SIGDALSLAG SAGA VOLUME 35, ISSUE 1

February, 2015

Volume 35, issue 1 Sigdalslag SAGA Since 1911

Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal, Eggedal and Krødsherad ancestry

Inside this issue: Sigdalslag SAGA-February 2015 Something worth noting with this edition of the Saga is the absence of new President’s letter 2 members. It brings to question the purpose of belonging to a lag. I joined in 2012, when Stevne Information 3 Sigdalslag hosted a trip to . Before that I had always thought of myself as a Norwegian Enger Garden 4-5 but wondered if the people who really lived in Norway would think that was kind of ridiculous. Upon going to Norway with the Sigdalslag group, I discovered so much more about this Ole Knudsen Story 6 wonderful country and it’s warm and interesting people who embrace us, the descendants of Church Project 7 emigrants. I have learned that the people who stayed in Norway are curious about family Norway Fun Facts 8 members who started life in America and delight in becoming acquainted with them, no matter Ellen Roenspies Obituary 10 how far off the relationship. The lag was originally created to connect people with their families. We need to encourage this in the generations to come. We, as a lag, need to remain pertinent Norman Mortenson Obit 10 to our youth if we are to continue. Norway is a wonderful place to be connected to and it Kathryn Watnaas Obituary 11 supplies us a rich culture to retain. Following, you will find some interesting facts about Edna Volding Obituary 11 Norway, gleaned from the www.tripadvisor.com site. Encourage the next generation to embrace this fantastic place and get involved in all the great things Sigdlaslag connects them to. Norway is regarded as the birth place of modern skiing. The word "ski" is Norwegian and simply means "piece of wood" or "cleft piece of wood". Contrary to English, the word "ski" is not a verb (only noun) in Norwegian, so say "to walk on skis" (cross country) or "to stand on skis" (alpine skiing). American movie Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back (episode V) was partly recorded at Finse, near the -Bergen railway, in March 1979. The Finse area appears in the movie as Hoth, the snow & ice planet. Many Norwegians contributed as extras. The Vikings of Norway (and Scandinavia) are well-known, they had a reputation as fierce and fearless fighters. Vikings did not have helmets with horns (as shown in the popular comic strip, Hägar the Horrible). In fact, it is not clear if Vikings used helmets at all. While tens of thousands of Viking weapons have been uncovered, only one (1) helmet from around the Viking period exist. The Viking helmet is merely a legend. Although the word "viking" is now used about people from Scandinavia, thousands of years ago in west-germanic languages it possibly referred to pirates, sea born warriors or seamen of any origin. Although Finland has been named " The Land of a Thousand ", Norway's lakes do in fact far outnumber Finland's. About 450,000 (half million) lakes in Norway are identified, compared to the 188,000 lakes in Finland. About 200 lakes are 10 km² (1000 hectars or 4 square miles). While Norway's freshwater lakes are modest in area, several lakes are among the deepest in the world or in Europe. in Nordfjord district is the deepest in Europe and the 12th deepest in the world (at least 514 meters), but only 50 square kilometers surface area. This lake is only 50 meters which means that most of the lakes volume is below sea level. Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake and located in central eastern region, is also the 2nd deepest in Europe and the 19th deepest in the world. The original cheese slicer ("ostehøvel") was invented and patented by Bjørklund, a Norwegian carpenter, in 1925. Norwegian cheese, particularly the special brown cheese, is now mainly eaten as thin slices, often on open sandwiches. The word "høvel" is identical to the Norwegian word for "plane", a carpenter tool. Norwegians eat brown cheese (brunost) a type of sweet cheese that is not really cheese. Brown cheese is made by evaporating most of the water in the leftovers of ordinary cheese production. In the most common version, Gudbrandsdalsost, cream is added to make it fat and "full". Brown cheese made from goat's The Board Members who gathered at the home of President milk is called "geitost". Varieties are found in other Nordic countries, Knaak for the Nov 2 meeting. but is essentially a Norwegian product. (continued on pg. 8) L to R: Jan Johnson, Jean Knaak, Linda Mohn, Dale Buisman, Jean Borgerding & Karen Olson

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Fra Presidenten, Your Sigdalslag Executive Board met on November 2, 2014. The board welcomed Linda Mohn as the new secretary. Linda was a part of the Sigdalslag Norway trip in 2014 Sigdalslag 2012 and is a CPA in Jamestown, North Dakota. Officers We had a good meeting and the board continued the practice of setting goals for the lag for the coming year. JEAN T. KNAAK, President GOALS FOR SIGDALSLAG FOR THE COMING YEAR: 2456 Arkwright Street St. Paul, MN 55117 To work on a cousin project so that Stevne attendees can be assisted in 651-483-9261 looking for cousins from combined Sigdal family trees. [email protected] To increase youth participation at Stevnes and in the lag. LILA HARP, VP 1/Membership 12667 W 85th Circle To increase our membership numbers, adding new members and Arvada, CO 80005 encouraging lapsed members. [email protected] To explore and maintain the history of our immigrants, writing articles on KAREN OLSON, VP 2 history for the Saga and adding to the emigrant obituaries. P.O. Box 225 To promote Norwegian culture through the Stevne, website, genealogy, Northome, MN 56661 [email protected] newsletters, and other activities. To increase website usability and to provide information about the lag and MARLYS HONRUD LARSEN, VP 3 P.O. Box 217 lag events. Spicer, MN 56288 To increase our visibility on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. [email protected] To plan the Sigdalslag display for the all lag displays at the May 7, 2016 JANICE JOHNSON, Treasurer Fellesraad Centennial. 8451 Nicollet Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55420 The 2015 Stevne will be held from July 9-12, 2015 at the Riverfront Conference [email protected] center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Information for the Stevne will be posted at www. 7lagstevne.com as well as on our www.sigdalslag.org website. LINDA MOHN, Secretary 514 3rd Ave SW The Sigdalslag social time and meeting will be held at The Freight House Restaurant Jamestown, ND 58401 in LaCrosse on Thursday evening, July 9 at 6 pm. The board also had an option of [email protected] holding the meeting on Sunday, July 12, but they determined that it would be easier for those with long drives to their homes to be able to leave early on Sunday. GARTH ULRICH, Genealogist 3099 Dunn Drive Special events for the Stevne include a Vesterheim trip on Thursday, banquet on Prince Albert, SK Friday and riverboat cruise on Saturday. S6V 6Y6 CANADA [email protected] Sigdalslag’s responsibility for the Stevne is the hospitality room. No food may be brought in, but there is a large room that will be used for food demonstrations which Open, Historian will be available for sampling by attendees. The conference center will provide coffee. If you are interested in demonstrating a food product or in assisting in the room, please contact Vice-president Karen Olson. Housing at the Stevne includes the Holiday Inn and Radisson which are directly by the conference center. There are less expensive options with special conference JEAN BORGERDING, SAGA Editor rates as well as University housing. Information will be forthcoming on the websites 509 8th Avenue NE and in the May Saga. Minneapolis, MN 55413 612-379-4280 The Sigdalslag Centennial book looks great and debuted at the 2014 Stevne. It is [email protected] available on the Sigdalslag website as well as at the Stevner.

DALE BUISMAN, Webmaster May 5-7, 2016 are the dates for the Fellesraad Bygdelagenes (the umbrella 38265 Great Oaks Court organization for all of the lags) 100 year anniversary. Fellesraad is making a North Branch, MN 55056 substantive financial contribution to this festive occasion, so you will find it to be 651-277-6885 budget friendly. If you register by January 15 of 2016, current lag members will [email protected] receive an additional discount. [email protected] Please feel free to email me at any time with questions or concerns at [email protected] or call 651-357-6139. Hilsen, Jean

