teaching staff at Greenwood Elementary School, River Falls.

James and Alberta’s first home was in Austin, MN where he taught French and German for 6 years at Austin Senior High. He later taught languages for 3 years at Austin Community College before moving to the University of Wisconsin, River Falls in 1968 where he taught French, German and Norwegian for 26 years.

Alfred M. Nelson, called "Squire,” at 17. First child of Soren Nilsen Bliksrud and Helga Amundsdatter Bekkhus. Born in USA in 1857, River Falls, Wisconsin.

James and Alberta are the parents of 3 children: Michael Davis , Anne Louise and Jeffrey Dean Bjoern .

Michael graduated from River Falls High School and the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with majors in German and English, the latter with an emphasis in writing. He also completed a music minor with classical guitar as his instrument. Michael has played electric bass guitar in a rock band since he was about 18. For the past 6 years he has also played in a music group at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Lakeland, MN for their comtemporary worship service.

Anne also graduated from River Falls High School. She too has a strong interest in music and studied both the piano and clarinet. In high school Anne was a member of the award-winning River Falls High School Marching Band. During the band's trip they presented concerts in the amphitheater at Mt. Rushmore, in Cheyenne, WY and Estes Park, CO. Anne majored in computer science and music at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wl. After graduation, Anne’s first job was with Anderson Consulting, Milwaukee. Anne later spent a year with Vista (a domestic volunteer program similar to the Peace Corps) working with the Miami Valley Literacy Council, Dayton, OH. After she finished her year of volunteer work, she was employed as a regular staff member for a second year.

Jeff graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls in 1995 with majors in Journalism and Art. For 6 years he had a weekly radio show on the university station, WRFW. The show was called “Felonious Punk” and played rock music. Jeff now is on the computer graphics staff of The Republican Eagle (newspaper), Red Wing, MN.

Bender, Dean and Carol (Berge)

(Dean and Carol Bender)

Eric, Carol, Dean and Lynette Bender.