Benzing, Steven and Carol (Fretheim)

(Ruth C. Fretheim)

Erika, Ryan and Kara Benzing taken in their Decorah Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps uniforms with the instruments they play.

Berentson, Eiling and Mari (Olavsbratan)

(Arthur G. Peterson)

Eiling Berentson was born in Heslia, Norway in 1810. He was married to Mari Olavsbratan in 1844. Mari was born in Norway in 1815. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1871 with their son Berent E. Orpen. Elling's date of death and burial place are unknown.

Mari was buried in the Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Worth Co. near Kensett, IA. Her nearly illegible grave marker shows her maiden name as Olsdatter and her date of birth as 13 May 1815 and her date of death as 18 May 1889.

Berent E. Orpen (Ellingson) was born 2 Dec 1845 in Kroderhered (spelling uncertain), Norway and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents, Eiling and Mary Berentson, settling in Winneshiek Co. They moved to a farm in Brookfield Twp., Worth Co., IA in 1873. Berent married Anna Asleson 29 Aug 1887 in Northwood, IA. He died 24 Apr 1918 and is buried in the Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery.