, District 44, where we had the usual amount of mumps. measles, chicken pox and small pox. To compensate for this, we had many enjoyable times when our families would gather at the schoolhouse for special holidays, bringing a bounteous lunch and to top it all off, the Basket Social which was the highlight of the fall season. My teachers were Sophie Bergeson, Mrs. Ida Boman and Ella Stondahl.
In 1922, I was quite severely burned on my arms and face and our neighbors, the John Olsons, took me into their home and let me use their bedroom to make it more convenient. Dr. Haugseth and his good wife came out regularly to take care of the burns until they were healed. Our Saviours Lutheran Church sent red carnations, Mrs. Pete Grande gave a woolen quilt and a total of $140 cash was collected for my benefit.
In 1929, I worked at the County Farm (sometimes called the Poor Farm). Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Restad were managers and Adolph later became Sheriff of Norman County.
While there, I met my husband, Maurice Sargent, who came to Green Meadow Township from Quimby lowa in 1914 with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sargent and his brothers and sisters, namely: Edwin, Roy, Alice, Edith. Louisa and Esther. They moved to Ada in 1925.
We were married September 27, 1930 and lived in Ada for the next six years while Maurice worked with Clarence (Brownie) Braaten in his farming operations and there our daughters, llene and Marlene, were born.
We then moved to the M. B. Johnson farm, southwest of Borup, where we lived for eight years and where our third daughter. LeAnn. joined her sisters. In 1944, we purchased a farm in Flom Township and here our fourth daughter, Sheila was born.
Maurice suffered a heart attack in the fall of 1950 and again good neighbors came to the rescue and did the fall plowing. History repeats itself.
We moved to Twin Valley in 1953. Maurice passed away July 21. 1956 and I have continued to make my home there.
Our daughters are now:
Ilene, Mrs. Donald Ruud, who with her husband purchased the farm in Flom Township that we lived on. They have two children: Douglas, and Donelle.
Mrs. Edgar (Marlene) Ruud is married to Donald's brother and they live on a farm a mile away. Edgar is also employed as a carpenter. They have four children: Randi, Kelly, Kevin and Robin.
LeAnn and her husband Thomas Erickson. live at Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Their four children are: Cynthia; Candace; Cherise; and Coby.
Mrs. Peter (Sheila) Ryhn and family make their home in Morris, Minnesota where Peter is a Certified Public Accountant. Their two sons are Steven and Michael.

Selma (Stende) and Helmer Sather

Selma was born on August 18, 1891, the second child of Charley and Nellie's to be named Selma. She married
Helmer Sather and they lived in Fargo, ND. They had no children. They later moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Selma died on February 2, 1965. Selma and Helmer are both buried at Detroit Lakes, Mn.

Ruth Narum Schwab

Ruth Narum Schwab, born on January 12, 1902, passed away on June 11, 1988 at Riverside, Ca. She was proceeded in death by Uncle Phil and her oldest son, Donald. Carl, David, Dick and Phillip survive.
Aunt Ruthie was the "end of the line" of the original Nels Narum family who lived in the Waubun area. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School about 1917, and taught school near St. Cloud.
In 1904, Grandpa Nels founded the first general store in Waubun and was one of the original incorporators of the village in Mahnomen County. Uncle Albert Narum and cousin John Blomquist were among the many mayors of the village as well as businessmen promoting a small town.
Uncles Ned, Ernest, Albert and Clarence, all owned general stores in Waubun, Flom and Barnesville, with Ned and Burnetter (Nelson), later moving to Stillwater where for years they operated the I.G.A. Store, now Super Valu. Albert also operated the well-known "Rainbow’s End", a popular Sunday evening ballroom featuring large traveling orchestras.
My mother, Anna, started the first Sunday School in Waubun in 1909. We lived in Barnesville from 1921-1935 where Dad operated Olson’s Dairy. We moved to Frazee and came to Detroit Lakes in 1942.
Uncle John and Aunt Inez were Becker County residents and he was County Auditor about 1920. After he passed away Aunt Inez, who taught school in Oak Park, Il, summered in Detroit Lakes and had many friends through the Methodist Church. I have a copy of a deed from John and Inez to the First Lutheran Church property on Lake Avenue. The old Courthouse stood on the corner of Lake and Front Streets.
If there were prizes for the most letters written between families, the Narum’s would take first prize. Aunt Ruth got more news for a three-cent stamp than anyone I ever knew. Aunt Edna ran a close second.
Uncle Bill and Aunt Gladys lived in Houston, Texas, and independent Grandma Narum would take off unannounced for Houston from Barnesville with her ever-packed suitcase before my mother would know she went!
For years, in Barnesville, my Grandma furnished flowers for everybody and everything. She was a miniature Bergen’s Floral! And antiques!
We still have calendar plates and goblets, embroidery and souvenirs from the Waubun store, given as prizes with groceries. It is all part of our family history. Grandma’s all velvet 1908 hand embroidered quilt was shown here last year at the Mall. All the Aunts had a part in quilting at home.
I’m still wearing Aunt Ruth’s fur piece on a suit and have had it shown at "fashion shows" and dress-ups. Cousin Vangie Hillstead represented the Narum’s at the Waubun Diamond Jubilee Parade in 1982 with old clothes and dolls and a buggy.
The Narum family pioneering in this area were an industrious, independent and enterprising group. Nothing went to waste or waist!
I had a heavy crocheted bedspread from odds and ends store string.
Many of the Narum’s had large families and we still keep in contact. My brother, Eldred sees the California Clan. The Christmas list is still long.
We all benefited from our family closeness. When times were tough the family pitched in to help each other. The Narum’s will long be remembered by the pioneers of today, who likewise went through good and bad times, but came out the better for it by being independent and resourceful.
By Bea Wisted

Mark and Ava Jo (Skaurud) Seeger
Mark and Cindy (Rothe) Seeger

Ava Jo Skarud was born on November 3, 1956 to Donald and Marion (Logan) Skaurud. He attended school at Twin Valley and graduated with the class of 1975. While in School she was active in Band, chorus and class plays. After graduating she furthered her education at Moorhead Tech for two years. She worked one year for Dosland Law Office in Moorhead, Mn.
Ava Jo and Mark were married on November 5, 1977 in Twin Valley, Mn. They farmed in section 12 of Flom township. Ava Jo also was employed by the Twin Valley State Bank and later was employed by Twin Valley-Flom Credit union from 1989 until January 1993.
Ava Jo belonged to the Seek and Share Homemakers Club and the Twin Valley Riders Club. A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, she was baptized and confirmed there and held several offices in the women’s organization.
Ava Jo died on July 26, 1993 following a long battle with cancer.
Mark and Ava Jo were the parents of two children; Gina and Travis.
After Ava Jo’s death Mark married Cynthia Roth. Cindy is currently a judge in North Dakota. They continue to live on the family farm in section 12.

Richard Willys Seeger

Richard Seeger was born near Clear Lake, Iowa, on January 20, 1916 to Mr. and Mrs. William Seeger.. He was baptized in that area. In the spring of 1917 he came with hi parents to Norman County, Mn. Locating on the farm know as to Odegaard place. When about 14 years old, Richard was confirmed in the Wild Rice church. He attended school at Twin Valley, Mn and graduated in 1934. After his graduation he stayed home with his parents. He became suddenly ill on Wednesday, January 15, and passed away on January 16, at home. He was only 19 years, 11months and 26 days.
Richard was a boy of sterling qualities, who made friends with all who learned to know him. He made many friends during the years he attended the local high school, to whom news of his death came as a severe shock. In the home perfect harmony, love and kind consideration were always manifested. He leaves his father and mother; five brothers and sisters; Phillip, Janice, Duane, Allen and Carol Ruth, who keenly feel and sadly mourn the loss of a loving son and brother.
Funeral services were conducted from the Seeger home and the body taken to Clear Lake, Iowa, for burial beside that of his brother, Jewell Edward, who proceeded him in death 15 years ago.

Clara and Carl Aamoth/Andrew Severson

The following is an article from 1948, written about the tragic accident which claimed the life of Clara Severson.
Three killed and Two Injured in Auto Collison 1948
One of the most tragic accidents involving local people in many years took place last Wednesday afternooon during hazardous driving conditions caused by sleet and ice. In a head-on collision between a pickup in which Mrs. Andrew Severson, 60 and twin sons, Andrew, and Sander, all of Twin Valley, were returning from Fargo, and a car in which Mr. and Mrs. George McEvers of Baker, Mn were riding. Mrs Severson and Mr. and Mrs. McEvers were killed and both Andrew and Sander severson are still in serious condition with fractured skulls. The accident took place on Highway 32 about 2 and one-half miles north of Hitterdal, Mn, about 5:00 pm. There were no witnesses to the crash and both vehicles were badly smashed.
The tragedy was a severe shock to the family and relatives, as well as to numerous friends, and we join with the community in extending sincere condolences to the Severson family.
Mrs. severson was born in Flom township, on August 23, 1888, the former Clara Stundahl. She was married 26 years ago to Andrew Severson.
Surviving are Mr. Severson, the two son, Andrew and Sander, five daughters; Mrs. Howard (Camilla) Kindseth, Rose Ann, May, June, Mrs. Arnold (Rose Marie) Krueger. Five sisters; Mrs. Ole Stavetieg, Mrs. Guy Thompson, Mrs. Selma Smith, Mrs, Theodore Lerud, and Mrs. Ed Christensen. Six brothers; George, Marvin, Selmer, Treford, Louis and Olaf.
Funeral services took place from the St. Olaf church at Faith, Mn, monday afternoon, with Rev. C.E.L. Lucky officiating.
Reverend Theodore Lerud, brother-in-law of the deceased, spoke in behalf of the family. The church proved far too small to accommodate the large crowd attending the last rites. Burial took place in the St. Olaf church cemetery.

Clarence and Lillian (Molacek) Seykora

Clarence A. Seykora was born on August 26, 1914 near Owatanna, Mn to Joseph and Josephine (Starman) Seykora. At the age of two he moved with his family to a farm near Flom, Mn in Walworth township of Becker county. Here he grew up and attended school. He helped his father on the family farm as a youth, later farming with his father.
Lillian Molacek was born on October 28, 1914 to John and Clara (Pojar) Seykora near Callaway, Mn. She attended country school in that area and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School.
Clarence and Lillian were married on October 5, 1936 at Detroit Lakes, Mn. After their marriage they settled on a farm south of Flom in section 3 of Walworth township, here they operated a grain and dairy farm. They remained here until 1974 when they built a new home in Flom in section 33. Here they resided until their deaths. When they moved off the farm their son Warren took over the farming operation and reside there today.
In 1979 Lillian's mother Clara Molacek moved into their home in Flom and Lillian cared for her until 1990 when Clara became a resident at the Lutheran Memorial Homes in Twin Valley, Mn.
Clarence and Lillian were active member of Aspelund Lutheran Church of Flom. Clarence, having served as a council member and as Sunday School Superintendent for several years.Lillian was active in the Ladies Aid and Circles. She also was a member of the Senior Citizens Club and the Diet Club in the area. Lillian also did daycare for Joshua Nogowski for his first year of life.
Clarence was also active in his community having served on the Ulen School Board for over 20 years, the Flom Co-op Oil Board for 24 years, and as chairman of the Wild Rice Rural Electric Board for 14 years. He also served for several years on the board of directors of the Flom Mutual Fire Insurance, Walworth township, Flom Creamery and the Lutheran Memorial Retirement Center.
Clarence and Lillian were the parents of three children; Lyle (See Lyle and Sandy Seykora), Helene (Maruice Bjorgan) and Warren (See Warren and Sharon Seykora). Helene married Maurice Bjorgan and they resided in Red Lake Falls, Mn. Where they raised their four daughers; Maureen, Gaylene, Michelle and Lynelle. Helene is deceased.
Clarence died on May 3, 1991 and Lillian on December 29, 1995. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom.

Joe and Josephine (Starman) Seykora

Joe J. Seykora was born in April 1883 in Somerset township, Steele County, Mn. He married Josephine Starman in 1905. They moved to the Flom community in 1916 where they purchased a farm south and east of Flom in Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn. Joe was active in his community serving on the school board for Dist 54, Walworth Townboard and also on the Flom Cooperative Creamery Board for many years.
They had eight children. Margaret, Norine, Josephine, Helen, Jenny, Clarence (See Clarence and Lillian Seykora), Leonard (See Leonard and Hazel Seykora) and Arnold who died in infancy.
Joe Seykora died from a heart attack at the age of 54 in December of 1937. He was on his way home from Waubun at the time of his death. After his death his wife Josephine continued living on the family farm for many years. Their son Leonard took over the farm at this time.

Leonard and Hazel (Jacobson) Seykora

Leonard Seykora was raised in Walworth township in Becker County, Mn, He took over the family farm after his father's death in 1937.
Leonard married Hazel Jacobson in 1944. At this time Hazel was employed at the Flom Cooperative Creamery in Flom, working for Henry Ommodt. Leonard and Hazel stayed on the family farm where they worked hard tilling the soil. It is here they raised their three daughters: Carol (See Duane and Carol Johnson) Linda (Wally Blomseth) and Lois (Larry Malmskog).
In 1974 Hazel and Lenny sold the family farm and purchased the Elmer Anker house in Section 33 of Flom Township. This was the ideal spot for them to live as the were also custodians at Aspelund Lutheran Church. They did the custodial work for over 25 years, which also included being the grounds keeper for the cemetery.
After Leonard's death in 1997 Hazel decided it was time to move on. She had a sale and also sold the house at this time. Hazel then moved into Valley Pines in Twin Valley, Mn where she continues to live today.

Lyle and Sandy (Johnson) Seykora

Lyle C. Seykora was born on January 25, 1941 in Fargo, ND to Clarence and Lillian (Molacek) Seykora. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. He attended school and graduated with the class of 1959 at Ulen High School. After graduating he farmed with his father until 1962 when he started working for the John Deere dealership in Mahnomen, Mn.
Lyle married Sandy Johnson the daughter of Boyd and Dorothy (Voltz) Johnson on February 8, 1963 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton, SD. They moved to Mahnomen following their marriage. Lyel went into partnership with Roger Viker and Russell Jeske at the Mahnomen Implement and in 1984 Roger Viker, Mike Nelsen and Lyel went into partnership. In 1989 Lyle became sole owner of the Implement.
Lyle was active in his church and community, having served as president of the Mahnomen Lion's Club and also president of the Mahnomen Booster's Club. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, Mn.
Lyle passed away on June 15, 1994 at Mahnomen, Mn. He is buried at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Mahnomen, Mn.
Lyle and Sandy were the parents of: Kim (Thomas Egan), Jeffrey, Brenda and Jeremy.
Kim is married to Thomas Egan and they have two children; Katie and Michael.
Jeremy is married to Alyssa Kerney.
Jeffrey L. Seykora was born on November 23, 1967 at Detroit Lakes, Mn., the son of Lyle and Sandy (Johnson ) Seykora. He resided in Mahnomen, Mn with his parents until his unexpected death on September 10, 1968 at his home in Mahnomen. Jeffrey was only nine months old at the time. He is buried at the Mahnomen Cemetery, Riverside.
Brenda J. Seykora was born to Lyle and Sandy (Johnson) Seykora at Detroit Lakes, Mn on March 6, 1971. She died at the age of seven months at Roseau, Mn. She had been ill since birth. Funeral services were held at First Lutheran Church, in Mahnomen with interment at the Mahnomen Cemetery, Riverside.

Warren and Sharon (Matter) Seykora

Warren was born to Clarence and Lillian Seykora. He was raised on the family farm in Walworth Township. He was baptized and confirmed in the Aspelund Church. He attended school in Ulen, MN and graduated from there. He took over the family farm and still lives there today.
He married Sharon Matter in 1974. She is the daughter of Jerome and Mary Matter of rural Callaway, MN. Sharon has a Ceramic’s business and travels around to shows in the area. They have 5 children: Anne, Amy, Jamie, Aaron and Jenae.

Alfred and Gladys (Loften) Skansgaard

Alfred Skansgaard was born Sept. 17, 1899, to Iver and Anne Skansgaard, and was raised on the family farm in Section 28 of Flom along with a sister and five brothers. Alfred was confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church. He met Gladys Loften, the daughter of local farmers, John and Inga Loften, while she was working at Jacobson’s Cafe. The couple married August 29, 1933, and together raised five children. Alfred did blacksmithing and ran a thrashing rig while they lived various places in the Flom area where a son, Gerald, and two daughters, Ann and Yvonne, were born. The Family moved to Duluth, MN. June 1941,
where two more daughters, Sharon and Charmayne, were born. They joined First Lutheran Church. The Family made many visits to Flom over the years. In Duluth, Alfred became employed by U.S. Steel and remained in that career until his retirement in 1965. When the children were older, Gladys worked seven years for Western Electric until that company moved out of Duluth. She became an employee of St. Louis County as Special Diets Cook for Miller Hospital and later as Supervisor and Head Cook for the Senior Center until her retirement July 16, 1982. Alfred and Gladys have seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Alfred passed away April 29, 1982, at his home in Duluth, MN. and is fondly remembered as a good natured easy going man. Gladys continues to live independently.

Burnelle Duane Skansgaard

Burnelle was born on July 13, 1932 at Flom, Mn to Harold and Martha Skansgaard. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. He attended school in Waubun and Twin Valley, graduating from high school in 1950. From 1951 until 1955, he served in the United States Air Force. Having been stationed in Korea for one year.
Following his discharge he worked for several years in Babbitt, and for the Reserve Mining and for Minn-Tac Mining in Virginia, Mn., as a heavy equipment operator. In 1978 he moved to Beulah, ND and worked at the coal gasification plant until 1980.
In the early 1980’s he moved to Long Beach, California and worked as a boiler maker until the mid 1980’s when he retired due to ill health. He then moved to Ada, Mn where he resided until becoming a resident at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in the fall of 1995. Burnelle died March 23, 1996 and is buried in Aspelund Cemetery.
Burnelle was a member of the American Legion, and the VFW.
Burnelle married Carol Fevig (divorced) of Ulen, Mn while he was in the service. They were the parents of four children. Mark, Mike, Joni and Jon.

Edgar and Mabel (Dorseth) Skansgaard

Edgar Thorvald Skansgaard was born on March 18, 1904 to Hans and Anna (Thorson) Skansgaard in Flom township. He grew up on the family farm in section 27 of Flom township. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn and it was here that he attended rural schools. It was the year after Edgar was confirmed that he was elected as secretary of the Aspelund Congregation, he was the youngest member ever to hold that office. He was selected because he was one of the few members able to write the minutes of the church counil in Norweigan.
Mabel Annette Dorseth was born on February 9, 1902 in section 29 of Flom township at the home of her parents Andrew and Mathilda (Korsgaden) Dorseth. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. She was raised on the home farm and attended grade school in Flom. She went to Mahnomen, Mn where she attended High School. Mabel's mother passed away in 1915, when Mabel was only 13 years old. It was after this that Andrew became a full time parents raising his family.
Edgar and Mabel were married on June 27, 1928 in a double wedding ceremony along with her brother Henry and his wife Viola (Christensen). For their honeymoon they enjoyed a camping trip to Itasca State Park. They resided in the Flom area and were active in farming, in 1936 Mabel and Edgar moved into their new home located in section 33 of Flom Township on the south edge of Flom. Mabel had purchased the land with consisted of 40 acres in section 33 and 40 acres in section 34 from her father Andrew for $1.00. Andrew had built a fine home here for his daughter and her husband to live in. Mabel and Edgar were active in farming until their retirment in the mid 60's when they went out of the Dairy operation and focused more on small grains. They later rented the farm land out, at this time Edgar focused more on his insurance business, which he operated until his retirement in 1984 at which time he sold his insurance business to Ben Syverson.
They were active in their church and community, both serving on various boards within Aspelund Lutheran Church and on the church choir. Mabel had also been active in the Sunday School. Edgar was also clerk of Flom township for 52 years, first as justice of the peace, then for several years as town clerk and as treasurer. He was secreatry of the Flom Co-op Creamery Board until 1970 when the creamery merged with Cass-Clay Creamery. Edgar was very active in working for the coming of REA, and he spent much time and traveled many miles working for that goal. He also served on and was clerk of the Flom School Board. Edgar was also memorial secretary for 25 years. Edgar enjoyed many hobbies, such as playing the organ and violin and he was a good craftsman making many beautful things from wood. He was an avid fisherman. Many an hour were spent fishing on Twin Lake with Mabel and Edgar. He was one of the few who had a pontoon, of which he had constructed himself. Mabel and Edgar were excellent singers, of which we loved to sit and listen to them sing hyms, while Edgar played the organ.
Mabel boarded many people in her home in Flom. The upstairs consisted of four rooms of which two were adjoining. Some of the people who lived here were; Helmer (Mabel's brother) Dorseth, Carl Sandal, Lois Gotchell the school marm and her three children of which we can only remember the names of two; Marilyn and Bobby and Mike and Genny Johnson lived here when they were first married.
Mabel and Edgar never had any children, but they were like a second set of grandparents to their nieces and nephews and the great-neices and nephews. Many a weekend during the summer months were spent at their lake cabin on Lynnwood of South Twin. And there always seemed to be an aray of family and friends coming through to visit.
Mabel and Edgar loved to garden. They enjoyed raising vegetables in the latter years and always had beautiful flower beds both at home and at the lake.
On June 12, 1986 Mabel went home, she had told us that she would be going home on thursday, and she did. Mabel died peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Mn at the age of 84 years. A void was left in the hearts of her family and friends. After her death Edgar remained in Flom until 1987 he then went to live in the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley. Edgar passed away on December 24, 1987 at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, Mn. He had recieved the best Christmas present ever-he went home to be with Mabel.
Submitted by Mabel's Great Niece Jennifer Dorseth Klemetson

Erland Hansen and Berith (Nilsdatter Løken) Skansgaard

Erland Hansson Kjorstadmoen was born in Sodorp, Nord Fron, Oppland, Norway to Hans Hansen and Anne Jacobsdatter on December 4, 1827. He was baptized and confirmed in Norway. He married Beret Nielsdatter Løften on November 27, 1851. Beret was the daughter of Niels Erichsen and Ragnil Thronsdatter. She was born in 1825 in Sodorp, Nor Fron, Oppland, Norway. She had the following siblings: Johannes, Kari, Thore, Mari, Mari and Erik Nielsen Loften.
Four sons were born to Erland and Beret:
Iver, (see Iver and Anne Skansgaard)
Hans, (see Hans and Anne Skansgaard)
Amund
Niels
The family is found living on the Skansgaard farm in the 1865 census of Norway and the 1875 census of Norway. Skansgård was a small farm under Kjorstad in Sør-Fron. It was a husmannsplass. It was named Skansgård when a husman came back from a war and named it so. The name is not rooted in farm names in Fron. Løften was a husmannsplassar in Nord-Fron.
Not much is known about Amund and Niels. Amund was born on January 10, 1859 and Niels was born on October 11, 1854. Amund emigrated from Bergen, Norway on March 24, 1880 on the Stjerne Line. His place of residence was given as Haus. The day before, on March 23, 1880, his brother Niels emigrated from Bergen, Norway on the Inman Line. His place of residence was given as Haus. It is not known if the brothers were in this area when they came here. We do know that they lived on the West Coast, probably in Washington State. Amund changed his name to Edward Holmer and Niels changed his name to John Ring. It is known that Amund/Edward worked on “Bergen’s banen” in Norway in 1880. The road was built at that time from Bergen to Voss. Amund/Edward also used the name A.E. Holm. He stated in one letter to his parents that he had changed his name because it was hard for people to pronounce Skansgaard. Both men were known to have been in the Salt Lake City, Utah area at the turn of the century. One letter was received from Niels/John that was written on April 29, 1894 from a hospital in Salt Lake City. He talks of being very sick and about going to San Francisco to receive treatment from a Chinese doctor. That letter he signed Neils Erlandson. Amund/Edward died in 1936 in Washington State it is presumed. A letter was received from the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Seattle, Washington. It was to do with an estate that was left after his death.
Erland and Beret emigrated from Oslo, Norway on April 25, 1884 on the Rollo. Their passage was prepaid, more than likely by one of their sons who were already all in America. Their place of residence was S. Fron and Storback was their destination in America. They landed in Quebec, Canada in May of 1884. Starbuck, Minnesota is where they first went to when they arrived here. His contract #16575 with Allan Brothers & Co. for his and Beret’s passage, reads as follows:
Erland Hansen has received of the undersigned, (agains payment of passage-money, including landing money in Quebec, Boston, Halifax, Portland or Baltimore, as specified) Through ticket #16575 for 2 adults to be forwarded to Starbuck, Minn. in the following manner:
1. By Steam-Ship to Hull, where the separate Steam-Ship ticket is to be given up;
2. By Railway to Liverpool;
3. By Steam-Ship to Quebec, Boston, Halifax, Portland or Baltimore;
4. By Railway to destination.
During the whole journey hence to America, passengers will be supplied with good and sufficient food as well as with suitable lodging; and this arrangement stands equally good in the event of any unavoidable delay or accident interrupting the journey, which in that case will be continued as soon as possible in a satisfactory manner.
Passengers must attach a full and plain address to each of their luggage packages.
10 Cubic feet Luggage pr Steam Ship and 100 pds pr. Railway free for each passenger above 12 years old; for children between 1 and 12 years of age, half the quantity.
On arriving in England, passengers must not hasten to go on shore, but wait until they are fetched by our Correspondents’ people, who will make themselves known by showing a list of all the Passenger’s names.
Passengers should not have any dealings with Interpreters. Tins and bedding should be bought in Norway or in Liverpool.
On arriving at America, Passengers must be careful not to let themselves be persuaded to take Lake-Steamer tickets instead of their railway tickets.
Passengers should hold to this contract and show it as often as they have occasion, but not give it up until they arrive at their destination.
A deposit of 20,000 Norwegian Kroner has been made to the Norwegian Government as security for due fulfilment of this contract.
E. H. Skansgaard made his Declaration of his intention to become a citizen in Pope County of Minnesota. He could not write, so he signed with an X and it was witnessed by A.L. Brevig. We do not know how long they stayed in the Starbuck area.
When they came to Flom Township, they lived in Section 27 on a farm.
Beret died May 24, 1898 and Erland died November 29, 1909. They are both buried in Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Hans Erlandsen and Anne (Thorson Volden) Skansgaard

Hans was born at Sodorp, Nord Fron, Oppland, Norway on June 16, 1863 to Erland and Beret Skansgaard. He was baptized and confirmed in his native country. In 1882, he emigrated from Norway to America. He came to Flom Township and lived in Section 27. He married Anne Torsdatter (Thorson) Volden on May 14, 1903. Anne was born to Tor Olsen Volden and Marit Iversdatter Milsteinstuen in Nord Fron, Oppland, Norway on June 26, 1865. She had two brothers who also came to America, Ole and Thorvald.
Anne immigrated to America with her parents in 1883. Her family also first went to the Starbuck area in Pope County of Minnesota as many Norwegians did who came from the Gudbrandsdalen Valley of Norway. Both Hans and Anne were very active in the Community and at Aspelund Church.
When Hans was courting Anne, he wrote her the following poem:
Fossum, Minn
Feb. 4th 1894
Oh gentle thought speak to my heart
Whenever life feels long and hard
Do sweetly fade out every pain
And cause me smile through tears again
Three children were born to Hans and Anne, they maybe would have had more, but were 38 and 40 years of age when they married.
Edgar (see Edgar and Mabel Skansgaard)
Magda (see Bill and Magda Lusso)
Harold (see Harold and Martha Skansgaard)
Hans died on May 8, 1953 and Anne died August 28, 1954. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery at Flom.



Harold and Martha (Smebak/Storbeck) Skansgaard

Harold A. Skansgaard was born on March 23, 1909 to Hans and Anne (Thorson) Skansgaard. While a young man he was employed in farming, driving truck, carpentry as well as working on the railroad for a brief time.
Martha Pauline was born on February 2, 1913, near Ulen, Mn.
Harold and Martha were married at the Wild Rice Lutheran Parsonage on January 8, 1932. They farmed near Flom and Harold also worked on road construction which included helping to build the Alaskan-Canadian (Alcan) Highway in 1942 and 1943. In 1952, he began driving bus for the Twin Valley school district and continued until 1971. From the 1960's until his retirement in 1989, at the age of 80 he was employed at the Flom Post Office.
Harold served on the Tri-Valley Board of Directors from 1977 to 1982. Together with his wife, he also served as a volunteer coordinator for transportation for many years. Harold was a life long member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. He had served as sexton of the cemetery, on the memorial committee, and in various church council positions and also sang in the choir. His greatest enjoyment was music and he belonged to the Flom Male Quartet for several years.
Martha worked as Post Mistress for the Flom Post Office for 27 years. They lived in the living quarters behind the Post Office until the fire of 1973, which destroyed the west side of main street in Flom. At this time they purchased the home of Martin and Annie Lunde on the north end of town.
Here they remained until their deaths. Martha was a active member of Aspelund Lutheran church, having served on the Ladies Aid, Circles and was active in the Sunday School.
Harold died on September 5, 1996 at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, Mn. Martha passed away on January 19, 1985. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
Harold and Martha were the parents of one son; Burnelle

Herman and Emelia (Stuhr) Skansgaard

Herman Skansgaard was born to Iver Erlandsen and Anne (Pedersdatter Aspehaug) Skansgaard on July 12, 1905 on the Skansgaard Farm in Section 28 west of Flom. He attended Flom School and was baptised and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church.
He married Emelia Stuhr who was born on October 1, 1907 and had two children with her:
Lyle Skansgaard and Lowell Skansgaard
Later he married Betty Green in California and had a daughter with her:
Karen Skansgaard
Herman died in San Diego, California on January 1, 1957 and is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery there.

Ingvald Skansgaard

Ingvald was born on December 3, 1922 to Oscar and Ruth Skansgaard in Flom Township. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. He attended school at the Sunny Hill School. He lived in Flom Township his whole life and farmed.
He was very active in the Community. He served on the Church boards and Cemetery association board. He was a member of the Wild Rice Conservation Club, volunteered at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home, was a Director of the Urdahl Foundation, a member als of the American Legion and the VFW. Ingvald was a veteran of WWII, serving in Japan and the Phillippines from 1944-1946.
Ingvald had one sister, Lorraine (Bakke) and one brother, Robert, who preceded him in death.
Ingvald never married. He died on March 25, 1997 and is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.


Iver Erlandsen and Anne (Pedersdatter Aspehaug) Skansgaard

Iver Erlandsen Skansgaard was born in Sødorp, Nord Fron, Oppland in Norway in 1852. His parents were Erland Hansen Skansgaard and Bereth Nilsdatter. He was baptized on March 21, 1852 and confirmed in his native Norway. When he was about 28 years old, he decided to emigrate from Norway to America. He left from the Bergen, Norway Harbor on May 5, 1880.
When he first came to Minnesota, he lived in St. Paul and worked for the railroad. While in there, he met and married Anne Pedersdatter Aspehaug.
Anne was born August 18, 1861 in Øier, Oppland, Norway, in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. She was baptized on Septpember 29, 1861. Her parents are Peder Knudsen and Sicil Pedersdatter Aspehaug. Anne had many brothers and sisters.
Her brothers were: Amund Mellum, Knud, Anders, Johannes, Matias & Ole. Her sisters were: Sina (Stueness), Anne, Karen, Anne & Ingeborg. Amund Mellum came to America with his family, but lived out his last years with the Iver Skansgaard family at Flom. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery. Sina was married to Peter Stueness and died shortly after giving birth to a daughter who also died. She is buried in Immanuel Cemetery in Flom Township.
Anne left Norway in 1889 and was heading for Baldwin, Wisconsin. Later, she moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she met and married Iver. Their first child was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Cecelia (Sophie) Skansgaard, on September 22, 1891. Iver at that time was working for the railroad. He saw that with his lack of knowledge with the English language, there would be no chance for advancement. He and his wife, Anne and daughter Sophie, moved to Flom Township in Norman County. They settled down in the SW 1/4 of Section 28 and lived there until their deaths. Iver can be remembered as being seen walking to Flom carrying his cream to the Creamery. This was a daily trip in his later years when he was unable to drive his horses. Their other children are as follows:Cecelia (Sophie) Skansgaard was born on September 22, 1891 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She never married. She was a lifetime member of Aspelund Lutheran Church and is buried in the cemetery there. She died in January of 1971. She did housework in the area and later made a home and cared for Oline Hanson of Perley, Minnesota.Emil Skansgaard, born January 3, 1893 in Flom Township, he died November 17, 1967 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery. He never married and lived at home with his family.Nels Skansgaard, born September 26, 1894 in Flom Township, (See Nels and Caroline Skansgaard)
Oscar Paul Skansgaard, born September 10, 1897, (See Oscar and Ruth Skansgaard)
Alfred Skansgaard, born September 17, 1899 in Flom Township, (See Alfred and Gladys Skansgaard)
John Skansgaard was born
Herman Skansgaard, born July 12, 1905 in Flom Township. All the children attended the Flom School, located in Flom, Minnesota.

John and Joyce (Jacobson) Skansgaard

John was born to Iver Erlandsen and Anne (Pedersdatter Aspehaug) Skansgaard on September 4, 1901 on the Skansgaard Farm in Section 28 west of Flom. He married Joyce Jacobson, the daughter of Albert and Tilla Jacobson, on July 20, 1929. Joyce was confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church at Flom, Minnesota. She also helped out in the cafe that her parents operated in Flom.
Two children were born to Joyce and John: Ronald and Sandra
They lived in Grand Rapids, Minnesota where they operated a restaurant. He then worked on the Alcan Highway during WW II. He attended welding school in Vancouver, Washington and later moved to Eveleth, Minnesota where they owned and operated Johnnie’s Eat Shop and also operated a cafe in Bovey, Minnesota. They later moved to Cherry and he worked for Rhude and Fryberger Mining Company in Hibbing, Minnesota for 23 years.
John died on May 8, 1988 and is buried in Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Nels and Caroline (Rishovd) Skansgaard

Nels Skansgaard was born to Iver Erlandsen and Anne (Pedersdatter Aspehaug) Skansgaard on September 26, 1894 on the Skansgaard Farm in Section 28 west of Flom. He married Caroline Rishovd on August 12, 1927 in Ulen, Minnesota.
Nels and his brother Alfred had a mecanic shop and gas station in Flom in the early 1930’s. Later, they moved to Hillsboro, North Dakota where he was employed as a mechanic.
The following children were born to them: Irene, married to Marvin Wendt; Blenda, married to Earl Gilbertson; Newman, Gary and Roger have all died and are buried at Riverside Cemetery at Hillsboro; Dale
Nels died as the result of a drowning accident at Lake Ashtabula in June of 1965 in North Dakota. He is also buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Caroline later married Henry Grothman of Hillsboro, North Dakota. She died and is buried at Riverside Cemetery also.