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La Crosse Stevne Update The Landings Lag stevne committee is excited to be coordinating the 2015 stevne in La Crosse, Wisconsin. La Crosse is an ideal location to hold a gathering like the 7-Lag Stevne because of the rich Norwegian heritage that has been preserved here in this corner of Wisconsin and the bordering states of Iowa and Minnesota. The stevne will be held July 9-12, which is Thursday through Sunday. Our stevne kicks off with our opening session at 9:00 AM Thursday, featuring ! Karen V. Hansen, a sociology professor at Brandeis column that runs in several papers in Wisconsin, University in Boston, as our keynote speaker. Ms. Iowa, and Minnesota; Candace Simar, author of the Hansen is the author of Encounter on the Great Abercrombie Trail series of historical fiction, which Plains, and will speak on the issues of co-existence depicts life on the prairie in the 1860s and 70s; between settlers and Native Americans. Following representatives from Vesterheim, NAHA and the the opening session, the genealogy room will be Giants in the Earth Center in Spring Grove; Westby open, classes will be held and there will be a tour to native Blaine Hedberg; plus some of our experts in Norskedalen and Country Coon Prairie Church. online genealogy will help you become better Thursday evening will be set aside for your individual acquainted with online genealogy sites. These lag to meet so members can become better presentations will be part of a three-track class acquainted with each other. schedule covering our prairie theme, general topics Friday will continue with genealogy and of Norwegian immigration and Norwegian arts and classes from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Our banquet will crafts. Crafts to be demonstrated include be held on Friday evening at 7:00 with entertainment rosemaling, wood carving, ski making, and baking. provided by the Arnstein Killingberg Orchestra from We are still looking for bakers who are willing to Leksvik, Trondelag, Norway. On Saturday, in addition demonstrate their favorite Norwegian specialty. We to the classes and genealogy, we will offer a tour to won’t have access to ovens, but if you use electrical Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, and for a relaxing appliances to produce fattigmand, hjerte vafler evening, there will be a riverboat dinner cruise. A (heart waffles), rosettes, etc., please consider sharing closing session on Sunday will feature Gracia Grindal, your talent with us. To volunteer to demonstrate retired theologian from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, your craft, please contact Sandra Hendrickson at: as our featured speaker. This session will emphasize [email protected] the importance of the prairie churches in the lives of We are hoping that a full day of genealogy the immigrants. We are continuing to collect photos and classes on Saturday will appeal to members who for a slide presentation. Thank-you to those who have had difficulty attending stevner in the past that have already contributed photos. If you have high- have been held only on weekdays. If you have never resolution photos of existing churches dating from attended a stevne before, and a weekend event before 1920, you are encouraged to send them to appeals to you, I encourage you to set aside the Carol Jorgenson at: [email protected] weekend of July 10-12. This is a great way to learn Our theme, “Gateway to the Prairie” will about your immigrant ancestors. If you have friends feature several speakers addressing the topic of whose ancestors came from areas of Norway that are Norwegian immigrant settlers and settlements on not part of the 7-lag, feel free to invite them to the prairies of the Upper Midwest. Among our attend the class presentations. The classes promise presenters are Betty Bergland, professor of history at to be of interest to anyone whose ancestors settled University of Wisconsin River Falls and co-author of the prairie. Norwegian American Women: Migration, Visit the 7-lag website in the spring for more Communities, and Identities; Howard Sherpe, local updates: www.7lagstevne.com newspaper columnist who for the past several years has written Across the Fence, a weekly newspaper

