SIGDALSLAG SAGA VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2

May, 2016

Volume 36, issue 2 Sigdalslag SAGA Since 1911

Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal, and Krødsherad ancestry Sigdalslag SAGA-May 2016 Letter from the New Bygdelagenes Fellesraad President Tusen takk to everyone who participated in planning, executing, and attending the Bygdelagenes Fellesraad Centennial celebration last week. It was a marvelous event! I appreciate your vote of confidence as the newly-elected President of the Fellesraad, and look forward to moving this organization into the second one hundred years. I am a member of seven different lag, of which I am immensely proud. A sincere thank-you goes to Marilyn Somdahl and her Board for the many good things which they have accomplished while she was Fellesraad President. Bygdelagenes Fellesraad is an umbrella organization for all of the individual bygdelag organizations, and we are here to provide support to you. Your bygdelag is very important because you represent a specific area of , both for its special unique culture and also for its genealogical and historical information. As stated upon the founding of the Fellesraad, its purposes are to stand as a connecting link between bygdelag, to be an advisory organization to support and guide development of the lag movement, and to manage cooperative projects for the good of all bygdelag. This is what we will endeavor to do, using new technologies to facilitate this. We will also assist in using social media in our recruitment of new and younger lag members. Copies of the Explore booklet and also the colored county maps of Norway were available at the Centennial. If your lag did not bring some home to use at your Stevne, let me know, and we will send some to you. You are welcome to send me your lag successes and suggestions of how the Fellesraad can assist the bygdelag. We are all in this together, and we want all to succeed! I look forward to seeing you at your Stevne!

Med vennlig hilsen, Sigdal-Eggedal Bygdebøker Now Available Online Elaine Helgeson Hasleton -submitted by Garth Ulrich, Genealogist Bygdelagenes Fellesraad, President [email protected] To access the online bygdebøker, go the the Sigdal Museum web page located at http://www.sigdalmuseum.no/ Then click on the link at the top ‘bygdebøkene_utdrag’. Click on the ‘SE-VI-IX- Inside this issue: Kommentarutgave’ link to access the books containing the farm and family histories. President’s Letter 2 7-lag Stevne Info 3-4 There appears to be no index available online (which is available Fellesraad Centennial 4-5 as Volume X of the hardcopy publication). However, benefits of Asle Asleson Bio 5-6 the online version are that errors and omissions from the print Charter Members 7-8 copy and also updates have been included. One can use the Ole Olson Tukua Bio 8 ‘Control-F’ or ‘Find’ features to search the document. Vatnås Kirke 9 Rorvig Carving 9 Print copies can also be purchased from the Sigdal Museum. Hazel Wenneberg Obit 10 See the ‘Kontakt oss’ link on their homepage to request Stevne Registration Form 11 purchasing information.

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2016 Sigdalslag Fra Presidenten, Officers

The Fellesraad Centennial Celebration, Norway to America – Memories and JEAN T. KNAAK, President 2456 Arkwright Street Dreams was very successful this past weekend with over 550 attending. St. Paul, MN 55117 Sigdalslag was well represented in charter member descendants recognized at 651-483-9261 [email protected] the luncheon, volunteers, number of attendees, our excellent Sigdalslag display, and special thanks to Jean Borgerding for producing the program book. LILA HARP, VP 1/Membership 1265 11th Street, Apt 208 West Des Moines, IA 50265 [email protected] Now we move on to the seven lag stevne scheduled for July 13 – 16, 2016, at KAREN OLSON, VP 2 Austin, Minnesota. The registration information is printed in the newsletter, and P.O. Box 225 Northome, MN 56661 is also available at Sigdalslag.org and 7lagstevne.org. We will hold our annual [email protected] meeting at the Holiday Inn on Saturday morning, July 16 at 9 am. MARLYS HONRUD LARSEN, VP 3 P.O. Box 217 Spicer, MN 56288 [email protected] We have determined that there will be a Sigdalslag trip to Norway in June of