Oscar and Ruth (Stolen Engebretson) Skansgaard

Oscar Paul Skansgaard was born to Iver Erlandsen and Anne (Pedersdatter Aspehaug) Skansgaard on September 10, 1897 on the Skansgaard Farm in Section 28 west of Flom. He was baptized and confirmed in the Aspelund Lutheran Church by Rev. Larson and grew up in the Flom area, attending the Flom School.
Ruth Engebretson was born to Anna Teoline Olson on July 20, 1898 in Flom Township. She was united in marriage to Oscar at the Wild Rice parsonage by Rev. B.L. Opdahl on October 20, 1921. Ruth’s mother Anna, came from the Fidjestol Farm in Kvaas, Lyngdal, Vest Agder, Norway. She had a brother, Hans Olson and a sister Tomine Dorthea (Baukol) who also came to Flom Township.
They farmed in Flom Township for 44 years, retiring in 1965. During his life, he was quite active in church work, serving on the Board of Trustees for several years and was custodian of the Wild Rice Lutheran church for many years. He later served as cemetery sextant for several years.
Three children were born to Oscar and Ruth:
Ingvald (See Ingvald Skansgaard)
Robert (See Robert Skansgaard)
Lorraine (See Leonard and Lorraine Bakke)
Oscar died on May 8, 1970 at Crookston, Minnesota at the age of 72 years. Ruth died on October

Robert Skansgaard

Robert was born to Oscar and Ruth Skansgaard on November 27, 1927 in Flom Township.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church. He attended Sunny Hill School.
He lived in this area his whole life with the exception of two years spent in the U.S. Army during the Korean war.
Robert had one sister, Lorraine (Bakke) and one brother, Ingvald.
Robert died on January 8, 1959 after and illness of about 18 months.
He is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Nickolai Olaf and Josephine (Hopperstad) Skauge

Nickolai Olaf Skauge was born September 24, 1873 at Spring Grove, Minnesota to Ole and Elizabeth (Rommereim) Skauge. Six years after his birth, the family moved to Norway Township in Lincoln County, South Dakota, and then later they moved to Mayville, North Dakota. Mr. Skauge’s father then took a claim for land near Clifford, North Dakota, where the family made their home until 1902. Nickolai had the following siblings:
Rachael, Anton and Ludwig who died when very young.
Mr. Skauge attended the Bruflat Academy at Portland, North Dakota for three years and from there went to Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where he remained for three years, being called at that time to take over the management of the Wild Rice Lutheran Children’s Home. He came here to Flom Township on September 2, 1902, and on the 25th of that month was married to Miss Josephine Hopperstad of Ridgeway, Iowa.
Josephine was born in Iowa on September 19, 1882 to Endre Johanneson and Johanna E. (Thorsdatter Vold). Her father was born on October 27, 1838 in Vik, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway to Johannes Olsen Hopperstad and Barbro Lassesdatter Boe and her mother was born December 25, 1844 at Vik, Sogn og Fjordane to Tor Endreson Brekke Holstad Vold and Solveig Olsdatter Hønsi. Josephine’s parents were married November 9, 1866 in Iowa. They had the following children, which were siblings of Josephine:
John, Sylvia, Bertina, Marthilda, Theodore, Gilbert and Ole.
Nickolai and Josephine were the parents of the following children:
Ludwig, Paul, Hartwig, Adolph, Ted and Nickolai. Nickolai and Paul died at a young age. Olivia (Lind), Dorothy (Howard) and Edith (Gretter).
Nickolai was the superintendent of the Wild Rice Children’s Home in Flom Township for over 25 years. He died in 1928 and his wife Josephine died in 1963. They are both buried in Wild Rice Church Cemetery in Flom Township.

Ole A. and Elizabeth (Rommereim) Skauge

Ole A. Skauge was born on September 24, 1847 in Lindaas, Bergen, Norway. He was married their also to Miss Elizabeth Rommereim on June 27, 1870. They left Norway in 1873 with their children and came to Spring Grove, Minnesota. They lived there until 1879 when they went to South Dakota. Ole was a carpentar and he followed the trade. They lived in South Dakota until 1881 when they moved to Hillsboro, North Dakota. He was engaged in farming there until 1910, when they moved to the Wild Rice Children’s Home and lived with their son Nickolai and his family.
There were 8 children born in all to the couple. Only two were living at the time of Ole’s death in 1918. The rest died at young ages.
Nickolai A. Skauge and Rachael Skauge were the surviving children.
Both Ole and Elizabeth are buried in Wild Rice Church Cemetery in Flom Township.

Skeim Family History

This history is based on family letters by Sophia Skeim, Iris Skeim, interviews and letters from Sylvia Duckstad Quie, Lisa Locken, and current family cousins, Jeff Skeim, Erik Hanson, Luanne Skaim Tillman of Decorah, Iowa. and Barbara Murry. The narrative was written by Barbara Murry and Jeff Skeim.
Common variations of the family name are spelled Skeim, Skaim, Skieim, Skajem, and Skahjem.

Norway
Anders' grandfather, Anders Nilsen, had moved from Indrilid and married a Skajem girl and therefore became owner of the farm. Thereafter the decedents of Anders Nilsen became known by the Skajem farm name.
Anders Johanneson Skajem was born Nov 14, 1814 and wife Gertrude Veum Skeim was born April 14, 1816. Anders was the son of Johannes Anderson Skajem and being the second son was not first in line to inherit the family farm. The farm ended up going to his older brother Gjert Johannesen Skajem.
Anders Skeim was tall, blonde, right handed, enjoyed very good health, was exceedingly optimistic, and was a born leader. He was a successful farmer and a very good father.
When he was a young man he married Gertrude Veum and together, they came to the United States to establish a home.
Anders and Gjertrud’s first three children were born in Norway:
a. Ingeborg, b. 5-16-1844, Mrs. Ole T. Rogen; d. 1932
b. Kari, b. 10-24-1846, Mrs. Ole Nelson Odegard
c. Anna, b. 8-3-1849, Mrs. Baar Halverson
Anders and Gjertrud and the three children left Norway for America in 1850 or 1851. Their oldest daughter, Ingeborg Skeim (Rogen) was seven years old. It took sixteen weeks on the boat from Bergen to Gubeck (ajubeck).
Arrival: Wisconsin
The first stopping place was at Dane County, Wisconsin, in the later months of 1850 or 1851. Here, they joined the Lutheran Church at Koshkonong. J.J. and Severina were born there in Dane County, Wisconsin, and were both baptized by Rev. Preus, Koshkonong Church, the first Lutheran church in Wisconsin. This is where Ingeborg met Ole Rogen, her future husband.
When Anders Johanneson Skeim arrived, in America in 1851, he, had $.25 cents left The first thing he did was to build a house, Norwegian style for another Norwegian. It took him ten weeks to build the log house as he had to cut and prepare the logs himself. He got eighteen dollars for that. That was good pay, in those days. Then he worked for another man for two days and had to take wares instead of money. Reportedly, he either got two steer calves and an old stove or two axe handles. Wages were 25 cents a day.
John, who was often called J.J., and Severina were born in Wisconsin.
d. John (Johannes) Johnson (Johanneson) Skeim, b. 6-10-1853
e. Severina Skeim, b. 5-14-1855 Mrs. Tobias Tollefson
On to Iowa
In 1856, the Skeim family moved to Winneheik, County, and lived near Decorah, Iowa till 1868. They took a homestead and Anders worked long and hard to make his family comfortable. Here, they were members of the Rev. J. Koren’s church. John J. received a grade school education and as a young man was employed in Ben Bear’s Store. As a young man, J.J. had a serious cold that turned to pneumonia and he couldn’t do heavy work after that time. J.J. Skeim and Nikolina (Lena) Lillegraven met in 1879 in Decorah and were married there.
Norway
Lena’s father, Nikolai Stabell Jenssen Folkedal, was born in 1815. Sigrid Arnvensdtr Lillegraven was born in 1822. Nikolai married Sigrid in 1843. They had 10 children. Nikolai was a shoemaker and is listed in the census as having lived on Lillegraven in 1865. He purchased subdivision 1 of Storegraven (the Captain's farm) for 1525 speciedaller and moved there, but continued to use Lillegraven as a surname. He was a Corporal, and later a Sergeant. According to his grandson, Sverre, he was a sergeant for 25 years before he and his wife bought the farm. Often an officer had a farm as part of his wages. Nikolai died in 1888. Sigrid died in 1898. Nikolina Gurine was born on October 12, 1854. This is documented in the family papers, and at the church in Norway, although American records list both 1855 and 1856.
Lena emigrated to the states from Bergen Harbor on the 20th of April 1875, without any of her immediate family. We can speculate that she traveled with cousins or neighbors. She was about 21 years old, at the time. Her brother, Endre, (1857 -1905), had emigrated either in 1874, or on April 13, 1875. Johan (1867-1939) emigrated on May 18, 1888, and settled in Minneapolis. Letters from the family in Norway record the following description of Lena's decision to immigrate. Nikolina was helping on the farm. One night she was working in the barn pulling out hay, making suitable bundles for the cows, when she suddenly decided to leave for America. She borrowed money from her parents, and left soon after.
Lena and J.J. had nine children: Anna Sophia, Gustav Adolph, Clara Nikkolina, John Norman, Alert Melvin, Stella Margrette, George Severin, Enanda Henriette, and Guy Earnest.
Next Move: Minnesota
Anders and Gjertrud again moved to a homestead near the Wild Rice River near what was to become Flom and Twin Valley, Minnesota and lived there five years. While we don't know why they moved, we can assume they were pulled by the call of good land. It is unclear whether Anders initially worked for other land owners, or whether he initially purchased his own farm.
In approximately 1879, J. J. Skeim came up to see what the Northern Minnesota country was like.
Grasshoppers were very bad at that time. He decided not to stay, went back to Decorah, Iowa and got a clerking job at the then C.M. Goddard department store.
Both Kari and Anna and their families later moved to Norman County in 1885 or 1886.
Lena and J.J. Skeim’s children, Anna Sophie and Gustov Adolph were born in Decorah, Iowa. In 1884 or 1885, they decided to move to Minnesota to buy Anders Skeim's farm. The Railroad - Northern Pacific had been built as far as Moorhead at that time. They came on the train to Moorhead. Sophie was old enough to enjoy the trip, recalling the porters who worked on the train, while Gustov cried through much of the trip. Trips on the railroad were very difficult. The benches were hard, there was little room, and nothing to do but sit the entire time. Clara, Norman, Stella, George, Melvin, and Guy were all born there on the family farm. They attended the Wild Rice Lutheran Church and were confirmed there.
Other records differ slightly in Anders move and whether it predated JJ Skeim coming to the area. By another account, he moved to the Flom area in 1879. He lived awhile with his children, and later settled in section 11, where he had 1/4 section of land, which was later owned by his son, Johannes. Two of Anders and Gjertrud’s five children lived in the settlement, namely; John J. Skeim, and Ingeborg, or Mrs. Ole Rogen. Two lived in Moorhead, Mn; Severina, or Mrs. Tobias Tollefson and Kari, Mrs. Ole Nilson Odegaard. Daughter Anna, Mrs. Halvorson, lived near Glenwood, Iowa.
We do have records from the Deed of Record of Polk County, Minnesota, indicating Ole T. Rogen and his wife sold Anders 160 acres in the SW Quarter of Section 11 for $500 on 8-4-1880. Anders purchased the north half of the SW Quarter + the SE Quarter of the SW Quarter of Section 27 containing 120 acres for $330 on 7-29-1880, from Andrew Benson. He also purchased 160 acres in the NE Quarter of Section 29 for $500, 6-8-1880, from E.G. Holmes.
The Aettarbok for Aurland lists a Marta, who was born to Gjertrud in 1842. Marta would have been the first born and may have been an illegitimate daughter, as a Toreson is listed as her father, rather than Anders. There is a Toreson Olsen who lived on a neighboring farm, who was approximately the same age as Gjertrud. It’s possible that the family didn’t allow the marriage as Toreson may have been of the wrong social class. Marta didn’t emigrate with Gjertrud, Anders, and the other children.
One may speculate that leaving her oldest daughter behind would have been a heartbreaking event for Gjertrud. Marta, and her husband, Gjert Loven, also emigrated to the Twin Valley area in 1871 and farmed near Anders and Gjertrud. While we don’t know through written records, we can speculate that mother and daughter were finally united again.
Anders’ nephew, Johannes Gjertson Skajem and his sister Randi Skajem also later immigrated to the Twin Valley area where records show Johannes son, Gjert C. in 1895 as being 18 years old along with sisters Ingaborg 26, and Martha at 16. Anders' younger brother Johannes and sister Anna Loven
immigrated later to Decorah, Iowa where another younger brother, Nils Skajem, had already relocated from Norway. Johannes used the spelling Skaim, for his family in Iowa.
Gertrude Veum Skeim was a very capable woman of unusual character. Everyone that knew her loved her, she was always right at hand in times of trouble and her presence was most desirable. She loved the out-of-doors and would at time spend a whole day fishing at a near by creek. Once after spending
a day fishing in early spring rain and thaws, she became ill with pneumonia and died, at the age of 77. She was buried at Wild Rice Church Cemetery, near Twin Valley, Minnesota.
Severina Skeim, the youngest daughter of Anders and Gjertrud, had married Tobias Tollefson, before 1873. Their daughter, Amanda, was born in Decorah, Iowa on June 19, 1873. In 1876, Severina and Tobias, took Amanda, and along with some neighbors, started out for Minnesota in a covered wagon.
Bad luck struck them nearly right away. They had not gone very far when they had a run away and one horse broke his leg and had to be killed.
However, the courageous family bought a pair of oxen from a settler along the way and continued the journey. They milked the cow they had brought along. Their food consisted mostly of mush and milk.
There were no roads and the journey across the endless prairie was a rough one. When they came through what is now Detroit Lakes, MN, there were only a couple of houses and Lake Part had only a depot. It took them five weeks to get this far.
All the wagons went on to Clay County except the Tollefson’s and another family. They settled in Norman County on a piece of land in Section 13, two miles north and east of Flom. The first year the family lived in a dugout with a small window on one side.
Kerosene lamps were used, and when they ran out of kerosene they would burn rags soaked in a dish of lard. Amanda’s brother was born in that dugout. The closest neighbor was four miles away, and they walked to Lake Part twenty miles to get supplies and mail.
They plowed up a piece of prairie and seeded grain. Six Indians were seen walking across the field on their way to White Earth. They were sent by the Sioux Indians to get the Chippewa of White Earth Reservation to join them in war against the white people. They could clearly hear the war drums at White Earth that day, but they did not go to war as the soldiers from Fort Snelling came and pushed them back. Amanda was 12 years old when she started school, and walked four miles to and from school, with a two-month term of school for the year. She was confirmed in Wild Rice which was seven miles away. Amanda lived on the farm in Flom Township for many years. The farm was sold to her son, Guy, who has now sold it to his son, Merlyn. Merlyn and his wife, Sylvia have two children and are presently operating the farm.
Several incidents of J.J.’s life were related to Emerson Murry by his mother, Estelle Skeim. She described the time that J.J. had hired combiners to come and harvest his crops. Sparks from one of the combines set the wheat field on fire, and the entire crop was lost. J.J. came into the house, without saying a word, and went directly to bed.
Later in his life, J.J. was gored by a bull. He suffered significant injury and never fully recovered. He died several years later, and it may be speculated that the injury caused the onset of the kidney problems which lead to his death.
Obituary - Anders Skeim
Twin Valley Times
May 25, 1898, Vol 3 #20
Andres Johanneson Skeim, of town of Flom, died on Tuesday, May 24 aged 84 years. The funeral takes place next Saturday from the Wild Rice Church.
There are a number of errors in names in the obituary.
Obituary from the Fertile Journal
J. J. Skeim Passes Away: Died at His Home in Fertile on October 5th After a Long Illness
The following, taken from last weeks Fertile Journal, will be of interest to our readers, as the deceased was a resident of this section of Norman county until a few years ago, and was very well know to our residents.
After a somewhat prolonged illness, J. J. Skeim died Thursday, October 5th, of Bright's disease and heart failure. Deceased was born June 10, 1853, in Dane county, Wis. From there he moved to Iowa where he was married to Miss Lena M. Graven in 1879. He moved to Norman county in 1883, where he resided until the spring of 1912 when he came to Fertile. Deceased leaves a wife and nine children, all living. They are Mrs. B Bucksad, Melvin, Enanda and Guy, of Fertile: Adolph, of Ray, N.D., Mrs. Ed T. Gunderson, of Waubun; Norman and Mrs. R. M. Murry, of Cooperstown, N.D., and George, of Tower City, N.D.
The funeral took place Monday of this week, the remains being interred in the Pleasant Hill cemetery.
Obituary of Lena Skeim
Nikkolina Skeim Rites Conducted Here on Friday
Mrs. Nikkolina Skeim, as pioneer resident of the Fertile community died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Brown Duckstad, in Fertile, on Tuesday morning, September 21, having been in poor health the past several years. She was 87 years old.
Funeral services were conducted at the Concordia Lutheran church at two p.m. on Friday, September 24, with Rev. F. W. Tolo officiating. Vocal music was furnished by Mrs. J. B. Austinson, soloist, and the St. John’s quartette. Interment was made in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were three sons of Mrs. Skeim - Melvin, George and Guy, and three of her sons-in-law, Victor Sellberg, Edwin Gunderson, and R. H. Murry.
Mrs. Skeim was born to Jens and Sigrid Granvin at Hardanger, Norway on October 20, 1856. When she was 18 years old she sailed to America, going to Big Canoe in Winnishiek County, Iowa.
On July 12, 1879, she was united in marriage to John J. Skeim of Decorah, Iowa. They made their home at Glenwood until the summer of 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Skeim moved to Norman county in 1883, locating on a farm in Flom township. They remained there until the spring of 1912, when they moved into Fertile to make their home. Mr. Skeim died October 5, 1916.
Nine children were born to Mrs. Skeim, all of whom survive with the exception of a son, Adolph, who passed away December 10, 1927. The survivors are:
Mrs. Sophie Duckstad, Mrs. Victor (Enanda) Sellberg, and Melvin Skeim, all of fertile; Mrs. Ed Gunderson (Clara), Detroit Lakes, Minn; Norman Skeim, Big Lake, Minn., Mrs. Ray (Estelle) Murry, Dunseith, N.Dak., George Skeim, Litchfield, Minn., and Guy Skeim, Rolla, N.Dak.
Mrs. Skeim is also survived by 25 grand children, and 13 great grandchildren.
The Children
Anna Sophie Skeim
The oldest child of Lena and J.J. Skeim, Sophie Skeim married Brown Duckstad, in Fertile. In 1883 Brynjolf Dugstad, an eighteen year old former carpenter's apprentice from Voss, Norway, arrived at Ellis Island. He had ten dollars and a ticket on the railroad to Beltrami, Minnesota.
From Beltrami, with his satchel in hand, he walked across the prairie, past the site that was to be Fertile, east to the Lars Duckstad farm. (Father of Peter and Reverend B.J. Duckstad).
Brynjolf took the name Brown Duckstad. He worked on farms and a ranch in Dakota for four years. He saved his wages and came back to Fertile and built a building out of home sawed lumber and opened a hardware store.
Brown Duckstad continued in the hardware business until his death in 1934. He was Postmaster, served on the village council, school and church boards, helped organize the power plant, the brick factory, the Fertile Oil, and the Our own Hardware Wholesale Co. he was Vice President of the First State Bank, and chartered the American State Bank of Erskine.
Major John Benjamin Duckstad, the oldest son died in World War I in France. At the military academy, his closest friend and roommate had been Dwight Eisenhower. Lisa became a school teacher; Johnny a coach and school superintendent; Valborg, a teacher and Red Cross officer; Walter, a Navel officer, a state representative and an investment consultant; Sylvia Quie, a school teacher; Paul, a Navel officer, automobile dealer and banker; and Eleanor Vine.., a school teacher.
Obituary for Sophia Skeim
Pioneer resident of Fertile, Mrs. Brown Duckstad, died.
Mrs. Broth Duckstad, an active pioneer of the Fertile community, died Aug 18, 1975 at Elim Nursing Home in Princeton, MN, at the age of 96.
Anna Sophia was the oldest of nine children of Mr. and Mrs. John Skeim, born in Decorah, Iowa on June 28, 1879. The family and were uncle Adolph moved to Twin Valley, where they lived on a farm. At the age of 17, Mrs. Duckstad went to Moorhead to study dress designing. She worked in her profession for many years in Moorhead. She married Brown Duckstad of Fertile in 1901. Mr. Duckstad was the postmaster of Fertile, serving from 1898 to 1907. He served on the Fertile City Council in 1891, 1895, ‘96, 1900-01, and '02. He founded Fertile hardware Store about 1889 and was vice president of the First State Bank of Fertile from 1914-1947.
Mrs. Duckstad had always been very active in community activities in Fertile and was chairman of the Red Cross Chapter during the First World War in 1918, and of the Charity Sewing Circle of Concordia Lutheran Church for more than 20 years. She was an active member of Concordia Church.
Mrs. Duckstad was on the Building Committee of Concordia Lutheran Church. She was a Gold Star Mother, having lost a son, Bennie, in World War I.
Several years ago she suffered a fractured hip and had to curtail her community activities. Since her accident, she had been a resident of several convalescent homes, until recently when she began to fail in health. She had been a resident at Elim Nursing Home in Princeton, MN.
She is survived by five children; Norman Duckstad, Princeton, MN; Valborg, Seattle; Paul, Fairfax, MN; Mrs. Sylvia Quie, Farmington, MN; Mrs. Eleanor Vine, Menomonie, WI; 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman Skeim, Princeton, MN; 2 sisters, Mrs. Victor Sellberg of Fertile; Mrs. Estelle Murry of Bismarck, ND; and another brother, Guy Skeim of Fertile.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Walter, and three children, John Benjamin, (Bennie), Lisa Steps, and John (Johnny). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in Concordia Lutheran Church of Fertile with Rev Ralph Teltefsen and Rev G. W. Tolo of Moorhead officiating.
Enanda Skeim and Victor Sellberg
Enanda was the favorite aunt of Sylvia Duckstad and she remembers that she loved to visit their "humble" place in the country, as they farmed near Fertile. She remembers that she was a wonderful listener for teenagers. She and Victor later bought a "tiny doll house" of a home on the same block as Lena, and lived in town.
Victor Sellberg was born October 5, 1892 at Fertile, Minnesota to August and Olina Sellberg who farmed in Norman County, near Sundal. He was born and raised there until he left home to work on the railroad. He went into the service in 1918 and returned home in 1919. He came home and on October 16, 1920, he married Enanda Skeim of Fertile. Enanda was born March 19, 1896, in Twin Valley, Minnesota to John and Lena Skeim.
Victor and Enanda farmed at Fertile in Norman County until moving to Fertile in 1960. Victor continued farming in semi-retirement for many years. They were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Victor and Enanda had two daughters, June of Washington, D.C., and Mrs. James (Sylvia) Stephens of Garrison, North Dakota. One granddaughter, Diane Stephens, teaches high school in Rapid City, South Dakota.
They celebrated their 50th anniversary of St. John's church in 1970.
Victor and Enanda were living at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home the last years. They celebrated their 64th anniversary there on October 16, 1984.
Enanda passed away October 23, 1884. Victor still lives at the nursing home. He is one of the few World War I veterans. He is 94 (in 1986), and looks great and still enjoys his family and friends.
Obituary for Enanda Skeim Sellberg
Mrs. Victor (Enanda H.) Sellberg, 88, of Fertile, Mn. Died Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 23, 1984, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.
Mrs. Sellberg was born March 19, 1896 at Twin Valley, Mn to John and Lena Graven Skeim. She was baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran Church and attended rural school. She moved to Fertile as a young girl with her family and worked as a dressmaker for several years. Oct 16, 1920 she married Victor E. Sellberg at Crookston, Mn. The couple lived in Norman County, where they farmed until retiring in 1960 and moved into Fertile. Victor continued to farm in semi-retirement for many years.
Mrs. Sellberg was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, and the Ladies Aid of the church and was a former adult....... Victor and Enanda just recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Family members include her husband, Victor of Fertile, two daughters, Mrs. James (Sylvia) Stephens of Garrison, ND, and Miss June Sellberg of Washington, CD; a sister, Mrs. Estelle Murry of Bismarck, ND: a granddaughter, Diane Stephens of Rapid City, SD and several nieces and nephews.
She as preceded in death by her parents; and brothers and sisters, George, Melvin, Norman, Buy, Clara, and Sophie.
Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Gerald While officiating. Interment was in the Concordia Cemetery, Fertile.
Organist was Mrs. Carroll Swenson and soloist, Mrs. Larry Brdahl. Pallbearers were Ford Hanson, Irving Indahl, Ed Kilen, Arthur Lundberg, Leroy Petry, Cyrus Sannes. Stenhoels Funeral Homes, Crookston.
Melvin and Alice Skeim
Melvin Skeim was born May 30, 1889, at Twin Valley where he grew up and attended the local
schools. As a young man he worked on farms in North Dakota and in 1912, he moved to Fertile with his parents and was employed at Brown Duckstad’s hardware store.
On June 10, 1921, he married Alice Larson, who was born August 5, 1901, in Sundal Township. They made their home in Fertile, where Mr. Skeim was then employed at the Victor Hoglund furniture store.
In 1940, they bought the store, which they owned until his death on February 14, 1956.
He was a member of the American Legion and active in community affairs. They were both active members of Concordia Lutheran Church, where Alice used her musical talents in many ways. She was a member of a local quartet and they were busy at various church and community events. She taught Sunday School at Concordia Church for many years. Alice was honored after singing in the choir for over fifty years.
Obituary for Melvin Skeim
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb 18. For Alert Melvin Skeim who died Feb 14 at a Crookston hospital. Services were conducted at the Concordia Lutheran church in Fertile at 1:45 p.m. with Pastor G. W. Tolo officiating.
Special music at the service was furnished by Paul Rogen who sang, "Does Jesus Call," and "Behold a Host." Mrs. J. B. Austinson was organist.
The pallbearers where Norman Duckstad, James Skeim Charles Hanson, Arnold Hanson, Glenn Hanson, and Gene Skeim.
Alert Melvin Skeim was born May 31, 1889 to Lena and John Skeim, who then resided on a farm in Norman county, east of Twin Valley, Minn. At the age of 23 he moved with his parents to Fertile where he was employed at the Brown Duckstad Hardware.
He was united in marriage to Alice Larsen of Sundal on June 10, 1921. In later years he had been engaged in the furniture business here.
He was preceded in death by this father and mother, and one brother, Adolph.
Besides his wife, he is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Sophia Duckstad and Mrs. Victor Sellberg of Fertile, Mrs. Ed Gunderson of Detroit Lakes and Mrs. Estelle Murry, of St. Petersburg, Fla; three brothers, Norman Skeim of Princeton, Minn, George Skeim of Lichfield, Minn, and Guy Skeim of Crookston.
Mr. Skeim had been in poor health for a number of years and Monday, Feb 6, at 5:30 p.m. suffered a stroke and was brought to the hospital in Crookston where he died, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
He was a faithful member of Concordia congregation, attending services regularly, was a loyal citizen, a good friend and neighbor. He was a member of the American Legion Post No 233.
Gustof Adolph Skeim
G. A. Skeim, Son of Mrs. J. J., Buried December 16
G. A. Skeim, son of Mrs. J. J. Skeim and brother of Melvin and Guy, died Dec. 10, at the hospital in Billings, Montana following an operation for a ruptured appendix. Departed, whose home was at Minot, was block man for the De Laval Cream Separator Co., and was on the road at Miles City when taken ill. Upon hearing of his brother's troubles, Melvin left here Dec 2 and stayed with G. A. for a week. He seemed a little better when Melvin left for home but suffered a relapse immediately thereafter and soon passed away. The remains arrived here dec. 13 and the funeral took place Dec. 16, interment being made at Pleasant Hill cemetery.
G. A. Skeim was born at Washington Prairie, Windson County, Iowa, Dec 18, 1881. Together with his parents he moved to Flom township, Norman county, when a small boy and where he lived until he was of age. He then came to Fertile and was employed in the Brown Duckstad Hardware for three years. Leaving here for Williston, N. D. in 1908 he found employment with the Wheelock Hardware Co. where he remained for six years. It was there that he was married to Miss Gina Lewis. Upon taking up work with the De Laval Co, he moved to Minot where he made his home thereforth. He leaves behind a wife and three children, the latter being Leo 17, Leonore 11, and Charles 8, all of Minot. Also his mother, Mrs. J. J. Skeim of Fertile and four brothers and four sisters - Mrs. Brown Duckstad, Fertile; Mrs Edwin Gunderson, Waubun; Mrs. Raymond Murry, Hope, N.D.; Mrs. Victor Sellberg, Fertile; Norman, Fargo, George, Litchfield; and Melvin and Guy of Fertile.
Obituary for Guy Skeim
Guy Ernest Skeim, 78, Fertile, died Saturday, April 21, 1979, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.
He was born in Flom, MN, Oct. 18, 1900 the son of John and Lena Graven Skeim. He married Sylvia Glendora Fuglseth on Oct 5, 1929 at Fertile.
The couple lived in Rolla, ND where he managed the Turtle Mountain Creamery from 1937 until 1944 when they moved to Crookston where Mr. Skeim operated Skeim Refrigeration until moving to Florida in 1964.
They returned to Fertile in 1975. Mr. Skeim was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Fer4tile, a member of the Crookston Elks, and a charter member of the Crookston Eagles Aerie for 37 years.
Survivors include his wife Sylvia, one daughter, Mrs. Sheila Ward of Bradenton, FL; 4 grandsons, 2 sisters, Mrs. Estelle Murry, of Bismarck, ND, Mrs. Enanda Sellberg, Fertile and one brother, Norman, Princeton. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Gene.
Funeral services for Guy Skeim were held Wednesday, April 25, 1979at 2 p.m. in Concordia Lutheran Church with Rev Ralph Teilefsen officiating. Interment will be in the Concordia Cemetery.
Special music was provided by Alice Skeim Rev Teilefsen, and Mrs. Ray Christian.
Casket bearers were Randy Fuglseth, Wayne Fuglseth, James Fuglseth, Donald Fuglseth Jr.. Roger Benbo, and Allan Johnson.
Erikson-Vik Funeral Home
Estelle Skeim Murry
1934-45
Mrs. Ray Murry was a member of the Dunseith Lutheran Ladies Aid, which had been organized Dec. 9, 1932.
Parairie Past and Mountain Memories - a history of Dunseith, N. Dak. 1882 - 1982; p. 317
Easter Song Service...
Last Sunday evening at the Community Church, an Easter song service was given by a group of singers from Dunseith & San Haven that drew a large attendance and was much enjoyed by all who were present. The members of the chorus were......Mrs. R.H. Murry...
Parairie Past and Mountain Memories - a history of Dunseith, N. Dak. 1882 - 1982; p. 336
Obituary for Estelle Skeim Murry
Twin Valley, Minn. - Estelle M Murry, 95, formerly of Twin Valley, died Sunday, March 22, 1987, in Missouri Slope Nursing Home, Bismarck.
Services will be at 5 p.m. today in Grand Forks Norman Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fertile, Minn.
Estelle Skeim was born May 22, 1891, in Twin Valley, the daughter of John and Nikoline Skeim. She attended schools in Fertile and Crookston. After she married Ray Murry in 1914 in Ray, N.D., they lived in Culbertson Mont., Hope, and Dunseith, N.D. He was a state senator from 1941 to 1949. He died in 1977.
Survivors are her son, Emerson, retired North Dakota National Guard Major General, Bismarck; daughter Marguerite Foley, Woodburn, Ore; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
(John) Norman Skeim
Norman and Laura had a "blue baby" at Christmas time. Most of the family came to Fargo for the wake, which was held in their apartment.
Family of J.J. Skeim and Lena (Lillegraven) Skeim: Children:
a. Anna Sophie Skeim, b. 1880, d. 1975 - buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery,Fertile, MN Spouse - Brown Duckstad; b. 1865, 1934, buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery,Fertile, MN
b. Gustav Adolph Skeim b. 12-18-1881, d. 12-9-1925 buried Pleasant HillCemtery, Fertile, MN Spouse - Gina Lewis, b. 12-10-1881, d. 12-16-1974 buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN
c. Clara Nikolena Skeim, b. 5-20-1887, d Spouse - Edward T Gunderson
d. Estelle Margrette Skeim, b. 5-27-1892, d. 3-22-1987 - buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN Spouse - Raymond Henry Murry, b. 4-6-1890, d. 3-22-1977 - buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN
e. George Severin Skeim, b. 12-6-1894, d.
f. Enanda Henriette Skeim, b. 3-19-1896, d. 1984, - buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN Spouse - Victor E. Selberg, b. 1892, d. 1986
g. John Norman Skeim, b. 5-31-1899, d.
h. Alert Melvin Skeim, b. 5-31-1899, d. 1956 - buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN Spouse - Alice M Larson, b. 1901
i. Guy Ernest Skeim, b. 10-18-1900, d. 4-1979 Buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN Spouse - Sylvia Glendora Fugleseth, b. 5-7-1905, d. 5-22-1992 - buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Fertile, MN

Anton Sletten

Anton was born in Norway on March 8, 1889 to Peter and Marit (Lein) Sletten. When he was 5 years old, he came to America with his parents and his brother. He served with the Minnesota Home Guard and was stationed at Fort Snelling during WW I. He had never married. He farmed and worked as a carpenter. He also worked in an iron foundry in Hibbing for several years and also worked as a lumberjack. He died January 12, 1965 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery in Flom Township.