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Ellev 1852; Palme 1855; and Mari 1857. Some SIGDAL IMMIGRANTS HONORED IN descendants of these children still remain in Spring SPRING GROVE Grove and many others are scattered throughout the United States. Peder, 1811-1903, is buried at Black by Dianne Enger Snell Hammer Cemetery along with son Ellev and daughter Mari and her husband Ole Borreson. Adelyn Sanden, a granddaughter of Mari and Ole, still resides in Spring Grove. Aase, 1819-1881, and daughter Jorund, who died young, are buried in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery as are son Elling’s two oldest children who died of diphtheria. Enger Garden was the brainchild of Enger descendant and principal donor Irene O’Connor Navarre of Albuquerque, NM, also a long time member and supporter of Sigdalslag. The “Giants Center” has been a work of love by the Spring Grove community for a number of years, housed in the former Ballard House on the main street of town. The building has been beautifully restored but the grounds around it were in need of some beautification. Steve Kemp was enlisted as the Portraits of Peder and Aase Enger, donated by g. garden designer and he, along with a group of granddaughter Adelyn Sanden of Spring Grove, now hang dedicated volunteers over many months, brought the in the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. design to fruition. It is fairly certain that Peder and Aase Enger, immigrants to Spring Grove, MN in 1861 from Eggedal, Norway, would never have imagined that 153 years in the future their descendants would honor them as namesakes of a beautiful garden in the place they chose for their new home in America. But that is what happened on October 18, 2014 when Enger descendants and extended family gathered for the dedication of the Enger Memorial Garden at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center in Spring Grove. The garden dedication was in conjunction with a Bicentenary Celebration commemorating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, and the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue by master sculptor Craig Bergsgaard in memory of the late Norwegian artist and teacher Garden Designer Steve Kemp and Sigmund Årseth, A frequent visitor to Spring Grove benefactor Irene Navarre at the dedication. and creator of the immigrant murals inside the The Bicentenary weekend began with a “Giants Center.” gathering at the Spring Grove Cinema on Saturday, Peder and Aase Enger were not rich, or October 18 with introductions of the Enger and famous, or particularly noteworthy during their Årseth families, a welcome by Norwegian consulate lifetimes, but they are symbolic of the host of Gary Gandrud, ribbon-cutting at the garden gate by Norwegian immigrants who made the arduous trek Irene Navarre and tour of the Enger Garden, to America in search of a better life. Peder and Aase unveiling of the Årseth statue by his family from left from Drammen in 1861 with six children just a Norway, and a reception on the deck at Giants Center few days after the birth of their youngest daughter with music by the Thankful Brass. Saturday’s events Gunhild in Drammen. Their eldest daughter Ingeborg, concluded with a dinner at Giants Center and an 1838, was married in Norway and stayed behind with auction of rare Årseth creations. her husband, and eldest son Elling, 1836, had Sunday’s schedule featured a worship service preceded them to America in 1854. The other at Trinity Lutheran Church and a Bicentenary children were Sigrid 1841; Jorund 1846; Aase 1849; Celebration Concert by the Luren Singers of Decorah, PAGE 4 SIGDALSLAG SAGA VOLUME 35, ISSUE 1

the oldest the history and heritage of the people from Spring Norwegian- Grove’s Norwegian Ridge in southeastern American male Minnesota.” chorus in the world, The Mission Statement concludes: “Spring directed by Dr. Grove lies at the heart of Bluff Country and the David Judisch. The Norwegian Ridge, an area rich in stories of native weekend ended peoples and immigrant families. The deep with a reception significance of this shared history compels us to and art exhibit at create a community center, a place for audiences of the Heritage Center. all ages to take part in the fun and creativity of Those of you honoring, preserving, sharing and interpreting our who haven’t visited exciting heritage. Drawing visitors to our community Irene Navarre with cousin Allard Giants of the Earth from across the world, our Giants of the Earth Stevens of Granite Falls, MN at the Center I would Heritage Center will engage all participants in the Dedication highly recommend continuing story of the American experience, seen it. Spring Grove is through the special lens of Spring Grove’s unique just a short distance from Vesterheim Museum in contribution. Together we are helping build the new Decorah, Iowa. The Heritage Center provides Center that will serve future generations—in Norwegian cultural activities and classes for children remembering history, honoring ancestors, informing and adults, and promotes genealogy research and and captivating our wider world, and reminding one DNA testing. and all of Spring Grove’s heart-stirring place in America’s story.”

