H.O. Josvanger, Helen (Hedin) and sons Charles Frederick and Michael Paul, circa 1942.

lege. After the death of his father in 1915 George operated the family farm for his mother and together with his sister Freda made a home for the younger Josvanger children until they reached maturity.

George and Elva were parents of 2 children: Harley Curtis and Eleanore Kathryn.

Elva died at age 41 following a stroke 14 Dec 1945. George died 27 Jun 1966 in Des Moines where he was staying with his daughter. Both are buried in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery.

Josvanger, Ole Benjamin “Ben” and Dagny (Bolstad)

(Wendella Josvanger Johnson)

Michael, Karen Marie, Charles Edward and Kristine Marie.

Michael Paul married Andrea Ellen Prough  on 18 Jun 1960. They have 2 children: Tracy Lee and Michael Paul, Jr.

H.O. “Mike" Josvanger died 24 May 1985. His wife preceded him in death on 6 Oct 1974. Both are buried in the West Lawn Memorial Park, Racine.

Josvanger, H. George and Elva (Morrison)

(Francis M. Jeffers)

Back: Harley. Front: Elva, Eleanore and George Josvanger about 1938.

Henry George Josvanger (b. 27 Oct 1891) was a son of Hans O. and Isabel Gustine (Bakken) Josvanger. He married Elva Alice Morrison (b. 18 Dec 1903) in Forest City, IA on 8 May 1926. Her parents were Adelbert M. Morrison and Lestina Mae McIntosh. Elva received her education in rural schools of Winneshiek Co., Valders College, Upper IA University at Fayette and State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, IA certifying her for teaching. George received his education in the rural schools of Winneshiek Co. and attended Valders and Waldorf Col

Ole Benjamin Josvanger and Dagny Wendella Bolstad on their wedding day. October 4, 1911

My father Ole Benjamin Josvanger was born 27 Jul 1889 in Madison Twp., Winneshiek Co., the son of H. O. and Isabel Gustina (Bakken) Josvanger. He attended rural school except for 3 years when he attended Luther and St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. He met my mother Dagny Wendella Bolstad in Decorah. Dagny was born 13 Jun 1890 in Christiania, Norway, the daughter of G. A. and Karen (Holmson) Bolstad and was brought to America as a small child—first to New York, later to Decorah.

Benjamin and Dagny married 4 Oct 1911 at the Bolstad home, Decorah and honeymooned in Minneapolis. My father became a rural mail carrier using a horse and buggy as transportation. Josvangers rented a small farm near Decorah. A few years later, for health reasons, father gave up the mail route and farmed in Winneshiek Co. Kerosene lamps, lanterns, and an Aladdin lamp in the kitchen were used for reading.