Paul and Gina (Thorpe) Sletten

Paul was born in Norway on January 3, 1891 to Peter and Marit (Lein) Sletten. He came to America with his parents when he was 3 years old.
Gina Thorpe was born October 30, 1886 in Rockwell Township of Norman County to Halvor and Gunhild Thorpe. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith, attended rural area schools and was confirmed in Zion Lutheran church by Rev. J.R. Vaaler.
Paul and Gina were married in Crookston in 1917. They lived at Hibbing three years and then moved to Rockwell Township in 1921 and to Fossum Township in 1954.
Three children were born to Paul and Gina: Palmer, Gifford and an infant daughter who died.
Paul died in August of 1975 at Twin Valley, Minnesota. He is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Gina died March 23, 1969 at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley. She is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Peter and Marit (Lein) Sletten

Peter Sletten was born in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway on February 15, 1863, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Per Sletten and attended Norwegian Parochial schools there. In 1882, he married Marit Lein. They came to America in 1894 and settled in Flom Township with his wife and small children. Much of the land was covered with timber and had to be cleared. His time was spent cutting trees and grubbing stumps. He also worked five winters at a logging camp near Hibbin, Minnesota. He also dug many wells in the area by hand. Peter also helped dig both basements of the former and present Wild Rice Churches, along with considerable work on the church yard and cemetery. He had unusual physical stamina. When he was nearly ninety years old, he helped cut and piled 1,400 oak fence posts for a neighbor.
He prided himself in raising gardens, and his specialty was raising strawberries. During the depression years, he spent some time with his nephew, Peter Haugen and family at Maddock, North Dakota.
Peter and Marit had two sons:
Anton, who was born in 1889 and died in 1965.
Paul, who was born in 1891 and died in 1975.
His wife Marit, died April 27, 1930 and is buried in Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Peter died June 8, 1965 at Ada, Minnesota and is buried in Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Anders H. Smidge (Smidji)

Andres H. Smidji was born on February 20, 1848 at Leikanger, Sogn, Norway to Helje and Kari (Offerdal) Rinde. He came to the United States with his parents and three sisters to Rice County, Mn in 1862. They left Rice County coming to Norman County, Mn in 1876, when he settled on a homestead in Section 26 of Home Lake township. He remained here until 1886 when he moved into Twin Valley, Mn. Anders moved in with his sister Carrie (Mons) Hammer in 1920 where he resided until his death on April 16, 1926 at the age of 79 years.
Funerals services were conducted at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn with interment at Wild Rice Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Edward and Marie (Van Dermeer) Smith

Edward Smith was born on August 19, 1890 in Pennsylvania. Marie Van Dermeer was born on October 1895 in South Dakota. Edward came to Minnesota in 1918 coming to Georgetown, Mn. He he met and married Marie Van Dermeer on April 7, 1918.
Edward took up the occupation of farming and settled in Section 5 and 7 in Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn. Marie took on the duties as a farmers wife and mother. They were the parents of three children; Margaret Hatledahl,, she and her husband had they had no children. She is now a widow and resides still in Hawley.
Ervin: (See Ervin and Rosanna Smith)
Marvin was born on June 28, 1931, he died on July 9, 1999 and is buried at the Mayflower Cemetery, Huntville, Arkansas.
Edward died at Lake Park, Mn and Marie died on January 24, 1975 at Huntsville, Arkansas, they are both buried at Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead, Mn.

Ervin and Rosanna (Buethner) Smith

Ervin was born on April, 26, 1926 in Home Lake Township, Norman County, Mn. He attended school at District 46 in Walworth, Twp, Becker County, Mn. He was baptized on July 8, 1926 at Wild Rice Lutheran Church and Confirmed on June 9, 1957 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn.
Rosanna Buethner was born on December 4th at Hunter North Dakota in Cass County ND.She was baptized and confirmed (Apirl 6, 1941) at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Hillsboro, ND.
She attended all twelve years of school at Bohnsack School, Hillsboro, ND. She furthered her education at Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND. She was employed as a Secreatry for the Army/Air Force and also at Western States Life Insuarance Company in Fargo, ND.
After Rosanna married Ervin they settled in section 7 of Walworth, Township. Later they moved across the road to Section 12 of Ulen Township where they have made their home since. Ervin passed away on December 28, 1985 at Ulen, and is buried at the Ulen Cemetery.
Ervin worked as a truck driver for Indianhead anad Glendenning Freight Truck Lines. He entered the Army on October 24, 1950 and served in the during the Korean Conflict. While serving in Korea he was awarded the Bronze Star. He was discharged on September 8, 1952. After his time in the service he returned home and started farming, later he started his own trucking "Ervin Smith Trucking".
Ervin was active in community affairs and boards having served as Post Commander of both the Ulen VFW Post 5115 and American Legion Post 412. He served on the boards for the Ulen Townboard for 19 years and also on the Tri County Elevator Board in Ulen for several years.
Rosanna took up the duties as a wife and mother, raising her children. She has been very active in their church, Calvary Lutheran in Ulen and also active in the Ladies Auxillary.
They are the parents of two children; Virginia and Richard. Virginia Lee was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lexington, Ky and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church, Ulen, Mn. She attended school at Ulen and furthered her education one year at NDSU and one year at Wahpeton.
She married James Baron (divorced) and they are the parents of four children; Lydia, Herbert, Joanna and Mike. Lydia Kelley and her husband Jim have one child Audrianna and live in Gillette, Wy. Herbert and his wife Priscilla have two children; Jacob and Raeanna and they live in Gillette, Wy. Joanna is married to Joshua Cabral, they have one son Anthony and they live in Ft. Benning, Ga. Michael Baron lives in Ft. Benning, Ga.
Richard "Dick" Smith was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, Mn and was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church, Ulen, Mn. He went to Ulen-Hitterdal where he graduated from High School. He then went to Moorhead Tech in Moorhead, Mn., for two years. He married
Mary Burnside, they are the parents of three children. Jodi Armstrong lives in Ada, Mn with her two sons Colton and Steele, Dean lives in Fargo, ND and Amber is attending college at NDSU in Fargo, ND. Richard and Mary live in section 12 of Ulen township where they are active in farming, having taken over the family farm from his father Ervin.

Henry and Selma (Stundahl) Smith

Selma Stundahl was born on July 10, 1895 to Torris and Olena ( Prestegord) Stundahl. She attended rural school near Twin Valley and helped her parents on their farm. At the age of 16 she began working as a housekeeper in private homes in Fargo, ND.
Henry P. Smith and Selma Stundahl were married on March 24, 1915 in Twin Valley, Mn. After their marriage the farmed near Galesburg, Page and Chaffee North Dakota. In 1944 they moved to Halstad, Mn and opened Smith’s Locker Plan and Grocery Store. After Henry’s death Selma continued to work in the locker and Store until retiring in 1954.
Henry and Selma were the parents of T. Palmer, Harold, Donald, Dwayne, Grace (Hunter), Phyllis (Jack Farrell), Thelma (Hahn), Betty Lou (Arnold Peterson), Dolores (Dusty Rhoades), Verna (Robert Raidt), Shirley (Roy Flieth) and two children proceeded them in death; Hans Peter and Sivert.
Henry died in May 1948 and Selma on August 24, 1990. Selma is buried at Elm River Cemetery, Galesburg, ND. Henry could possibly also be buried there.

George O. and Emma Mathilda (Neil) Solberg

George (Jorgen) O. Solberg was born in Goodhue County, Mn on May 28, 1864 to Olaf and Esther (Aaker) Solberg. Both his parents were born in Norway after they were married there they immigrated to America and settled in Goodhue County. They stayed in Good hue county until their deaths.
George grew up in the Goodhue area where he attended public school. He had four siblings: Anna, Knute, Ellen and Peter.
Emma Mathilda Neil was born at Vasa, Mn on September 22, 1865 to Adolf Fredrick and Anna Katherine
(Hellegrees) Neil.
George and Emma were married on November 6, 1895 at Minneapolis, Mn. To this union eight children were born; Esther, Olaf, Harold, Clara, Helen, Victor (Knute) , Anna and Emma.
After he completed his education he started farming in Goodhue county and was admired on his successful farming operations. When he was thirty-one he left his father’s farming operation and started out for himself, farming on a tract of land in Goodhue county. Later, he became employed by the Farmers Fire Insurance Company at Vasa, Mn as their inspector. In 1913 he left Goodhue county and came to Norman county where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres in Flom township. Here he settle on with general farming operations, stock raising and breeding thoroughbred Holstin cattle.
He was a prosperous farmer and well respected by those around him. He had a fine farm with many out building which well supplied him on his farm. They were both active members in their church, Aspelund and their community; serving on the American Red Cross Association, giving that worthy organization all their moral support and of their time.
George was a true American-born citizen and was proud of it. His father served in the Civil War as a lieutenant and in the home guard. George kept up the family honor of serving their country during the Spanish- American War, he offered his services to the United States army, but since he was married, he was unable to participate.
George and Emma were members of Aspelund Lutheran Church were they are buried. George died on February 8, 1942 and Emma on May 10, 1935.

Harold and Anna (Olson) Solberg

Anna Olson was born on July 16, 1898 near Flom, Mn to Hans and Amanda (Tollefson) Olson. Here she grew up on the family farm and attended school. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.
Anna and Harold were married on November 6, 1920 near Flom. They first lived in Fargo for a year before moving to Oregon City, Oregon, where they lived for two years. They returned to the Flom area where they farmed until their retirement in the early 1960’s. They remained on the farm, but spent time at Fox Lake near Detroit Lakes.
Harold died on July 17, 1966. Anna moved to the Wimmer Homes in Twin Valley, Mn where she made her home for 20 years. She was the first person to reside at the Wimmer Homes. Anna became a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Homes in 1990.
Anna was a lifetime member of Aspelund . Anna died on March 9, 1991 at the Ada Hospital. They are buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
Harold and Anna were the parents of; Robert, Ramona (Harold Bettendors) and Adeline (Emmett Miller).

Robert and Velma ( Rottman) Solberg

Robert Allan Solberg was born on October 4, 1925 to Harold and Anna (Olson) Solberg near Flom. He attended country school and following graduation from Waubun High School he farmed with his parents.
Robert married Velma Rottman on September 18, 1965 in Minneapolis, Mn. They operated the family farm until the mid 1970’s. He then worked in the construction business with his brother-in-law, building houses in the Detroit Lakes area. Robert retired at the age of 65. During his retirement years he sold antique cars, tractors and parts. He enjoyed going to swap meets and reading. He was an active member of the Church of God in Fargo, ND.
Robert passed away on December 24, 1995 at his home. Funeral services were held at Anderson Funeral Home in Twin Valley, Mn with interment at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn.
Robert and Velma were the parents of two daughters; Debbie (Thomas Randle) and Janet (Jesse Garcia).

Victor Solberg

Victor "Knute" Solberg was born on January 19,1904 at Vasa, Minnesota to George and Emma. He came to this area with his parents. He served his country in WW 2. He died on December 23, 1970 and is buried at Aspelund.

Carl A. and Oliane (Jensdatter Sethney) Solien

Carl was born in Vestre Toten, Oppland, Norway on October 18, 1858 to Andreas Hansen and Maria Olsdatter. In the 1865 census of Norway he was living with his parents on the Bakken farm in Vestre Toten and his brother Ole C. Andreasen, age 10 and his sister Helmine Andreasdatter, age 13.
When Carl was 19 years old, he decided to come to America. On June 27, 1878, he boarded the steamship “Angelo”. Before arriving in America, he decided to change his name from Andreasen to Solien, which is a farm name in Norway. His destination was Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He more than likely took the train to Lake Park, Minnesota and then walked to Flom, Minnesota, to visit with the Dorseth’s, who came from the same area in Norway. He traveled on to Crookston, Minnesota, where he filed a claim for his land in Section 26, of Home Lake Township. There he made a dug-out for a home and went to southern Minnesota and worked for a year. When he returned to his claim, he learned from his nearest neighbor, Mrs. Jens Huseby, that Indians had been living in his dug-out, and she had been bolting her doors while the Indians were there. Carl worked on the Martin Kirkeby farm until he was married in 1881 to Oliane Jensdatter Sethney. Oliane was born in Vestre Toten, Oppland, Norway, north of Oslo, about 8 miles. She was the oldest of 7 children born to Jens A. Anderson and Marie Johannesdatter. In the 1865 census of Norway, she was living with her parents on the Gjerdingen farm in Vestre Toten. The following siblings were also living there:
Johan Andreas Jensen, age 3
Marthinus Jensen, age 1
Johanne Maria Jensdatter, age 7
Later the family moved to the Sethne Farm. At the age of 24, Oliane decided to leave Norway and departed June 3, 1880 on the steamship “Angelo”. Her destination was Lake Park, Minnesota, she later moved to Wild Rice Township until she married Carl Solien in January of 1881. Olianne was her christened name and she Americanized it to Alianna. She was a charter member of the Wild Rice Ladies Aid.
The following children were born to Carl and Alianna:
James Arthur, Joseph Harry, Otto, August, Mina, Julia Marie, Hilda A., Ovidia Clara, Clara Ovidia and Alma Henrietta.
Carl died on December 24, 1946 and Alianna died on September 13, 1930. Both are buried in Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Albert and Jennie (Burns) Spielman

Albert was born on October 24, 1880 at St. Charles, Mn., to Andrew and Mathilda Spielman. He had six siblings: Henry, Robert, Frank, Ernest, Belle (Jeske) Guensohn and Evelyn Jensvold.
Jennie Burns was born on January 12, 1891, near Sparta, Wisconsin to Matt and Arvilla Burns. During her early eyars, she lived at St. Charles, Mn and Minneapolis where she was employed. She had four siblings: Clarence, Gene, Bert and Gladys.
Albert and Jennie were married on September 18, 1907 in Minneapolis, Mn. A son Harold was born to them on June 28, 1908. They resided in St. Charles for eight years. The family then moved to Flom township in 1915. Where they settled on a farm in section 8 of Flom Township. Charles joined the family in 1925.
Jennie was a Mid-Wife and helped with the births of many of the babies in the area. Albert passed away on October 11, 1963 and Jennie passed away on April 24, 1966. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Charles and Elenore (Nyberg) Spielman

Charles, son of Albert and Jennie Spielman was born on July 14, 1925. He is a life long resident of Flom Township. Charles received his education at Sunny Hill Country School. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Charles served our country in the military service from 1950-1953. He was also Constable for Flom Township for many years.
Charles and Elenore (Nyberg) were married on July 24, 1964 in Ada, Mn. They settled in Flom Township, living in section 8. Here they raised their three daughters; Karen, Kathy and Pam.
Besides farming with his brother Harold, he has enjoyed Gunsmithing. Charles also worked in Law Enforcement for 30 years.
Charlie and Elenore continue to live on the home farm in section 8 of Flom Township.

Harold and Ila (Aamoth) Spielman

Harold was born on June 28, 1908 to Albert and Jennie (Burns) Spielman at St. Charles, Mn. Here he grew up and was baptized. At the age of 7 the family moved to Flom Township and settled on a farm in section 8. He attended school at Sunny Hill Country School. He lived and farmed in Flom Township all his life. He had one brother, Charles.
Ila M. Aamoth was born on December 27, 1910 to Ingvald and Mina (Christianson) Aamoth in Twin Valley, Mn. She grew up in Twin Valley and it was there she received her High School Education. She attended Moorhead State Teachers College. Ila taught school for six years at Lerdal, Heiberg and Sunny Hill schools.
She had three sisters; Altha (Fred) Johnson, Cora (Melvin) Bjerke and Erna (Harold) Sherman. And two brothers: Selmer and Clifford Aamoth.
On June 29,1935 Harold and Ila Ammoth were married. . To them one child was born, and died at birth, on February 13, 1937. He is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.
Harold and Ila settled in section 9 of Flom Township where they farmed. Ila was church organist at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church for 55 years. She also gave Piano lesson for 35 years to many of the local children in the area. Rachel Stundahl was her first student. Harold enjoyed fishing and bowling in his spare time.
Harold died on January 28, 1988 he is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery, next to their baby. Ila continued to live on the farm until the fall of 1998, when she moved into Twin Valley, Mn. She has been a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley since 2001.

Lloyd and Ruth (Schroeder) Spielman

Lloyd Donald Spielman was born on July 19, 1924 at the home of his parents in Flom Township. He was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, Mn and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn, on April 28, 1940. He attended school at Cheerful Nook up to the eighth grade and then went to Twin Valley High School where he graduated with the Class of 1942.
Ruth Louise Schroeder was born on October 24, 1921 at the home of her parents in Mahnomen County. She was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Mahnomen, Mn and confirmed at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mahnomen on June 13, 1937.
After Lloyd and Ruth were married they settled in Flom township and it was here that they were active in farming and raising their family. They are the parents of four children; James David, Louise Elsie, Paul Lloyd and Mark Henry.
James David was born on September 23, 1946, he was baptized on October 31, 1946 at Wild Rice Lutheran Church and was also confirmed here. He attended school at Waubun Mn, where he also graduated. On October 7, 1967 he married Marjorie Swenson, the daughter of Lawrence and Elinor Swenson of rural Flom, Mn. They are the parents of two children; June (Stine) who lived in Fargo, with her husband and three sons. James David Jr. lives in Corona California with his wife.
Louise Elsie was born on July 14, 1948. She was baptized on September 3, 1948 and confirmed in 1963 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, Mn. Louise married James Stromberg on July 18, 1970 and they are the parents of Daivd, Michael and Christopher. David resides in Arden Hills, Mn. Michael resideds in Wisconsin and is a pilot. Christopher is employed at Stanford California where is teaching and researching of lasers.
Paul Lloyd was born on July 28, 1950. He was baptized on August 25, 1950 and confirmed in 1965 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He married Catherine Powers on May 28, 1972, the have one son David Paul who works as a Nurse in St. Mary’s at Rochester, Mn.
Mark Henry was born on August 31, 1953. He was baptized on October 15, 1953 and confirmed on April 28, 1968 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He graduated from Waubun High School. Mark married Jenifer Thompson, daugher of Kalmer and Gloria Thompson of rural Flom, Mn. They are the parents of three daughters; Kay (Burkett), Kelly (Kent) and Tammi. All three of Mark and Jenifer’s children were baptized and confirmed at Aspelund, as was Jenifer.

Allan and Diane (Neisen) Stangel

Allan E. Stangel was born on March 4, 1949 to Ernest and Lucille (Lambert) Stangel at Detroit Lakes, Mn. He attended school at Waubun, Mn where he graduated from High School.
Diane Neisen was born on October 14, 1955 to Math and Celestine (Haider) Neisen, in Mahnomen, Mn. She attended school at Mahnomen where she graduated from High School.
Allan and Diane were married on October 3, 1981 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, Mn. When they were first married they lived in West Fargo, ND., until 1982. At this time Allan became employed at John Deere in Mahnomen, Mn. Diane was a bookkeeper for Aakre’s TV and Appliance.
They now own their own business in Waubun, MN., Stangel’s repair. Where Allan works as a mechanic and Diane is the bookkeeper.
Allan and Diane purchased the building site previously owned by Joe and Gladys Houglum in section 23 of Flom township. They are the parents of two children; Christopher and Jennifer.
Christopher Allan was born on March 18, 1984 at Detroit Lakes, Mn. He was baptized on April 1, 1984 and confirmed on May 9, 2002 at St. Ann’s Catholic church in Waubun. Chris graduated from Waubun High School in 2002.
Jennifer Ann “Jenny” was born on August 24, 1985 at Detroit Lakes, Mn. She was baptized on September 8, 1985 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun. Jenny is currently a student at Waubun- Ogema- White Earth Community Schools.

John and Nettie (Maresh) Stangel

John was born to Michael and Pauline (Fisher) Stangel at Spencer, Nebraska. He came to this area as a young child. In 1914, he married Nettie Maresh at Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Nettie was born to Joseph and Josephine (Hasek) Maresh at Pisek, North Dakota in 1895. At the age of nine, she moved with her parents to the Thief River Falls area.
John and Nettie were confirmed as adults in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church in 1954.
Two sons were born to them:
William and Ernest
John died in 1977 and Nettie died in 1986. Both are buried in Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

David and Jill (Brown) Steichen

David Lee Steichen was born to C. Roy and Alice (Peterson) Steichen on August 28, 1959 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Mn. As a young boy he grew up in Walworth Township in section 30. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Ulen. He was active in the Walworth Willing Worker’s 4-H club of Becker County. He was also active in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sunday school and Luther League. He attended Ulen Elementary school and graduated in 1977 from Ulen-Hitterdal High School. He went on to further his education at Moorhead State University graduating in Business Management in May 1982. He worked for Circle E Farms of Ulen from 1978 to 1996. He joined the Army National Guard on January 20, 1994 and took his basic training at Fort Sill, Okalahoma.
David first lived in Walworth township in Becker County, Mn on the building site formerly know as the Fordyce, Harlan and Eunice Larson place. He moved to Flom township in 1985. Where he rented the former Harold "Red" Askegaard house in section 28. He lived here until 1989 when he moved to the former Clarence Stende farm in section 5 of Walworth township of Becker County. In 1990 Dave purchased the former Narum House. Mike and Genny Johnson home in Flom. Here he resided until his marriage to Jill.
It has been said that Jared paved the way for Dave’s children. From the time Jared Klemetson was born, Dave was there to take him for the day, to spend time with him and enjoy watching him grow. He filled the role of Jared’s Godfather with the love, care and guidance one can be proud of. There is a special bond between them.
Dave was an active member of the Flom community while he lived here. Always there to give a helping hand. He was a great handy man to have around and could be found fixing items for people when he was needed. He is very talented with wood working and has constructed various items in his bachelor days. He has made from entertainment centers, dressers, airplanes (for the four Klemetson kids) and made many intricately designed scroll saw clocks. These talents are now sitting on the side lines until their children are older. "I think it’s called retirement"
Dave began working for the US Postal Service in September of 1997, where he continues to work out of the Trollwood Office in Fargo, ND.
Jill Lorraine Brown was born to Arlo and Jean (Johnson) Brown on July 30, 1959 at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. She was baptized and confirmed at Dilworth Lutheran Church, Dilworth, Mn. As a young girl she was raised in Dilworth and was active in basketball, softball and Luther League. Jill graduated from Dilworth High School in 1977. She went on to further her education at Jamestown College, Jamestown, ND. After graduating in 1981, she attended St. Luke’s School of Medical Technology and became a certified medical technologist. Jill then went on to become a Lutheran Minister and received her education from Luther Seminary in 1993.
Jill accepted a position as Minister for Atlanta rural Ulen and Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal in January of 1994. She was actively their pastor until August 2001, after the birth of the twins when she took a leave of absence. In September 2001, Jill accepted the position of Assistant to the Bishop of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod where she is currently employed and works out of the Moorhead office.
Dave and Jill were married on December 30, 1995 at Dilworth Lutheran Church, Dilworth, Mn. They reside in Dilworth where they are raising their family of four children; Mark, Luke, Grace and Paul.
Dave and Jill are kept very busy with their jobs and raising their children. They have truly been blessed with four beautiful and active little ones. Mark arrived on December 27, 1996. He was the first to arrive and paved the way for the others. Being a parent was totally new to Jill, but as stated before, Jared had given Dave a lot of knowledge in raising babies and children. Luke James was the next to arrive, he was born on May 2, 1998. Now the Steichen’s were the parents of two handsome little boys, what more could one ask for… The good Lord saw that they were handling the two boys and decided that he would see what would happen by giving them two at one time. Thus Grace Jean and Paul Alan were born on July 26, 2000. There is never a dull moment in their lives. The family is complete.

Nels Nilsen and Marit (Stende) Steile

Marit was born in Norway to Johannes and Berit Stende on February 19, 1854. She came with her parents to America at the age of 15. She was confirmed in Norway.
Nelson Nilsen Steile was born on February 20, 1853. Marit met and married Nels Steile in Minnesota. They had only one child a daughter Marie who lived only a short time. On March 5, 1882 Nels passed away, he was only 29 years old. After his death Marit moved in with her father Johannes Stende and kept house for him, until his death in 1899. Her brother Syver Stende also lived with them.
They made their home in an upstairs apartment over the First National Bank on sixth street, in Northfield. Her occupation in the 1900 census lists Marit’s occupation as a dressmaker. Besides Marit and her brother Syver Stende, records indicated that a nephew also lived with them. His name was Nels Stende. He was born on June 1878 and had immigrated to American less than a month before the 1900 census was taken. He would be the grandson of Berit’s brother Havard.
Marit did on November 30, 1932 and is buried at the Northfield Cemetery, beside her husband Nels Steile and their daughter Marie.

Alfred and Violet "Bessie" (Franklin) Stende

Alfred was born on April 17, 1893 to John and Ingeborg (Leine) Stende. He was the youngest child of John and Ingeborg. Alfred attended grade school in a rural school and was an active member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom ,Mn. After his father's death in 1948 Alfred and his brother Edwin stay home and did the farm work and built the barn on the home farm in Norman County. Alfred was married when he was 27 years old to Bessie Violet Franklin.
Bessie was born on Feburay 18, 1890 to Hirman and Martha Jane Franklin in Oscaloosa, Iowa. Her father died soon after her birth She made her home with her grandmother, aunt and uncle; James and Sarah McCulley. She came with them to Minnesota at the age of 16 and it was here she met and married Alfred Stende. After their marriage the continued to live on the home farm for a few years, until they purchased a farm in Walworth township, in section 5. This farm remains in the family and their son Ray continues to live there.
Alfred farmed until his health failed and he passed away in July 1934, after an illness of three years. Alfred passed away at the University Hospital in Minneapolis, Mn. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom.
Violet was a homemaker who loved gardening and canning and especially liked flowers. She was a member of the ALCW and its circles at Aspelund Lutheran Church.
Alfred and Bessie were the parents of three sons; Raymond (see Raymond Stende) , Arnold and Alfred. Alfred was born on August 20, 1934, just six weeks after his father died. After Alfred's death the family remained on the farm.
Arnold went into military service and eventually he and alfred both wen to work in the Twin Cities. Arnold married Beverly (Cavanaugh ) Benthage on December 19, 1947 (divorced). Theya re the parents of one daughter; Catherine Ann who was born in 1949. Alfred married Loraaine Joyce Olson on Ocotber 20, 1964. She died in 1974 anad is buried at the Ft. Snelling Cemetery. He then married Donna Butcher, she had one daughter Helen from he first marriage. Alfred worked for Globe Roofing in St. Paul from the time he was 18 years old until his retirement. After retiring he and his wife helped his step-daughter Helen with her daycare center. Even after Donna's death in 1990, Alfred continued to run the daycare business with Helen. Ray continue to farm and care for his mother. Bessie passed away a the Sunnyside Rest Home, near Lake Park, Mn on May 12, 1980, and is buried at Aspelund Cemetery.

Clarence and Betty (Lovejoy) Stende

Clarence Julian Stende was born on September 30, 1917 to Edwin and Nellie Stende, in rural Norman County, Mn. He attended rural schools and worked on his home farm. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Chruch, Flom. He farmed in Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn. in section 5. He married Betty Lovejoy, daughter of Charles and Genevieve Lovejoy. Betty taught school for many years and after retiring from her teaching job she reamined in Twin Valley for a few years. She now lives at Dwight, ND. They had one daughter; Mae Cynthia. Mae married Dennis Allrich of Twin Valley (divorced) and they had four children; Cindy (deceased), Wendy, Karen and Jeff. Mae married Kevin Awender of Twin Valley and they have one daughter Heather. Mae and Kevin also live in Dwight, ND.
Clarence died on November 8, 1994 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery. Betty served as church organist for many years at Aspelund. She retired from playing the organ when she moved to Dwight, ND.

Edwin and Nellie (Nelson) Stende (excerpt from the Stende Family Book)

Edwin Stende and Nellie Nelson met while Ed was out hunting and stopped at the Nelson farm to water his horse. In those days that was quite a few miles to go huntin. It leaves one wondering if Ed knew he would find more than water at the Nelson arm. At any rate, he liked what he found. Ed and Nellie were married at Lake Park on December 14, 1916 after a short courtship.
Nellie was employed at the Dr. Gosslie home in Moorhead, Mn when she and Ed were courting. That courtship consisted of sending post cards back and forth. Years later their offspring would go upstairs and look in the old trunk and read some of the cards they exchanged. Apparently Ed hadn't heard from Nellie for some time as one of his post cards carried the question, "Are you dead?" Nellie was very much alive and thoguht a great deal of her tall, dark and blue-eyed Ed and she wasn't about to let him slip away.
Nellie came from a musical family. All four of her brothers played musical instruments and played for dances at house parties in the area. She was the daughter of Charley and Anna Nelson. Charlie was railroad forman at Audubon and also served at Ulen in that capacity. Nellie was born at Cummings, ND which is about forty miles north of Fargo, ND.
Large families were common then. Nellie had five brothers and five sisters. Two of whom did not reach adulthood. Ed was the son of John and Ingeborg Stende. His parents came from Norway and settled at Northfield before coming to the Ulen/Flom area. They stayed on a place acaross the road from the now Palmer Grefsrud farm while waiting for their house to be built on the farm they purchased.
In those early years Indians would come to their place asking for food. Grandpa Stende tried to pass off some sour milk to them-which they refused. The good milk was given to them because when settlers would not give the Indians the food they requested, the Indians would ride their horses through the settler's gardens until they trampled them to nothing. Grandma Stende was afraid of them and one can imagine the fear she must have felt.
Many years later Ed would point out the old farm place where his folks lived, it is known as the Kalmer Thompson farm. After moving off the home place Ed and Nellie lived in the Flom area. For a time they lived in Flom, moving from there to a place near the Aspelund Lutheran Church in 1923. At this time Leonard Seykora's live there (it is the green house north/west of Aspelund). they also lived at the Duane (Smiley) Malmskog famr and Leslie Moore farm both in Walworth township. In 1930 they bought a farm two miles south and one mile west of Flom from Mary Chrisene from Waseca, Mn. Where they lived until retiring to Twin VAlley in 1949. By the time they bought this farm their family ahd grown with the birth of three sons and four daughter, Clarence, Eleanor, Helen, Sylve, Eugen Muiriel and Gladys. Lester was born three years after they bought the farm.
The house had two bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs. Nellie put calcimine on the walls upstairs. It was cheaper than paint and covered the brown spots on the walls. The spots, which Nellie said came from former renters who chewed tabacco. All the children grew up in this house. In the winter time when it go cold we crowded into four rooms downstairs. The dining room became the kitchen and the upstairs was closed off.
Along with farming Ed held various jobs. When he lived at Flom he was a mail carrier. He would meet the train in Syre and take the mail to FLom. He used live coals in a footwarmer to help keep warm. These old footwarmers can be seen at flea markets and antique shops. One time when he had to stay over at Syre (possibly because of a snow storm) rats or mice ate up his horse blankets.
In the winter the old pot belly stove in the living room kept the house cozy. Nellie spent a good deal of the winter making piece quilts. There were many pretty patterns with a lot of work stitching. Then she would put up the frame in the living room and we would hlep with the quilt. The younger kids would sit under the frame and push the needles back up to the one tying the quilt.
Christmas as sometimes lean on the farm during those depression years. One year there were no figts, only a box of apples to share. The children were just as excited about opening the box of apples as they would have been with gifts. Sometimes the children would put on a Chrsitmas program with just the folks as the audience. One year there were candles on teh tree, which were briefly lit, but the beautiful sight w burned forever into our memories.
Life onthe farm was not always good even though there are many fond memories. Some years there were no crops because of the drought, but we always managed to get the money somewhere to keep things going. A good share of the food was produced on the farm. During the depression years President Franklin Roosevelt devised a program called the WPA.. It was to help needy people find work. Ed worked on this program and helped build the Flom Hall. It is a beautiful building and used for many community events.
One time Ed bought a horse. He was a beautiful white animal although rather wild. Gladys and Muriel were in the woods near the fence and thought it would be fun to scare the horse when he came by. The girls jumped out of the woods and said, "Boo". The horse took one big leap over the fence and down a trail and across the fields. Needless to say, Dad, Mom and Clarence spent the entire evening rounding up the horse and that was the last them the girls had any bright ideas for some time.
In the late 1930's came rumors of war in Europe. In a few years the world had erupted into a global war and things would never be the same. Rationing of food supplies became necessary. Women left to work in war factories and everyone tried to do his share to help the war effort. Women wne to town to pick out flour and feed sacks which came in prints to use for making dresses or aprons. 4-H lcubs helped with salvage work, collectin waste fats which were used in explosives, paper, iron and everyone planted Victory gardens to help raise food.
Sylve and Eugene enlisted in the army. Sylve served in the Pacific on Saipan Island. Eugene was sent to Germany. He was killed by a sniper bullet just before the end of the war. We were home listening to reports on the radio and rejoicing that Germany had been defeated when the drayman from Ulen came with the telegram that Eugene had been killed in action. Sylve luckily came home without a scratch, but his hearing is impaired today, which is attributed to war noise.
This story was written by Muriel Stende Meyer in tribute to her family and the memories she has of their life together.

Eugene Stende

Eugene Lemoyne Stende was born on June 8,1924, at Flom, Mn, of parents Edwin and Nellie Stende. He was baptized and confirmed in Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
He was inducted into the Army and trained at Camp Blanding, August 1944. He served overseas about nine months, being constantly in combat action in France and Germany. He was cited for Superior performance of duty and given Combat Infantryman Badge by Major General James A. Fleet, Commander of the 90th Division of the Third Army. He was rapidly promoted in the field until he reached Staff Sergeant and was kill in action o April 25 while leading the attack on Lowendorf.
He is mourned by his parents, Edwin and Nellie Stende, Mrs. Edwin Oschner, Mrs. Chester Odland, Gladys, Clarence, Lester and Cpl Sylve now on furlough from the Pacific Area.
Memorial service were held from Aspelund Lutheran Church on Sept, 9, 1945, in order that his brother in service can attend.
May the fine service rendered by Eugene ever be remembered with gratitude. He is the first gold star service man of Aspelund Congregation. Eugene is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
Peace be with his memory
HEADQUARTERS, 357TH INFANTRY
APO 90, c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
8 May 1945
Mrs. Nellie Stende
Box 49, Route No 2
Ulen, Mn
Dear Mrs. Stende:
The officers and men with whom he served have asked that I express to you their heartfelt sympathy over the death of your son, Staff Sergeant Eugene L. Stende, ASN 37581515, who was killed in action against the enemy on 25 April 1945. In your hour of grief it is their wish that you know that the men with whom he fought so valiantly share your loss.
He fell during operations in which the Third United States Army, after driving across central Germany to the border of Czechoslovakia, had turned south towards the Danube River and Austria. Following in the wake of advancing armored units, this regiment was eliminating pockets of enemy resistance which had been by-passed. His company had the mission of clearing the two small towns of Od and Lowendorf. A platoon guide, he was advancing towards Lowendorf with his unity when the company was fired upon by enemy troops. In the fighting which followed he was killed instantly when he was struck by an enemy rifle bullet.
He was buried in the United States Military Cemetery, Nurnberg, Germany, in Grave Number 74, Row Number 3, Plot B. A Protestant chaplain officiated at the service when he was laid to rest.
It is given, perhaps, only to those who have stood on a battlefield to know of the high courage with which your son and his comrades have so successfully carried the fight to the enemy. His devotion to duty, his loyalty and his acceptance of responsibility will forever be a credit to him and the nation he served so well.
There is nothing that I might say that can in the least measure ease your irreparable bereavement. Yet this is pride in his contribution to the cause of freedom. Our ultimate victory will provide a symbolic monument to augment the white wooden cross which now adorns his grave.

