born in Hadeland, Norway 30 Mar 1857 and came to the United States with her parents in 1863.

Stephen had 6 brothers and sisters: Carl, Emma (Whitmore), Gilmer, Selma (died in infancy), Julius and Alfred.

Stephen married (Esther) Rebecca Lovstuen who was born 7 Sep 1896 in Glenwood Twp. to Hans and Marie Lovstuen. Hans was born in Hadeland, Norway 13 Feb 1852 and Marie was born 29 May 1861 in the United States. Hans arrived in the United States from Norway in 1854. E. Rebecca’s brothers and sisters were: Helmer Lovstuen, Hilda Teslow, Oscar Lovstuen, Ellen Ruen, Alfred Hexom (adopted), Nora Berge, Alma Hanson and Dagny Evenrud.

Stephen and Rebecca were married 27 Nov 1919 at Glenwood Lutheran Church. They had 4 sons: Hubert, Raymond, Kenneth and Spencer. Two other sons, Arnold and Milford, died at birth.

Hubert (b. 1 Dec 1920) married Angela Stortz. They had 3 children: Margene, Steven and Robert. Hubert later married Avis (Smith) Nelson. Hubie and Avis are retired and live in Decorah. Raymond  married Marilyn Nesset 16 Aug 1947 at First Lutheran Church. They had 4 children: Karen, Mark, Kristi and Kathi. Ray and Marilyn live in Decorah. Karen died of cancer 2 Jan 1992. Kenneth  married Grace Vine 15 Jun 1949 at First Lutheran Church. They had 7 children: Kenneth Jr., Linda, Julie, Pam, Jane, Wayne and Scott. Kenneth is a partner in S. B. Bolson & Sons and Grace is a waitress. Spencer married Carol June Peterson 10 Feb 1957 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church. Spencer and Carol have 5 children: Stacy, Gail, Lance, Darin and Annette. Spencer and Carol live in Decorah where Spencer is a partner in S. B. Bolson & Sons and Bolson Brothers Paints. Carol works at Luther College in the Registrar’s Office.

Stephen served overseas during World War I and upon his return in 1919 lived in Glenwood Twp. Stephen and Rebecca both spoke Norwegian at home and it wasn't until they moved to Decorah from Glenwood Twp. that their oldest son learned to speak English. In 1927 Stephen started S.B. Bolson Painting in Decorah. They purchased a home on Day Street-it was the family home until 1981. Rebecca was a piano teacher for many years and taught many of her grandchildren how to play. She also enjoyed playing canasta, cooking and baking Norwegian foods.

Stephen brought all 4 of his sons into his paint business, renaming it S. B. Bolson & Sons. He enjoyed working and worked until the day he died 10 Nov 1970 at the age of 76. Rebecca died in 1987 at age 90. Both are buried at Phelps Cemetery, Decorah.

Bolson, Terry Lynn

(Ransome Bolson)

Terry Lynn Bolson

Bolson, Violet (Young)

(Ransome Bolson)

Violet Minnie Bertha Young was born 29 Dec 1897 near Jackson Junction, IA to George and Minnie (Gutzka) Young. The family lived there about 2 years and then moved to a farm a mile or more east of Burr Oak, IA. They lived there a couple of years and then moved further east to a farm about 4 miles from Burr Oak. Violet attended the Hesper Twp. School about one-half mile to the east. She was baptized in Decorah by Pastor H. G. Stub 2 Mar 1898. Emil and Bertha Rosenthal were her