marshall. During the years their family grew to include a daughter Bernice and 3 sons, Vernon, Gordon and Curtis.

In 1924 Henry went to Austin, MN to look for work. He registered at the hotel, walked over to the Hormel plant and applied for a job. He was told that the regular starting time was 4:30 p.m. but if he could make it by 5 p.m. that day it would be all right. Henry remained at Hormels for 30 years. He spent most years in the Sweet Pickle Division and a number of years as inspector in the Curing Division.

When the time came for Henry to retire he was well prepared because he had developed a lively interst in everything - not excluding flowers and fishing. Henry and Johanna were fond of music and often entertained their family and friends by playing the violin and piano together.

Johanna was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking. Her cookie jar was never empty, much to the joy of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many neighbor children. She liked to crochet and her home was nicely decorated with her handwork. Johanna had a special collection of tiny glass slippers. She enjoyed playing cards. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge. Johanna was a second mother to many. Even after their family was grown the Bjorgo home was never empty. They were known for their great hospitality and kindness, often opening their home to young people who came to work in Austin.

On 3 Nov 1960 Johanna, only 69 years old, passed away at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin. Henry moved to senior housing in Austin. He passed away 15 Jan 1967.

Blagen, Martin and Mathea (Erickson)

(Norman Hjelmeland)

Martin Andersen Blagen was born 21 Apr 1853 in Glenwood Twp., Winneshiek Co., the son of Andrew and Karen (Braam) Blagen. Martin married Mathea Erickson 29 Jul 1876 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church near Decorah. Mathea was born 15 Aug 1853 at Hakedalen, Norway, the daughter of Jens and Ingeborg (Hanson) Erickson Ness. She immigrated to Winneshiek Co. in 1854 with her parents. (See Jens Erickson Ness)

Martin and Mathea farmed in Winneshiek Co. during their married life. They farmed first near Springwater in

Canoe Twp. and later moved to Pleasant Twp. Martin died 26 Apr 1913 on his farm in Pleasant Twp. at age 60. Mathea moved to Decorah. She died 21 Jun 1930 at age 76. Martin and Mathea were members of Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church, rural Winneshiek Co., and are buried in the church cemetery.

Martin Blagen family

Martin and Mathea had 5 children:

Ida Caroline (b. 1880) married Hildor H. Egge. They farmed in Winneshiek Co. and had 2 children: Esther and Lillie Amanda. Anne Josephine (b. & d. 1883). Amanda Josephine fb. & d. 1884). Joraen Alfred (b. 1886), married Emelia Gustina Istad. He farmed in Winneshiek Co. and had 3 children: Melba, Nathan and Ellen. Emma Louise (b. 1895), lived in Decorah. Unmarried.

Blegen, Ole and Johanna (Renaas)

(Bill Musser)

Ole A. Blegen was born in Norway 1 May 1828. He and his wife, Johanna, Renaas, born 2 Apr 1828 in Norway, left their home country in the early 1850’s and came to Iowa where they built a log home in the northeast corner of Glenwood Twp. in Winneshiek Co. In this home 7 children were born to Ole and Johanna: Anders (b. 1857, died at age 14 in 1871); Inge Maria “Marie”, (b. 1859, m. Gullick Rognas); Agusta (b. 1861, m. Henry Busnes); Emelia (b. 1862, m. William H. Musser); Jorgina (b. 1865, never married); Mathilda or “Mathea" (b. 1868, m. Nels Larson); and Andrew (b. 1871, m. Nettie Musser, William's sister, creating a double family relationship between the Mussers and the Blegens). Little information is currently available regarding the lives of this pioneer couple. However, their descendants in Winneshiek Co. are numerous.

Bloxham, Ronald and Marilyn (Noecker)

(Myrtle Noecker)

Marilyn Gaye Noecker, was the oldest daughter of Clifford and Eunice (Vail) Noecker. After graduating from Decorah High School, she married Ronald Bloxham of Waukon 11 Sep 1955. Ronald and Marilyn, as well as their children and grandchildren, live