Sincerely yours,
ROY G. MOSHER
Capt., 357th Infantry
Asst. Adjutant.

Irene Stende

Irene Stende was born to John J. and Della (Jensen) Stende on September 14, 1907. She grew up in Ulen, where she attended school. After graduating she went on to NDSU in Fargo, ND. Here she recieved an education in teaching. She taught rural schools for a number of years before she became elementary prinipal in the Ulen Public school system. She later became a Junior High teach in Ulen and remained in Ulen, where she lived in the family home.

Family Information for Johannes Stende:

Johannes Stende was born to Syver Guttormson and Else Johannisdtr. Syver and Else were married on June 23, 1803. In looking through the census reports for 1801 in Norway, we find that Syver Guttormsen is listed living at home with
his parents: Guttorm Syverson age 54 and Ragnild Ovesdtr. age 50, Syver’s age 21, his siblings are Ove Guttorrmsen age 18, Groe Guttormsdtr age 24, Giertrud Guttormsdtr age 11, Ambior Guttormsdtr age 9 and Kari Guttormsdtr age 5. They reside on the Strand Farm, in Vang, Oppland, Norway.
In checking out Else’s family we find they are living on the Svien farm. Johannes Johansen age 50, Berit Nielsdtr age 44 are her parents. Their children are John-henrich Johansen age 16, Else Johannsdtr age 20, Lisbet Johannisdtr age 17, Ingeborg Johannisdtr age 10, Berit Johannisdtr age 7, Mari Johannisdtr age 4 and Ragnild Johannisdtr age 1.
Syver Guttormson and Else Johannisdtr were married on June 23, 1803.
We also found that Johannes Stende had a child Else Johannsen, who was christened on July 26, 1840. The parents are listed as Johannes Syversen and Anne Knudtsdtr, in the church records.

Johannes Syverson and Berit Johnsdatter Stende

Johannes Syverson and Berit Johnsdatter Stende were both born at Vang, Valdres, Norway. Johannes was the youngest son of Sigurd (Syver in the Norwegian Church Books) and Else, born on June, 8, 1817. Berit was born in 1814.
Johannes and Berit were married in 1850, and the children were all born in Norway. They were the parents to John Johanneson Stende born on May 12, 1951( See John and Ingeborg Stende), Marit Johannesdatter who was born on February 9, 1854 and died on November 30, 1932. Their last child was Syver Johanneson born on September 20, 1856, (See Syver J. Stende).
In 1869 Johannes and Berit Norway, coming to American, a land of opportunity and a new life. They traveled across the ocean on the Norwegian sailing vessel called Valkyrie. After 49 days aboard the ship they landed in Quebec, Canada on June 22, 1869. They may their way to Minnesota, possibly by rail and stagecoach.
The Stende’s joined the Vang Lutheran Church in Holden Township, Dennison, Minnesota in 1869. Syver the youngest child was later confirmed here. John and Marit were confirmed while they still lived in Norway. Not much is known about their lives the early years they were here. Relatives have done research and are unable to find Berit’s name in the 1880 census. It is believed that she may have died while they lived in Dennison. The census lists Johannes is listed as living with his son John and wife Ingeborg, as well as their children; Bertha, John and Julia.
In 1881 when John and Ingeborg moved from Dennison to Norman County it is believed that Johannes and Syver stayed in southern Minnesota, moving to Northfield. Here they more than likely moved in with Johannes’ daughter Marit. Johannes died in 1899 of a heart attack and is buried at the Northfield cemetery.

John "Johan" and Ingeborg (Leine) Stende

John J. Stende was born on May 12th, 1851 to Johannes and Beret (Johnsdatter) Stende in Valdres, Norway. He immigrated to America in 1869 on the Sailboat Valkyrie. They came to the Farmington and Northfield, Mn area. When they lived in Northfield they lived above the lst National Bank at the time that the Jesse James gang tried to rob it.
Ingeborg J. Leine was born on July 2nd, 1849 to Jorand and Toris Leinein Vang, Valdres, Norway. She immigrated to America at the age of 28 and settled in Goodhue County, Mn.
John and Ingeborg were married on April 11, 1874 in Goodhue County, Mn. They left Goodhue County and moved to Norman County, Mn in October of 1881. They built a log house on the farm now owened by Kalmer Thompson’s in section 31 of Flom Township. They were one of the first families of the Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn congregation.
John and Ingeborg were the parents of seven children; John, Thomas, Edwin, Alfred, Bertha, Julia and Mathilda.
John J. see John and Della (Jensen)
Thomas see Thomas and Annie Stende
Severt Edwin see S. Edwin and Nellie Stende
Alfred see Alfred and Violet (Bessie) Stende
Bertha see Bertha and Elling Nelson.
Julia was born on March 12, 1880 and married Clarence Melbye. She died on December 21, 1952.
Mathilda was born on January 22, 1888 in Flom township, she remained at home with her parents. After her father's death Mathilda and her mother Ingeborg moved into town and rented an apartment. When Ingeborg died in 1937, Mathilda moved into the home formerly occupied by the Clarence Melbye family. Mathilde did housework for several families around town. She had a long time friendship with Adolph "Duffy" Vadner but neither of them ever married. She spent the last years of her life in Eventide Nursing Home in Moorhead, she died on October 25, 1987. Mathilde was always know for her sharp toungue and quick wit. She once wrote to Sidney in her later years. "If you thing getting old is any fun, you should try it sometimes."

John J. and Della Amanda (Jensen) Stende

John J. Stende was the oldest son of Johan and Ingeborg was born on August 23, 1877. He grew up in the area and attended school at Woodland Nook, this was two miles from their home. Back in those days students were required to spend only 40 days in class. This made education minimal for farm boys.
John married Della Amanda Jensen. She was born on February 2, 1883 to Nels Peter and Rose (Burfield) Jensen in Goodhue county, Mn. John and Della grew up as neighbors in the Flom area after her parents moved here. After their marriage they lived on a farm in Walworth township, it became the the Tom Stende farm in later years. Their first three children were born here. J. Palmer, Rueben, and Irene Rose. They then moved to Ulen, Mn. Here he was a rural mail carrier for many years. The Stende's had four more children; Sidney, Donald, Russell and Ruby. He died on November 22, 1948 following Kidney surgery and is buried at the West Cemetery by Ulen, Mn. Della continue to live in Ulen with her daughter Irene until her death from complications following a broken hip on July 22, 1972.

J. Palmer and Olive (Purrier ) Stende

J. Palmer was born on October 4, 1902 to John J. and Dell (Jensen) Stende. He was born on the family farm in Walworth township (Tom Stende farm) and later moved to Ulen with his family. He married Olive Purrier who was born on July 29, 1901 to Merrill and Mary (Hodson) Purrier in Nicollet county, Mn.
Palmer and Olive began their married life in a small aprtment in Ulen where Palmer drove a dray team and wagon for O.T. Reiersgord. They moved west of Ulen to the farm that Palmer's dad owned. They later moved to a farm six miles east of Ulen. The farm was forfeited to the state for taxes and Palmer bought it after several years. This farm is located in Walworth Township, in section 21, currently owned by Carol (Lunde) and Mike Lockhart, a granddaughter to Olive and Palmer. Palmer passed away on May 24, 1970. Olive continued to live on the farm., her granddaughter Carol and her husband Mike Lockhart also lived on the home place. Later Mike and Carol built a new home, tearing down the old house. A small house was built south of the new one and Olive lived here for a number of years, until she moved into Ulen and rented an apartment there.
Palmer and Olive were the parents of three daughters; Eldora (see Stanley and Eldora Lunde), Arlene (Nygaard) and Marilyn.

Lester Stende

Lester Stende was born on December 30, 1933 to Nellie and Edwin Stende. The night he was born the kids were
awakened by the sound of a baby crying. They wondered what it could be, until Ed walked into the darkened
room with a kerosene lamp to tell them they had a new baby brother. Lester attended school at District 46 in
Walworth township. Lester worked in the Cafe in Twin Valley, and also at the Hartz Grocery Store as produce
manager. He retired from there to work full time on his antique hobby. Lester lived at the family home until
his sudden death. He cared for his parents during the time they lived and had many friends in the Twin Valley
area. Lester died on October 30, 1990 and is buried at Aspelund.

Mathilde Stende

Mathilde Stende was born on January 22, 1888 near Flom to John and Ingeborg Stende. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in the area. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
After completing her education she worked in Ulen and also in Fargo, ND. She also spent much of her life caring for her mother in the later years. After the death of her mother and two sisters she moved into Eventide Nursing Home in Moorhead, Mn.
She never married. Mathilde passed away on October 25, 1985 in Fargo, ND Interment was at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.

Raymond Stende

Ray Stende was born on September 14, 1921. He grew up in the Flom area, where he attended school and church. He took over the family farm and cared for his mother after his father's death. Ray was active in his church and community; having served as a 4-H Leader, Sunday School Teacher and has been on the Walworth Town Board for a number of years.
He is a member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. Ray farmed for many years in section 5, after retirement he began working at the Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen, Mn where he is employed today.

Severt Edwin and Nellie (Nelson) Stende

Editor's note: we have found different spellings; Syver/Sever and Severt. To clarify this Severt Edwin Stende is a nephew to Sever/ Syver Stende. They are both buried at Aspelund.
Severt Edwin "S. Edwin" Stende was born on July 22, 1885 to John and Ingeborg Stende in the log house in Norman County, Mn. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church of Flom. He grew up in Norman County, Mn. and attended school at Woodland Nook. His dad died when he was 23 years old so he stayed and helped on the family farm. He was a lifelong member of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.
Nellie Nelson was born on December 6, 1892 to Charles and Anna (Anderson) Nelson in Cummings, ND. She grew up in the Cummings ND, Audubon and Ulen Mn. She moved to the Flom area with her parents in 1903.Here she attended elementary school. She was confirmed by Pastor Greenquist in the adult confirmation class at Aspelund.
Edwin Stende and Nellie Nelson were married on December 14, 1916 at the parsonage in Lake Park by Pastor Larson.
They settled near Flom and moved several times in those first few years of marriage but always staying around Flom. Later they moved to a farm two miles south and one miles west of Flom with their seven children. On son Lester, was born at their new home. They lived around here and farmed for 33 years, retiring to Twin Valley in 1949. When they retired they moved to Rwin Valley, Mn.
Edwin farmed in the area and served as a mail carrier between Flom and Syre for the Star route for five years and as janitor at Aspelund Lutheran Church for about nine years as well as his farming duties.
Nellie was a member of the Gold Star Mother of the American Legion Auxillary. After moving to Twin Valley Nellie worked as a cook at Helleruds, Cafe for a time. Nellie died on March 10,1970 and Edwin died on July 10,1972. The had fifty-five years of blessed married life. Edwin passed away on July 10, 1972. They are both buried at Aspelund Cemetery, Flom.
Edwin and Nellie were the parents of eight children; Clarence (see Clarence and Betty Stende), Eleanor (see Eleanor Odland), Helen (see Helen and Edwin Ochsner), Sylve (see Sylve and Charlotte Stende) , Eugene (see Eugene Stende), Muriel (see Orville and Muriel Meyer), Gladys (see Joe and Gladys Houglum) and Lester (see Lester Stende).

Sylve and Charlotte (Odegaard) Stende

Sylve was born on July 19, 1922 to Edwin and Nellie (Nelson) Stende. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. He attended school at District 46 and Flom. After school he entered the Army and was stationed on the Hawiian Islands and in Saipan Islands. After his discharge he farmed near Walcott, ND. Sylve served in the US Army during WW II. After completeing his military duration he came back to the Flom area. Sylve married Charlotte Odegaard on June 6, 1948. They lived in Flom in the Northwest corner of section 34, the house is currently owned by Don and Kay Johnson. They ran the Red Owl Store in Flom, they are the parents of five children. Rodney was born on November 10, 1949 and is married to Katherine Honek, Gary was born on August 17, 1951 and is married to Margaret Hagen, Susan (Klabo) was born on November 19, 1952, Peggy was born on December 31, 1957 and is married to Michael Fugelberg and David was born on July 11, 1959 and is married to Mary Thompson (who was also raised in Flom/Ulen area). The Stende's lived in Flom
until the late 1960's around 1968, they sold the store to Dorothy Johnson and Donald and Kay Johnson. The Stende's moved to Mayville where they purchased another Red Owl Store, which they operated until their retirement. Sylve and Chottie live in Portland ND now.

Syver J. Stende
September 30, 1856 to April 11, 1936 Copied from the Ulen Union; June 7, 1935.
Syver J. Stende, Long familiar figure in Northfield, retires.

Syver J. Stende who has been employed as custodian at the First National Bank for the past thirty-six years and his niece Mrs. Bertha Nelson, left Wednesday morning for Ulen, Mn where they will make their home. In appreciation of his services, Mr. Stende was presented with a gold watch by the staff of the First National Bank.
Mr. Stende, who will be eighty years old September 30, came with his parents from Norway when he was twelve years of age. The family came to Red Wing and not locating the friends whom they expected to meet, caught a ride to Farmington and then walked from Farmington to Northfield.
They located in Goodhue county near Dennison and later came to Northfield. Mr. Stende made his home in an apartment over the First National Bank with his sister, Mrs. Mary Steile, until she passed away in 1932. His niece then came to live with him.
During his many years of efficient service in Northfield he has also been employed in the offices of the late Dr. A.F. Pringle, Drs J.R. and J.G. Phillips, at the Northfield National Bank and the Congregational Church.
Mr. Stende has been a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
“Sever” as he is familiarly called, will be sadly missed by his Northfield friends who wish him many years of happiness in his new home.

Copied from Sever’s Obituary in the Ulen Union

Sever J. Stende died at his home in the village Saturday, April 11, at 9:15 p.m. following an illness of about nine months.
Mr. Stende was born in Vang, Valdres, Norway, September 30, 1855. His parents were Johannes and Berit Stende. At the age of 12 years he, together with his parents and a brother and sister, came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and settled near Dennison. Here he was confirmed by Rev. B.J. Muus, Pastor of the Vangs church near Dennison. He continued to live in that community for a few years until he moved to Northfield, Mn. While there he worked at different occupations until the year 1899 when he became custodian of the First National Bank. This work he had for 36 years, until June 1, 1936, when he retired and moved to Ulen, where he lived until his death on April 1.
All the while he lived in Northfield he was a faithful member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, and where he will be greatly missed by his friends and relatives, as there he spent the greater part of his life. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his brother John Stende and his sister Marit Steile, also a nephew Alfred Stende.
He is survived by three nephews: John, Thomas, And Edwin Stende and three nieces, Bertha Nelson, Mathilda Stende and Mrs. C.A. Melbye, all residing in Ulen and nearby community, and twenty-seven grandnieces and grandnephews.
Mr. Stende never married. His sister, who early became a widow, kept house for him till her death in 1932. Since then his niece, Bertha Nelson, made her home with him.
His funeral takes place this afternoon at 2 o’clock, from the Aspelund Church, near Flom, with Rev. A.H. Amundson, assisted by Rev. J.J. Tanner in charge.

Thomas and Annie (Johnson) Stende

Thomas Christian Stende was born on November 8, 1882 in Walworth township, Becker county, Mn. to John and Ingeborg (Leine) Stende. He grew up in Walworth township, where he attended school.
Annie Johnson was born on August 11, 1881 to the Lewis and Severina Johnson in Walworth township, Becker County, Mn. She grew up in Walworth and attended school in the area. Annie was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Thomas and Annie were married on July 1, 1911 at Aspelund. They resided on a farm south of Flom. In 1954 Thomas passed away and Annie became a resdient of the Luthrean Memorial Home on July 8, 1963. She was the last surviving member of her family and a life member of the Aspelund Lutheran Church. Annie passed away on December 5, 1964.
They are both buried at Aspelund.
Thomas and Annie were the parents of one son, Leland and two daughters Inez ( see Howard and Inez Stevens), Amy (Eddie Larson) and one infant daughter who was born and died on November 25, 1914.

Albert and Hazel (Lien) Stene

Albert Stene was born on October 14, 1900 at Twin Valley, Mn. to Mons and Soneva (Prestegord) Stene. He
grew up in the Twin Valley area.
Hazel Lien was born on May 14, 1911, to Henry O. and Anna Julia (Holum) Lien.
Albert and Hazel were married on February 19, 1930 at Twin Valley. After they were first married they stayed in the Twin Valley area before moving to Fertile, Mn where he was employed by Land O'Lakes. He worked at the plant for a number of years before going to work for Great Northern Railroad. Hazel worked as a cook at the elementary school from 1954 to 1967.
They were the parents of; Hilda (Wallace Bartz), Arvid, LaVonne (DuWayne Miller), Myron, and Darlene, one daughter Eloris Luverne proceeded them in death in 1933.
Albert died on June 19, 1967 near Rollag, Mn. in Lake Fifteen. He was in a boat when it capsized while he was fishing. Clad in heavy clothes and overshores, they believed he was pulled under by the weight of the clothing. Funeral services were held at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada, Mn. Hazel passed away on October 7, 1987. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Arvid and Corrine (Burkhard) Stene

Arvid Harlow Stene was born on November 20, 1938 at Flom, Mn. The son of Albert and Hazel (Lien) Stene. He grew up and attended school at Ada and entered the Untied States Air Force in 1956, and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD.
Arvid married Corrine Burkhard on November 9, 1956 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada. They first lived at Rapid City, SD and then Alaska for one year, before moving to Illinois. Following his discharge in 1964, they remained in Belleville, Illinois, he worked as a manger of a restaurant, hotel and motel for the next four years.
In 1967 they moved to Fertile , where he farmed and then began working for Tilden Farms, where he worked until his death on March 29, 1993.
He was an active member of Varnes Lutheran Church, serving as an usher, trustee and auditor. Interment was made at Varnes Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, Mn.

B. LeRoy Stene

B. LeRoy Stene was born on Janyaryt 13, 1907, to Lars and Brita Stene. He ws married to Lucille Daniels of Twin Valley, Mn on May 17, 1933. They resided in Minneapolis for about 28 years.
LeRoy passed away at the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis, Mn on January 15, 1972 at the age of 65 years. Interment was held at the Acacia Park Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Carl J. and Mary Ellen (Villebrun) Stene

Carl John Stene was born on July 22, 1902 near Twin Valley, Mn to Mons and Sonive Stene. He grew up on a farm in Fossum township, was baptized and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church and attended rural schools in the area.
Carl and Mary Ellen Villebrun were married on January 31, 1944, at the Wild Rice parsonage. After their marriage they resided on his father's farm. In 1950 they moved to Mahnomen, Mn where they spent 19 years before coming back to Twin Valley because of failing heath in April of 1969.
Carl farmed and worked on farms for many years and was a long time member of the Wild Rice Lutheran Church.
Carl and Mary Ellen were the parents of Judith (Gerald Skaja) and Shirley Ann (Douglas Tovsen).
Carl passed away on December 28, 1969 at the age of 67. He is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.

Eloris Luverne Stene

Eloris was born to Albert and Hazel (Lien) Stene at their home in Flom township on August 16, 1932. She and her sister were staying at the home of her Grandparents Henry and Anna ( Holum) Lien while their parents were recoperating at the Sanitorium at Crookston, Mn. Eloris died on November 10, 1933 and is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Her obituary reads as follows: To them it must have been a meassage hard to get, but what a comfort as they turn to see they ways of the Savior to whom they had given her in holy baptism. How He has taken their loved one into his arms away from the trials and the works of the world into His home of glory forever.

Emil and Alma (Underdahl) Stene

Alma Underdahl was born on December 1, 1889 on a farm near Flom Mn. Her parents were Andrew and Dena Underdahl. She was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, and attended country schools in the area. She grew up on the family farm.
Emil and Alma were married on April 14, 1926, at Twin Valley, Mn. They lived in Flom township and farmed until their retirement. When they moved off the farm and into Twin Valley.
Alma passed away on December 19,1978, at the age of 89 years. They had no children. She was survived by one sister; Minnie (Groslie) of Ulen. Interment was at the Twin Valley Memorial Gardens.

Lars and Brita Stene

Lars Stene was born on Oct 21, 1850 at Aurlands Sogn, Norway to Lars Olson Stene and Lukris Knudsdatter Nesby. He also had two brothers; M.L. Stene of Twin Valley and Osten Stene of Canada. He was confirmed on June 25, 1865, and in the year 1891 he came to the United States. Here he settled in Norman County taking up a homestead where he has since lived.
On May 26, 1892 he married Brita Ericksdatter Veum, who came from Norway that spring. The were married in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, MN.
Lars and Brita were the parents of three sons; Louis"Lewis", Emil and B. Leroy Stene all who lived in the Flom area. Lars was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in the early days, later joining Bethlehem church until it was dissolved.
Lars died on October 19, 1933 at his home and is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, MN.

Leonard and Rose (Johnson) Stene

Rose Helgina Johnson was born on February 6, 1912 in Flom, Mn to Herman and Rodi (Weum) Johnson. She grew up in the Flom, area in section 33 of Flom township. She attended rural school at Flom. She worked several years as a hired girl, before her marriage to Leonard Stene on June 17, 1935 at Flom. After they were married they farmed in Anthony Township, near Halstad, Mn until their retirment in 1975 when they moved into Ada, Mn. Rose entered the Lutheran Memorial Home in Twin Valley, Mn in November of 1990.
Rose and Leonard were the parents of; Carl, Gloria (Harry Boland), Sylvia ( James Olson), Betty (Richard Pigg) and Linda (Jerry Olson).
Leonard passed away in December of 1990 and Rose died on August 6, 1991 and is buried at East Marsh River Cemetery, Halstad, Mn.

Lewis and Lillie (Slette) Stene

Lewis Oscar Stene was born on December 25, 1892 on a farm in Fossum township, to Lars and Brita Stene. He was baptized in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn. He attended contry schools and grew up on the family farm.
He enlisted in the armed service of his country from Ada on June 18, 1918 and served in the 94th Special Reserve Squad, Detachment No. 53, 163rd Depot Brigade at Vancouver, British Columbia. He was honorably discharged from Camp Dodge, Iowa, on February 1, 1919.
Lillie Theadora Slette was born to Lauritz and Thea (Ramberg) Slette on August 15, 1898 at Cottonwood, Mn. In 1901 she moved with her family to the Faith area where she attended country school and later Mahnomen High School. After completeing her education in Mahnomen she went on to Normal School and became a teacher. She taught country schools in Norman and Mahnomen counties.
Lewis married Lillie Slette on April 3, 1926 at her parents home near Faith, Mn. They made their home and farmed in Flom township for 46 years, beforeretiring and moving into Twin Valley, Mn., in 1971.
Lewis was a member of the American Legion for over 55 years and had been awarded his 50-years pin. Lewis loved music and played the violin for many years.
Lewis passed away on August 4, 1978 at the Lutheran Memorial Home in Twin Valley, Mn., at the age of 85 years. Interment at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery, Faith, Mn. After his death Lillie remained in their home until May of 1987 when she entered the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, Mn.
Lillie was a lifetime active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, of Faith, Mn. She taught confirmation classes as a young woman and became a life-long member of the Ladies Aid. She enjoyed gardening, especially flowers, and she always had beautiful flowers on the farm. She also like to sew for herself and her grandchildren, and she especially like to bake the good Norwegian foods.
Lewis and Lillie were the parents of; Marian (Allan Seeger), Lois ( Myron Klemetson) and Lowell Bernard Stene.

Lowell Bernard Stene

Lowell Stene was born on February 23, 1936 to the Lewis and Lillie Stene, in Flom township. He attended school here and graduated from Twin Valley, High School in June of 1953. After graduation he moved to Moorhead, Mn where he was employed by the Lavelle Lumber Sales, Co.
At the time of his death he was operating a fork lift truck overturned, pinning him beneath it. He was taken to a Fargo hospital. He died a short time after being admitted from internal injuries, on December 18, 1954.
He was never married. He had two sisters; Lois (Myron Klemetson) and Marian (Allen Seeger).
Funeral services were held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, Mn.

Luella Stene

Luella Stene was born on September 29, 1895 to Mons and Soneva (Prestegord) Stene. She grew up in the Flom area, where she attended school. She was a member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley,
Mn. She was employed by Ole Grefsrud starting in 1923, where she worked until the time of her death on November 26, 1939.
Luella had been sick about a month when she passed away at the Ada Hospital. Funeral services were held at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, with burial in the church cemetery. She never married.

Mons L. and Soneva (Prestegaard) Stene

Mons L. Stene was born on June 8, 1869 in Aurland Sogn, Norway. He was baptized and confirmed in his native land of Norway. In 1889 at the age of twenty-one years, he immigrated to America, and settled in Flom township. Mons came to the Flom area where four of his brothers and sisters had already come and settled before him. He later bought land near Fossum, Mn in section 35.
Soneva L. Prestegaard was born on March 10, 1869 in Aurland Sogn, Norway to Lars and Lukris (Wangen) Prestegaard. As a young child she immigrated with her family to America.
First they settled in Freeborn County, Mn and then a few years later came tot the Flom area in 1883. She grew up on the family farm in Flom township.
Mons and Soneva were married on November 8, 1893. After their marriage they farmed in the area where they had 160 acres, ten milk cows and nine horses. They never had a tractor, nor much school in the English language. This did not stop him from being active in his community and church. Mons served on the township board, school board, creamery board and for many years a supervisor over road construction (building).
Mons passed away on July 18, 1943 and Soneva on January 21, 1962. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran.
Mons and Soneva were the parents of ten children; Lewis Leonard (1896-1915), Oscar (see Oscar and Rocelia Stene), Severt (see Severt and Selma Stene), Albert (see Albert and Hazel Stene), Carl (see Carl and Mary Ellen Stene), Luella (6/20/1894-9/4/1894), Luella Olena (second one ) she was born on September 29, 1895. She never married and did housework for people. She died in 1939.Thelma ( Joel Knudson) was born about 1905, Mabel (10/12/1906-6/6/1908) and Mabel Louise who was born on June 9, 1909. She married Alfred Horn on October 2, 1940. They were the parents of six children and lived in Twin Valley.

Oscar and Rocelia (Lien) Stene

Oscar R. Stene was born on October 9, 1897, the son of Mons and Soneva (Prestegord) Stene. On April 10, 1929, he married Rocelia Enanda Lien, the daughter of Henry O. and Anna (Holum) Lien, of Flom township. Rocelia was born on October 18, 1906.Oscar and Rocelia farmed in section 3 of Flom township and were members of Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, MN. IN 1950 the moved to rural Gary, Mn where Oscar worked for area farmers. In 1966 they moved to Twin Valley, Mn. In 1989 they celebrated sixty years of marriage. Rocelia was an active member of her church, senior citizens, and homemaker’s club.
Oscar’s family consisted of: brothers; Lewis, Leonard, Albert, Severt and Carl, sister; Baby Luella (June 1894-Sep 1894), Luella Olena, Thelma, Mabel (October 1906-June 1908), and Mabel Louise.
Rocelia’s family consisted of: sisters; Odella (Melvin Aune) and Hazel (Albert Stene).
Oscar and Rocelia Stene are both deceased. Oscar passed away on December 1, 1989 and Rocelia passed away on February 13, 1995. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Rocelia’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are all buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Three generations of her family, her father, herself and her three children, all went to school in District 12, Plentywood School. Rocelia remembered it was always a blizzard on Valentine’s Day and they had almost a three mile walk to go to school.
They were the parents of three children; Ardis, Olive and Harvey.
Ardis Sylvia was born on January 5, 1930. She married Royal Mahlum on June 26, 1949. They are retired and live in Fertile, Mn. They have three daughters; Kleone Mahlum Wangen, of Oakdale, Mn. Kleone is the mother of two children; Janelle (Mahlum ) Carrol of China Spring, Tx and she has four children, and Crystal (Mahlum )Broden of Gary, Mn and she is the mother of two children.
Olive Roleen was born on July 6, 1931. She married Donald Axdahl on June 12, 1955, they live in Frazee, Mn., and both are retired. Olive and Donald are the parents of four children; Darwin, Orwin, Glenda and Ross. Darwin lives at Frazee, Mn. Orwin resides at Box Elder, SD and has one son. Glenda (Axdahl) McMichael resides at Plano, Tx., and had two daughters. Ross resides at Warren, Mn and has one daughter.
Harvey Milo was born on January 16, 1934. He married Arlys Tolness on May 24, 1958. She passed away on October 9, 1994. They were the parents of four children; Susan, Nanette, Kevin, and Rochelle. Harvey is retired. He married Corrine Stene on August 8, 1998 and resides in Fertile, Mn.
Susan resides at Princeton, Mn and has one son. Nanette (Furman) resides at St. Cloud, Mn and has one daughter. Kevin resides at Princeton, Mn and will be married on May 31, 2002 to Debora Lynn Huber. Rochelle (Lundberg) resides at Princeton, Mn and has one daughter.


Severt and Selma Stene

Severt was born on August 16, 1899 to Mons and Soneva (Prestegaard) Stene. He grew up in the Flom area and married Slema Eide of Mayville, ND on June 16, 1927. They were the parents of twin sons who died at birth. Selma died on August 9, 1963.
After Selma’s death Severt married Borghild Myregard in 1964. They farmed in the Mayville, ND area. The both died on June 14, 1972.
Severt Stene and his wife Borghild, along with Mr. And Mrs. Olav Aarsvold, all of Blanchard, ND, drowned while on a fishing trip to Lake of the Woods in 1972. Their funerals were held jointly at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo. A second service was held at Hillsboro, ND with burial at Perry Cemetery, near Portland, ND.

Howard and Inez (Stende) Stevens

Howard Stevens was born on January 13, 1908 to Milo and Betsy Stevens at Hawley, Mn. Inez Sylvia Stende was born on April 19, 1912 to Thomas and Annie Marie ( Johnson) Stende. Inez grew up in the rural Flom area, where she attended school and was a member of Aspleund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Howard and Inez were married on August 16, 1940. They lived on three different places in Walworth township before settling down in section 23. Here they farmed and raised their family. They were the parents to two sons; James and Wayne.
In 1946 Howard and Inez were faced with a tragedy of their home burning: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Stevens, Walworth township, lost all their hosuehold goods and other personal porperty when their hosue was destroyed by fire about 8:30 Saturday morning.
The fire started when the Stevens were in the barn milking. Mr. STevens first noticed heavy black smoke coming from the chimney as he went to fee the hogs. He rushed to the house and opened thekitche door, but was met by a rush of flame. He then ried a bedroom window, with the same result. So all he could do was watch the place burn. A favorable wind prevented spread of the fire to other buildings.
Cause of fire is unknown. There had been no fire in the furnace and breakfast was made on the gas stove, leaving on ly the pilot light burning on that. Stevens rents the farm from Ben Case.
This was only one of the tradgeies that came on Howard and Inez, it was in the 1970's they lost their barn to a fire.
In later years Howard suffered poor health and became blind. Inez continued to live on the farm following his death until because of health she moved into the Viking Manor in Ulen. Their son Jim and his family resided with them. After their deaths Jimmy continued to live on the farm until his death in 2001. Howard passed away on August 10, 1984 and Inez on March 11, 1986, they are both buried at Aspelund.

James and Elvena (Happy) (Mitchell) Stevens

Jim was born on December 9, 1932 to Howard and Inez (Stende) Stevens. He grew up in Walworth township, on the family farm. He attended school, after completeing his education he entered the armed forces. After he completed his time in the service he came back to the family farm and continued to live there until his death.
Jim married Elvena "Happy" Mitchell, she was born on November 27, 1937 to Mary Jane (Wilson) at Rock Dam, Mn. Jim and Happy were the parents of three children; Daniel, Cathy and Robert. After the children were grown, Jim and Happy divorced. Jim continued to live on the farm with his children, his parents and his uncle Leland live there for a time.
After Jim's retirment from farming he and Happy were remarried. They lived on the farm until their death's in 2001,
just weeks apart.
Danny was born on February 9, 1955, he attended school at Ulen. He attended church at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. Danny married Beverly Askelson in 1976 (divorced). They had two sons; Tee-Jay Daniel on October 22, 1976 and Tony James on January 15, 1980. Danny has worked for area farmers and is skilled at making repairs to cars and farm machinery. Danny has a daughter Tana LaShell who was born on July 5, 1983, she lives with her mother. Another daughter Jade Danielle was born on July 31, 1990, to Lisa Halvorson, the daughter of Duane and Sheryl Halvorson of Hitterdal. Jade lives with her mother in Ulen. Danny lives on the east edge of Ulen.
Cathy Stevens was born on December 13, 1957. She attended school at Ulen-Hitterdal and attended sunday school at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. Cathy married Bruce Bjorgan, son of George and Hilda Bjorgan of Ulen, Mn. Bruce and Cathy were the parents of Tyrone (1974), Victoria (1975), Michael (1976) and Crystal (1978). Cathy was tragically killed in a car accident on December 16, 1982. After her death, Bruce raised his family. He purchased his father's farmsite and continues to live there.
Robert "Bobby" Stevens was born on October 29, 1960. He attended school at Ulen-Hitterdal and graduated from there in 1978. He attended Sunday School at Aspelund Luteran Church, up to the 6th grade. Bobby married Patty Hagen, daughter of Lowell and Clarice Hagen of Hitterdal, Mn., in 1985 (divorced 1989). They are the parents of two children; Cassidy Wade born on April 20, 1984 and Cassandra Fawn born on October 29, 1987. Robert married Beck Ann Halvorson in 1990, daughter of Duane and Sheryl Halvorson of Hitterdal. They are the parents of three daughters; Robin, Brianne and Bobbi Jo. Bobby is employed by the Shooting Star Casino, where he has worked since they started.