JANICE JOHNSON, Treasurer 2017. We have a partial existing list of those of you who have already 8451 Nicollet Avenue South evidenced interest and you may expect to hear plans as they progress. Please Bloomington, MN 55420 [email protected] let us know if you are interested. We currently are planning two scenarios - one where you meet the bus in , spend a day in then June 23-28 in LINDA MOHN, Secretary 514 3rd Ave SW Sigdal. The second would begin in Trondheim on June 20 for two nights, and Jamestown, ND 58401 then take the train to Oslo stopping overnight in Lillehammer. The trips where [email protected] one can meet your group but arrange your own transport to Norway have been GARTH ULRICH, Genealogist very successful for some other lags. We will arrange a meeting time in Austin 3099 Dunn Drive Prince Albert, SK for those of you who are attending. S6V 6Y6 CANADA [email protected]

Open, Historian In 2018 Sigdal will be responsible for the stevne and we need to set up the basic parameters including date and place now. It would be wise to begin setting up our committees in advance. Working on a stevne is both fun and rewarding. Please consider being involved and email me at

JEAN BORGERDING, SAGA Editor [email protected]. 509 8th Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 612-379-4280 [email protected] Hilsen, DALE BUISMAN, Webmaster Jean 38265 Great Oaks Court North Branch, MN 55056 651-277-6885 [email protected] [email protected]

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COME TO AUSTIN, MN, TO THE 1-5 PM- Hospitality 7-LAG STEVNE ~ JULY 13-16, 2016 1-9 PM-Genealogy 1-5 PM-Classes (See listing and times below) You’re invited to come to the 7 Lag Stevne at 1 PM Verlyn Anderson-Transplanting the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 1701-4th Norwegian Lutheran Church in America Street NW, Austin, MN, July 13-16, 2016. It will be the 30th year that seven bygdelag —Land, 1 PM Norma Knapp-Storytelling , Numedalslaagen, 3 PM C. Marvin Lang-Norwegians in Districts, Sigdal, Telelag and Totenlag —have Science met together to share fellowship as well as 3 PM Jennifer Kovarik-The Power of facility and entertainment costs. Silver: Traditional Norwegian Jewelry RDD is celebrating its 100th anniversary as well 7-9 PM-7-Lag Stevne Talent Show as acting as the host lag. “Ringerikslaget was the last national society to emerge before Friday, July 15 America became militarily involved in the 7:30 AM-12:30 PM -Vendors European war.” So writes Odd Lovoll in A Folk 8 AM -NSI Meeting Epic: The Bygdelag in America. It organized 8 AM-12 PM-Albert Lea Tour-Freeborn County June 7, 1916. Historical Museum and Pioneer Village, Alpaca of Oak Knoll Farms and city of Albert Lea The theme is 1916: The Cultural Dilemma. 9 AM-12 PM -Genealogy The isolationism of the US government has not 9 AM-1 PM -Hospitality brought our country into World War I yet even 1-5 PM-Classes (See listing and times below) though German airplanes fly over London at the 10 AM Lori Ann Lahlum- From close of 1914 and submarines sink both Norwegian to Norwegian American passenger and cargo ships which include US losses of life and financial interests. President 10 AM Jack Holmen-Acanthus Wood Wilson is elected in November to a second term Working because “he kept us out of the war.” The 10 AM Betty Knutson-Hardanger cultural dynamics of various immigrant groups (pre-registration required) play a role in the prevailing thought, but local and 1 PM C Marvin Lang-The Good Ship state authorities jeopardize freedom of speech, Hannah Parr for example. How do Norwegian Americans get 1 PM Roger Lonning-Newspaper ready for the dramatic changes to come? Research for more than Deaths and Births Stevne Schedule 3 PM Jack Holmen-Acanthus Wood Working Wednesday, July 13 3 PM Marilyn Somdahl-Flying: Over 9 AM -Genealogy and Vendor Set-up Sand, Overseas, and Over Poles. 12-4 PM Austin Tour- Spam Museum, Mower 5:30 PM-Cash Bar County Historical Society and city of Austin 6:30 PM-Bunad Parade 12-9 PM-Genealogy Open 7:00 PM-Banquet Serving Begins 4-9 PM-Vendor Room Open Saturday, July 16 Thursday, July 14 9 AM-Sigdalslag Annual Meeting at the Holiday 8-9 AM -Registration Inn (Coffee provided) 8 AM-7 PM-Vendors 9-11:30 AM-Opening Session-Daron Olson- Please see the 7-Lag website for possible Patriots with Two Mothers changes or greater detail: www.7lagstevne.org

