H.; and Marguerite, all of whom lived in Decorah, The family grew up in the house on the corner of East Water Street and Montgomery, across from the creamery, now owned by Nancy and Vincent Lerdall. They later moved to the apartment over the grocery store at 121 East Water Street. Gustav died suddenly at his home 29 Jul 1937 after suffering yet another stroke. Thea and their daughter Marguerite continued to live over the store. Thea was active in the First Lutheran Ladies Aide, the Women’s Relief Corps, and Legion Auxiliary. She passed away at Smith Memorial Hospital 18 Mar 1962 following a period of failing health. Their daughter Marguerite lived the rest of her life in the county home at Freeport. She passed away 3 Dec 1990 at age 74.

Kjome, James Henry

(June Kjome)

James Henry Kjome was born on a farm near Decorah, IA on Thanksgiving Day 29 Nov 1888. He was the second son of Nils Andreas and Clausine Clausen Kjome. When he was quite young, his parents moved to his grandfather's farm just south of Highland Lutheran Church where they lived many years. He attended Kjome school and helped his family on the farm. He was fond of animals, especially horses. James had 8 siblings: Nels who died young, Johanna, Mabel, Cora, Olga, Norman, George and Gladys.

James learned the carpenter trade by apprenticeship and worked in the area. Then he was a groomsman caring for the horses in a circus that traveled in Minnesota and the Dakotas. He left the circus to homestead in Montana. He was a very good story teller and later regaled his family and friends with interesting accounts of his experiences.

James and Jennie Kjome's wedding, March 20, 1918 in Highland Lutheran Church, rural Winneshiek county.

James married Jennie Wennes 20 Mar 1918 in Highland Lutheran Church where both of their families had been charter members. They lived in Spring Grove, MN until James was drafted into the Army 26 Jul 1918. He was stationed at Camp Dodge near Des Moines.

James was a mechanic in the 88th US Headquarters Infantry regiment. Twice they were scheduled to go overseas, but the Spanish flu decimated the unit and the war was over before they could be shipped out.

After his discharge from the army, James resumed his carpenter work. The family moved to Decorah and bought the former home of Dr. Nils Kjome, the veterinarian, on 401 Hill Street. Their first daughter, June was born 12 Dec 1920. They moved to the farm of James’ parents for two seasons. Helen was born there. They returned to their home in Decorah and their youngest daughter, Caroline was born. In the fall of that year, they left to live in Austin, MN.

In 1928, James built a home for the family in Crane Addition, a new development north of the Hormel Plant. The property had 4 lots, back to back. There was a large play yard for the girls and space for a big garden. All three girls graduated from High School in Austin. In 1942 the family moved to Jennie's parental home in Winneshiek Co to care for her aging father, O.L. Wennes and farm the land. Later they moved to Decorah and in 1957 settled on a small farm they had owned for years near Adams, MN. James built their retirement home there. They enjoyed the leisurely pace of farming the small acreage and taking short trips to visit family. One year they drove to Los Angeles to spend the winter with Jennie's sister, Thilda, and her family. James surprised his brother-in-law, Rev. Egertson, with his ability to find his way about the city without a guide. James loved maps and had an uncanny sense of direction and place. He and Jennie had a wonderful time in California.

In 1965 they moved to Spring Grove. They enjoyed being back in the area where they had grown up. Visits from their daughters and grandchildren were the highlight of their lives.

James was ill the last years of his life and died in the hospital in Spring Grove 2 Dec 1975, just 3 days after his 87th birthday. He is buried in Highland Lutheran Church Cemetery rural Winneshiek Co.

Kjome, Jennie Wennes

(June Kjome)

Jennie Wennes was the second child and elder daughter of O.L. and Caroline Larson Wennes. She was born at the home farm in Highland Twp, Winneshiek Co, IA 29 Jan 1892. She attended Grindeland School near their home. She was in poor health as a child. As a young woman she took dressmaking in Decorah, IA. Jennie stayed in her parental home helping her mother with household duties and caring for the younger siblings. She had 5 brothers: Peter, Edgar, Nels, Ted, Carl and a sister, Thilda. Her parents had a large farm and usually had extra hired men working for them.

Jennie’s parents paid the passage for Norwegian young people to come to the USA. These immigrants were called “newcomers”. They lived with the family working on the farm to repay their passage. When they were accustomed to America and learned English, they moved on. One of the young women taught Jennie and her