Wayne and Irene (Jones) Stevens

Wayne Douglas Stevens was born on November 28, 1937 at Ulen, Mn to Howard and Inez (Stende) Stevens. He attended school in the Ulen area.
He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Wayne married Irene Jones of Mahnomen, Mn on March 29, 1957 at Bellville, Ill.
Wayne served his country in the Air Force and after completing his military duration he worked for Western Union until his retirement in 1989. The couple lived in various communities before moving to Carlisle, Iowa where they lived for 15 years. The last two years they had lived in Chariton, Iowa. Wayne was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and served as a scoutmaster.
Wayne died on July 9, 1990 at the Ramsey County Medical Center in St. Paul, Mn as a result of burns sustained while attempting to rescue a friend from a pickup camper fire. Wayne is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.
Wayne and Irene were the parents of Harold and Leona (Pat Kernes).

Albert O. Stien

Albert O. was born in 1869 in Wisconsin. He received his education there and in Flom Township. He worked for his father for several years before taking up carpentry, and became engaged in building houses and farm buildings in this vicinity. He also served as Justice of the Peace for one year. Albert died on November 17, 1951 at Litchfield, Mn Hospital. He is buried at Wild Rice.
Rhoda was born in Iowa in 1880. She grew up here. She died on May 12, 1923 and is buried at Wild Rice.

Edward D. Stien

Edward D. was born in 1886 in the old log house with a shingled roof. He made his home here on the farm, farming with his brother, Julian. Edward and Julian continued to live on the farm after their fathers death in 1906. Their mother stayed with them until her death on September 5, 1940. Edward served his country in WWI. He entered the service in 1917 at Camp Dodge, and also was at Camp Logan, and Camp Upton. He served overseas in France. In 1918 he was gassed at Verdun Front and mustered out in 1919. He is a WW I Veteran. He died on October 22, 1951 and is buried at Wild Rice.

I. B. Stien

The following is the obituary for Isreal B. Stien
This community was shocked last thursday when the sad news reached here that Isreal B. Stien had been accidently killed while blasting stumps with dynamite near the John Jenson farm in the town of Fossum at about twelve o'clock on that day. Mr. Stien and two of the Jenson boys were removing stumps from a piece of land by using dynamite. When the fuse had been lighted the three men ran to what they thought was a safe distance, but Stien was struck in the head by a flying piece of the stumpand knocked unconscious.
Dr. Arneson was immediately summoned but upon reaching the Jenson home, where the unfortunate man had been taken, the doctor found life extint.
Deceased was 29 years of age and came to America from Norway eight years ago, practically all the time being spent in tthe town of Fossum. He was a hard working young man and sent most of the money earned to his aged parents who still reside in Norway. Who we understand have been in need. Beside his parents the deceased leaves two brothers and two sisters in Norway, and this entire section of the county to mourn his tragic death.
Rev. Nelson conducted the funeral service over his remains at Bethlehem Lutheran church, Monday afternoon, the chruch being crowded with sorrowing firends of the deceased.

Julian G. Stien
Julian G. was born in 1883 on the original forty acre tract he father first owned. He grew up and took over the farming operation from his father.

Peter and Gertrude (Anderson/Olson) Stien

Peter I Stien was born on January 9, 1838 in Norway. He lived in Norway until he reached the age of 30 receiving a formal education and learning his trade. He was a blacksmith, wagon maker and boat builder. It was in 1968 that he said good-bye to his native land and struck out for the New World- America.
Gertrude Olson was born in Helgeland, Norway, on October 7, 1847. She spent her childhood and girlhood days there and came to American in 1868.
Peter and Gertrude first lived in Iowa, then Wisconsin before coming to Norman County.
After he first arrived here he wandered here and there, working at his trade. In 1882 he came to Flom township. Here he found farmers who were in much need of in knowledge and abilities of his trade. The people here got together and purchased tools for him and made a fine shop. He built a log house with a clay roof and became a permanent settler of this area.
As the business throve with the passing years he found himself going more and more into farming. He started out with forty acres in section 4, but after two years he sold that and purchased eighty acres in section 5. He added more acreage to his farm all in section 5 as the years went by. Most of the land he purchased was in standing timber and needed to be cleared. The cost of doing this was about $8.00-$9.00 per acre. After it was cleared they started to raise small grains and eventually went into Shorthorn cattle and blooded swine.
Section 5 of Flom Township would be where the Wild Rice parsonage is located. Much of the land in that section is now owned by Lyle Manthe.
Peter is said to have died in 1906, but we are not sure where he is buried. He is said to be a active member in the United Lutheran Church, and served on the first church council at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. It is said that a child who died in infancy and he may be buried at Bethlehem cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Peter and Gertrude were the parents of eight children. Four died in infancy.
Albert O. was born in 1869 in Wisconsin. He received his education there and in Flom Township. He worked for his father for several years before taking up carpentry, and became engaged in building houses and farm buildings in this vicinity. He also served as Justice of the Peace for one year. Albert died on November 17, 1951 and is buried at Wild Rice.
Rhoda was born in Iowa in 1880. She grew up here. She died on May 12, 1923 and is buried at Wild Rice.
Julian G. was born in 1883 on the original forty acre tract he father first owned. He grew up and took over the farming operation from his father.
Edward D. was born in 1886 in the old log house with a shingled roof. He made his home here on the farm, farming with his brother, Julian. Edward and Julian continued to live on the farm after their fathers death in 1906. Their mother stayed with them until her death on September 5, 1940. Edward served his country in WWI. He entered the service in 1917 at Camp Dodge, and also was at Camp Logan, and Camp Upton. He served overseas in France. In 1918 he was gassed at Verdun Front and mustered out in 1919. He is a WW I Veteran. He died on October 22, 1951 and is buried at Wild Rice.

Martin and Agnes (Morgan) Strand

Martin was born in Norway in 1894. He emigrated from Norway when he was 17 years old. He married Agnes Munter in 1933 at Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Agnes was born 0n June 20, 1897 to parents Morgan E. and Marhelda (Olson) Morgan. She first married Archie Munter and they lived in Buxton and Hillsboro, North Dakota. The following children were born to them:
Lloyd, Duane, Beverly (Tarvestad), Colleen (Martin) and Alvina (Tozlain).
They later moved to Cook, Minnesota, where they lived for three years before moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When Archie died, she returned with her family to the Buxton area. After her marriage to Martin, they farmed in the Halstad area. In 1953, they moved to a farm east of Twin Valley in Flom Township. Martin died on February 14, 1980, Agnes stayed on the farm with her son Lloyd until 1992 wben she moved to Fargo, North Dakota to live with her daughter. She lived to be over 100 years old. She died on January 24, 1998. Both her and Martin are buried in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Anders Henningsen Stuedahl

Funeral services were held from the P. Sakrismo home Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 1 p. m. and from Immanuel church at 2 for Anders Stuedahl who passed away Thursday morning, January 12, after a lingering illness. Rev. A. H. Amundson assisted by Rev. I. J. Tanner officiated. Two solos were rendered by Harold Skansgaard accompanied on the organ by Mrs. H. Skansgaard. The body was laid to rest in the Immanuel cemetery.
Anders Henningson Stuedahl was born on Stuedahl in Tydal, Norway on Nov. 16, 1851, of parents Henning Henningson Stuedahl and wife, Ingebor Oldsdatter Stuevold. He was baptized January 3, 1852 and confirmed October 11, 1868, in Tydal's church. In 1882 he left for America and came to Lake Park andi from there to Flom to his sister. In 1892 he went back to Norway to take care of his aged father till he died. In 1894 he returned to Flom. In 1897 he bought a farm in Flom township and lived there till 1917 when he sold the farm. He then made his bome, with his sister, Mrs. Soven till her death in 1928. Since then he has made his home at the Sakrismo farm till his death. They have cared for him the past three years during his lingering illness. He passed away January 12, 1938, at the age of 87 years, 1 month and 26 days.
He leaves to mourn his passing three grand children, Arthur Kirchevold, of Pinewood, Minn.; Mrs. Iver Hoven, of Pinewood, and Mrs. Sylvia Erickson, Thief River Falls, and seven great grand children. Also two sisters, Anna Blom, of Montana, and Lucie Henningsgsard in Norway. His sister, Mrs. Nysetvold passed away three years ago and Mrs. Soven 11 years ago. He is also uncle to Mrs. P. Sakrismo.
Visitors from the outside were:
From Pinewood: Helmer Kirchevold Mrs. Hans Kirchevold, Mrs. Iver Hoven and Arthur Kirchevold.
From Gatzke, Minn.: Erik Aune, Mrs. Ole Ostby, Olaus Erickson and Thomas Ostby.
From Grygla, Minn.: Lars Nygsard, Mrs. Gust Saxvold and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vold.
From Twin Valley: Mr. and Mrs. Ole Nysetvold and family and Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Heiberg.
Mr. Stuedahl was a kindly soul, retiring still he won the esteem of those who came in contact with him. Blessed be his memory.

Peder Pederson Stueness

Peder Stueness was born at Bjugn, Sor Tronderlag, Norway in 1850. He was born to Peder Peterson and Mabel Pederson. In 1800 he immigrated to America, settling in section 31 of Flom Township, Norman County, Mn.
Peder’s first wife Karen (last name unknown) was born in 1849 in Norway. She died on November 20, 1894 and is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Peder married Sena Pederson Aspehaug on January 18, 1896 in Minnesota. Sena was born in Oier, Oppland, Norway in 1861 to Peder and Cecile Pedersen Aspehaug. Sena’s sister was Mrs. Iver Skansgaard. They had one daughter born was stillborn on March 12, 1899. Sena died on February 3, 1899 and is also buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom.
After the death of his second wife Peder married Bertha Mattison on June 5, 1899 in Minnesota. Bertha was born in 1870 in Ringsaker Hedmark Norway. She had immigrated to America with her two sisters, the year is unknown.
Peder Stueness passed away on October 5, 1925 and is buried at Walworth Baptist Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Bertha and Peder were the parents of; their first child was born in 1900 (Stillborn), Mabel, Agnes, Paul, Mary, Bennie and Esther.
Mabel was born in 1902, she married Clarence Gustafson (both deceased) and they were the parents of six children.
Agnes was born in 1904, she married Harold Hekala (both deceased). They lived in Buhl, Mn and were the parents of one son. He is married and lives in the Twin cities.
Paul was born in 1905 (deceased), he married Margaret Holmquist. They were the parents of 4 children.
Mary was born in 1908, she married Math Anderson (both deceased) and they were the parents of 4 children.
Bennie was born in 1910 he married Veronica Bennay (both deceased) and they were the parents of 5 children.
Esther was born in 1912, she married Andrew Sakrismo. Esther resides in the Assisted Living Apartments in Ulen, Mn. Esther will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year. (see Sakrismo)
Peder and Bertha also opened their hearts and home to two Foster Children; Herman and Christine. Herman married Berth on June 12, 1927 in Norman County, both are deceased and buried at Walworth Baptist Cemetery. Christine married Leonard Burtness. They moved to Washington State where their children reside today.
Editor’s note: Two miles west of Flom use to be known as “3 Pete Corner” as Peder Stueness, Peder Sakrismo and Pete Johnson all lived there at one time.

Edvar and Austine (Stundahl) Christensen

Edvar Christensen was born in 1895 to Julius and Kjerstin (Sorenson) Christensen at West Branch, Ia. As a oung man, he moved with his parents to Faith, Mn. there they farmed.
Austine Stundahl was born in 1896 to Torris and Olena (Prestegord) Stundahl. After her marriage to Edvar they rented land until 1942, when they purchased a farm near Ulen, Mn. Here they stayed and farmed for nearly forty years. They had one son Thoris, who grew up and married Rose, they also farmed all their lives in the Ulen area and raised their family there. Their daughter; Kathryn (Lloyd Hegg). Besides raising their own children they also raised a niece, Violet Rose Stundahl (John Williams) when illness made it impossible for her parents (Lewis and Hulda Stundahl) to care for her. They were a caring couple and enjoyed being with neighbors, friends and relatives.
Edvar died on December 1, 1956 and Austine died on May 22, 1970, they are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Elster and Joyce (Underdahl) Stundal

Elster Stundahl was born in 1921 in Flom township to Lars and Bella Stundahl. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Flom. He grew up here and attended school at Sunny Hill grade school and then went to Twin Valley. After completing his education he worled with his parents on their farm and took over the operation after his father's death.
Joyce Ione Underdahl was born on March 8, 1927, at Virginia, Mn. to Arthur and Frieda Underdahl.
She was baptized at Virginia, Mn and confiremd at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. She attended elementary schools and high school at Twin Valley, Mn.
Elster and Joyce were married on June 17, 1944 at Wild Rice. They made their home on a farm in Flom township in section 17, for several years, moving to Twin Valley in 1969. When they lived in Twin Valley, they were both employed by the Viking Snowmobile Plant, in town. He was one of the last employee's working at the Viking plant when it closed it's doors in the mid 1970's. After retirement he became active as a Tri-Valley volunteer.
Elster loved music and played the guitar. He was an active member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church, having served on various boards and offices for the church. Joyce kept busy with the daily tasks of being a farmers wife and a mother to their children. She also taught Sunday School for nine years, and was active in the Wild Rice ALCW and it's circles. The last few years she worked at the South Side Cafe.
Elster and Joyce were the parents of; Larry, Roger, Jodi and Karen (Dennis Meland). Joyce passed away in 1974. After her death Elster married Sharon Torkelson. Elster passed away in 1985. Elster and Joyce are both buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.

George Stundahl

George C. Stundahl was born on August 19, 1905 to Torris and Olena Stundahl, in Flom township. He grew up in the Flom area where he attended school. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran church. He never married.
George served his country during World War II, He entered the U.S. Air Force on May 27, 1942, at Ft Snelling. He was
honorabley discharged on September 22, 1945 afrom AAF Ordnance, Keans, Utah. He had served overseas in Panama.
Returning home after his discharge he began farming which he did until his death on April 10, 1967, at his home. He was 61 years old. George was a member of the Wild Rice Church, Nesseth-Lien Post 431 of the American Legion. He is buried at Wild Rice.

Lars and Bella (Nygaard) Stundahl

Lars Stundahl was born on July 6, 1979 to Sjur and Anna Stundahl, in Sogn, Norway. He immigrated to the United States, first he came to Lake Park, then on to Twin Valley, MN where he settle in section 17 of Flom Township. Lars had two brothers Severt Severtson who lived in Fargo, ND, Carl Stundahl lived by Twin Valley and a sister Mrs. Ed Swedenberg of Braham, Mn.
Bella Parnell Nygaard was born near Gary, Mn to Rasmus and Berget Nygaard in 1885. She was baptized and confirmed in the Gary Lutheran Church (St.Paul’s). She attended rural schools in that area where she grew up.
Lars and Bella were married in 1906 at the Gary parsonage. They farmed for eight years in the Waubun area before settling in Flom twp. It was here they took up the occupation of farming and raising a family of five children. Elster, Bernice (Edward Forsell) Lillian (Selmer Low), Minerva (Donald Ford) and Deloris (Kenneth Riste).
Lars Stundahl died in 1940 while tending to his cows in the barn. A bolt of lightening is said to be the cause of his demise, he was killed instantly while milking in the barn at 7:15 am. He was found midway in the barn. No damage was done to the structure. It was believed the bolt may have entered through either of the two open barn doors. No other deaths or material damage in that area was reported.
Following Lars’ death, Bella continued living on the farm and later moved to Ada before becoming a resident at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Homes.
They were members of Wild Rice Lutheran Church where they were both active in the church organizations. Bella died on July 16, 1973 at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, Mn. Both are buried at Wild Rice Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Lars Stundahl's Obituary written by Rev. A.H. Amundson

One of the prominent memberts of Flom township, Lars Stundahl, was struck by a a bolt of lightning early Friday morning as he was milking. He had just finished one cow and arose to change to the next when the bolt passed through him. His son, Elster, and daughter, MInerva, who were helping him, escaped with a shock although just a few feet away from their father.
Medical and other help was summoned at onece, but nothing could be done. The Lord had called him.
Lars Stundahl farmed succsessfully a number of years on the present farm, which he had bought and built up as a home. He spent his whole life i nour community with the exception of the first year, being born in Sogn, Norway, July 6, 1879, the son of Sjur and Anna Stundahl. They left for the land of promise and were among the early settlers who came in the eighties to augment those who had come in the seventies. He was confirmed by Rev. Hans Johnson in June 1894, and spent his boyhood
and early manhood years on his father's farm. That farm is still occupied by one of the fmaily, Carl. On July 29, 1906, he was united to Belle Nygard of Gary, Mn., in holy wedlock and five children blessed their union.
Mr. Stundahl took a very active part in the affairs of the Wild Rice congregation, the church of almost his entire life. He was a member to the Board of Trustees for almost four terms-it would have been 12 years in November. He took his responsibilities seriously and carried on his work with sincerity and faithfulmess. He was also a member of the cemetery committee. He was always active in the different affairs of the congregation and no one was more ready to volunteer his services for work days than Mr. Stundahl. When others gave one day he often gave two and offered more. We shall miss his companionship, his readiness to respond, his cheerfulness and his deep sincerity.
With his jovial friendsliness and his deep sincerity, his with, his open heartedness and yet having a mind of his own and following through as he saw things, he made a very valuable member, friend and neighbor. We shall deeply miss him in his varous walks and endeavors. He was a man of industry and his own things were always well taken care of.

LeRoy and Hazel (Prestgord) Stundal

LeRoy Stundahl, was born in 1911 in Moorhead, Mn to John and Sophie ( Stundahl) Lukas. His mother died when he was a very small baby, so he and his sister Alice, were raised by their grandfather Sjur Stundahl and their uncle Carl. That is why they took the last name of Stundahl. He was raised and attended school near Twin Valley, Mn.
LeRoy married Hazel Prestegord on April 2, 1938 at the Wild Rice parsonage. They were active in farming and LeRoy also worked for area farmers.
LeRoy was very active in church and community affairs. LeRoy and Hazel had no children. Although in the later years of his Uncle Carls life he made his home with them. They also took in Hazel's younger sister Joyce, after the death of their mother. The Stundahl's were known for always having goodies and traditions were carried out, of course, even having a Christmas Tree not only decorated in their home but also one decorated outside.
LeRoy passed away on December 12, 1984 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Lewis and Hulda (Milsten) Stundahl

Lewis Stundahl was born on February 11, 1891 in Fossum township to Torris and Olena (Prestegord) Stundahl. He attended school in the area, he then went to diesel machine school in Fargo, ND. On September 14, 1918 he entered the service to serve his country. He was first stationed at Camp Grant. He was on his way to Alabama when the war ended and he returned home, he was a veteran of WW I.
Hulda J. Milsten was born in 1896 to Joseph and Hannah Milsten near Gary, Mn. She grew up in the Faith, Mn area. After she completed her education she went on to get a teaching degree. She taught in rural schools for awhile.
Lewis and Hulda were married in 1919. They purchased a piece of land in Flom township, and lived in a log house there.
Due to ill health Hulda was unable to raise their three daughters and Lewis took on the duties of being a father and mother to their family and other relatives also were there to help him. Theie girls were; Harriet (Robert Kaiser), Doris (Norval
Thompson) and Violet ( John Williams). Lewis once said " He raised the girls on his knees, meaning prayer and faith."
Lewis passed away in 1957 and Hulda passed away in 1977, both are buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Mervin and Olga (Tastad) Stundahl

Mervin was born on March 28, 1912 in Flom Township to Torris and Olena (Prestegaard) Stundahl. He was the youngest of 13 children. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Wild Rice Luteran Church. He attended Plentywood school near Flom. At the age of 14, he went to North Dakota and worked at a farm near Galesburg and later at a farm near Thompson.
On November 9, 1941, he was united in marriage to Olga Tastad in Gary, Minnesota. Olga was born to Iver E. and Minnie C. (Thompson) Tastad. Iver was born in Stavanger, Norway and came to the United States in 1893 at the age of 16 years.
Mervin and Olga made their home on a farm near Flom for the first nine years of marriage. In 1950, they purchased their farm northeast of Twin Valley, where Olga lives today. In addition to operating his farm, he also did custom combining and spraying. Following his retirement, he helped his son-in-law farm and his son with his electrical business.
Olga has painted, wallpapered and stained many a house in the area with her partner Lorraine Bakke for many years.
Two children were born to Mervin and Olga:
Faye (Deceased), married to Bob Hlubek
Wayne, married to Carolyn Orre
Mervin died on Wednesday, June 27, 2001 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Selmer E. and Isabel (Olson) Stundahl

Selmer E. Stundahl was born in rural Twin Valley, Mn on July 11, 1898, the son or Torris and Oline Stundahl. He grew up in this area, was baptized and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran church, and attended the rural schools here.
Isabel was born in 1894. She met her husband Selmer at the Children'shome in Chicago where they were both employed.
Selmer and Isabel were married on June 22, 1934, at Calamus, Iowa. After their marriage they resided near Twin Valley, Mn for six years and then moved to Calamus, Iowa for seven years, before returning to the Twin Valley area in 1947. Here they made their home. He had been engaged in farming all his life. He was a member and very active in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church.
Selmer and Isabel were the parents of one daughter Rachel, who was born in 1937. She started Sunday School at the age of three years and by the time she was eight she had never missed a sunday (214 sundays). She was stricken with polio and passed away on September 1, 1948.
Selmer passed away on May 12, 1971 and Isabel on February 23, 1983. The family is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.

Sjur and Anna (Stene) Stundahl

Sjur Stundahl was born in 1853 in Norway to Sjur and Katarina Stundahl. He grew up there and met Anna Stene, they were married in 1871. Anna was born on April 20, 1853 in Norway, she had two brothers who came to Norman county also, they were Mons and Lars Stene and as sister Mrs. E. Veum. In 1881 they immigrated to American coming directly to Norman county where they homesteaded in Flom twp. It was here they worked the land and raised a family, they were the parents of nine children; Sivert Syverson, Tho Syverson, Carl Stundahl, Alfred Stundahl, Lars Stundahl, Emil Stundahl, Frieda (Lawrence Larson), Kathrine /Katie (N.V. Jenson), Tina Swedberg, Sophie (John Lukas) and Lukris Winger (Lars Prestegord).
They were members of Wild Rice Lutheran Church. Sjur died in 1934 and Anna died in 1919, both are buried at Wild Rice.

Theodore Olaf Sr. and Verna (Gordon) Stundahl

T. Olaf was born on August 27, 1900 at Twin Valley, Mn., to Torris anad Olina Stundahl. he grew to manhood here and in 1925 moved to Chicago, Illinois. Olaf's siblings were;Lewis, Selmer, George, Tilford, Mervin, Clara (Carl Aamoth/Andrew Syverson) Laura (Theodore Lerud), Slema (Henry Smith), Austine (Edvar Christensen) Mabel ( Ole Stavetieg) and Elvina (Guy Thompson).
Verna Gordon was born in 1909.
Olaf and Verna were married on August 18, 1932 in Chicago. When they were first married they worked at the Children's Home in Chicago. The couple moved to Twin Valley, Engelwood, Col and back to Chicago again before moving to Sioux Falls in 1956. Olaf was employed at Augstanan College until retiring in October of 1970. They lived on a farm in section 22 of Flom township from 1938-1941.
Olaf passed away in 1971 and is buried in Hills of Rest Cemetery, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
They were the parents of two sons; Theodore Olaf Jr. and Vernon John. Funeral services were held in Sioux Falls SD at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Tilford and Agnes (Fladeland) Stundahl

Tilford C. Stundahl was born on July 22, 1910 at Twin Valley, Mn, Torris and Olena Stundahl.. He grew up in this area.
Agnes Fladeland was born in 1911. Tilford and Agnes were married on February 19, 1938 at Grand Forks, ND. She and Tilford were the parents of one daughter JoAnne ( Leonard Denson).
Tilford and Agnes lived in the Twin Valley area later moving near Grand Forks, ND where they were also active in farming. They left North Dakota and moved to Milwaukee Wisconsin where Tilford was employed as a cement mason for over 31 years. They left Wisconsin and returned to the Flom , Mn area where they were once again active in farming, which they did for the last 14 years of Tilford’s life.
Tilford passed away on June 27, 1986. Agnes passed away on December 7, 1995. They are both buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Torris and Olena (Prestegaard) Stundahl

Torris Stundahl was born in Aurlands Prestegjoeld Sogn, Norway on August 17, 1862 to Sjur and Kathrine Stundahl. He was baptized and confirmed in his home congregation. In 1882 he left his native land for America and came to Flom Township where he bought a home in section 10, residing there ever since.
Olena Prestegaard was born to Lars and Lukris Prestegaard in 1869. She married Torris Stundahl on November 1887.
Together they took on the duties of a farmer and his wife. Here they raised their children. Lewis, Selmer, T. Olaf, George (see George Stundahl), Tilford, Mervin, Clara (Carl Aamoth/Andrew Severson), Laura (Theodore Lerud), Selma (Henry Smith), Austine (Edvar Chrsitensen), Mabel (Ole Stavetieg) and Elvina (Guy Thompson).
Olena passed away in November 1920, one child proceeded her in infancy. After her passing he married her sister Louise (Henry Jensen)


Torris and Louise (Prestegaard/Jensen) Stundahl

Torris Stundahl was born in Aurlands Prestejeld, Sogn, Norway on August 17, 1862 to Sjur and Katherine Stundahl. He was baptized and confirmed in his home congregation. In 1882 he left his native land for America and came to Flom township, where he bought a home in section 10. He resided there until his death.
Olena Prestegaard was born to Lars and Lukris (Wangen) Prestegaard on September 13, 1869 in Aurland Sogn, Norway. She immigrated to America when she was a small child along with her parents.
Torris and Olena were married in November 1887. Together they took on the duties of a farmer and his wife. Here on the family farm they raised their children; Lewis (1891), Selmer (1898-1971), T. Olaf (see Olaf and Verna Stundahl), George (see George Stundahl), Tilford (see Tilford and Agnes Stundahl), Mervin (see Mervin and Olga Stundahl), Clara (see Carl Aamoth/Andrew Severson), Laura (Theodore LeRud), Selma (Henry Smith), Austine (see Edvar and Austine Christensen), Mabel ( Ole Stavetieg) and Elvina (Guy Thompson).
Olena passed away in November 1920, one child proceeded her in death, having died in infancy. After Olena’s death Torris married her sister Louise who was a widow, having been married to Henry Jensen. Louise was born on April 24, 1882.

Aaron and Arvid Swenson

Twin sons Aaron and Arvid were born to Sidney and Elizabeth (Sakrismo) Swenson. . They were baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom. They were raised on the family farm located on the west side of section 33 of Flom township. This land has been owned by the family for over 100 years.
Their father Sidney built the home that is still being occupied by the twins. They attended country school at Woodland Nook then went to Twin Valley High School where they graduated with the Class of 1957.
Arvid answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Army of which he served for two years. After completing his military service, Arvid returned home to the Flom area.
Aaron and Arvid have worked together side by side in their construction business "Swenson Brother’s Construction". A business they have operated for over 40 years. They have done numerous building projects in the Flom area, from houses to garages, they helped with the construction of both the VFW Mall and the Flom-Ulen Co-op building in Flom. The addition to Aspelund was also constructed by them along with volunteers from the church. Many of the buildings one looks at was constructed by these two individuals.
They have also built homes outside the Flom area.
Aaron and Arvid have enjoyed traveling. They have made five trips to Norway and seven trips to Alaska. In later years they have had a great interest in Norwegian Folk Art, they are members of Vesterheim Wood Workers of Decorah, Iowa. They have taken many Folk Art classes at Vesterheim, from Norwegian instructors. The classes they have taken area Wood Carving, Knife making and Lofting. They are also involved with Milan Folk Art School in Milan, Mn.
Aaron has two wood carvings that are being displayed in the "Migration of A Tradition". This is a three year exhibit which will travel from New York City across the United States to Washington State. From there it is off to Oslo, Norway to also be exhibited. Aaron is also recognized as a "Master Craftsman" by the Minnesota Arts Board of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Aaron and Arvid have a art studio right on the farm they live on. They have also built a Norwegian Heritage room onto their home. It is furnished as a room from the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. Most of the furniture are reproductions built by Aaron and decorated by Gold Medallist Rosemaller, Karen Jenson. Karen is a good friend of their who owns the Milan Folk Art School, in Milan., Mn. The have also collected various items on their travels to Norway and received them from Norwegian friends. The Swenson Boys have had numerous visitors come to view they heritage room. These visitors have been from all over the United States and from Scandinavia.
Aaron and Arvid are both fluent with the Norwegian language. They enjoyed going to the Host Fest in Minot, ND and also the Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa. You will most likely see them there.
They are active in their church, Aspelund, which they joined after the closing of Immanuel Lutheran Church, having served on the church council and helping with various improvements at the church. They are also active in their community. Arvid has served on the Flom township board for a number of years.

Ed and Katherine (Veum) Swenson

Ed Swenson was born to John and Anna Swenson Aas in Norway. Katherine Veum was born on March 14, 1884 in Norway. She grew up in her native land and left at the age of 16, for the New World. Katherine settled in the Flom area. It was here she married Mr. Swenson on May 18, 1902, at Flom and they settled down to farming in the area. In 1943 they left the farm and moved to Moorhead, Minnesota when they retired. He died in 1956.
The last eight years of Katherine's life she resided at Twin Valley, Mn. Katherine died at the age of 93 at Twin Valley, Mn. Funeral services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. She died in 1978.
They were the parents of; John, Mabel (Brabender), Selma (Meyer), Arnt, Lawrence, Alma (Erickson), Norman, Cora (Olson) and Alpha (Gunnerson).

Lawrence and Elinor (Huebner) Swenson

Lawrence Swenson was born on October 14, 1913 to Ed and Katherine (Weium) Swenson, in Becker County, Mn. Here he grew up and attended country school and also worked as a carpenter for Sidney Swenson.
Lawrence married Elinor Huebner at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom on October 1, 1942. He worked part-time in carpentry and bough a farm in section 25 of Home Lake Township. Here they raised their family of two daughters; Jean Marie and Marjorie (Spielman).
After they retired from farming they worked as custodians at the Twin Valley and Ulen Medical centers and at Twin Valley Cenex and Centrol. They moved to Flom in the early 1990’s due to failing health for Lawrence. They purchased the home once occupied by John Christensen as his photo studio, which is located right next to their daughter Marge Spielman.
Lawrence was a past member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he had served on the church board and as a deacon. Elinor is a active member of the Aspelund Ladies Aid. After Lawrence’s death Elinor continues to live in Flom.
Lawrence died on June 19, 1994 at his home in Flom, interment was made at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
I came to Flom on October 1, 1942. I married Lawrence Swenson at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. We first lived on the Bennie Stueness farm for two years. While living there a daughter Jean Marie was born on May 15, 1944. On September 1, 1946 we bought the Ove Huseby palace. Our second daughter Marjorie was born while we lived here. She arrived on April 5th, 1948. We lived here and farmed until 1994 when we moved into Flom. Lawrence died on June 21, 1994. I have since continued living in Flom in the house that at one time was the John Christensen Photography Studio.
We took a trip to California in May of 1979. Here we visited with his sister Cora Olson. After Lawrence died my brother Bill took me along with him to Arizona every winter from February to March. This we did until March of 2000. We would visit our two sisters there and also our uncle along with the cousins.
Since 2000 I have been going to Fargo and helping my granddaughter June (Spielman) and her husband Michael with their family. They have three boys; Jacob now 3 and their twin sons; Aaron and David who will be two on March 28th. They take a lot of energy but I have never gotten tired of them.
I am thankful God has given me so many friends and relatives. They help me live and enjoy life here.

John and Bernice (Johnson) Swenson

John Swenson, third child of Ed and Katherine Swenson, married Bernice Johnson on October 7, 1933 at the Warner Johnson residence near Twin Valley, Minnesota. John worked as a carpenter/painter at that time and later went into farming. They farmed in Clay County, Minnesota until 1945 when they moved to the Swenson Homestead in Norman County. In 1946 they purchased the homestead and held it until 1994 when it was sold to the Hamernik boys. John and Bernice had two sons, Wayne and Ralph.
Wayne married Virginia Wood and they have a daughter, Dianna and a son, Glen. Dianna and her husband, Steve, and son, Joshua and daughters, Jessica and Jennifer, live in Ramsey, Minnesota. Glen and his wife, Janelle, have two boys, Eric and Tyler and they live in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
Ralph married Delight Ruther and they have two sons and a daughter. Bradley and Anne, his wife, have a son, Benjamin. Brad and Anne make their home in Moorhead. Shelley and her husband, David, have a son, Levi and a daughter, Emiley. They make their home in Moorhead. Jon has a daughter, Alexis and they also make their home in Moorhead.
John lost his beloved, Bernice, and the boys lost their mother way too early in life from leukemia in 1977. John passed away in 1994. Bernice passed away on September 19, 1977 at St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo, ND, at the age of 65 years. They are both buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.