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Reserve Austin Motels Now Ask for “Norwegian Stevne” rate for motel rooms blocked for the 7-Lag Stevne, beginning 7/13/16.

Holiday Inn and Conference Center 507-433-1000 1701 - 4th St. NW, Austin, MN (exit 178A) Over 550 people from all across the USA, $115 +tax, per room per day Breakfast Voucher Canada, and Norway attended the centennial $10 (includes a drink); reserve by June 10. conference for Bygdelagenes Fellesraad titled, Norway to America: Memories and Dreams on Days Inn, (next to Holiday Inn, exit 178A), May 5-8, 2016 in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. It 507-433-8600 700– 16th Ave NW, Austin, MN was held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn $73 + tax, per room per day before June 13. Center, Minnesota, and had been in the planning (Includes continental breakfast) process for over two years. The festive tone of the celebration was Americinn Lodge & Suites created by colorful bygdelag banners, national 507-437-7337 (W. of H. Inn at exit 178A) costumes or bunader, flags, Norwegian music 1700 8th St. NW, Austin, MN and dancing. Twenty-five speakers from Norway, $100 + tax or $90 w/AARP or AAA room/day Canada, and America spoke on the themes of Norwegian-ness -- Past, Present, and Future, before June 12. (hot breakfast bar) Twenty-First Century Norwegian Family History, and the celebration of the centennial. Rodeway Inn & Suites Outstanding speakers included: Doug 507-433-9254 (exit 180 B, 1 mile east of H. Inn) Ohman, on “Norwegian Images in Minnesota”; 805—21st St. NE, Austin, MN John Christianson on “Janteloven – Is That What 2-bed rooms @ $75 + tax room/day it Means to be Norwegian”; Lynne Beck on 1-bed rooms@ $65 + tax room/day “Future of Printed Materials in Academic Libraries”; Betty Bergland on “Enduring Ethnicity before June 1. (continental breakfast) –Two Approaches”, Ida Marie Bringedal on

“Contemporary Art Scene in Norway”; Gary Econo Lodge DeKrey on “The Future of Ethnicity in the 507-437-7774 (exit 175, 2 mi W of H. Inn) Twenty-First Century”; Knut Djupedal on “Ingrid 3300 Oakland Ave W, Austin, MN Semmingson Library at the Norwegian Museum Double bed rooms @$80 + tax room/day of Migration”; Gracia Grindal on “Early King room @$70 +tax room/day. Norwegian American Leaders as Exemplified by Reserve by June 12. (continental breakfast) Linka Preus and Elisabeth Koren"; Bradley Ellingboe on “The Contributions of Norwegian Immigrants to the Musical Life of the United ATTENTION: THOSE WITH TALENT States”; Elaine Helgeson Hasleton on “Twenty First Century Norwegian Family Research, ♦ During the 7 Lag Stevne there will be a Melding Old and New”; Dennis Gimmestad on TALENT SHOW Thursday evening JULY “Enduring Ethnicity – two Approaches”; Øyvind 14. Do you have a talent to share? This Gulliksen on “Strength, Grace and Skills of is open to all who attend the Stevne. Norwegian – Americans”; Barbara Horn on “Preparing for a Research Trip in the 21st ♦ Simply send your name, Lag name and Century – Getting the most out of your time and your talent BY JUNE 1 to Peg Schellin at tools”; Terje Michael Hasle-Joranger on “A Sense [email protected]. Please keep your of Place: Norwegian-Americans in the Upper performance to no more than 10 minutes Midwest”; Karen Humphrey on “Bringing Families so we have time for all who wish to Together: Historical Societies, Archives, and the participate. 21st Century”; Christine Midelfort on “Enduring