Giants of the Earth Heritage Center A group of Enger descendants and extended family in Spring Grove, Minnesota attending the Enger Garden dedication.

Although a small town in population, Spring Grove is a hub of activity when it comes to culture and historic preservation. A museum of art and artifacts and a gift shop is included in the Center, and a genealogy research library is available under the tutelage of local historian Georgia Rosendahl. Dr. Johnathon Storlie oversees the DNA testing and other technical aspects of the Center. The Board of Directors and other volunteers are dedicated to the promotion of the Center and the Spring Grove A life-sized bronze statue community. of Norwegian artist According to the mission statement: “Giants The main gate of the Sigmund Arseth was of the Earth Heritage Center was incorporated in Enger Garden at Giants unveiled by his family 2009 as a non-profit educational institution and is Center in Spring Grove. from Norway. Craig dedicated to honoring, preserving and interpreting Bergsgaard of Denver, CO was the sculptor.

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The long, incredible walk of Ole Knudsen The story of Ole’s walk is told in the history book of the First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake: The author says the grindstone was not used only by the man who By Carolyn Lange on Nov 8, 2014 carried the heavy burden, but by his neighbors in the Reprinted from The Grand Forks Herald Norway Lake settlement. NEW LONDON, Minn. –– With his shoulders bent That grindstone, according to the history book, slightly forward under the weight of a heavy burden borne provided an opportunity for neighbors to become a on his back, and brown work hat tugged down close to his community. eyes, Ole Knudsen is walking like a man on a mission. “For several years, neighbors brought their And indeed, that’s the story behind the nearly 15- scythes, axes and other tools to sharpen them on foot-tall, cut-out painting that is on display on the brick Knudson’s grindstone,” wrote the author of the history exterior wall of Mord’s Hardware store, which serves as an book. “And of course they would then be invited in ‘for a outdoor art gallery in downtown New London. cup of coffee.’ And maybe that fellowship was an In a partnership, members of the New London important as sharpening their tools.” Arts Alliance and the Norway Lake Lutheran Historical Once the circular grindstone arrived on Knudsen’s Association teamed up to create the latest display that farm, it became a place for people to gather together, combines art, history and a bit of folklore to tell the story Allen said. “He created community by doing this whole of how early settlers worked together to create a trek.” community on the prairie that was important for their The actions of Ole Knudsen demonstrate “how survival. important community was to people,” said Johnson. “And “We’ve lost that sense of community,” said Jeff that’s what the wall is about.” Johnson, from the Norway Lake Lutheran Historical Johnson said he hopes the story of Ole Knudsen Association. “We don’t know our neighbors.” rekindles a desire for individuals to work together for the The project “tells the story of life on the prairie common good. between 1860 and 1875,” said Jeff Johnson “It shows how The project is also an attempt to bring the one person can make a difference.” community’s history to a visible spot and engage people, Under the banner, “The long, incredible walk of he said. Ole Knudsen,” the project includes Scandinavian-style New London is celebrating its 150th anniversary rosemaling and the painting of Ole Knudson. Later this next year, which ties in nicely with the historic aspect of month story boards with historical information and letters the wall display. that settlers sent back home to Norway will be attached to But the goal is not to paint a purely romantic the wall. picture of that era. But at the center of the project is the bigger-than- life Ole Knudsen that was put on the wall last week. “The point of Ole’s story isn’t to glorify the settlers but to talk of this time and the hardship the Ole Knudsen was a real man who lived near people of that time had to go through,” Allen said. Norway Lake in the northern part of Kandiyohi County about 150 years ago, back when that region was legally She said there are also controversial issues of that known as Monongalia County. time in Minnesota’s history regarding the government’s treatment of Native Americans. There were 13 Norway As the story goes, Knudsen (whose family name Lake settlers killed during the fighting now known as the has also been spelled Knudson or Knutson) needed a U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. grindstone. “We want to tell the good and bad parts of our Apparently the closest place to purchase a story,” Allen said, by using art as a vehicle to accurately grindstone –– an important farm tool that was placed on a present the information. frame and rotated by foot-pedal power to sharpen metal “Art is a way to tell that in a more diplomatic way so that farm tools and knives –– was in St. Cloud. we can express some of the struggle that all the sides Knudsen walked the 75-mile route, bought a nearly 80- had,” she said. pound grindstone, hoisted it on his back and made the trek back home. This project was a “collaboration of artists and non-artists,” that will continue to evolve, Johnson said. The immigrants who settled here were “very One idea for the display is to have an 80-pound hardy people,” said Kristin Allen, a member of the Arts Alliance who also hosts numerous arts events at her bag of sand near the wall for people to carry down the block, to see how arduous Ole’s journey was. greenwater garage + gallery in New London. “They had to make their way, or die.” A chalkboard may be placed by the wall to let people tell their own family’s history.

