Two of his grandsons were with him picking grapes about 5 miles from home 17 Aug 1940 when he died of a heart attack. They ran 5 miles to their uncle’s farm for help.

Bigler, Lester and Myrtle (Ellingson)

(Lorraine Houck)

Lester Bigler was born 2 Jun 1902 in Clayton Co. to Ernest and Elizabeth (Schroeder) Bigler.In 1912 he moved with his family to a farm in Pleasant Twp. located 3 farms south of the Sattre Store. He lived on this farm until 1938 when he purchased the Butler Forde farm just south of the Sattre Store. Lester's brothers and sister were Elmer, Harvey, Roy, George Harry and Elsie.

Myrtle Ellingson was born 7 Nov 1909 in Pleasant Twp., across the road from the Coon Club Cabin, to Anton and Ida (Hanson). Myrtle's brothers and sisters were: Tilvina Bilger, Arnold, Irene Tilleros, Julius, Erven, Clifford, Bernice Byrnes and Helen Bergan.

Myrtle and Lester were married 17 Jun 1931 in the Ellingson home in Pleasant GTwp. They had 6 children who attended the rural schools of Pleasant Twp., Pleasant #7, #8, #1 and #2. They are all graduates of Decorah High School. .

Lester was a farmer all his life. He often told about walking behind a horse-drawn drag all day long. He enjoyed raising chickens and was especially proud of his purebred Berkshire hogs. In the fall many bushels of apples were picked from the 2 acre orchard, taken to town and sold to the grocery stores and restaurants. The family belonged to St. John's Lutheran Church, Locust, where Lester served on the Board of Trustees. He enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors at the Sattre Store.

Myrtle will always be remembered by her family for her beautiful birthday cards with gift of money included. No one was forgotten. She was always giving without expecting anything in return. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, giving spirit, and her love of people. The grandchildren looked forward to her chocolate cookies with white frosting.

Bily, Joseph and Frank

(Kate Klimesh)

Bily Brothers Joseph and Frank

The Bily Brothers of Bily Clocks fame, were of Czech descent. Joseph C. was born 5 Sep 1880 and Frank L. 11 Oct 1884 on the family farm north of Spillville, Their father John was born in 1855 in Sepekov, Bohemia to Matej and Anna (Rezac) Bily. Their mother was Mary Andera, born in 1857 in Hrobska Zahradka, Bohemia to John and Barbara (Cekal) Andera. It is believed that she was about 5 years old when by way of Canada she came with other members of the family to Spillville. John Bily’s