For many years, Thurst played the Hammond Organ at the Winneshiek Co. Fair. Thurst married another Decorah native, Martha Louise Nesheim, born 2 Dec 1898, daughter of Lars and Anna Nesheim. Her father owned a tailoring business and her mother was a popular seamstress in the city. Although the couple never had children of their own, they were popular among the younger generation. Thurst made a lasting contribution to the city of Decorah by organizing the Decorah Kilties Drum and Bugle Corp. The Kilties have since played all over the United States and a good number of Decorah boys and girls have been members. In 1953 they marched in the inaugural parade for President Eisenhower. Of all the music units in the parade, the Kilties were Ike’s favorite. Martha had received her education in Decorah and gone on to business college. She worked for many years as secretary to Fred Bierman. Martha was a pretty petite blond. She had style and elegance. The couple liked to play golf and were popular at the country club as everywhere else. Thurst retired from the music store and sold the business to Kepharts. The store and his Kilties remain his legacy to the city. During the last years of his life, Thurst became an enthusiastic painter and produced many beautiful pictures, many of which found their way into the homes of his friends. Thurst passed away 27 Oct 1976. Martha remained in their apartment over the music store until after her 90th birthday. She lives at the Aase Haugen Home.

Kjomme, Andrew and Berith (Lien)

(Mildred Kjome)

Andrew Nelson Kjome and Berith Johnson Lien, John, Eva and Albert.

Andres Nelson Kjomme was born in 1839 on Selsteigen farm, Rollag Parish, Norway, to Nels N. Kjomme and Margit Andersdtr. He came with his parents to Highland Twp in 1854. In 1859 he married Berith (Bertha or Betsy) Johannesdtr Lien born 16 Oct 1842, daughter of Johannes Pedersen Roragen Lien and Eva Axelsdtr

Garmager. Andres began to use the name Andrew Nelson. He wanted to go to school so Berith went to work. The only work she could find was several miles from where her husband went to school so they would meet half way to be together for a few hours on Sundays. They made their first home on the southwest quarter of Section 17, Highland Twp. In 1877, Andrew and Berith purchased the farm known as the Milk Farm at the end of Palisades Road east of Decorah. They owned this farm until 1891. In 1878, their son Niels Albert died - 8 years old. A daughter Madeline died in 1883, only 9 months old. Their nephew, Andrew Kjome, farmed the farm for some time in the 1880’s. They also owned and operated a livery stable in Decorah at one time on the property now occupied by the Springer Hotel. The family moved to Grand Forks, ND in about 1890. Soon after they got to Grand Forks their son Gustave (age 13) died. Andrew Nelson owned and operated a monument company there. Andrew died 20 Apr 1894 in Grand Forks, age 48. In 1899, their son Albert died, 19 years old. A daughter Elizabeth died in 1905, at age 33. She had lived all her life with her mother. Berith visited her eldest daughter, Eva Kelley and family in Walla Walla, WA. about 1913. In 1921 Eva Kelley died. Berith lived the rest of her life in Grand Forks, the last years in the Valley Memorial Home for the Aged, where she died 15 Oct 1924. Andrew and Berith Nelson and three of their children are buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks.

Their children were: Eva Marie Kjome-Nelson (m. John Wilmot Kelley); Christina (m. Ellef Ellis); Johannes; John Andrew Nelson; Niels Alberth (Albert) Nelson; Elizabeth Nelson; and Gustav Nelson.

Kjomme, Nels, Jr. and Anna (Johnson)

(Mildred Kjome)

Nels N. Kjomme Jr. was born 6 Nov 1836 at Selsteigen farm, Rollag, Norway to Nels N. Kjomme Sr. and Margit A. Hov. He was confirmed in Rollag Church. In 1853 the family emigrated to America, settling in Highland Twp. Nels was married in the stone school at Locust Lane 21 Feb 1858 to Johanna Halsteinsdtr born 10 Mar 1840, daughter of Halstein Nelson Bakke and Marta Ivarsdtr Loven. They built up a farm just east of the original Kjomme farm. Johanna caught pneumonia on the long trip to the wedding and never fully regained her health. Three children died, one after the other, Martha Maria, 1858-1862, Nils Andres, 1860-1861, Hendrik, 1862-1866. Only their last born, Nils Andreas, born 1866, survived. On 1 Aug 1868. Johanna died of tuberculosis. She and her three little ones are buried at Big Canoe. Nels now needed a mother for his son and a companion and helpmate. Anna Marie Johnson, born 18 Jun 1845, daughter of Johannes Pedersen Rorangen Lien and Eva Axelsdtr Garmager became his bride 7 Jun 1869 at the home of Joshua McAlister, Justice of the Peace. Her sister Berith was married to his brother, Andrew N. Kjomme. Nils Andreas always said his stepmother was the best mother any child could wish for.