Sidney and Elizabeth (Sakrismo) Swenson

Sidney and Elizabeth (Sakrismo) Swenson were married at Elizabeth’s childhood farm home (the Peter Sakrismo farm) on October 28,1935. Everyone was excited and many preparations were made. There was the major house cleaning and food for a dinner to be prepared for all the guests who would be attending. Furniture was removed from grandpa and grandma’s bedroom to make room to set up tables to make sure all guests would have a place to sit down to dinner. This was a very special occasion. I’m sure there were some last minute details to attend to. Having read the newspaper article written about the wedding, it sounds like it was a splendid event.
Mom and dad’s first home after their marriage was on dad’s family home in Walworth Township, across the road from the Engebretsen farm now the home of Colleen and Rodney Hamernik. Those living with the folks at that time were dad’s brothers, Ernest and Orin. Mom found herself cooking and caring for three men. As a new bride this was quite a challenge. A baby girl was stillborn on December 21,1937. This was heartbreaking for mom and dad; however, on October 24, 1938 there was much joy as twin boys were born, Aaron and Arvid. This became a very busy household; caring for two babies plus all the activities and duties farm work requires.
Dad was a carpenter and constructed many buildings (houses, barns, etc.) in the community and later in the 1950’s in Fargo, ND. He constructed a house in Flom in 1939as they wished to have a home of their own. There they lived for two years. Forty acres of land became available a mile west of Flom. The price for the forty acres was $400.00. So a decision was made to sell the house for $600.00 and purchase the land. A prospective buyer said he would pay $400.00 for the house in exchange for the land. Dad didn’t accept this offer. He offered the purchase of the house to aunt Singne (Sakrismo) Aune as a rental home. She purchased the house with a loan from the Ulen bank for $600.00.
At this time she was teaching and received a small income.
Much work was needed, as the property had never been occupied. This was a major project. The land was cleared; a house and barn were built plus other out buildings.
A girl, Jeanine, was born December 23, 1942 at Fargo, ND, bringing a welcome addition to the family.
Mom and dad lived on the farm all their lives. We were raised here and have many fond recollections of growing up on the farm. Many guests and extended family members enjoyed moms cooking and hospitality. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing many of my clothes and her own. Dad was a mentor for Aaron and Arvid; teaching and getting them started in the building construction business.
The home place now belongs to Aaron and Arvid. They have completely renovated the buildings and have a beautiful, spacious home.
Jeanine married Luverne Ehnert of Frazee, MN on June 3rd, 1967. The Ehnerts reside in rural Frazee. A highlight of my parents’ life was their two grandsons, Robert and Erik. These two brought much joy to them in their last years.
The church, God’s Word and the Sacraments were a vital part of our life. We were members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom. My parents belonged to the congregation all their lives and were active members of the church family giving of their time and talents.
Elizabeth was born May 30, 1904 to Peder and Anna (Svenson Vold) Sakrismo and was taken to her heavenly home on November 18,1977. Sidney was born April 15, 1903 to Sam and Josephine (Skofstad) Swenson and taken home September 7, 1978.

Kelly and Val-Jean (Burja) Syverson

Happily Everafter
Once upon a time in October of 1988 in the magical land of Baltimore, Maryland a young Prince, Kelly John Syverson met a not so young Princess, Val-Jean Burja and so begins our story.
After much intervention by the Good Lord the Prince and Princess finally were together again later that month. A mere month later Kelly received word on his LONG awaited transfer from Virginia to Germany. Within the next month, on Thanksgiving night he told Val of his plans to move and ask her to go with him. On Christmas morning in the living room of Poppy and Grammy, the good king and queen of the North, they were officially engaged.
In late December, Kelly brought Val to the magical land of Flom to meet the good king and queen of the FAR North, Granma and Granpa. They had Tom & Jerry’s up Flom, met the local nobility and began making plans for a June wedding. Val and Grammy came back in April for final touches and a wonderful wedding shower at the Aspelund Church.
There are still jokes about the "locusts" that descended from the East for the beautiful wedding in the Ulen Park and the wedding dance in Flom. Talk still remains of the Guardian Angels (Gary and Linda Lunde) that kept showing up to save the bride and groom that week,
although since the bride and groom are now both over 40 the details have become fuzzy. Shortly after the festivities the newlyweds were off to honeymoon in Germany for 4 1/2 years.
Joshua Reed Syverson arrived on All Saint’s Day, November 1, 1992. He quickly won the hearts of the hospital staff in Landstuhl, Germany and members of the Protestant Service at Chapel Two on Ramstien Air Force Base. Granma and Granpa came to meet him, stand for him at his Baptism and spend Christmas.
They Syverson’s left Germany in early December 1993, spent Christmas on the east coast with Val’s family and headed to Minnesota in January. They traveled "home" in a Beverly Hillbillies looking truck with another blessing from the honeymoon in "tow".
Safe and sound and settled in Fred and Caroline Klingfuses’ home they waited for the new arrival. Of course they had to wait through a record setting ten day cold streak! Assistant coach Becky Christensen (Kelly’s sister) was there for the arrival of Hannah Rishell Syverson on February 5th, 1994 at Merit Care in Fargo. Kelly and Val liked the place so much they made three more trips!!! Hannah was a totally wonderful surprise as Kelly and Val were both convinced SHE was a HE!!! It’s made no difference to Josh, she’s still his number one fan and she is his closest confidant.
On Norwegian Independence Day, 1994 the Syverson’s set up their new homestead south of the barn on Granma and Granpa’s place (where Val insists she will remain forever!). The birds (emus) arrived in June and so began the dark period of the fairy tale. However now they look back with confidence at the lessons learned and the priorities they helped define.
As the Syverson’s worked on building their new life they decided it was time to add another blessing and so on October 22, 1996, Nicholas Morken Syverson joined the family ranks. This time Granma and Auntie Becky were there for the arrival. Granma was just a TISH nervous about getting to the hospital on time.
Smiley Malmskog literally scared the life out of Val on January 31st, 1998 after his offer to "pull the calf." Later that night Kelly, Val and Auntie Becky brought Nathanael Braseth Syverson ;(Nanil) into this world during a horrible flu epidemic!
Well, another two years passed and the calendar showed it was time for another blessing. On July 13, 2000 Adam Burja Syverson FINALLY arrived! Big sister Hannah and cousin Amanda stood guard faithfully over the phone anxiously awaiting the news. Aunt Heidi, Uncle Ivan, cousins Amanda and Andrew stopped by to see him on their way back to Texas.
Santa Claus days in Flom, wedding dances, and Tom and Jerry’s remain great sources of joy and memories shared by the Syverson. They 125th Year Celebration is looking to be a memorable day too; complete with a mix of new and old memories, and an experience to share with friends planning to visit from Germany. Life is busy and blessed for this crew. They continue to live happily everafter just outside of Flom.

Marlyn and Mary Lou (Hilde) Syverson

Marlyn and Mary Lou Syverson and their three children, Becky age 7, Barth, age 6 and Kelly age 4, moved to the Flom area in September, 1966 from Felton, Minnesota. They moved to the farm owned by Violet (and at that time, the late Bill Meyer) Meyer Thorson.
Marlyn's parents, Selmer and Cora (Morken) Syverson, residents of Atlanta Township were no strangers to the Flom area, as they did lots of "trading" in Flom. Mary Lou's first recollection of Flom was riding with Henry Holte when he brought his daughter, Volberg, back to Flom for her teaching duties in the 1940's. Mary Lou's parents were Hanord and Amanda (Braseth) Hilde, residents of Keene Township, southwest of Ulen.
We bought Violet's equipment and leased her dairy herd of twelve cows and started a career in the dairy business. We eventually purchased the farm and remained in the dairy business until 1987, expanding the herd to 60 cows in a tie stall barn with pipeline equipment. After selling the cows, the farming operation turn to small grain, corn and beans. In 2000 we placed half of our acreage into CRP and in 2001 the other half was accepted.
Marlyn enjoys restoring tractors, machinery and fishing. Since 1990 Mary Lou has been employed as secretary of the Wild Rice Parish consisting of the Wild Rice and Aspelund churches.
Jerly Hellickson was our closet neighbor. Our children, with the addition of Heidi born in 1969 and Carter born in 1971, all thought Jerly was just the best person ever created. He had sheep and he showed our children, as well as the neighbor children, how he sheared them. Another favorite was his dog named Tuffy that would pull them on a sleigh in the winter and a wagon in the summer. He even gave them one of his lambs so they could raise it as their own special pet. He was a very special person to Marlyn and
Mary Lou too, always there when needed. Jearly worked at the Flom Co-op for a number of years and moved into Ulen in 1979. He died in 1981.
Becky married Mike Christensen from the Faith area in 1977. They have five children, Jon, Anthony, Chelsey, Tryson and Emilee.
Kelly married Val Jean Burja of Baltimore, Maryland in 1989 and they have five children, Joshua (born in Germany), Hannah, Nicolas, Nathanael, and Adam.
Heidi and Ivan Yuhanna were married in 1991. Ivan was from Pakistan and along with his two brothers, Ray and Moses, was a college student in the Fargo, Moorhead area. Heidi and Ivan now reside in Red Oak, Texas, just south of Dallas and are the parents of three children, Amanda, Andrew and Benjamin.
Carter and Amy Weires were married in 1998. Amy was from the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area and that is where they reside along with their three children, Chase, Cora and Rylee.
Barth is single and very special to all of his nieces and nephews and all the other children he has gotten to know.
We have enjoyed traveling here in the states and into Mexico, as well as other countries. In 1986 we flew to London, England and joined a tour group, touring several countries and spending some time with Kelly in Germany who was stationed there at that time with the Air Force. In 1991 Mary Lou had the chance to travel to Norway with her brother, Harry Hilde and a cousin, Owen Braseth. We returned to Germany in 1992, to get aquatinted with our newest grandson, Joshua, son of Kelly and Val and had the opportunity to spend Christmas in Germany.
In June 2000 we traveled to Norway with a group of about 20 Hilde cousins and spent some time in Hallingdal and other areas of Norway, which were important in our family history.
We have been blessed with good health and a family that has given us the opportunity to experience different cultures and create friendships from areas all over the United States as well as other countries. We look forward to traveling and enjoying our family.

Selmer and Cora (Morken) Syverson

Selmer Syverson was born on March 31, 1892 on a farm four miles east of Ulen, Mn in Walworth township. He was the son of Ole and Barbara Syverson and one of a family of fifteen children. He attended school in District 48 near the farm. He served in the Army during World War I.
In 1923 Selmer married Cora Morken, born on January 22, 1900, the daughter of Ole and Christina Morken. Cora was one of ten children and they lived in the town of Voss, in Walworth township. Voss was located seven miles south of Flom. Voss died with the coming of the automobile.
The first ten years of their married life they lived on a farm four miles east of Ulen, near his home farm. They then moved to a farm about one mile east of Voss. They had eleven children, five boys, Orin (died at the age of two years), Lyle, Marlyn, Waldo, Selmer (Allen) and six girls; Chrystella (Townsend), Vivian (Beske), Eileen (Cary), Orrine (Ellefson), Carla (Forsythe) and Fern (Saatoff), all the children are residents of Minnesota, with the exception of Chrysteel, a resident of Roswell, New Mexico.
Cora and Selmer were baptized and confirmed in the Atlanta Lutheran Church, rural Ulen. It is there that they are also buried. They were members of Flom Co-op and Flom Co-op Creamery. They purchased much of their machinery in Flom and were regular shoppers in Flom.

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson was born on July 8, 1887 to Knute and Anna Thompson Sr. in Flom township. He was baptized at home and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran church. He never married.
He had farmed for many years, and also worked on farms in Minnesota and Montana. He also worked with the Tobin Seed Co. for several years. He was a veteran of World War I, and had served in France. He was a member of the Nesseth-Lien Post 431 of the American Legion. After he retired from farming he bought a small trailer house and moved to Twin Valley, Mn. Due to ill health, he bacame a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Homes.
Andrew loved to play his accordionand to entertain the residents and visitors.
Andrew passed away on February 16, 1970 at the age of 82 at the Ada hospital. He is buried at the Wild Rice Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Arnold and Beatrice (Wasfaret) Thompson

Arnold Julius Thompson was born on September 29, 1907 in Wild Rice township to John and Anna Thompson. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Arnold and Beatrice Wasfaret were married on May 25, 1932, at the Wild Rice church. They farmed near her until 1951 when they moved toTwin Valley, Mn. After they moved to Twin Valley, Arnold was employed by the Village, he also had worked for Otter Tail Power Co. at Heiberg, Gunnafson and Bjorge Excavating and Habedank Construction, Co-op Elevator and the Faith Flour and Seed Mill. He served on the rural school board for seven years as their clerk, and was active in Evangeglism Committee, treasurer of Lutheran Brotherhood, and other church organizations.
Arnold and Beatrice were the parents of Terry and Angie ( Owen Weium).

Clara Thompson and Walter Perry/George Schriver

Clara Thompson was born to Knute and Anna (Otterness) Thompson in Flom township. She grew up on the family farm. Clara maarried Walter Carroll Perry in 1927. Walter was the son of McClellan and Charlotte Zickel Perry. Walter was born in Jaspar County, Ia. Clara and Walter were the parents of one daughter Charlotte Stephes. Walter died in 1936, he is buried at Wild Rice. After his death Clara married George Schriver.

Clayton and Juanita (Aasgaard) Thompson

Clayton was born on October 15, 1925 to Knute and Minnie (Lien) Thompson in Flom Township. He was the fifth child born to the Thompson’s family of ten. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, and attended country school in the area. He graduated from Waubun High School. In 1944 he entered the US Army and served during WW II in Japan and the Philippines, being honorably discharged in 1946.
After he returned home he helped his father with the farming operation and also worked for several area
farmers. He also worked in the logging near Grygla, Mn.
Clayton and Nita were married at the Wild Rice Church in October of 1948. They resided in Dent, Mn the first year they were married where he worked as a mechanic. In March 1949 they moved to rural Ulen, Mn where they were active in farming until 1966. At that time they moved to a farm just northeast of Twin
Valley, where they have resided since. At this time Clayton was employed as a carpenter for Great Plains Supply for several years. In his retirment years, he was employed by Norman County Weed Control.
Clayton was a member of the Nesseth-Lien Post 4431 of the American Legion and had been a member of the Flom-Twin Valley VFW Post 3818. Clayton was an avid reader and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed working in the woods. He was an excellent woodsman who taught his children and others to respect nature and all this it offers. He greatly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as fellowship with friends and family over coffee.
Clayton passed away on August 22, 1994 and is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Clayton and Nita were the parents of; Loren (deceased and buried at Wild Rice), Clayton Jr "Bub", Kevin, Vicki, (Hurlburt), Kelly (Sauer), Wanda (Asleson), and Lynelle (Slinginger).

Duane and Carol (Bronken) Thompson

Duane L. Thompson was born on September 17, 1934 to Knute and Minnie (Lien ) Thompson, in Flom township. He attended rural school near Flom and then went to Twin Valley. He farmed with his parents before entering the US Army on January 18, 1955. He was discharged on October 18, 1957. He was a veteran.
Duane married Carol Bronken of Mahnomen, Mn on August 16, 1956. After their marriage he worked for a period of time as a construction worker for Great Plains in Twin Valley, Mn. He was also a member of the Twin Valley Rodeo Club.
Duane and Carol lived in section 31 of Flom township and it was here they raised their family. Duane passed away on August 19, 1985 and is buried at Wild Rice Cemetery. After his death Carol continued to live on the farm and resides there today.
Duane and Carol are the parents of; DuWayne "Butch", Robert, Gene, Kathleen (Doug Ellingson), Theresa (Jim Tjon), Beverly , Suzanne (Rodney Horn) and Angela.

Henry and Janette (Erickson) Thompson

Janette "Nettie" Erickson was born on January 5, 1902 to Jon and Joanne (Dyrdahl) Erickson near Flom, Mn. She attended schools in that area and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheram faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. At the age of 16, she moved to Perley, where she worked as a waitress. It was here that she met Henry Thompson and married him on September 28, 1923.
They farmed in the Twin Valley and Gary, Mn areas until 1942 when they moved into Twin Valley. It was at this time that Nettie started to work for the Lutheran Memorial Retirement Center, where she was employed as a nurse’s aid for 33 years. She retired in 1983. Nettie was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching or listening to all types of sporting events.
She always was a wonderful cook, and she took great pride in that.
Nettie and Henry were the parents of; Ronald, Howard, Jean (Germolus) and Nancy (Brekke), two sons Ernest and Robert proceeded her in death.
Nettie passed away in October of 1987 and is buried at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.
Jerome and LaDonna (Hadeland) Thompson

Jerome was born on April 21, 1932 to Knute and Minnie (Lien) Thompson in Flom Township, Norman County, Mn. He was baptized on Oct 16, 1932 and confirmed on October 14, 1945 at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. He attended country school in Flom twp and graduated from Twin Valley High School. Jerome enlisted in the armed services and is a Veteran.
LaDonna Hadeland was born on May 5, 1937 in Wolf Point, Montana. She was adopted by Ole and Alice Hadeland. She was baptized at Fort Peck, Montana on May 6, 1937 and confirmed on June 8, 1952 at Aspelund.
Jerome and LaDonna were married on February 12, 1956 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. To this union eight children have been born. Sonja LaVonne was born on October 5, 1956 and was baptized at Aspelund. She passed away on July 4, 1957, she is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Jerri Lee was born on December 29, 1957. He lives on the Hadeland home place in section 28 with Harriett Keezer. They have five children; Nakoya Keezer, Verna Keezer, Josie Keezer, Laura Lee Thompson born on April 21, 1982 on Grandpa Jerome’s birthday, and Jeremy Jerome Thompson. Jerri was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund, attended school graduating in 1976 from Waubun High School. He attended one year of college and is currently employed by Lunde Blade and Gravel of Flom, Mn.
Cheryl Ann and Cherri Annett were born on November 18, 1958. They were baptized by Pastor Greenquist. Cheryl Ann died on Novmeber 21 and Cherri Annett died on November 22 1958. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom.
Jimmy Dean was born on April 7, 1960. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund and attended school at Waubun, graduating in May of 1978. Jim has five children. Jason, Tara, Joey, Kaitlyn and Maggie. He and his wife Karen live in rural Waubun, Mn. He works for Norman County.
Two still born sons were born to Jerome and LaDonna; one on January 18, 1962 and one on January 2, 1965. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Jeffery Jerome was born on March 26, 1973. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund, he attended school at Waubun and graduated from there. He married Tiffaney Greene and lives in rural Mahnomen. Jeff works at the Shooting Star Casino in the Maintenance Dept. They have five children.
Jerome was active in farming and has been employed at the Flom Co-op Oil for over 30 years. He is active in sports and played for the Twin Valley Twins Baseball Team for 20 years and later played an manged the Old Timers Softball Team for Waubun, Mn until he was 62. He is a member of the Flom-Twin Valley VFW Post 3818, he is currently the Commander of the VFW Post at which he has served several terms.
LaDonna was a housewife, then she operated the Flom Cafe for five years, until it burned down on April 15, 1973. This day is one that remains in many people memories as it was the day that their son Jeffrey was to be baptized at Aspelund Lutheran Church, when church was interrupted that morning of the news of the fire the men left to help and baptism was postponed until a later Sunday. After the cafe burned LaDonna started to work at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home as a trained Med Aide in Twin Valley where she has been employed for 28 years.

John and Anne (Kvidt) Thompson

John Albert Thompson was born on January 10, 1878 in Blooming Prairie, Mn the third child of Mr and Mrs. Trogrim Thompson. While a young boy, he moved with his parents to a farm in Home Lake Township which his father had homesteaded. He spent his early manhood there with the exception of about four years when the Thompson family lived on a farm near Roseau, Mn. He was baptized in the congregation at Blooming Prairie and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Anne Kvidt was born on January 23, 1884 in the United States.
At the age of 29 he was united in marriage to Anne Kvidt in the church in Twin Valley. To this union one child was born, namely Arnold Thompson. They resided in Twin Valley for about three years after which they moved to a farm in Fossum township, where he spent the remainer of his life. Anne passed away on June 8,1925, after a quick bout of phneumonia.
John was a conscientious and loving husband, father and brother and was neighborly and kind to all who enjoyed his acquaintance. He passed away on February 10, 1945 at the age of 67 years.

Kalmer and Gloria (Albertson) Thompson

Kalmer was born on June 8, 1920 to Knute and Minnie (Lien) Thompson. He attend country school in the area and was baptized at Wild Rice Lutheran Church and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church.
He served his country from 1942-1945 in the military service, of which he was a Prisoner of War for thirteen months. After release from the POW camp and completing his military service he came back to the Flom area and started farming.
Gloria Albertson was born on December 3, 1931 to Ed and Jo Albertson. She attended school in Gary, Mn and Twin Valley, Mn. She was baptized at St. Petri Lutheran church of Gary, and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church of rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Kalmer and Gloria were married on October 9, 1950 at Hitterdal, Minnesota. After their marriage they farmed in section 31 of Flom township and Gloria took up the duties of being a farmer’s wife and raising their family. Kalmer and Gloria still live on the farm in section 31.
They are the parents of five children; Danny, Jenifer, Sandra, Jane and Steven.
Danny was born on June 10, 1952 at the Ada Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom , Mn. He attended school at Twin Valley, Mn. He now resides in Twin Valley, Mn.
Jenifer was born on December 28, 1953 at Paynesville, Mn. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund. Jenifer and Mark Spielman were married on August 25, 1973 at Aspelund. They are the parents of three daughters; Kay born August 24, 1975 at Ada, was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund. She married Bill Burkett. They have one daughter Cassandra who was born on July 8, 1999, in Fargo, ND. Kay and Bill live in Horace, ND. Kelly was born on December 5, 1977 at Ada. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund. Kelly married Leslie Kent in Aspelund and they are the parents of one daughter Alanis who was born in Detroit Lakes, Mn on January 7, 1999. Tammi was born on April 10, 1979 in Ada. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspleund.
Sandra was born on June 30, 1956 in Paynesville, Mn. Sandy married Darrel Seeger on August 21, 1976 at Aspelund. They have two children; Stephanie Kathie was born on November 2, 1980 in Fargo, ND and Dustin Joel was born on April 7, 1983 in Fargo, ND. Sandy and Darrel moved to Renton , Wa in 1986 where they lived until 2001, when they moved back to Minnesota.
Jane was born on November 27, 1958 in Ada. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund. She attended school at Twin Valley, Mn. After graduating from High School in 1977 she went to Fargo and worked for a few years. Jane then moved to Oregon where she still resides.
Steven was born on November 28, 1968 in Mahnomen, Mn. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund. He went to school in Twin Valley, Mn where he graduated. Steve married Becki Dietz on May 9, 1998, they reside in Oakes, ND.

Knut and Anna (Otterness) Thompson

Knut Thompson was born in Winneshiek County,Iowa in 1855 to Thor and Thorand Thompson. In 1857, they moved to Albert Lea in Freeborn County, where he went to shcool until he was 12, years old. At 21 he came to Norman County, Minnesota by covered wagon to make his home here in what is now Twin Valley, Mn. This journey was a long and hazardous one. There were no raods, few rivers having bridges and hostile Indians. Here Knut and his father both homesteaded, Knut's land being in the SW quarter of section 24 of Flom township. To this homestead farmland, Knut was to bring his bride Anna Otterness five years later.
Ann Otterness was born on November 15, 1864 at Aurlanad, Sogn, Norway, her parents being Amund and Martha Ytterlie Otterness. In 1867 she, her parents and younger brother Andrew immigrated to this country,landing at Castle Gardens, Quebec. From there they traveled by boat and railroad to Columbia County, Wisconsin. Here they lived for two years. They moved on to Goodhue, Minnesota in Houston County, where Anna received her only formal schooling of five days. It was here that Anna's mother died of cancer at the early age of thirty.
In the spring after her mother's death, Anna moved with her father and brother to Norman County, and settled near the site of the Fossum Store. This country was at that time a vast wilderness, mostly inhabited by animals. Here Amund Otterness homesteaded and built a crude cabin for himself and his family. It often happened that Anna and Andrew were alone when their father was off hunting and working. Neighbors were few and they became very friendly with the Indians who would travel through. All her life Anna always loved and enjoyed an Indian celebration. Then years after Martha's death, Amund married Ingeborg Lien and they had five children.
Knut and Anna Thompson were the parents of 12 children; Theodore, Manda, Theodore, Andrew, Julia, Knute, Elisa, Ludwig, Lena, Clara, Elvina, and Joseph.
Theodore died in infancy in 1881, he is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery. Manda (see Knute and Manda Urdahl), Theodore A (see Theodore and Thora Ekvall Thompson)Andrew E.(see Andrew E. Thompson), Julia (Alfred Ekvall), Knute (see Knut and Minnie Lien Thompson), Elisa (Bill Buckle), Ludwig (see Ludwig and Alice Ommodt), Lena ( see Carl and Lena Hagen), Clara ( see Clara Thompson and Walter Perry/ George Schriver), Elvina ( Elmer Morud) and Joseph (Gladys).
Julia married Alfred Ekvall and they had one child; Aurel. Elisa married Bill Buckle and the were the parents of; Velma, Mabel, Elvira, Kearney (see Kearney and Deloris Buckel) , Marvel, LaVerne, Coral and Jean. Elvina was born on June 9, 1906, she married Elmer Mourd, he was born on February 2, 1907. They are the parents of: Marilyn, Beverly, Joanne and Ronald. Joseph and his wife Glady were the parents of one child; Susan. Joe Thompson was a missionary.

Knute A. and Minnie (Lien) Thompson

Knute Andrew Thompson was born on January 26, 1892 on the family farm in Flom township, to Knute and Anna Thompson. He grew up on the Flom area, and attended rural schools here. He was baptized and confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church.
Minnie Lien was born in Flom Township to Gustave O. and Emile (Wenge) Lien.
Knute and Minnie were married on March 30, 1918 at the Wild Rice Parsonage. AFter their marriage they made their home on a farm in Flom Township wehre they farmed for almost fifty years, retiring in 1967 and moving into Flom. They purchase the home that was occupied by Thora Thompson in section 33 of Flom township on the soutwest side of town. In 1968 they were honored with a celebration for the Golden Wedding Anniversary in the Wild Rice Church.
As a young man he homesteaded land near Saskatoon, Canada. Besides farming for many years, he also sold Raleigh product for about five yers. He also did a lot of custom threshing for other farmers in his area.
All five of his sons served in the military service. Knute and Minnie were the parents of; Kalmer (see Kalmer and Gloria Thompson), Clayton (see Clayton Thompson), Duane (see Duane and Carol Thompson), Jerome (see Jerome and LaDonna Thompson), Arlo, Ethel (Floyd Boals), Mazel (Lester Albertson), Vivian (Melvin Oster), and Eileen (C.L. Fields).
Knute and Minnie were married on march 30, 1918 at the Luterhan parsonage in Twin Valley. After they were married Knute took up the occupation of farming and Minnie took on the responsibilities of being a farmer’s wife and raising a family. They were the parents to; Ethel, Calmer (see Kalmer and Gloria Thompson), Mazel,
Clayton (see Clayton and Nita Thompson), Arlo, Jerome (See Jerome and LaDonna Thompson), Duane (see Duane and Carol Thompson) and Eileen.
Knute died on January 22, 1972 at the Ada Hospital and Minnie on March 25, 1983 at a Crookston, Mn hospital. They are both buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.
Ethel was born on September 11, 1918. She first married Ben Klinnert. After his death she married Floyd Boals. Ethel worked as a housewife and raised her family of eight children. She lives in Fargo ND.
Mazel was born on November 27, 1923. She married Lester Albertson (deceased) and resides in California.
Arlo was born on March 1, 930. He served his country in the military services. He married JoAnn Albertson (deceased) and they were the parents of eight children. Arlo resides in Kansas.
Eileen was born on January 14, 1937 she married C.L. Fields. They are the parents of six children and reside in Texas.

Ludvig and Alice (Ommodt) Thompson

Alice Ommodt was born to John and Annie (Anderson) Ommodt. Ludwig Thompson was born to Knute and Anna (Otterness) Thompson. He grew up in Flom township on the family farm. Alice married Ludvig Thompson and they lived in Minnesota for a number of years before moving to Tacoma, WA. They have both since passed away. They had one son, Kermit.
Kermit and his wife Eleanor reside in the Seattle, Wa area. He worked for Boeing as an electronics engineer for many years and designed Electronic equipment for missiles, space systems, airplanes, etc. They have three children; Patsy (Jackson), Harold and Donna (Moneymaker).

Theodore and Thora (Ekvall) Thompson

Thora Bothilda Ekvall, was born on July 21, 1891 to Nels and Bothilda Ekvall at St. Paul, Mn. She grew up in St. Paul where she atteded elementary school and as a young girl was employed with the Briggs Candy Factory.
Theodore and Thora were united in marriage on November 25, 1915. They first resided on a farm in Flom township for 37 years. After Theodore passed away Thora moved to Flom in 1954. She lived in the house last occupied by Knut and Minnie Thompson in section 33 on the west side of town. She was a hard and diligent worker as a farm wife and mother. Thora was a member of Aspelund Lutheran Church for many years, and a member and past officer of the Aspelund ALCW. Theodore passed away on December 29, 1952 and Thora passed away on April 16, 1966. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
Theodore and Thora were the parents of Marvin, Marshall, Bergloith (Kenneth Ostlund) and Ebba (Selmer Saensgaard).
Marshall Eugene Ekvall Thompson was born on July 29, 1917 to Theodore and Thora Thompson. He passed away in 1919 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.



William and Lenora (Erickson) Thompson

William "Bill" Thompson was born in Home Lake township on June 2, 1898 to Torgrim and Johanna Thompson. He grew up and attended public schools in Twin Valley, Mn.
Bill married Lenora Erickson on May 28, 1922 in the Wild Rice parsonage. They lived in Flom, Twin Valley and Granite Falls, Mn. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1972.
Bill was engaged in farming until retiring. He was the park superintendent of the City park in Granite Falls for 14 years.
Bill and Lenora were the parents of Leona ( M.H. Lindbeck).
Bill died on July 24, 1973 following a heart attack at the age of 75 years. Funeral services were held at Granite Falls, and at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, with interment at the Immanuel Cemetery.

Dale and Teryl (Dorseth) Thornton

Dale Allan Thornton as born on July 29, 1956 at Ada, Mn., to Harold and Grace (Hirchert) Thornton. He was raised in the Twin Valley area where he was baptized and confirmed at Syre Lutheran Church, Syre, Mn after it closed he attended church at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended school at Twin Valley, Mn. He graduated from Moorhead Tech Diesel Technology Program.
Teryl Jo (Terri) Dorseth was born on March 26, 1958 at Detroit Lakes, Mn to Vernon and LaVonne
(Hammer) Dorseth. She was baptized at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn in 1958, and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.in 1973. She attended school at Waubun Community Schools at Waubun, Mn where she graduated in May of 1976. She attended Concordia Language Villages at Bemidji, Mn through the sons of Norway in 1975 she went to the Language Village-Culture Camp at Hamar Norway for 6 weeks. Of which she attended the language camp, recieving a High School credit and toured various parts of Norway. After graduation she attended Moorhead State College for one year of general studies. She went to NWTC-DL in their satelite Nursing Program, from 1992 and graduated in 1994 with a LPN degree.
Dale started working at Colfax, ND for Donald Kummer after recieveing his degree from Moorhead Tech in May of 1978. He continued to work there until April of 1982 when he started driving Semi over the road. In August of 1982, they returned to the Flom area and Dale was employed by the FLom Co-op until 1984, when he began working for Mark Seeger as a over the road truck driver. He did this until 1985 when they left the Flom area and moved to Carrington, ND where he was employed as a Truck Driver over the road. They came back to the Flom area in 1988 and lived in the former Mabel Skansgaard home in Flom. Dale at this time purchased his own truck and continued driving throughout the United States.
In 1994 he started his own business of Gravel hauling and Backhoe work during the summer and driving truck in the winter months. In 1998 Dale started working for Mark Habedank as a Farm Laborer and his employed there today.
Terri started working at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Homes in Twin Valley, Mn in 1988 as a Nurse's Aid and TMA. She continued working at the Home, taking care of her family and going to school until she recieved her degree in 1994. At that time she went to work at Bridges Medical Center in Ada, Mn where she is still employed as a LPN. Besides working at Bridges she is also employed by Norman County Ambulance in the EMS department, as a EMT-Intermediate which she has done since 1995. She is also a volunteer of the Twin Valley Rescue Squad which she has been with since 1993.
Dale and Terri were married on February 4, 1978 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.They currently reside in Twin Valley, Mn on the East edge of town. They are the parents of four sons; Jon
Allan, Jason Lee, James Brandon and Benjamin Andrew.
Jon Allan Thornton was born on June 25, 1978 at St. Angar's Hospital in Moorhead, Mn. He was baptized on July 27, 1978 and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church. He school at Twin Valley, grades K-1, Carrington ND from grades 2-4 and graduated from Norman County East, Twin Valley, Mn. Jon currently resides in Flom, Mn in the home owned by Dave Steichen, many may remember it as the Narum house or Mike and Genny Johnson's home in section 33 of Flom township. Jon is not married.
Jason Lee Thornton was born on January 29, 1981 at St. Ansgar's Hospital in Moorhead, Mn. He was baptized on March 29, 1981 at Aspelund Lutheran Church and confirmed there also. He attended school at Carrington, ND 1-2 and Twin Valley/Norman County East and recieved his GED. He is currently employed as a farm laborer in the Twin Valley area and is unmarried.
James Brandon Thornton was born on August 18, 1982 at St. Ansgar's hospital in Moorhead, Mn. He was baptized on October 31, 1982 at Aspelund and confirmed on October 18, 1998 at Aspelund Lutheran Church. He is a 2001 graduate of Norman County East and is currently attending Northland Tech College in Thief River Falls, Mn. He is pursuing a career in Aviation Maintanence. He enjoys playing football ( of which he was named all conference for NCE in 2001, and Best Defensive Player in 2001) and Baseball.
Benjamin Andrew Thornton was born on June 22, 1985 at St. Ansgar's Hospital in Moorhead, Mn. He
was baptized on August 8, 1985 at Aspleund and confirmed there also. He is currently attending Norman County East and is a sophomore. He enjoys playing sports like; Football, Baseball, Basketball and cars.
He plays on the Norman County East Football team and on the Norman County East-Ulen-Hitterdal Titans Baseball team.

Franklin and Dorothy (Dobereiner) Thornton

Franklin Thornton was born on June 25, 1911 in Flom township of Norman County. He grew up on the family farm in Walworth township, Becker County, Mn. Franklin married Dorothy Dobereiner at the Syre Lutheran Church, Syre, Mn on September 12, 1934. The first year oftheir married life they lived with her fold, the C.L. Dobereiners, and farmed an 80 acre piece of land. the only equipment Franklin owned was a team of horses and a walking plow with which he plowed that piece of land. When it came time to seed and harvest, he was lent help from his father-in-law and brother-in-law, the later George J. Hirchert.
That fall they moved to a farm southeast of Flom where they lived a couple of years adn then moved back to the Syre area.
They made their home on a farm five miles north of Ulen until for health reasons, they were forced to sell out. When Frank and Dorothy retired they moved to South Fargo, ND where they remained. Frank passed away in the spring of 1985.
Frank and Dorothy celebrated their silver wedding anniversary, their 40th and also their Golden wedding anniversary. They were the parents of one child; Frances Darlene. She married Herbert Monson and they had two children; Mark and Elizabeth.

Herman and Frances (Starman) Thornton

Herman Frederick Thornton was born on November 12, 1888 in Iowa County, Iowa, to Albert harvey Thornton who was born on December 28, 1863 in Iowa County, Iowa and Lillian Angeline Cheney who was born on December 12, 1866 in Millersburg, Iowa County, Iowa.
Frances M. Starman was born in Somerset township, Steele county, Mn on July 3, 1888, to Frank and Josephine Starman.
Herman and Frances were married on February 7, 1910. They first resided in Owatonna and Plummer, Mn before coming to this area in 1916. They lived for awhile in section 8 of Walworth township. The farm is now owned by Duane Erickson.
They were members of Walworth Baptist church, rural Flom, Mn. Frances was active in the Walworth Ladies Aid.
Herman passed away on November 24, 1994 in Twin Valley, Minnesota.
Herman and Frances were the parents of seven sons; two proceeding her in death, Albert (Nov. 12, 1913 in Flom township), Franklin (June 25, 1911 in Flom, Mn) , Harold, Lawrence, Norman and Elmer.
Frances Starman Thornton and Josephine Starman Seykora were sisters.

Clifton and Eileen (Gunderson) Thorpe

Eileen Gunderson was born on June 26, 1924. She attended school at Waubun, Mn. After graduation she married Clifton Thorpe on April 29, 1949. He worked with North Star Dairy in Detroit Lakes, Mn and Eileen worked as a church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church and at the Becker County Courthouse in Detroit Lakes, Mn. They were the parents of five children; Nadine (August 18, 1951), Cynthia (December 19, 1952), Brian (September 24, 1955), Annette ( February 14, 1957) and Jennifer ( February 22, 1958).

Albert T. and Jonette (Dorseth) Thorson

Albert Thorvald Thorson was born on February 17, 1900 to Ole and Augusta (Dorseth) Thorson on the family farm in section 26 of Flom township.
Jonnette Dorseth as born to John and Lovise (Carlson) Dorseth on December 6, 1912 at Flom, Mn. She grew up in the town of Flom where her father operated Dorseth’s Hardware Store.
Albert and Jonnette were married on March 20, 1929.
Albert owned and operated a service station in Flom, they also had a Cafe for a period of time and Albert also worked for a gas company selling gas stoves. He then went to work on the Alaskan Highway for a period of time in which he was a timekeeper until 1943 when they moved to International Falls, Mn. In 1963, he retired and they moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Albert and Jonnette were members of Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. They were the parents of two daughters; Lois (Ray Engstrand) and Jeanniane (Laurel Aasgaard).
Albert passed away on July 9, 1979 at the age of 79. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. After his death Jonette continued to live in Detroit Lakes, living the past few years at the Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, Mn.

Alma Helene Thorson

Alma was born on July 10, 1905 at Flom, Mn., to Ole and Augusta (Dorseth) Thorson. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. She grew up on the family farm one mile east of Flom in section 26. She never married and lived her life on the family farm. The last few years she was a resident at the Lutheran Memorial Homes in Twin Valley, due to her health.
Alma had two brothers; Albert and Oscar.
Alma passed away on April 18, 1979 at the age of 73 years. Funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church, with interment in the church cemetery.

Charles Thorson

Charles was born on January 3, 1924, near Flom to Oscar and Stella (Anker) Thorson. He grew up on the family farm in Flom township in section 24, here he attended school, and
graduated from Waubun High School. He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. As a young man Charles worked for area farmers. He began farming on his own on the family farm with his brothers, Eldon and Dennis in 1946. He retired in the late 1980’s from farming but remained living on the farm with his brother Eldon. Due to health he became a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Homes for a short time, before his death.
Charles was a lifetime member of Aspelund and a charter member of the Flom Area Lion’s Club. He had served as the treasurer of that organization since it was founded, and had also been a active member of the Flom Community Club for a number of years. In the past, Charles had been honored as the "Dairyman of the Year."
Charles passed away on February 25, 1991 after a brief illness with cancer. He is buried by his parents at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.

Ole and Augusta (Dorseth) Thorson

Ole Thorson, one of the best-known and most substantial farmers and stockmen of the Flom neighborhood, former assessor of Flom township, former president and present member of the Board of directors of the Flom Creamery Company, former secretary-treasurer of the Flom Mutual Fire Insurance Company and for years regarded as among the most progressive and public -spirited citizens of that community, is a native of the kingdom of Norway, but has been a resident of Minnesota since he was eighteen years of age and of Norman county since the spring of 1886, being therefore very\properly regarded as one of the "old settlers" of this section. He was born at Guldbrandsdalen, in Norway, December 10, 1863, son of Thor and Marit (Walden) Thorson, also natives of that country, who were the parents of three children, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Annie, and a brother, Thorwald. In 1888, a couple of years after Ole Thorson had settled in Norman county, his parents joined him here and the father is still living.
Reared on a farm in his native Norway, Ole Thorson received his schooling in the neighborhood schools and remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, when, in the spring of 1881, he came to the United States and proceeded directly on out in to Minnesota, his objective point being Pope county. There he remained about five years, or until the spring of 1886, when he came on up into the Red River country and became engaged in farming in the township of Flom, in Norman county. Two years later, in 1888, Mr. Thorson bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 26 of that township and, his parents joining him in that year, established his home there. He married in 1892 and has ever since made that place is home, he and his family being very comfortably situated . As he prospered in his operations Mr. Thorson added to his land holdings until now he is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres and has one of the best -equipped farm plants in the Flom neighborhood. In addition to his general farming Mr. Thorson has given considerable attention to dairying and to the raising of live stock and has done very well, long having been recognized as one of the most progressive farmers in that part of the county. He was one of the organizer of the Flom Creamery Company, served as secretary-treasurer and later as president of the same and is still a member of the board of directors of that thriving concern. From 1897 to 1912 he served as secretary -treasurer and as a member of the board of directors of the Flom Mutual Fire Insurance Company and in other ways has given of his time and attention to the general business affairs of his home community. Mr. Thorson also has ever given a good citizen’s attention to the civic affairs of his home county and for four years 1913-1917, served very acceptably as a member of the board of commissioners of Norman county. He also served for seven years as assessor of Flom township and for about twenty years as clerk of his home school district, to the duties of all of these several public offices giving his most thoughtful and intelligent attention.
In 1892 Ole Thorson was united in marriage to Augusta Dorseth, daughter of Andreas Dorseth and wife, and to this union four children have been born, Mina (Christ Lunde), Oscar, Albert, and Alma. The Thorson’s are members of the Lutheran (Synod) church and take an interested part in the various beneficences of the same, as well as in the general good works and social activities of the community in which they live.

TIP FROM 1945: To make your application for your second and third allotment of canning sugar, please return the address slip to which your first stamps were fastened on a written request. Please make the request only by mail. War Price & Rationing Board, Ada.

Oscar and Stella Thorson

Oscar Thorson was born in 1896 to Ole and Augusta (Dorseth) Thorson, in Flom township. Here he was raised to manhood.
Stella Viola Anker was born on May 26, 1900 in Kossuth County, Iowa, to Charles Lewis and Mary Cecilia (Oppedal) Anker. Stella was on of four children born to the Anker’s, her brother’s were Andrew and Elmer and a sister Clara (Wise). Their mother passed away on May 27, 1905, prior to their coming to the Flom area. Charles packed up his family and moved to the Flom area when Stella was eleven years old. It was here they remained.
Oscar and Stella were married on June 28, 1923 and they settled into farming. They lived in section 24 of Flom township. They were active members of Aspelund Lutheran Church, and active in their community.
Oscar passed away in 1946, after his death Stella remained on the farm. He sons having taken the farming opereation over. In the later years of Stella’s life she moved into the Lutheran Memorial Homes in Twin Valley. Stella passed away on May 27, 1985.
Oscar and Stella were the parents of three sons; Charles, Eldon and Dennis. Charles and Eldon took over the farming operation after their father’s death. The farm remains in the Thorson name.

Thorson Brothers

Charles Orlando Thorson as the first born child of Oscar and Stella. He was born on January 3, 1924. He lived on the family farm his whole life and actively farmed with his brother Eldon, until his death on February 25, 1991. He never married. Charles is buried at Aspelund.
Charles was very active in his church and community, having served on various boards which included the Flom Community Club and Flom Area Lion’s.
After Charles’ death Eldon remained on the Farm until 2000 when he moved into the Normandy apartments in Twin Valley, Mn.

Thorvald and Johanne (Kirkeby) Thorson

Thorvald was one of triplets born to Marit and Thor Valden in Gulbrandsdalen, Norway on March 7th, 1872. He came with his parents to America in 1891 and settled in this community. Johanne Kirkeby died on August 30th, 1911 and is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
Thorvald and Johanne were married on December 18th, 1900 in the Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. To this union four daughters were born; Bennett (N.C.) Holm, Mildred (G.O.) Hanson, Myrtle (Reuben) Erickson and Valborg (Ted) Wendt.
When Johanne died she left Thorvold to raise their four daughters. He was not only a kind and loving father, but also took the place of a mother. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn and served on the different church boards of the congregation. He was always interesting in the up building of the community and served on various local and township boards.
During his later years he devoted much of his time to selling insurance and continued doing so until his health failed.
Thorvald died on March 5th, 1947 at the home of his daughter Myrtle Hanson. He is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.

Art and Regina (Strand) Thorstenson

Arthur Harold Thorstenson was born on September 18, 1898 to Hans and Lena Thorstenson at Battle Lake, Mn.
Helga Regina Strand known to all as Reggie was born on May 9, 1904 in Kindred, ND. She graduated from High School in Fargo, ND in 1923. She received her teaching degree and taught school at Colfax, ND for two years and in Hickson, ND for two years.
Art and Reggie were married on February 3, 1931 in St. Cloud, Mn. The owned and operated a grocery store in Flom from 1931 to 1956. They left the Flom area and moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn where they operated the Detroit Music Company for 10 years.
Art died on December 21,1973 and Reggie continued to live in Detroit Lakes, Mn until her death on June 18, 1995. Reggie had been a resident of the Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes since 1994. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn.

Joseph and Ione (Christensen) Tobin

Joseph Patrick Tobin was born on April 7,1923 to Joseph and Minnie (Ramsey) Tobin in Chicago, Illinois. He was baptized in Chicago and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn. He attended school and received a GED. He served his country as a member of the armed forces in the Army.
Ione was born on October 15, 1926 (twin Irene deceased) to William and Selma (Flom) Christensen in Flom. She was baptized at home and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. She went to country schools in the area and after finishing attended one year at Fargo Business College, Fargo, ND.
Joe and Ione were married on December 10, 1949 at Wild Rice. They lived in Home Lake Township in Section 17 and settled on the Christensen home place in section 22 of Flom Township, here they raised their family and farmed. Ione kept busy with the normal activities of a farmer’s wife and mother.
Joe and Ione were the parents of two sons;
Warren J. was born on December 20, 1958 at Ada, Mn. He was baptized in February at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. He graduated from Twin Valley High School and after graduation attended school at UND Grand Forks, ND. graduating in 1973. He served his country by joining the Air Force. Warren married Sally Fischer of East Grand Forks, Mn. They have four children. Patrick, Sarah, Katrina and Joseph.
Terry L. February 15, 1955 was born on he was baptized at Zion in Twin Valley and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. He attended school at Twin Valley where he graduated from High School. After graduation he attended UND where he graduated in 1977. Terry married Diane Houglum from Waubun, Mn. They live in Wahpeton, ND with their two sons, John and Joshua

The Tobias Tollefson Family

Tobias Tollefson was born on a farm in Kvaas, Lyngdal, Vest Agder, Norway on March 9, 1849. He was a son of Tolli and Anne (Tollisdatter Fidjestodl) Olsen Kvaas, farmer’s from Norway who spent their life in their native land. Tobias had two sisters who also emigrated from Norway to America. Anne Oleane (Mrs. Gabriel Peterson Aas) who homesteaded and lived at Sims, North Dakota and Anne Tobine (Mrs. Elias Larson) who also homesteaded at Sims, North Dakota. Anne Tobine Larson is buried in Aspelund Cemetery. Mr. Tollefson was the seventh, in order of birth. in a family of eight children. He was reared on a home farm age of seventeen years he went to sea, and sailed three years, visiting Sweden, England, France, Denmark and Belgium. He came to America at the age of twenty years, settled on a farm in lowa and worked at farm labor there for three years, and then began farming for himself. He continued this for three years and then with an ox team started for Minnesota. Five weeks were consumed on the trip. Upon his arrival in Norman County he entered claim to government land, which is in Section 34 of Flom Township and presently owned by Gerald Lien, and erected a shanty 12 x 14 feet and with oxen began farming the land. It was timber and he and his son, cleared the same of stumps and brought the land to a high state of cultivation.
Prairie fires were numerous, indian disturbances, scares and blizzards were numerous and the property was barely saved on many occasions. The farm consisted of six hundred acres of land, with plenty of timber, pasture and hay land on same. The buildings of the home farm included residence, barn and outbuildings necessary for the comfort of the family and the sheltering of stock and products, and were of substantial nature. Mr. Tollefson moved with his family to Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1892, and resided there five years in order to give his children a liberal education. He had a ten acre tract of land there and from this small acreage netted enough to almost clear expenses of living there.
He returned to the farm in Norman County in 1897 to reside and farmed for many years before retiring to Moorhead.
He was married, in 1872, to Severina Johnson Skeim, a native of lowa. Mrs. Tollefson's father, Andrew Johnson Skeim, was a native of Aurland, Sogn, Norway. Her mother, Gertrude Andersdatter Veum, was also born in Aurland, Sogn, Norway. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tollefson. named as follows: Amanda Josephine, now Mrs. Hans Olson; Theodore; Thea (Gullings) and Selma (Baker).

Even and Anna (Halvorson)Tomtengen.

E. L. (Even) Tomtengen was born in Bire, Norway, on October 30, 1842. He came to this country with his parents as a boy of eight years of age. They settle in Coon prairie, Wis, where he remained for 28 years. While in Wisconsin he kept a store at Esophia, he gave that place it’s name and was it’s first postmaster. He married Anna Halvorson and soon after they were married they left Wisconsin coming to Norman County, where they have resided since.
E. L. has served on various boards and is very involved with his community. Here he served as school and town clerk, and also as county commissioner of the 5th district. He lead a good and useful life. He was a good husband, a kind father and an obliging neighbor.
E. L. died on Setpember 3, 1906 funeral services were conducted by Rev. Vaaler.

Hans E. and Anne (Volden) Tomtengen

Hans E. Tomtengen was born in September 1865 to Even and Annie Tomtengen in West Vernon County, Wisconsin. As a young boy Even immigrated with his parents to the United States from Birid, Norway in 1850. They first settled in Dane County, Wisconsin. In 1852, they went to Vernon County, Wisconsin where they lived until the came to the Flom area in Norman County, MN in 1878.
Anne was born on December 11th, 1872 to Erland Grassletten and Anne Volden at Sondre Fron, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 18, coming to the Flom area. On August 10th, 1892 she was united in marriage to Hans E. Tomtengen. They farmed in Flom Township in Section 33, until her husbands death on March 4th, 1922. After that she moved into Twin Valley in 1923 and resided there until she went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Elenora (Ben) Flilipi at Tabor, Mn. The spring of 1945 she moved with them to Fisher, Mn where she lived until her death.
Anne Tomtengen had a happy and sunny disposition and was beloved by all who knew her. Her collection of Norwegian poems was a beautiful testimony of her faith in her Lord and Savior.
Hans and Anne were the parents of two daughters; Elenora Amalia (Filipi) was born on September 4th, 1893. She married Benjamine Flilipi. Elenora died on January 8th, 1990 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, Mn. Alice E. (Hadland) was born on November 5th, 1895. See Ole and Alice Hadland.
Hans died on March 4th, 1922 and Anne died on September 27th, 1945. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom, MN.

Lorraine (Christensen) Trevelyan

Lorraine Henrietta Christensen was born on January 14, 1924 to Pete and Mary (Olsen) Christensen. Lorraine was named after her uncle Henry Christensen who was killed in WW I near Lorraine France on September 25, 1918. Her sister Viola was the one who picked out her name in honor of Uncle Henry.
Lorraine attended school at Sunny Hill and graduated from Twin Valley High School She then went to Chicago to the Chicago School of Nursing and graduated from there as a Registered Nurse. Lorraine worked at hospitals in Chicago, California and Washington.
She married Ralph Trevelyan on February 22, 1957 and they lived in Seattle, Washington. Here Lorraine worked at the Abbott Children’s Hospital, until she retired. Ralph passed away in 1972 and is buried in the state of Washington. Lorraine moved back to this area in 1986. On August 12, 1988 she married Melvin Vik, they resided in Mahnomen, Mn. Lorraine passed away in 1995 and is buried in the Mahnomen Cemetery on the east west side of town.

Halvor and Aslaug (Ellingsdatter) Tveitstulen

Halvor was born in Hjartdal parish, Telernark, Norway in 1816 on the Tveitstulen farm near the Ab0 farm. In 1844 Halvor married Aslaug Ellingsdatter - 7 years after Aslaug's older brother Christian married Halvor's sister Kari. In 1860 Christian and Kari sailed on the Amelia to Quebec and settled in Boone Co. Illinois. In 1862, Halvor, Aslaug, Aslaug's mother Helge, and 6 children probably sailed on the Amelia heading to Quebec. At sea, Helge and 1 of the children died resulting in a party of 7 that settled near Christian and Kari in Boone County. I imagine the 2 farnilies wrote to each other and Helge dreamed of seeing America - but typhoid occurred on the Ameila in 1862 resulting in many deaths and failed dreams.
Little Halvor (age 1) died in Jefferson Prairie in 1862. In 1864 Anna (who became the wife of John Vangness) was born while the family was still in the Boone County area. Needed more land and better opportunity, the family moved in 1864 to Freeborn County. ln 1869 another child 14 year old Helge died in Freeborn County. By this time, Aslaug's brother and 2 of his children were also living in Freeborn County as neighbors.
The last child Ingeborg was born in 1867 (who became the wife of Ingebrit Kvidt) and the oldest son Torbjorn married in 1873. Grasshoppers were prevalent from 1872-1876 so again the family was forced to move this time because of mother nature. Ragnild and Gilbert Hogenson the niece and nephew to Aslaug were homesteading in Wild Rice township and so the Halvor Tveitstulen family moved in 1876 to the then Polk County and homesteaded 160 acres in 1883 in section 26 of Wild Rice Township. Here they finished raising there family and both spouses and there children were well liked and were friends to all.
Halvor died 11/22/1910 and Aslaug died 3/13/1914 and both are buried in the Twin Valley Cemetery. One sad note was that of the total of 9 children, 4 were males. 2 boys died in 1862 and even though the other 2 boys married, no offspring were born to the male lineage leaving this Tveitstulen name to become nonexistent. The 3 girls who made it to adulthood did ma'Ty and had 8 (Mrs Hans Urdahl), 6 (Anna Vangness), and 8 ( Mrs. lngebrit Kvidt) children respectively.
By Richard Line

Olaf and Alpha (Olson) Tveten

Olaf Tveten was born on November 13, 1897 in Norway, where he grew up and attended school. At the age of 17, he moved to the United States. He first worked in the Crookston area where he worked on several farms and attended school. He came to the Flom area later and worked at the bank as a cashier. Olaf had one sister Sigrid (Nymoen) who remained in Norway and one brother Hans.
Alpha Olson was born on May 8, 1996 to Hans and Amanda (Tollefson) Olson. She had two brothers; Guy and Arnold and four sisters; Myrtle (Oscar Kindseth), Anna (Solberg), Dora (Larson) and Selma (Tveten).
Olaf and Alpha were married on October 26, 1924, near Flom. During their first years of marriage they left the area and lived at Sand Creek, Montana where they were active in farming until 1937, when they left Montana and returned to the Flom area. Here they purchased a farm in Mahnomen County where they remained. Olaf not only farmed but was know for his raising of goats. They retired from farming in 1984.
Olaf passed away on September 19, 1986 and Alpha passed away on May 8, 1996. They are both buried at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn.
Olaf and Alpha were the parents of four children; Lowell, Omar, Allan and Beulah (Albert Prestrude).

Albert and Dora (Johnson) Underdahl

Albert John Underdahl was born to Elling and Annie (Benson) Underdahl, on October 15, 1892, on a farm north of Flom. Here he grew up and attended Sunny Hill School. He was baptized and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. As a young man he worked in a sawmill at Faith, Mn, before entering the United States Army during World War I. After military service, he returned to the Twin Valley area and on March 11, 1924, he married Dora Johnson in Twin Valley.
They resided near Faith, Mn for a time before moving to Virginia, Mn where he worked in the mines for a few years. They returned to the Twin Valley area, where he helped his brother, Clarence, with the farming operation for about six years. Dora died in May 1937. After her death Albert moved to International Falls, Mn, where he worked for M & O Paper Mill in the storeroom, retiring in 1959.
In 1962 Albert moved to Fairmont, Mn where he resided until 1966. He lived in Minneapolis until the early 1980’s, when he moved to Onamia, where he was a resident of Mille Lacs Nursing Home.
Albert died on August 1, 1989 at the age of 96. Funeral services were held at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn with interment in the church cemetery.
Albert and Dora were the parents of Doris (Ray Freeberg), Betty ( Michael Lovejoy) and Ardell.

Alfred J. and Alice (Lukas Stundahl) Underdahl

Alfred was born on October 6, 1882 to Johannes and Kristi Underdahl, near Lanesboro, Minnesota. He grew up in that area and came to this vicinity as a young man. He helped his mother farm the home farm for several years. He attended rural school and was confirmed in the Wild Rice Lutheran church on June 5, 1898.
Alice Cecelia Stundahl was born in 1909 to John Lukas and Sophie Stundahl, in Moorhead, Mn. She was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in Moorhead and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn. She made her home with her Grandfather Sjur Stundahl and Uncle Carl after the death of her mother. Here she attended rural schools in the area. Alice was active in her church in the ALCW, she loved to sing and knew many hymns.
Alfred and Alice were married on February 18, 1935 at Moorhead, Mn. After their marriage they resided on the farm in Flom township for several years. He was also employed in a elevator in Berthold, ND for a short time. In 1948 he and his wife moved to Fossum townshipand resided there for 18 years. It was their home until the time of his death. Besides farming in this area he also worked for the County Highway Department erecting and removing snow fences in the vicinity. Alfred was the last surviving member of his family. He died on April 19, 1966, and Alice passed away on September 29, 1971.
Alfred had one daughter Lila (Wayne Howe)



Arthur and Frieda (Klefler) Underdahl

Frieda Klefler was born on August 12, 1902 at Minneapolis, Mn to Henry and Augusta (Janke) Klefler. The family moved to Virginia, Mn and then to Kensal, ND where she graduated from High School. She taught school in North Dakota and then moved back to Virginia, Mn.
Art and Frieda were married on April 10, 1926 at Virginia. They moved to the Flom area where they were active in farming and then operated a store in Fertile, Mn. They moved to Twin Valley for one year before moving to a farm east of Twin Valley, where they remained until their retirement. After retiring they moved into Twin Valley, Mn where they remained. Frieda entered the Lutheran Memorial Retirement Center and resided there her last three years. Art passed away in 1976 and Frieda passed away on April 2, 1991 , they are buried at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Frieda was active in her church and community. Frieda also taught school in Twin Valley in the 1940’s.
Art and Frieda were the parents of; Delores (Kearney Buckel), Carol (Robert Awender) and two children who proceeded her in death; Joyce and Darrell.

Elling and Anna (Benson) Underdahl

Elling was born on February 4, 1864 in Sogn, Norway to John and Christina Underdahl. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith in his native land. He came with his parents to American when he was two years old. They settled first in Fillmore county and it was here that Elling was confirmed. At the age of 19 he came to Twin Valley, Mn and settled on a farm in Flom with his parents.
Anna Benson was born in Steele County, Mn in 1876. She came to Becker County, Mn at the age of five with her parents. Her brothers were: August Benson who lived by Faith and Hans Benson of Mahnomen.
Elling married Annie Benson on December 28, 1891. They were the parents of Albert, Elmer, Clarence, Orlin, Lloyd , Clarence, Ruth, Stella, Esther, and Bernice.
Clarence was born in 1894 and died in 1895, Bernice was born in 1914 and died on January 15, 1915. They are buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Lloyd and Pearl (Burns) Underdahl

Lloyd Abner Underdahl was born on November 18, 1911 in Twin Valley, Mn to Elling and Annie (Benson) Underdahl.
He grew up and attended school in rural Flom, having attend country school at Sunny Hill. After completing his education he went to International Falls, Mn where he worked in the Paper Mill. In 1944 he came back to the area and settle near Gary, Mn on a farm. In began operating the Happy Hour Tavern in Ada, Mn in 1946 and in 1948 he owned the Studebaker Garage in Ada, Mn. He also sold Nashes and Crosley cars. He purchased and operated the Anthony Store in 1950 and moved to Halstad in 1963 where he owned and operated the Variety Store until his retirement in 1979.
He was a member of the Halstad Lutheran Church, the Sons of Norway at Halstad and for over 50 years he was the leader of the Lloyd DeBoy and His Orchestra.
Lloyd married Pearl Burns on December 23, 1933 at International Falls, Mn. They were the parents of; Boyd, David, Myrna (Duane Thornton) and Pamela (Charles Gunnerson). Three children proceeded him in death they were: Dennis Roy who was born in 1941 and died on November 30, 1941 at the age of six months. Carlisle Shirley was born in 1937 and died on August 20, 1941. She died from encephalitis at the age of three. Baby Underdahl was born on February 11, 1951 and only lived for five minutes. All three children are buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.
Lloyd passed away on May 22, 1988. Funeral services were held at Halstad Lutheran Church with interment at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Einar and Martha C. (Urdahl) Urdahl

Einar was born in Aurland, Sogn, Norway in 1866. He emigrated from Norway in 1882. He married Martha C. Urdahl in 1893. They lived in Section 9 of Flom Township. Both Einar and Martha are buried in Zion Cemetery in Twin Valley, Minnesota.
To them were born two children, Eva, who was married to Joe Juve and Selmer, who was married to Elvina Dyrdahl.
Selmer and Elvina had the following children:
Einar, who was born in the Brenden log house in Flom; Dennis, Howard, David, Eidor, Orla (Brusven), Eva Urdahl, Zella (Wierneke), Betty (Anderson), Joan Kosovik and Eva Laurele (Quirk)
Selmer and a friend owned a cafe/butcher shop in Flom at one time. Selmer and his wife Elvina are buried at the Badger Cemetery in Badger, Minnesota.


Erick G. and Randi Urdahl

Erick was born in Aurland, Sogn, Norway on October 24, 1841 to Gjert Eriksen Vikesland Urdahl and Marta Toraldsdatter Prestegaard Urdahl. He married Randi and to them ten children were born.
Oscar, Lars, Gjert, Erick, Emil, Theodore, Mrs. J. Kirkeby, Mrs. Albert Kirkeby, Mrs. Einar Urdahl and Minnie Urdahl. He also had the following siblings: Torald, Jens, Hans, Margretta Kvidt and Martha Qual.
Randi was also born in Norway. She immigrated to America as a young girl. She lived in southern Minnesota before moving to Norman County. They lived five miles east of Twin Valley.
Erick died in 1925 and Randi died in 1915. Both are buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.

Jens Gjertsen Prestegaard and Thuri (Thorpe) Urdahl

Jens Gjertsen was born in Aurland Sogn, Norway on May 16, 1838 to Gjert Eriksen Vikesland and Marta Toraldsdatter Prestegaard, the name was changed to Urdahl. He married Thuri Thorpe in Norway and they later emigrated from Norway to America and homesteaded in Flom Township.
They donated 160 acres of land and buildings and $1,500 in money to build an orphan’s home in the year of 1898. The land and buildings were located east of Twin Valley, near the Wild Rice Church. The place today is across the road from Ernie’s Repair in Fossum.
The following child was born to them: Mathilda.
Jens died in 1904 and Thur died in 1899. Both are buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Knute and Manda (Thompson) Urdahl

Knute Urdahl was born in Norway on July 6, 1898. He came to America and Norman County with his parents when he was eight years old. They family settled in section 17 of Flom township, and it was here he grew to manhood.
Manda Thompson was born on December 21, 1882 on the family farm in Flom township, the daughter of Knute and Anne Thompson. Manda was baptized in 1883 and confirmed in 1898 at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. She grew up here and attended country school. She furthered her education at Grand Forks, ND at the business college there.
She married Knute Urdahl on June 30, 1903 at the Wild Rice Church. In her role as a pioneer housewife sha also did a lot of knitting and crocheting. She was a great conversationalist and had a pleasing personality. She was a Life Member of the Wild Rice ALCW.
Knute passed away on February 10, 1958 and Manda passed away on November 13, 1979 at the age of 96 years. They are both buried at Wild Rice Cemetery.
They were the parents of seven children; Kenneth, Monroe, Monroe (2) Clarbelle (Bertsch), Constance, Irene (Salisbury) and Mildred (Iverson).



Thorald and Kjestina (Liven) Urdahl

Thorald and Kjestina Urdahl came to Flom Township approximately in the year 1886 from Sogn, Norway, and settled on the farrn south of the Wild Rice Churcb on the east side of the road, later purchasing land in Section 17 of Flom Township. They built a log house there which is still in use. To this marriage, six children were born, namely, Martha, Anna, Lena, Bertha, Gjert, and Knute.
Gjert Urdahl homesteaded near Flaxville, Montana, but returned to Twin Valley, Minnesota, to spend his retirement. He never married and especially enjoyed his nieces and nephews. He died in 1930.
Martha married Hans Mollerstuen and to this union eleven children were born, namely, Tideman, Oscar, Bella, Harry, Stina, Agnes, Mabel, Benny, George, Johnny and Elvin.
Anna married Andrew Anderson and also lived near Flaxville. They had five children, namely, Cora, Nettie, Belle, Richard, and Orville.
Lena was married to August Brenden in 1896. They also had five children, namely Inanda, Thomas, Casper, Alice and Loyal. They homesteaded near Scobey, Montana.
Bertha married Nels Duckstad and the following girls were born to them, Constance Myrtle, Valda, Phyliss and another. They lived at Columbus, North Dakota.
All of Thorald and Kjestina Urdahl's children, except Bertha and Knute, homesteaded in the area around Flaxville, Montana. Knute farmed in that area for four years from 1914-1918 on the farm commonly known as "Old Orville." Then he returned to Flom Township and resumed farming on the home farm. Knute Urdahl married Manda Thompson June 30, 1903. Seven children came to bless this home, twin girls, Constance and Clarabelle, Kenneth, Irene, Monroe, Mildred and Monroe. Constance died while still an infant and the first Monroe died at the age of two years.
Clarbelle married Frank Bertsch and Irene married Cy Salisbury. They are both retired and live at Hayward, California. Kenneth married Winona Nilson and they reside at Jamestown, North Dakota, where they have made their home since 1948. Mildred married Gerald Iverson and presently lives in Mahnomen Minnesota, and Monroe married Juliette Aasgeard and they live on the home farm, the third generation living in the same home built by Thorald and Kjestina Urdahl.
All of Thorald Urdahl's children have died. Knute died in 1958, and his wife Manda died in 1979. Both are buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Andrew and Gunda (Flom) Uvaas

Gunda Petrina Flom was born on January 16, 1888, at Flom, Mn.,to Elling and Oliane (Ellingstuen) Flom. She attended elementary school at Flom and then went to Oak Grove Seminary, Fargo, ND. She was confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, Mn.
Andrew and Gunda were married on May 29, 1918 by the Rev. J.R. Vaaler. They moved to Amidon, ND where they lived until their deaths. They had no children. Gunda passed away on December 16, 1952 at Bowman, ND. funeral services were held in ND and we assume she is buried there.
Andrew and Caroline (Green) Vange

Andrew O. Vange was born to Ole Johnson and Brita (Lassesdatter Vikoren) Vange in Vik Sogne, Norway. He came as a small child with his parents to the States. He was raised in Section 25 of Flom Township on the family farm.
Caroline Marie Green was born on February 12th, 1889 to Ole and Ingeborg Svastnen Green.
Andrew and Caroline were married in 1912 at Audubon. The were the parents of nine children.
Edith married Emmet Meyer and they lived in the Ogema prairies and Detroit Lakes area. Both are deceased and buried in Detroit Lakes. They had four children. Darlene, Wayne, Leroy and Lorraine.
Knute was born on June 16th, 1915. He never married. Knute died on March 8th, 1991 and is buried at Aspelund, Flom.
Ovidia married William Martinson and lived in the Detroit Lakes area. They were both employed in Detroit Lakes and were the parents of eleven children. Both are deceased and buried in Detroit Lakes. Helen, Arlene, Esther, Douglas, Carol, Robert, Marilyn, Judy, David, Dale and Dean.
Beata: See Rudolph and Beata Braaten
Edward was born on August 24th, 1920. Edward served in World War II and then again in the 1950’s. Edward never married. He is deceased and is buried at Aspelund, Flom.
Clara married Glen Hendrickson (deceased) she continues to live in the Minneapolis area. They had four children, Larry, Janice, Byron and Bryan.
Clarence married Dorothy Becker of Callaway. They lived in section 25 of Flom Township (family farm) where they were active in farming. They moved to the Detroit Lakes area where he continues to live. They are the parents of three children, Lawrence, Donna and Irene.
Arnold married Donna Hendrickson and they lived in Detroit Lakes. He is deceased and is buried in Detroit Lakes.
A baby was born to Andrew and Caroline on September 11th, 1923 and died on September 14th, 1923 and is buried in Aspelund, Flom.
Andrew died in 1949 and Caroline died in 1952. Both are buried at Aspelund Cemetery.