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“There are lots of stories. There are miles of submitted them,” Allen said. photos of ten The story of Ole’s long walk “could lead us down churches in the path of many more stories,” she said. southwestern Next summer, the one-toned rosemaling may Wisconsin and morph into a celebration of color, Allen said. to Elaine Ask of the One of the goals of the wall is to create a large Hadeland Lag gallery space for new art projects to be created and who has sent displayed by a wide range of community organizations. photos of Allen said it’s unknown which entity will take on eighteen the next installation for the wall and what it will look like. churches throughout the five state area. We would still like to have a better ! representation of churches built in the Dakotas and Canada, as well as Iowa and northwestern Minnesota. We are looking for churches that are still in existence and were built prior to 1920. We would prefer photos that have been taken recently as older photographs may become blurry when we try to enlarge them for the This article is about member Earl Knutson's emigrant ancestor (from Sigdal) Ole Knudsen Storebråten. presentation. Photos of the exterior, interior, church signs and any interesting details are all appreciated. If possible, we would also like to have the dates when the church was first established and when the church building was built. Photos of Early Your photos can be sent to Carol Jorgenson via email: Norwegian-American [email protected] Churches By Carol Jorgenson In the last ! newsletter, we asked you for any current photographs that you might have of the early churches that were established by our Norwegian ancestors when they first settled in America and Canada. We have had a wonderful ! response and at the present time we have seventy churches in the Sigdalslag Family History Surveys collection. At this point, we have a good representation If you have not yet submitted a Family History Survey, the of churches built in southwestern and central Wisconsin as link can be found under the Genealogy section of our well as southeastern Minnesota. Thank you to all the website. For members without internet access, a copy may be requested from our Genealogist, Garth Ulrich (see page 2 members who have sent in photos of churches and a for contact information). special thank you to Bruce Nelson of the Landingslag who

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(Continued from page 1) The well-known paper Japanese. This gives Norwegian (and Swedish) a "singing" clip made from a thin wire has long (probably incorrectly) appearance that is easily recognized, this "singing" been assumed to be invented and patented by a characteristic also vaguely resembles East Asian languages. Norwegian. During the second world war, the paper clip This "singing" style usually spills over when Norwegians became a symbol of resistance to Nazi occupation and of are speaking English, often to the amusement of native unity during the hard times. When Nazi authorities speakers. Whereas eastern Norway tone or pitch system is recognized the symbolic meaning of the paper clip, it was similar to Swedish, Western and Northern Norway is forbidden to wear. notably different. Many Norwegians take a daily mouthful of cod When Norwegians say "the State" (staten), they liver oil ("tran") for health reasons, particularly to avoid mean "the (civil) Government". Whereas "regjeringen" rickets (English disease) in children. means the "cabinet" or "council of ministers". Officially the Many Norwegians eat kaviar on a daily basis. This King heads the civil government, so when official of course is the inexpensive type, mashed cod roe, sold in documents say "the King decides" it simply means the every grocery store. cabinet (the executive council) or the individual ministers. The Troll A gas production platform is the largest Norwegian and English are not only closely object ever moved by humans. The platform is 472 meters related, but a number of Norwegian or words high (of which 369m is under water) and weighs about 656 have been adopted in English as well as other languages, million kilograms. This huge structure is in other words examples: two times heavier than the Empire State Building in NY ski - cleft piece of wood City. The underwater part of Troll is exactly the height of bag - a flexible container, borrowed back from English into the Empire State Building’s top floor. Troll A is mostly a modern Norwegian concrete structure that contains reinforcing steel slalom (slalåm in Norwegian) - a track (låm) on a slope (sla) corresponding to 10 times the entire Eiffel tower. ombudsmann - a trusted intermediary or representative (also The Lærdal road tunnel on road E16 is the world's or originally Swedish) longest road tunnel, total 24.5 kilometers (15 miles). It is equipment - from old Norse "skipe" = to arrange, to furnish for an ordinary two-lane undivided highway. There is a service; same as modern word "ship" (boat) separate ventilation tunnel to a mountain valley above. club - from old Norse (a cudgel) There are no less than five speeding cameras inside the sky - from old Norse (meaning "cloud") tunnel. To reduce mental strain and claustrophobia the are - "er" in modern Norwegian tunnel has three large caves with blue or green light. The flat - "flat/flatt" in modern Norwegian tunnel was built as part of an effort to make the main road they - de/dei in modern Norwegian between Oslo and Bergen unaffected by winter storms. There are as many Norwegian descendants living Construction lasted from 1995 to 2000. Nearby the world's in the United States as there are Norwegians in Norway 8th longest road tunnel, the Gudvanga tunnel at 11.6 kilometers, is part of the same highway. (about 4.5 mill per year 2000, according to the US Census The Eiksund tunnel, 287 meters deep between bureau). In North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin there and in western Norway, is the world's is substantial proportion of inhabitants with Norwegian deepest underwater tunnel of its kind. ancestors. In the period 1860 to 1910, the percentage of Norway and are separated from the rest the Norwegian population emigrating to America was of Europe by open water: The Baltic, the North Sea, the second only to the percentage of the Irish. In total, about 1 Skagerak (between Denmark and Norway) and the narrow million Norwegians left for America around 1900, when strait between Sweden and Denmark. Norway and Sweden Norway had about 2 million inhabitants. form the Scandinavian peninsula, and for this reason the Notable Americans of Norwegian descent rest of Europe (except of course the British isles and Iceland) is simply referred to as the "Continent", although US politician Walter Mondale's ancestors are Norwegian Scandinavia is not an island. immigrants from the small Mundal village at Fjærland. Norway is part of Scandinavia, together with Canadian artist Joni Mitchell's ancestors are partly Norwegian Sweden and Denmark (although Denmark is not on the (from Modalen near Bergen and Sømna in Helgeland district). Scandinavian peninsula...). Finland and Iceland are US actor Renee Zellweger is the daughter of a Norwegian however, not part of Scandinavia, but are considered woman of Sami descent (Kirkenes, Finnmark county) and a Swiss Nordic countries ("Norden"). man, her parents met onboard the Hurtigruten. Actress Marilyn Monroe is assumed to be of Norwegian Although Norway has a lot in common with descent. Britain, Sweden and Denmark, contrary to these US football coach, Knute Rockne was born at Voss (near neighbors, Norway outlawed aristocracy in the new Bergen) as Knut Larsen Rokne. constitution (in 1814). There are virtually no castles in Norway, except ancient military constructions and the Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and Futurama, is the son of a Norwegian woman. royal palace in Oslo. The father of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotel chain, While understanding basic Norwegian words is came from the Hilton farm near Oslo airport. fairly easy for English, German or Dutch speakers, Norman Borlaug, nobel laureate and outstanding agronomist perfect pronunciation is notoriously difficult to learn Ole Evinrude, inventor of the first commercial outboard motor. because Norwegian is a pitch accent or tonal language, unlike most European languages, except Swedish, Latvian and Serbo-Croat, but similar to Chinese languages or