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Ethnicity – Two Approaches”; Fredrik Larsen home areas in Norway and have genealogists Lund on “Finding Family in Norway: What You available to help members with their family roots. Should Know Before You Travel”, Marvin Slind Watch the Fellesraad website for on “The Cultural, Social, and Economic information available from some of the speakers Dimensions of Norwegian Immigration to and presentations. Look under the “Documents” America”; Johnathan Storlie on “DNA Impact on button. Photos will also soon be on the website Norwegian Family History Research”; Garth under the “Photos” button. Ulrich on “Canadian Research for Norwegian www.fellesraad.com/centennial/ Family History”; and Marilyn Sorensen and Marilyn Somdahl on Fellesraad – An Abbreviated History”. Emigrant Obituary Project There were displays from most of the 28 -submitted by Garth Ulrich, Genealogist bygdelag and several Norwegian-American To date, 272 emigrant obituaries are organizations providing information about their available on our webpage. Although we are pleased activities. In addition there were many craft with this amount, it does represent only vendors to add ethnic flavor to the event. To approximately five percent of the emigrants from complement information about family history, Sigdal, Eggedal and Krødsherad. Please consider displays included an academic university, a submitting the obituaries to our genealogist or private museum library, a state history center, a webmaster vie either email or post. (Their contact genealogy association, a genealogy center, Salt information can be found on page 2 of the Saga). Lake City Family History Library and a private university together with the Norwegian-American Historical Association. All have large collections of Norwegian reference material. Sigdalslag’s Representatives from The highlight for many was Saturday’s the Charter Member Descendant festive activities which included a luncheon honoring direct descendants of bygdelag charter Recognition Luncheon members. Over 90 descendants attended and Sigdalslag was well represented at the ranged in age from six weeks to ninety-nine Charter Member Descendant Recognition years of age. The evening included a banquet Luncheon on Saturday, May 7. Thank you to with speaker John Tunheim, Chief Judge of the those who represented our lag and also to those United States District Court for the District of who provided these profiles of their charter Minnesota, plus a colorful Bunad parade of about member ancestors. 50 Bunader. The Norwegian Day Camp for young people included folk dance lessons, singing, art projects, Norwegian history, and even a visit from a ventriloquist! In addition to the centennial celebration the Norwegian Memorial Church, which is called Mindekirken, of South Minneapolis welcomed visitors to their Norwegian and English Sunday services. Next door to Mindekirken is Norway House, a national educational center, where many visitors enjoyed seeing the educational rooms, gallery, coffee shop and gift shop. Since 1899 early Norwegian immigrants who had a strong desire to socialize with people from their home districts or bygd in Norway began the formation of bygdelag. Today there Asle and Mari Asleson are 28 national bygdelag that remain active with Asle Asleson an approximate membership of 5,000 individuals. By Richard Asleson, a great grandson They host annual conventions called stevner that Asle Asleson, b. 3 Nov 1837 in Sigdal, focus on family history research and Norwegian , Norway was one of seven children cultural heritage. They also host tours to their born to Asle Ellevsen b. 1801 and Kjersti Kittlsdtr b. c 1798. Asle, who's occupation in Norway was