Edward Vange

Edward M. Vange was born on the home farm in section 25 of Flom township, to Andrew and Caroline Vange. He grew up here and received his education in Flom.
He farmed on the home farm in rural Flom until entering the service during WW II. He re-enlisted and served during the Korean Conflict. After he was discharged he came back to the Flom area and farmed, later in the Lake Park area. He moved to Detroit Lakes, Mn in the mid 1960’s where he worked for the City Parks Dept. He later worked for the Swift Turkey Plant there until retiring in 1983. He never married.
Edward died on June 23, 1995 at his home in Detroit Lakes, Mn. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom.

Ole and Brita (Lassedatter Vikoren) Vange

Ole Vange Sr. was born to John Markusson Vange and Kari Pedersdatter Stadheim on Vange, Vik, Sogne Norway. He was born on May 10th, 1846.
Brita was born on February 2nd 1842 to Lasse Erikson Malsnes/Vikoren and Barbra Nilsdatter Vikoren in Vik, Sogne, Norway. Vik is located along the Sogne Fjord.
Ole and Brita were married on December 29th, 1867 in Norway. They came to the Flom area and settle in section 25 in April 1886. Along with them they brought their three children, Andrew who was born on August 9th, 1869, Ole Jr. who was born on February 22, 1879 and a daughter Christina (Wallstrom). Here they were active in farming. Children born to them after they arrived in the states were Peder, John, Elling and Hans.
Ole Jr. never married and is buried at the Aspelund Cemetery, Flom. Ole Sr. died on March 21st, 1934 and Brita died on July 8th, 1926. They are both buried at the Aspelund Cemetery.

Dennis and Brenda (Gunderson) Vangrud

Brenda Noreen Gunderson was born on August 12, 1947. She attended school at Ulen, Mn and went on to Moorhead State University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school in Fargo, ND. Brenda married Dennis Vangrud on June 20, 1970 at Atlanta Lutheran Church, rural Ulen, Mn. Dennis was employed by NW Bell of Omaha, NE, he is now retired. Brenda currently works for a Food Service.
Brenda and Dennis are the parents of three sons; Daniel, Dale and Adam.
Daniel Joseph was born on June 6, 1972. He went to school at Omaha, Neb and is currently employed as an Electrician. Dale Allen was born on May 17, 1977. He graduated from Omaha High School and is an Electrician. Adam Lee was born on November 25, 1980. He graduated from Omaha High School.

Olaf A. Verdahl

Olaf Adolph Verdahl was born July 17, 1902 in Goodhue County, near Kenyon, Mn., to Halvor and Ellen (Solberg) Verdahl. He came to the Flom area with his parents in 1914. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith in Goodhue County and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran church, rural Flom, Mn. Olaf grew up on the farm and attended rural schools near Flom. Olaf and his brother farmed the family farm until 1965. Olaf never married.
In 1917 due to failing health he moved into Twin Valley, Mn and made his home with his sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Lars Prestegord.
In September 1974, Olaf became a resident of the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home, in Twin Valley.
Olaf had a special interest in cattle and horses that served him well on his years on the farm and that stayed with him throughout his life. He always enjoyed being with his family and friends and in later years, he especially liked to visit at the Senior Citizens gatherings at Flom and the Wild Rice pancake supper each fall.
Olaf passed away on November 16, 1989 at the Lutheran Memorial Home in Twin Valley, funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn with internment in the church cemetery.

Edwin R. Veum

Edwin Veum was born on a farm in Flom Township, December 27, 1891 the son of Elling and Ragnild Veum. He was baptized and confirmed in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Ulen, Mn. He grew up on the farm and attended rural school in that area. He was one of fourteen children born to the Veum’s.
He had never married and was the last surviving member of the Elling Veum family at the time of his death.
Besides doing farm work almost all his life, he was also employed by the Olson Seed Company in Moorhead, Mn for several yeas. Because of his heath he had been a resident of the Jones Retirement Center in Moorhead for the last few years. He was survived by several nieces and nephews.

Lars and Dorthea (Lee) Vigum

Lars Vigum was born on April 20, 1872, at Trondheim, Norway, the son of Johann and Beret Vigum. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and spent his youth in Norway. He attended religious schools and served in the Norwegian Army. He came to America in 1;893 at the age of 21 years.
He married Dorthea Lee on October 18, 1905, at Fertile, Mn. They resided on a farm at Roseau for 8 years, then on farms in Mahnomen and Norman counties, before moving to Fossum township in 1935. He had been a resident of the Pioneer Rest Home since January 28, 1962.
Lars was actively engaged in farming and raising horses for many years. He had been a member of Ness Lutheran church for 22, years, Wild Rice Lutheran Church for 10 years and had served as custodian at Ness for 8 years. He is the last living member of the Johann Vigum family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Lars and Dorthea were the parents of one son; Oscar and one daughter; Hannah (Theodore) Skare of Gary.

Melvin and Ruby (Christensen) Vik

Ruby Pearl was born on July 16, 1916 in Norman County, Mn., to Pete and Mary (Olsen) Christensen. She attended school in the area and after completing her education she married Leonard Erickson (divorced). To this union one son was born; Alan on October 14, 1935, in Flom township. Alan died at the age of 20 years and is buried at Mahnomen, Mn.
Ruby married Melvin Vik of Mahnomen on October 5, 1947 at Washington State. They moved to Downey Ca. where Melvin worked fo Edison Electric and Ruby was a housewife. In the 1970’s they retired and moved back to Mahnomen, Mn. Rugy died in July 1984, Melvin continued living in Mahnomen. Ruby is buried in the Mahnomen, Cemetery.

Anne Teoline (Olson) Vinger

Anne was 37 years at the time of her death, (1866-1903). She had one daughter, Ruth Stolen. Anne passed away when Ruth was five years of age. Ruth was then taken in as a foster child by Christian and Mathea Engebretson. Ruth later married Oscar Skansgaard.
Anne Teoline had one brother, Hans Olson and a sister Tumina (Peter) Baukol, living in this area. Tobias Tollefson was also her uncle. Anna was born in Kvas, Lyngdal, Vest Agder Norway and is buried at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.

William and Mary (Johnson) Voltz

William "Bill" H. Voltz was born on August 18, 1885, near Hope, North Dakota, in Griggs county to Herman and Doris (Rust)Voltz. He grew up on the farm and was baptized and confirmed in German, and also attended German parochial schools, as well as country school.
In 1911 he was united in marriage to Mary Johnson and they then made their home near Hillsboro, ND., where they farmed for several years. Mary passed away on July 15, 1922. After her death Bill lived with his sons and daughters for some time before coming to the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, Mn, because of his age and failing health.
Bill and Mary were the parents of: Marian "Bud" Voltz, Clayton, Evelyn (Dowell) and Dorothy (see Boyd and Dorothy Johnson).
Bill is buried at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, Mn.

Charles and Cora (Westby) Waller

Charles Aldus Waller was born on May 12, 1917 to John and Sophia (Weum) Waller. He grew up in the Flom area where he attended school. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom, Mn. Following his graduation from Twin Valley High School in 1935 he attended NW School of Agriculture at Crookston, Mn. He returned to the Flom area where he worked for area farmers.
Charles and Cora were married at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom on June 1, 1941. Cora was the daughter of Julius and Helene (Lovlien) Westby.
They farmed south of Flom in Walworth township, Becker county, in section 21. Charles retired from farming in 1980, at this time their son Jerry took over the farming operation. Charles and Cora also owned and operated the Norwegian Maid Lefse factory at Ulen, Mn. They also opened their heart to 17 foster children from 1962 until the late 1970’s.
Charles and Cora were active members of their church and community. Cora was active in the Ladies Aid and Circles and taught Sunday School.
Charles having served on the church board and on the Walworth town board. He was a active member in the local Farm Bureau and a charter member of the Ulen Clinic building, serving as treasurer for some time. Charles and Cora were involved in the Walworth 4-H club and this proved to be a vital part in their lives and their children’s. Charles was a member of 4-H from his youth to adulthood. They were also members of the Ulen Rescue Squad.
Charles passed away on January 6, 1995 at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, Mn. He is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery.
After his death Cora remained on the farm where she resides today.
Charles and Cora were the parents of four children; Jerry, Charlotte, Diane, and Mary Lou.

James and Nina (Erickson) Waller

James Stanley Waller was born on June 26, 1912 to John and Ingeborg (Sophie Veum) Waller. At the age of eight years he moved with his family to the farm east of Twin Valley. He attended country school in that area. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Flom.
James married Nina Erickson on June 20, 1043, near Twin Valley, Mn. After their marriage they made their home on the family farm in section 1 of Home Lake township.. They eventually took over the operation of the farm from his parents. They retired in 1975 and moved into Twin Valley, Mn.
Even in his retirement Jim continued to help with the farming operation. Their son Ron took over the operation upon their retirement.
James remained a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church until it closure. At this time He and Nina became members of Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, Mn. James was avid reader and enjoyed visiting with his family and friends.
James died on April 12, 1995 at Dakota Hospital in Fargo, ND. Interment was made at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
James and Nina are the parents of Ron, Sharon (Danny Buckle) and Sylvia (Merlyn Olson).

John C. and Ingeborg (Veum) Waller

John Clarence Waller was born on September 5, 1884 in Flom township, the son of Ole and Mary Waller, He was baptized in the Lutheran faith, and confirmed in the Norsk Lutheran church, Ulen, by Rev. Dale.
Sofie Ingeborg Veum was born on March 29, 1885 in Minnesota.
John and Sofie Ingeborg (Veum)were married on December 20, 1906, at Ada. They resided in Flom township for fifteen years, then moved to Home Lake township where they resided for several years. In 1946 they moved to Twin Valley, Mn. John had farmed in this community all his life, he had also served on the rural school board and the Twin Valley Creamery board for many years. The Shipping Assn board for twenty five years. He was on the board of trustees and a member of Immanuel Lutheran church all his life.
John passed away on April 9, 1964 in Twin Valley, Mn, and Ingeborg on April 5, 1958, they are both buried at Immanuel Cemetery, rural Flom, Mn.
They were the parents of Ruben, James, Charles and Gladys (Morris Bredman). One son Onil Edmore Waller was born on February 19, 1909 and passed away in 1922, he is also buried at Immanuel.

Ole Olsen and Oliane (Pedersdatter) Waller

John Clarence Waller's parents were Ole Olsen Waller who born was on May 13, 1850 in Skinfilli in Hvebert, Grue, Hedmark, Norway. He died in 1919 in Norman Co. Mn. He immigrated 1868. His parents were: Ole Olsen Skinfelli Waller who was born on November 28, 1810 in Aurbaekholen far in Moystad Grue Parish, Hedmark, Norway. His mother was Oliane Pedersdtr born in June 1811 in Grue parish, Hedmark, Norway. Ole Olsen Waller married Ingeberg (Emma) Austin who was born on November 16, 1852 in Wi. They were married in 1874 and were the parents of Esther Waller born in Polk Co Mn, Albert Oscar Waller born on January 4, 1875 in Polk Co. Mn., Fred Waller born January 1877 in Polk Co. Mn, Austin O. Waller born in June 1879 in Polk Co., Mn., Lena Waller born 1882, John Clarence Waller born on September 4, 1884 in Minnesota, and Willie Helmer Waller born on Augut 10, 1888 in Flom twp, Norman Co, Mn.

Ole and Ingeberg (Austin) Waller

Ole Waller having emigrated from Norway, came to Norman County in 1878; homesteading in section 18 near Frenchman's Bluff. southeast of Twin Valley, in what is now part of Flom Township.
In 1881 Flom Township was organized and Ole was elected Moderator.
He was a Charter Member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church which was organized in 1878. Services were held in the school houses for nine years.
Mrs. Waller, whose maiden name was Ingeberg Austin, helped organize the Immanuel Lutheran Ladies Aid.
Mr. and Mrs. Waller had seven children: Albert, Fred, Esther, Austin, Lena, John and Willie, all of whom are now deceased.
Due to failing eyesight Ole left the farming to a son and moved to Twin Valley in 1908 where he lived until his death.
There were thirty-one grandchildren. several of whom still live in Norman County.
By Mrs. Marths Bjerke 1976

Ruben and Dorothy (Hall) Waller

Ruben Ingvald Waller was born on October 22, 1910 in Flom township, the son of John and Ingeborg Waller. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith as a young child. He attended country school in Home Lake township. As a young man he worked on area farms for several years.
Ruben and Dorothy (Hall) were married on December 5, 1934 on a farm near Twin Valley, Mn. They made their first home at the Wild Rice Children’s Home where Ruben was employed. After this they moved to a farm east of Twin Valley, where they lived for several years. Tuben also worked in the frain elevator construction business for 12 years. They semi-retired in 1958 and returned to Twin Valley, Mn.
Ruben was a past member of Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Flom, Mn., and was currently a member at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn.
Ruben and Dorothy were the parents of; R. Duane, Janice (Donald Fassbender) and one infant son who was born and died on November 18, 1935 and is buried at Immanuel.
Ruben passed away on March 2, 1985 and Dorothy passed away in 1980. After her death he was a resident at the Lutheran Memorial Homes in Twin Valley. They are both buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom.

Willie and Ella (Tomtengen) Waller

Ella was born on September 25, 1891 near Twin Valley, Mn where she grew up and attended schools. She was a telephone operator for many years.
Wille and Ella were married on June 18, 1916 at Ada, Mn. They were the parents of three sons; Wallie, Clayton and Wayne.
Ella passed away at Fargo, ND on June 3, 1969 at the age of 77 years. Funeral services were held at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, Mn.



Timothy and Julie (Houglum) Waterbury

Julie was born on February 3, 1958 and was adopted by Joe and Gladys Houglum when she was six months old. Julie was also born in Minneapolis, Mn. Julie attended school at Waubun and graduated in 1976. She was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom. After graduation she attended Detroit Lakes Tech, in DL, Mn. She married Charles Howard on July 9, 1977 (divorced) at Aspelund. Julie and Charles have two daughters; Stacy Lynn ( 9/31/1979) and Lora Ann (1/2/1981). Stacy and Lora are both graduates of Moorhead High School. Stacy wors at Hampton Inn in Fargo, ND and has a daughter Jazmine Lynn Joe Howard. Lora lives in Minneapolis, Mn and works for Wells Fargo. Julie lives in rural Moorhead, Mn, she is married to Timothy Waterbury. Julie works at Eventide Nursing Home.

Odin and Nora (Buchholz) Wermager

Odin Teron Wermager was born on January 28, 1896 on a farm near Gary, Mn. He was the son of Ole and Tilla Wermager. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Petri Lutheran Church, rural Gary. He grew up on the farm and attended country schools. He was one of eleven children born to Ole and Tilla; Gyda (Benny Buchholz), Clara (Everson), Ruth (Ben Johnson), Carl, Clarence, Walter, and Miles. Two brothers and one sister proceeded him in death, we don’t have their names.
On April 27, 1918 he was united in marriage to Nora Buchholz at the home of her parents near Gary, Mn. They resided in several areas during their married life; Fertile, Gary, Waubun, Ada, Twin Valley and Flom, Mn., also Froid and Kalispell in Montana. In these areas he was engaged either in farming or in sales work. He sold farm machinery and equipment for many years, sold used cars, bough and sold horses as a special hobby and operated a livery stable for some time.
Odin and Nora were the parents of; Harold, Roger, Douglas, Donald, Audrey (Parisian), Thelma ( James McDermot), Helen (Lindberg/Malmskog),Norma (Marvin "Monday" Peterson), and Janice (Chandler Mickelson).
Odin passed away on March 23, 1977, funeral services were held at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, Mn.

C. Robert and Sylvia (Huseby) Westby

Clarence Robert Westby was born on January 24, 1909 at Madison, SD. He was baptized at Madison, SD. At the age of two his mother passed away. When he was six (1915) years old his family moved coming to this area. He was confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. His education was received from District 54 country school in Walworth Township, Becker County, Mn.
Sylvia Huseby was born on February 19, 1914 at Home Lake Township, by Twin Valley, Mn. She was baptized at home and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. He attended country school at Woodland Nook in Norman County.
Robert and Sylvia were married on October 10, 1934. They took up farming in Walworth Township where they remained until they retired and moved to Ulen, MN. Their grandson Dwight and Mary Beth Fevig took over the farm and live there today.
Robert kept busy with the tasks of being a farmer but in his spare time he enjoyed doing wood working. Sylvia enjoys sewing and baking and decorating cakes. Robert passed away on January 4, 2001 at Viking Manor, Ulen, Mn and is buried at Bethlehem North Cemetery, Ulen, Mn. Sylvia continues to live in Ulen.
Robert and Sylvia were the parents of one daughter; Emelyn Sophie Westby was born on September 20, 1936. She was baptized at home and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church. She attended country school at District 54 and then went to Ulen, where she graduated in 1954. After graduation she worked at J. C. Penney’s in Detroit Lakes, MN., and after her marriage to David Fevig she became to bookkeeper for their business, she is now retired. Emelyn married David Fevig on November 24, 1955 at Aspelund. David owned and operated Fevig Oil Company of Ulen, Mn up until his retirement at which point his son Doyle took it over. David passed away on January 8, 1996. Emelyn and David were the parents of three children;
Dwight born on October 13, 1957 in Virginia Mn. He married Mary Beth Moe on November 27, 1976. They live on the Westby family farm where they have raised their three children; Jason, Joshua and Jenna.
Ellen was born on January 9, 1960 in Detroit Lakes, Mn. She married Greg Zillmer on November 24, 1979. They live on a farm northwest of Ulen, Mn where they have raised their two daughters; Jessica and Megan.
Doyle was born on July 23, 1964 at Detroit Lakes, Mn. He married Wendy Herzog on December 18, 1983. They live in Felton, Mn. Doyle bought out his father’s business, Fevig Oil Co. in 1995. They have two children; Alex and Jordan.

Julius and Helen (Lovlin) Westby

Julius was born on January 7, 1877 in Decorah, Iowa. He had one brother Anthon and a sister Clara (Larson).
Helen Lovlin was born to Mr and Mrs Andrew Lovlin on December 9, 1880, at Madison, SD. She spent her youth there and attended elementary schools there, later she attended a special school for tailoring and dressmaking in Minneapolis, Mn. She worked in the dressmaking business until her marriage to Julius.
Julius and Helen were married on May 19, 1915, at Ada, Mn. Julius had two sons from his first marriage Robert and Clinton. The couple made their home in Walworth township, Becker county, Mn for 35. At which time they retired and moved into Flom in 1950, living on the east side of town. In 1955 Julius passed away and Helen moved in with her daughter Cora (Waller) and her family. She resided here for three years, then moving into the Hilde home in Ulen, Mn.
Helen was a active member of Aspelund Lutheran church and a very active and Life member of it's Ladies Aid.
Julius and Helen children were; Cora ( Charles Waller) and Milton, and two step sons from Julius' first marriage Robert and Clifford.

Milton and Helen (Jensen) Westby
Milton and Vila (Amonson) Westby

Milton Westby was born on October 28, 1916 to Julius and Helen Westby south of Flom. Here he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Twin Valley High School with the class of 1936. After graduation he farmed west of Flom before his marriage to Helen Jenson on July 8, 1938.
After their marriage they continued to farm for 15 years, before moving to Duluth, Mn where he worked in the iron mines. Milton lived in Sioux Falls, SD and Fort Collins Co for several years before his marriage to Vila Amonson at Watertown in 1965. He retired and they moved to Sturgis, SD, where he worked part time at Ace Hardware. Three years before his death he came back to this area and resided in Ulen until he became a resident of the Viking Manor Nursing Home in 1992. Milton died on January 7, 1993 and is buried at Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom.
Milton is the father of one son; Robert.

Andrew "Andreas" and Gertrude (Bjelde) Weum

Andreas "Andrew" Rognaldson was born on August 10, 1855 to Rognild Andersenand Kristi (Knutsdatter) Weum in Aurdal, Sogn, Norway.
Gertrude was born to Sjur Ingebardsenand Katrina (Sjursdatter) Bjelde in Aurland Sogn, Norway.
Andrew and Gertrude were married in 1800 on the Stundahl farm in Norway. They came to the United States in 1881, settling in the Flom area.
Andrew and Gertrude were the parents of nine children; Christian A., Alfred George, Edwin Gustav, Theodore Andrew, Severt, Emil, Rodi Christina (Herman Johnson) Clara, and Emma Alice.
Clara was born on November 16, 1888 and died in 1902.

Archie and Lena ( Johnson) Weum

Archie Charles Weum was born on September 14, 1921 near Flom, Mn., to Emil and Olga Weum. He was baptized and confirmed in the Aspelund Lutheran Church and attended country schools in the area.
He served his country during World War II, having served in the Army Engineers and overseas in the Pacific Ocean Area. He was a Veteran of WW II.
Archie married Lena Johnson at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn., on August 14, 1959. She had one daughter Sharon ( Stanley Sawyer). They resided in Mahnomen about two years, moving to St. Paul in 1959 and to Inver Grove Heights in 1968.
He did mechanic work for several years at Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, and Wahpeton ND. He also farmed for a few years near Colfax ND and the last few years worked as a diesel mechanic at Pine Bend, Mn., being employed with the Ruan Transport Co. there.
Archie passed away on April 29, 1973 at the age of 51 years, at Inver Grove Heights, Mn. Funeral services were held at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn., interment at the Aspelund Cemetery.

Elling and Ragnild (Stene) Weum

Ragnild Stene was born on September 22, 1855 in Sogn, Norway. She grew up in Norway and it is there that she met and married Elling Weum. They immigrated to America in 1877, coming to the Flom area where they made their home and raised their family. They were the parents of six children; Sivert lived in Twin Valley, Mrs. Chris Hammer lived at Halstad, Mrs. Johnny Waller, Mrs. John Hagen, Mrs. Martin Lunde and Edwin all lived by Flom, Mn.
Ragnild died on Dec. 29, 1933 at the home of her daughter Mrs. Martin Lunde from pneumonia. She had been a resident of Flom twp for over 40 years.
Beside Ragnild she had three brothers who also immigrated; Mons and Lars Stene came to the Flom area and a brother Osten Stee went to Parkside, Sask.

Emil and Olga ( Nelson) Weum

Emil Ludwig Weum was born on September 20, 1893 to Andreas Rognaldson and Gertrude (Stundahl) Weum, near Flom, Mn.
Olga Nelson was born to Charlie and Anna Helen (Johnson) Nelson in 1900, at Audubon, Mn. She was baptized and confirmed (twice). She attended school to the eighth grade.
Emil and Olga were married on November 13, 1918 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, Mn. They settled east of Flom in section 34, on a farm that at one time Emil‘s father lived in. The house was just south of Gerald Lien’s driveway and some may remember it as being the Ingebretson house. It was in this house that Emil Weum was born. Emil and Olga had three of their children while living here, before moving to Voss. They were Alice, Archie and Eldred.
Emil and Olga were the parents of eight children; Archie Eldred, Gordon, Alice, Doris, Lorene, Hazel, Ruby, and Deline.
Archie Charles was born on September 14, 1921, near Flom, Mn. He served his country during WWII as a Corporal in the U.S. Army. He married Lena Larson Johnson on August 14, 1959. Lena was born on December 28, 1940. Archie Charles died on September 14, 1921 and Lena died on January 14, 2001. Lena had one daughter from her first marriage Sharon. Archie is buried at Aspelund.
Eldred was born on November 6, 1925. Gordon Lyle was born on November 6, 1941. Alice was born on August 18, 1819 (See Alice and Ray Korinta), Doris Irene was born on November 4, 1925. Hazel Ione was born on April 25, 1929 and died on May 6, 1995. Ruby Dolores was born on July 16, 1931. Deline Marie was born on October 29, 1933 and died on November 29, 1992. All of Emil and Olga’s children with the exception of Hazel and Gordon were baptized at Aspelund. Doris and Hazel were both confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ogema, Mn.

Florence (Otten) White

Florence Otten was born on March 27, 1919 to Henry and Etta Otten at their home in Carlton County, Beseman Township, near Wright, Mn. She attended country school up thru the 8th grade. She was united in marriage to Ole White.
In 1957 Florence came to the Flom area with her two children; Robert and Pearl. She worked for Dan Houglum of rural Flom, Mn as a house keeper.
Here she also raised her two children. After Dan moved to the Hawley area, Florence then moved into Flom with her daughter Pearl where she lived in the Brenden House in section 28 of Flom Township. The house no longer stands as it was torn down after Ole and Norma Lunde built their new
home there in 1977.
Florence has two children: Robert and Pearl. Robert Eugene White was born on June 8, 1945 at Fargo, ND. He was baptized and confirmed on November 5, 1961 at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. He started school at Linell school where he attended through the 4th grade. He then moved with his mother and sister to the Flom area in 1957 where he attended Waubun school through the 9th grade. Robert worked as a farm laborer and then entered the army. He served in the armed forces in the Army from 1967-1971. He married Gay Krier on November 15, 1987. Robert has one step-daughter, Carmen and two step sons, Kevin and Keith. He has three step granddaughters; Amanda, Kim and Heather and two step grandsons; Tyler and Bruce. Robert and Gay live in Fargo, ND.
Pearl Irene was born on December 19, 1946. See: Robert and Pearl Ostenvik.

John A. and Eli J. (Kvondahl) Widme

John Andersen Widme was born in Aurland, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. He emigrated from Norway on April 21, 1875 with his parents, Anders Pedersen b.1822 and Gjertrud Sjuersdatter b.1819, brother, Anders b.1862 and 3 sisters, Martha, b.1851 Peroline, b.1853 and Ingeborg, b.1849. John also had a brother Anders who was born 1/23/1860, it is assumed that he died. They were living on the Vidme farm in Norway in the 1865 census of Norway in Aurland. They first lived in North Dakota before moving to Minnesota. It was there that he met and married his wife, Eli (Ellen Joanne) Kvondahl. She was born in 1863 in Hardanger, Norway. She came to America in 1881 and lived with her brother Asbjorn Johnson in North Dakota. John and Eli’s first son, Andrew was born at Pembina, North Dakota. The next son Joseph, was born at Hensel, North Dakota. When their son Julius was born, they lived 1/4 mile south of the Wild Rice Church in Flom Township. When their son Peter was born, they lived two miles north and 1/2 mile east of of the church. All the other children were born there and lived there until the house burned. They then moved 1/4 mile further east and lived there until Eli’s death. John died after a fall in 1914 while shingling the barn. He died the next day in May of 1914. He had worked hard to organize Bethlehem Church and is buried in the Bethlehem Cemetery. He was a song leader aat Bethlehem and his family were charter members. When Bethlehem Church was abandoned, the family joined Wild Rice Church, where Eli is buried.
Nine sons, Andrew, Julius, George, Chester, Joseph, John, Clarence, Peter and Leonard. Two daughters: Ella (Oscar) Braseth and Mabel (Tom) Gunderson.

Richard and Erna (Gunderson) Zimmerman

Erna was born on May 30, 1920. She attended school at Waubun, Mn. She married Richard Zimmerman on October 8, 1940. He was born on April 4, 1942. Richard and Erna lived at Northfield, Mn. Erna was kept busy with being a housewife and raising their four children; Loma (April 29, 1944), Wendy (June 17, 1951)
and the twins, Renee and Randy born on January 3, 1957. Erna passed away on May 11, 1980 and Richard on January 3, 1980.

Otto and Henrietta (Hanf) Zimmerman
Archie and Blanche (Hill) Zimmerman

Otto Zimmerman was born in Germany. At the age of 8 years, he came with his parents to America. They settled in Wisconsin where he grew to manhood. In 1886 he came to the Ulen area. Here he worked for the summer, going back to Wisconsin for the winter. IN the spring of 1887, he came back, bought the homestead rights to the NW quarter of section 22 in Walworth township, Becker country, Mn. He broke up the required five acres of land. He also built a barn for the oxen. He returned to Wisconsin and on January 31,1888 he married Henrietta Hanf. She was also born in Germany and came to the USA with her family at the age of eight years and grew up in Wisconsin.
Otto returned to Minnesota early in the spring that year but Henrietta came in March. She left spring weather and trees behind. At Ulen she found treeless plains and huge snow drifts because the winter of 87 and 88 had been a hard one in Minnesota.
Four children were born to them. Burt was born in 1889 and Archie in 1896. Julius joined the family in 1898 and Leona in 1901. When the Zimmerman’s came there were no herd laws, in other words, all cattle roamed loose and to protect your fields, they had to be fenced. As the fields became larger, it became more of a problem to fence them. By a vote in the town meeting, it was decided that cattle must be fenced in pastures.
At first the Zimmerman’s lived in what was referred to as a claim shack. The present home was built in 1896 at a cost of $500.00 for lumber. Henrietta hauled the lumber out from Ulen with a wagon and a yoke of oxen.
One of the first things the Zimmerman’s did was plant a grove of trees which still shelters the farm home today.
The four Zimmerman children went to school and graduated from the eighth grade in District 35. At one time, there were 40 students there. This school was located 7 miles east and 1 mile north of Ulen.
Archie began to work on the farm at an early age and continued farming until 1975, except for the time he served in the Armed Forces in World War I. He married Blanche Hill of Ogema, Mn., on March 4, 1953, at Detroit Lakes, Mn.
Blanche Hill was born on September 10, 1907 to S.L. and Anna (Whitman) Hill at Manchester, Iowa. She moved withher family to McGregor then moved to Powers Lake, ND in 1919. In 1928 they moved to Cass Lake and in 1937 they came to Ogema, Mn.
They continued to live on the Zimmerman homestead. Archie and Blanche owned and eighty-acre tract northwest of their home. This tract of virgin prairie land had never been broken. Through their generosity, it became a part of Nature Conservancy’s protected acres and will remain a living laboratory whereby students can study the flowers, grasses and wildlife of the prairie as it existed when our forefathers came to Minnesota.
It is know as Zimmerman Prairie. Archie and Blanche did this in tribute to their parents who broke the sod and tamed the wild prairies of Minnesota
Archie retired from farming in 1974. They remained on the farm until 1987 when they moved into Ulen, Mn. Here they remained until Archie's death in 1989. Blanche remained in Ulen and the last year she was a resident of Viking Manor Nursing Home, there.
Blanche was a active member of Walworth Baptist Church and the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Flom Senior Citizen Club. Blanche passed away on March 14, 2002 at the age of 94. Funeral services were held at Walworth Baptist Church, rural Flom with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Mn.

Cecil and Eleanor (Beckman) Cary

Cecil D. Cary was born in March of 1907 at Hawley, Mn to Ira Merton and Lillie (Smith) Cary. He moved from Clay County, Mn to Becker County, Walworth township with his family in the spring of 1921.
Cecil married Eleanor Beckman on June 6, 1935, near Twin Valley, Mn. They lived in Flom, on the north end of town, the west side of the street in the home currently owned by Marge and Jim Spielman.
Cecil worked as a farmer and trucker during his life. He also was a township treasurer for many years.
Cecil died in July of 1970. Funeral services were held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, Mn with burial also at Mahnomen. After his death Eleanor moved to Mahnomen, where she resides today.
Cecil and Eleanor were the parents of three daughters; Gloria, Jacqueline and Laenea.

Marvin and Lorraine (Krebsbach) Svobodny.

Marvin and Lorraine Svobodny lived in section 1 of Flom township. Here they were active in farming and raising their family. Marvin was the son of Mr and Mrs. Joe Svobodny. Lorraine was the daughter of Arthur and Caroline Krebsbach. They were member’s of St. Michael’s Catholic church in Mahnomen.
After they retired from farming they moved off the farm selling it to Roger and Denise Bentley.
Marvin and Lorraine were the parents of five children; Carolyn (Gerald Minnie), Diane (Kevin Ruud), David, Robert “Bobby” and Lawrence “Larry”.
Carolyn married Jerald Minnie. They lived in Moorhead, Mn for a time, later moving in 1979 to the Flom farm in section 7 of Flom township. Here they raised their family and continue to live there today.
Larry answered the call to serve his country by entering the service in October of 1966. He left the United States for Vietnam on August 8, 1967. Larry died on September 13, in Vietnam as the result of wounds he received when the tank he was driving struck a hostile mine. (see Larry Svobodny in the Servicemen section).
Robert “Bobby” Svobodny attended school at Twin Valley, graduating in 1978 from Twin Valley High School. Gaylene Kazeck the daughter of Marie Kazeck graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1980. Bobby and Gaylene are the parents of two children; Joshua and Jill. They reside in section 3 of Flom township. Bobby owns his own construction business RTS construction and Gaylene is employed by the Twin Valley State Bank.
Diane married Kevin Ruud and they reside in Twin Valley, Mn. They are the parents of three children; Joe, Chad and Sheena.

Don and Ilene (Sargent) Ruud

In May of 1953 Don, Ilene and Douglas Ruud moved to section 2 in Flom township. We moved from our first home in Section 3, known as “Bucks place”, one mile to the west. We purchased the farm from Ilene’s parents, Maurice and Mildred (Bergeson) Sargent. Due to Maurice’s ill health they could no longer continue to farm.
An interesting note found in the abstract stated that in 1926, the farm consisting of 244 acres, was sold at a sheriff’s auction for $506.47.
We started out by having beef cattle, hogs, sheep and laying hens and raising winter rye, oats, barley, wheat , corn and later on included sunflowers and soybeans, Don did custom work, baling hay, planting corn, picking corn and chopping corn for silage. We welcomed electricity in 1956.
In the spring of 1990 a pair of trumpeter swans picked our area to nest. They have raised between four and seven cygnets every year, which seems to be a most successful comeback and we have thoroughly enjoyed observing their habits and mannerism.
Don’s parents were Henry and Annie (Kjeldson) Ruud of rural Twin Valley. Don entered the Army in 1944 where he was a paratrooper and when he got out of the service in 1946, he started custom hay baling for the farmers in the area. Don has enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and flying his Piper J3 Cub.
Ilene graduated from Twin Valley High School with the class of 1949. Don and Ilene were married on December 10, 1950. We are members of Wild Rice Lutheran Church. Ilene has been active in various organizations in the area.
We have two children, Douglas Elliot born in 1951 and Donelle Dee born in 1953. Doug married Sandra Renae Bratvold in East Grand Forks in 1976. Sandy is a kindergarten teacher. They have three children, Ivory Leigh (1979), Brandon Christopher (1981) and Megan Jill (1985). Doug became the second generation to farm the land. Dee married Richard Haney in 1979 and divorced in 1985. She married David Jay Rodmyre in 1988 and was widowed in 1991. Dee is a computer systems analyst in Minneapolis.