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Book with stories from Sigdal Birger Moen, former journalist of Bygdeposten, has now released a book with local stories from Sigdal and Eggedal. The book is written in Norwegian, and essentially the dialect of Sigdal. Birger, who is now retired, has collected and edited the stories. He brought together older people in Eggedal and Prestfoss and made audio recordings. There are small, fun and sometimes lush stories told. These stories are told from what we might call "originals", some characteristic people that told anecdotes and aphorisms about their fellow citizens. The book contains more than 200 stories and became even more fun to read when a local illustrator, Birger Hammerstad from Åmot, made drawings of Call or write: Shirley Sampson, many of the stories. P.O. Box 206, Hoffman, MN 56339 - (320)-986-2861 for more information

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In Memory...

Ellen Roenspies Norman Mortenson April 19, 1928- December 12, 1942- July 15, 2014 October 30, 2014 Ellen Lena Sylvia It is with great sadness Haugan Roenspies was that the family of Norman born on April 19, 1928, to (Mort) Mortenson announce Bertram and Marguerite the passing of their father and (Gavel) Haugan at the friend on October 30, 2014. Gavel farm. She grew up Mort was born on December on a farm near Salkeld 12, 1942 in the small town of Lake. As an only child her Spalding, Saskatchewan. After companions were her pets and that started a life-long, loving completing his schooling Mort relationship with animals, especially cats and dogs. moved to Prince George, Ellen started school in 1935 at Hopeful School. She where he began his career in enjoyed having so many playmates and had many fond memories the plumbing/pipefitting trade. On July 24, 1976, Mort married of old school friends, Christmas concerts, ball games and field his soul mate Glenda and together they raised their family. They meets. She took grades 9 and 10 by correspondence and moved to Bowden where they remained for the rest of their time attended Rose Valley High School from September to December together. 1944. Mort is predeceased by his loving wife Glenda, his Her love of music and sports carried through most of parents Peter and Cora, brothers Lloyd, Obert, Vernon & Ken and her life. Ellen and her mother Maggie on guitar and her dad Bert sisters Yvonne, Ruby & Peggy. Mort is survived by his brother Joe and neighbor Clifford Jacobson on violin provided music at many (Cecile), daughter Brenda (Sheldon), son Edward (Jill), barn dances. She continued to entertain for many occasions grandchildren Michael, Ashlea & Maple-Jade and an additional around the community for many years. grandchild in the spring and his great grandchildren Jayden & Ellen married Roy Holo in June 1950. Three children Makayla. were born to this union: Lynne (Prevost), Lorna (Hamilton) and We will miss you Dad, rest in peace. Give Mom a hug Myron Holo. from all of us. On June 10, 1978, she married Phillip Roenspies and “Gone Fishin” they made their home in Rose Valley. They enjoyed many fishing A memorial service to celebrate Morty’s life will be trips, dances and visiting with friends and family. held at the Heartland Funeral Services Chapel, Innisfail on She was very well known for her apple pies, flatbread Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 1:00pm. and rhubarb torte by those fortunate enough to taste them. Memorial tributes can be made to the Alzheimer Society. Ellen loved to attend her grandchildren and great- Source: www.heartlandfuneralservices.com grandchildren’s activities. She could be seen sitting in the Norman was the grandson of child emigrant, Jorgina audience at hockey games; dance, gymnastics, school programs; Jensdatter (Green) who came from Sigdal with her parents, Jens and any other event in which her grandchildren and great- Olsen Green and Turi Stenersdatter Halvorset. grandchildren participated. Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Bertram and Marguerite (Maggie) Haugan; grandsons, Keith and Bryan Hamilton; father-in law and mother-in-law, Albert Sr. and Clementine Roenspies; brothers-in-law, Harry Fouhse, Albert Emigrant Obituary Project Roenspies and Victor Froc; sister-in-law Evelyn Froc; niece and husband, Kathy and Brent Smith; nephew Lyle Roenspies; and The link to the Emigrant Obituary Project great-nephew Christopher Froc. can be found under the Genealogy section She will be sadly missed by her husband Phillip; her children, of our website. Our Genealogist, Garth Lynne (John) Prevost, Lorna (Barry) Hamilton and Myron (Brenda) Ulrich, looks forward to receiving a copy of Holo; grandchildren, Curtis (Lynne) Prevost (Jasmine, Damon, Jaycee, Adyson, Zane, Aiden), Kim (Karen) Prevost (Danika, the obituary of your emigrant ancestor Kaydence), Jackie (Shayne) Hood (McKenna, Chloe), Kevin from Sigdal, Eggedal or Krødsherad (see (Manuela) Prevost (Jordyn, Jaxon, Kendal), Greg (Stacey) Prevost page 2 for contact information). (Kailey, Brandon, Dylan, Owen), Dennis Prevost (Nadine Holt), Kelsey Prevost (Chris Staples) and Allison Prevost (Dustin MacDonald), Darren (Tanessa) Hamilton (Caleb, Haley, Dayna), Diane Hamilton, Kimberly Hamilton, Davin Holo and Jared Holo, Please share with us your families’ news of marriages, sisters-in-law, Phyllis Fouhse, Caroline (Camille) Rohel, Doris graduations, long term anniversaries, significant milestones, Roenspies and brother-in-law Denis (Denise) Roenspies; Gavel and the passing of loved ones. Send info to the Saga Editor: and Haugan cousins; and numerous extended family and friends. Source: www.tompkinsfuneral.com Jean Borgerding Ellen was the granddaughter of Theodore Andersen 509 8th Ave NE Haugenlykka who emigrated from Sigdal as a child with his Minneapolis, MN 55413 or parents, Anders Thorsen Haugenlykka and Boel Engebretsdatter email: [email protected] Haugan in 1882. Boel’s parents, Engebret Kristiansen Haugen and Sigrid Pedersdatter Reisatdeie were also emigrants.