PAGE 5 SIGDALSLAG SAGA VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2 a Wheelwright, married Mari Evensdtr Bjornrud only recall one occasion when he displayed any on 27 Dec 1861, in Sigdal. Mari b. 8 Mar 1844 interest in me! We were at a 4th of July was the daughter of Even Christiansen Bjornrude celebration at Rock Prairie when he took me to and Turi Sund. my grandfather Stav's store and bought me a Asle and his older brother, Kittel, and their bottle of strawberry pop!” families left Norway bound for America on 28 Apr Earnie was born in Dec 1904 and so was 1871. According to Asle's naturalization papers, only a little more then eight years old when Asle they arrived in the US on 4 July 1871. Asle and died. his wife had four children at the time; Even b. 7 Another story provided by Earnie in his Feb 1862, Asle, Jr. b. 19 Jan 1864, Kjersti b. 26 history relates to the difficulties of winter weather Jul 1866, and Rena (Turi) b. 3 Jun 1869. He in those early days. This incident would have settled for a time in Kandiyohi County where occurred while they lived in Kandiyohi or Swift another brother, Ellev, had homesteaded earlier. Counties. Earnie wrote, “Snow storms were In Feb 1876 he bought a farm in adjoining Swift fierce and a constant threat to early settlers. County but lost it in 1878 – perhaps because of One of those sudden storms arose once when the grasshopper infestation that began in 1873 Asle was in Willmar. Mari, having trouble with and continued through 1877. Following the loss stock, and anxious about her husband, ran half a of his farm he moved to Grant County in 1878 mile to [a neighbor], leaving her children alone, where his brother Kittel, had already settled. Turi being an infant. The storm became Soon after arriving in Grant County, Asle bought suddenly so much worse that they would not let 160 acres from the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and her return home. Fortunately, Asle returned Manitoba railroad and began to farm. home shortly after Mari had left. Both of them Again it was a struggle to keep the farm spent an anxious night worrying about each but it remained in the family. The farm was sold other—she also about the children.” to his son, Ole in 1919 who farmed it until 1944 The house that Asle built on the farm was when he, in turn, sold it to his son, my father, moved by another grandson to a neighboring Waldemar Asleson. Thus I had the distinct farm a few years after Asle's death. As I grew privilege of growing up on the farm started by my up, I played with the neighbor children who lived great grandfather. The farm is still in the family in it several times without ever realizing that it and is currently owned by my brother, Mark had been my great grandfather's house. The Asleson. house burned down much later – perhaps in the Asle applied for citizenship on 7 March 1980s or 1990s. The lady who lived there at the 1876 and was granted it on 4 Oct 1881, all in time said to my Dad, “I burned down your Swift County. Asle's wife, Mari, died in Feb 1906 house”, to which Dad wistfully replied, “Well, and Asle died 11 Mar 1913. maybe it was time.” During the time they lived in Kandiyohi and Swift Counties, two more children were born; Ingeborg, or Belle b. 20 Mar 1874 in Kandiyohi County and Ole, my grandfather b. 10 Jun 1876 in Swift County. After moving to Grant County, four more children were born; Edward b. 11 Mar 1879, Emma b. 12 Dec 1881, a stillborn boy b. 7 Jan 1885, and Laura b. Sep 1887. Edward contracted Diphtheria and died at age 5 and Laura succumbed to Tuberculosis at age 28. A few comments from people who knew Asle help bring him to life as a person. Louis Foss, in his book, History of Stony Brook Township says of him, “He was a man of considerable knowledge and intelligence and firm in his convictions, a prominent and progressive farmer”. Asle and Mari Asleson and family A grandson of Asle, Earnest Asleson, wrote in his family history, “He was a rather quiet Charter member Asle Asleson’s descendant man and not given to any display of affection. I in attendance at the Fellesraad banquet was Richard Asleson, his great-grandson.

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Peder Green Ole Tollef Gronseth family Descendant-Sarah Green Lockwood Descendants-Marilyn G. Moen, Marlys Honrud Larsen and Gloria Honrud Schultz

Narve O. & Ingeborg Lesteberg Descendants-Corrine Lesteberg Johnson (who celebrated her 91st birthday on May 7), Galen Johnson & Barbara Parenteau

Ellef Knudsen Smedsrud Descendant-Dale Buisman

Helge G. Lillemoen Descendant-Rodney Pletan

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Ole Olsen Tukua Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company. By Jule Tukua On April,1,1893, almost eleven years after his arrival in America, Ole Tukua purchased Ole Olsen Tukua was born on a 120 acre farm in Manchester Township, October 21,1841, at Skinneseie, in Freeborn County, Minnesota. That farm, Krodsherad. (Some Bygdeboker and other now owned by members of the Elwood sources erroneously show his date of birth Tukua family, has been continuously owned as November 22,1842.) His parents were by some member of the Tukua family for 123 Ole Evensen Skinneseie and Ingrid years. Oldsdatter Odegardseie. He was the Ole Olsen Tukua died on October 2, youngest of four children. Ole's older 1929. His wife passed away earlier on brother, Even, was born in 1831; a second August 1,1898. Their final resting place: brother, also named Ole, was born in1834, West Freeborn Lutheran Church Cemetery, but apparently did not survive infancy. Manchester Township,Freeborn County, A sister, Sigrid, born in 1838, died of nerve Minnesota, which adjoins the farm Ole fever in 1868. Ole was baptized on purchased in 1893. November 14,1841, at Olber Kirke in Krodsherad. On February 29, 1872, Ole Charter member Ole Olsen Tukua’s married Gunhild Eriksdatter Velstadeie, at descendants in attendance at the Fellesraad banquet were Jule C.Tukua, Glenn Bakke, Holmen Kirke, Elwood Tukua and Darrell Tukua. in Sigdal. Gunhild's parents were Erik Tronsen Strovern and Ingrid Pedersdatter Velstad. Ole Tukua leased the Tukua gard, in Sigdal, in 1875. He resided there with his family, until leaving for America in the spring of 1882. As the family emigrated from Sigdal in 1882, the family consisted of Ole; Gunhild; ten-year-old daughter, Ingrid; six-year-old son, Olaf; four- year-old daughter, Ingeborg; three-year-old son, Erik; and, one-year old-daughter, Kristi. After their arrival in America, in 1882, Anders F. Uggen the family resided in a one-room sod house, Descendant-Janice Uggen Johnson just north of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Ole found work as a section hand on the

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Vatnås Kirke Marks 350 Years Mandt Lodge Dragon -submitted by Garth Ulrich In 2014 the Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge The Vatnås Kirke lies nestled in the of Stoughton, WI was in need of new roof. Grenskogen, south of Prestfoss in Sigdal. Member Don Rorvig, who is an accomplished It is said that at the time that King Olav hand carver, looked at the sad old dragonhead was travelling through the country to introduce that had topped the peak and inquired about its Christianity, he future. He was told they hoped to scrape it, sand also came to it, repaint it and put it back up. Rorvig’s mind Sigdal. After he returned to the Fantoft Stave church he had had christened fallen in love with on a field trip taken while the people, he studying at the University of in Norway in went hunting. His 1971. He imagined the lodge with something in hunting party the style of the beautiful dragons of that church. became tired and He offered to make a new dragon for the peak, hungry and the knowing it would be a huge undertaking. To king dismounted speed things up he collaborated with retired art and declared that teacher, Rodger Hansen. Together they if he found water, completed the dragon in just over 15 months, the he would build a biggest restriction being the dimensional lumber church in the site. available in today’s market. The dragon stands No sooner had about 4’ high and is about 8’ long and 7 ½” wide he said this than and contains intricate hand carving. To the thrill water spilled out of the lodge members, it was installed on the from the rock. lodge roof April 2, 2016. The Mandt Lodge is King Olav kept located at 317 N. his promise and Page St. in this is how Vatnås Kirke came to be. Today, it is Stoughton, WI. still believed that the water from Olavskilden (St. Olav’s well) has healing powers. Don Rorvig is a This first church, established by King current member Olav, was built in the early part of the 11th of Sigdalslag century. It later fell into decline after the Black and also the Death of the 1300s. The church was again rebuilt great-grandson around 1660 and the altar is from 1665, which is of Sigdalslag the basis of the 350 year celebration. The church Charter was renovated in the period of 1660-1670 and Member, Asle many of the furnishings and decorations from Flatin. that time can still be found inside the church. Surviving from the original church (circa 1000-1100) is a crucifix. The relic shrine was sent to the Danish National Museum in Copenhagen, but a replica was made and put on the altar of Vatnås church in 1996. Unique about the Vatnås church is that, unlike most other churches, it is not owned by the state, but rather it is owned by the people of Grenskogen. Services are held once per year on the Sunday following Midsummer. In 2015, the 350th anniversary of the Vatnås church was marked with a celebration and the publication of Vatnås kirke 350 år by Magne Loiten. Members wishing to order a copy of the book should contact Sigrid Kvisle by email at [email protected] Don Rorvig & Rodger Hansen