PAGE 10 SIGDALSLAG SAGA VOLUME 35, ISSUE 1

Kathryn Watnaas Edna Voldeng July 3, 1936- August 4, 1912- November 24, 2014 January 26, 2015 Kathryn Watnaas, 78 of The peaceful rural Vining, Minnesota died death of Mrs. Edna Irene peacefully Monday, November 24, Voldeng (nee Thom), 102 2014 at the Knute Nelson Care years of Quill Plains Center in Alexandria, surrounded by Centennial Lodge, Watson her family. occurred on Monday, Kathryn Avon Watnaas January 26, 2015. Edna was was born on July 3, 1936, in Battle born in Bradwell, SK on Lake, Minnesota the daughter of August 4, 1912 to Daniel Leonard Martin and Elois Helen (Hartness) Gaarsland. She was baptized at Battle Lake and and Annie Laurie (nee confirmed at Folden Lutheran Church. Kathy attended grade Hughes) Thom. She grew up there and attended school. In her school and high school in Battle Lake. early teens, the family moved to the Spalding area. She worked On November 7, 1953 Kathy married Gene G. Watnaas for area families helping with domestic duties for a number of at the United Lutheran Church in Henning, Minnesota. The years. On November 30, 1938, Edna married Jens Voldeng. They couple farmed near Vining until Gene entered the U. S. Army. farmed in the Spalding area, where they raised their family of They returned to Vining, then Pease, Minnesota before moving three children. Although necessities of the time, Edna excelled at to Starbuck where they resided for seventeen years. In 1982, baking and gardening, loving the time spent doing these tasks. they returned the Watnaas home farm. Kathy enjoyed crafts, She had a green thumb that could make anything grow and playing her keyboard, crocheting baptismal gowns and especially enjoyed entertaining her family. She is a member of the Folden thrive. Over the years, she was involved in the White Dove Lutheran Church and a past member of the ELCW and the Ruth Society, the Dovre Lutheran Ladies and the New Horizons Seniors Circle. On November 6, 2010, after suffering a stroke, and Club in Spalding. Above all, Edna’s family was the most because of health reasons, Kathy entered the Knute Nelson Care important part of her life. She was thrilled as it grew to include Center. grandchildren and great grandchildren and she cherished each Kathy is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gene; new member of the family. Jens passed away in 1995 and Edna seven children, Linda (Dennis) O”Neill of Starbuck, Deb (Mark) continued to live in their home until 1998 when she moved into a Rau of Alexandria, Greg Watnaas of the Twin Cities, Todd (Cheryl) smaller senior duplex, living independently until past her 100th Watnaas of Prinsburg, Tracey Lindberg of Fergus Falls, Kris (Ron) birthday. For the last couple of years, she has been a resident of Hansen of Cyrus, Aric Watnaas of Osakis; twelve grandchildren, the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, where she quickly endeared Leah (Jeremy) Newton, Mickael (Vicki) Halvorson, Matthew and Brittany Rau, Amanda and Tara Watnaas, Dustin and Kyle the staff to her. Hentges, Riley (Karine Norberg Alonzo) Lindberg and Kaitlyn Edna will be lovingly remembered by her three (Kaiser) Starkey, Jordan Judd and Carter Watnaas; seven great- children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren: HARVEY grandchildren, McKenzie and Zander Newton, Taylor and Kaylee Voldeng of Ashton, ON; LINDA (Oswald) Leicht of Spalding and Hentges, Bentley Skindelien, Aiden and Grant Lieser, and by two family Troy (Bonnie) Leicht and children Julia and Levi of Naicam great granddaughters on the way; two brothers, Dennis (Joy) and Kim Leicht of Yorkton; and RON (Claire) Voldeng of Gaarsland and Al Gaarsland both of Battle Lake; half-sister Ladysmith, BC and family Jason (Lisa) Voldeng and children, Elle Carolyn Wickner; brother-in-law, Lloyd Schwarz; aunt, Lucille and Shea of Edmonton, AB and Renelle (Todd) Reid and children, Samson of Fergus Falls; and by numerous nieces, nephews, Everett and Lachlan of Winnipeg, MB; three sisters: Verna Scherr cousins and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her of Ladysmith, BC, Della Ellingson of New Westminster, BC, and father, Leonard Gaarsland; mother and step-father, Elois and Hazel Ellingson of Flin Flon, MB; sister-in-law, Lily Thom of Surrey, Gordon Ellwanger; brother, Ray Gaarsland; and two sisters, Terry BC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Edna was predeceased Schwarz and Audrey Hanson. by her parents, Daniel and Annie Laurie Thom; husband, Jens The love Kathy felt for Gene, her family and God were Voldeng; daughter-in-law, Evelyne Voldeng; three brothers: like no other. They were the most important things in her life. Charlie (Fern) Thom, Donald (Marie) Thom, and Elmer Thom; She showed through strength, patience and perseverance, how sister, Alice (Richard) Voldeng; and brothers-in-law: Peter Scherr, to live a good life. She loved to laugh and she laughed often. Her Edward Ellingson and Clarence Ellingson. The Funeral Service for family wants everyone to know: The life lessons she taught us, Edna was held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the she taught us well and we will never forget. Thinking of her Spalding Heritage Church. Interment followed in the Dovre brings great happiness to our hearts; the family wishes that to be Lutheran Cemetery, Spalding. Memorial Donations in Edna’s her legacy to all of us and you…be happy, smile and love. Rest in memory may be made to the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge- peace & happiness Kathy, you will never be forgotten. Heritage Garden Project. Funeral Service: 10 am Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the Source: www.discoverhumboldt.com Folden Lutheran Church, rural Vining Clergy: Rev. Rud Wasson Edna’s mother-in-law was Jorgine Jensdatter Green Interment: Folden Lutheran Church Cemetery who emigrated with her parents Jens Olsen Green and Turi Source: www.glendenilson.com Stenersdatter Halvorset. Children Harvey Voldeng and Linda Leicht are former Sigdalslag members.

PAGE 11 ! Sigdalslag Saga FIRST CLASS MAIL

Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal, Eggedal & Krødsherad ancestry

SIGDALSLAG EDITOR 509 8TH AVENUE NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55413

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 : JEAN T. KNAAK Full name/s______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: GARTH ULRICH BUSKERUD Family Origin in (circle one) - SIGDAL EGGEDAL KRØDSHERAD 3099 Dunn Drive Emigrant Ancestor’s name ______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 check. Dues in Canadian dollars should be made in the amount ELSEWHERE $12/YR or $30/3 YR, in US dollars equivalent to $10 US (1 year) or $25 US (3 years) on the date written.