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In Memory... and the Young at Heart board. She also participated in many Covenant Women activities. She also served as the secretary and treasurer Hazel M of the Biltmore Estate Manor Condominiums Wennerberg Association for 11 years. Hazel was talented in many areas of her Hazel Marcella life. She was an avid quilter. She accomplished (Lesteberg) her goal of making a homemade quilt for each Wennerberg, 93, member of family, including the most recent died at her home in great-grandchildren. She had a passion to serve Wilmar on June 13. others and delivered Meals on Wheels to shut- She was ins until she was 92 years old. A joy of her life surrounded by her was a weekly Bible Study with dear friends from family, whom she her church. Another joy was building a cabin on loved dearly and for Little Norway Lake with Waldo and then enjoying whom she prayed every day. Services were held it for many years with her family. at First Covenant Church at 11:00 a.m., June 16, Hazel is survived by her four remaining 2015, with Pastor Dan Johnson officiating. children: Gary (and Sue) Wennerberg of Visitation was at the Harvey Anderson Funeral Kerkoven, Diane (and Tom) Erickson of Gardner, Home from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 15, and one hour MA, Dean (and Angie)Wennerberg of Inver prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grove Heights, Daniel (and Julie)Wennerberg of Hillcrest Cemetery in Hayes Township in Swift Clear Lake; and daughter-in-law, Doreen County. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Wennerberg of Kerkhoven, 14 grandchildren; Funeral Home, in Willmar. and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived Hazel was born on May 14, 1922, in by her sisters: Corrine Johnson of Richfield and Hayes Township, in Swift County, Minnesota. Elaine Peterson of New London; brother, Dennis She was the eldest daughter of Nestor and (and Shirley)Lesteberg of Burnsville; sister-in- Mabel (Norman) Lesteberg. She grew up on the law: Betty McDonnell of Murdock, and many home farm north of Kerkhoven. She attended nieces and nephews. District 40 East rural school for her elementary She was preceded in death by her husband, education and graduated from Kerkhoven High Waldo, her son, John, and her brother, Roy. School in 1940. Following graduation she Obituary from Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, worked in Willmar and then Minneapolis as a Willmar, MN. nanny and maid and then worked in a munitions Hazel’s emigrant ancestors were Narve factory in Minneapolis during World War II. Hazel Olsen Lesteberg and Ingeborg Gulbrandsdatter waited patiently and prayerfully for the love of Kverneplassen. her life, Waldo Wennerberg to come home from his military service in Europe during the war, knowing that he was facing difficult fighting while there. She was united in marriage to Waldo on Sigdalslag Family History Surveys November 17, 1945, at Monson Lake Lutheran Church. Following their marriage they lived in If you have not yet submitted a Family History Survey, the link can be found under the Genealogy section of our Benson until 1955 when they moved to Willmar. website. For members without internet access, a copy may They raised five children together in Willmar: be requested from our Genealogist, Garth Ulrich (see page 2 Gary, John, Diane, Dean and Daniel. Hazel was for contact information). a homemaker for many years and then spent 13 years as a school cook in the Willmar School District. She retired in 1986. Please share with us your families’ news of marriages, Hazel was baptized and confirmed in her graduations, long term anniversaries, significant milestones, Christian faith at Monson Lake Lutheran Church. and the passing of loved ones. Send info to the Saga Editor: She was a member of the First Covenant Church Jean Borgerding in Willmar at the time of her death, where she 509 8th Ave NE served in many capacities, including the Minneapolis, MN 55413 or chairman of Dorcas Circle, the Visitation email: [email protected] Committee, the Meals on Wheels Coordinator, PAGE 10 SIGDALSLAG SAGA VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2

7 LAG REGISTRATION FORM July 13-16, 2016

HOLIDAY INN CONFERENCE CENTER, AUSTIN, MN

Print names for badges ______

Phone ______E-mail ______

Street ______City ______State _____ Zip ______Country______

Stevne Registration Fee covers rental space, speakers/most classes, genealogy, exhibits, and entertainment.

$35 per person all days X ____ persons = $ ______Youth (age 18 and under) pay No registration fee when accompanied by a registered adult. List Name/s & age/s: ______

Activities Not included in the Registration Fee

WEDNESDAY (Noon- 4 pm) AUSTIN TOUR $25 per person X ____ persons = $ ______

THURSDAY EVE TALENT SHOW (send email by JUNE 1 to [email protected] )

FRIDAY (8 am- noon) ALBERT LEA TOUR $25 per person X ____persons = $ ______Note: Friday PM Tour to first 45 registrants by postmark.

FRIDAY EVE BANQUET & BUNAD PARADE

Entrees A & B served with Roasted Red Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, green salad, dessert & beverage

A. Chicken Provolone X ____ persons @ $30 = $ ______

B. Stuffed Pork Loin X ____ persons @ $30 = $ ______

C. Under age 13: Chicken Strips X ____ persons @ $12 = $ ______

Special concerns? ______(need phone or email)

SATURDAY 9AM-Sigdalslag Annual Meeting (coffee provided) Holiday Inn Conference Center

No refunds after June 30. TOTAL CHECK ENCLOSED $ ______

BEFORE JUNE 30 mail form and check payable to Sigdalslag to:

Jan Johnson 8451 Nicollet Ave. South Bloomington, MN 55420

Register for Hardanger Embroidery class (limit 8) by calling 320-222-1613, or email [email protected]. Cost is $8 payable to Betty Knutson

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SIGDALSLAG SAGA IS PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY, MAY AND OCTOBER

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Comments? Suggestions? SAGA solicits feature articles, news, pictures & obituaries from members. E-mail: [email protected] , or contact the editor (see Pg. 2). Changed your mailing or e-mail address? Don’t miss an issue! Please contact Lila Harp at [email protected] NOTE: the YEAR shown on the mailing label next to your name indicates that your membership is paid thru DECEMBER of that year.

Consider receiving your newsletter by e-mail! You will enjoy full color and save your lag leadership time and help the lag finances. Some lags are moving to e-mail newsletters for everyone who has an e-mail address. Sigdalslag wants to be certain that our newsletter is available to all members. E-mail Lila Harp at [email protected] if you are willing to change to e-mail delivery. Remember that members can always access all issues of the Saga through our “members only” section on the website.

JOIN SIGDALSLAG NOW! Date______Check if Renewal: or Gift: Make check payable to Sigdalslag and mail to : Full name/s______JEAN T. KNAAK 2456 Arkwright Street Street ______St. Paul, MN 55117 City ______State ______ZIP ______Residents of CANADA should make check payable to E-mail ______Phone ______GARTH ULRICH and mail application to: BUSKERUD Family Origin in (circle one) - SIGDAL EGGEDAL KRØDSHERAD GARTH ULRICH Emigrant Ancestor’s name ______3099 Dunn Drive Prince Albert, SK Farm Name ______Year Emigrated ______S6V 6Y6 CANADA Annual Dues: USA and CANADA $10/YR or $25/3 YR, in US dollars Write “Sigdalslag dues (3 yr or 1 yr)” on the memo line of the ELSEWHERE $10/YR or $25/3 YR, in US dollars-Saga by check. Dues in Canadian dollars should be made in the amount e-mail only. equivalent to $10 US (1 year) or $25 US (3 years) on the date written.