He worked on his father’s farm until he purchased his own farm in Springfield Twp.in 1925. He farmed there until he sold the farm to his first son, Curtis, and retired to Ossian in the early 1950’s.

On 1 Jun 1926 he married Anna Christine Droserud. Anna was born in Norway near the towns of Kongsvinger and Aabogen. She was born 12 Jul 1900 and immigrated to the USA in 1921.

There were two sons born to them. Curtis Duane Lien. Like his father he was baptized and confirmed in the Springfield Lutheran Church and was a life long member. He attended the nearby Lee School and in 1946 left to serve in the army for two years, serving in the Pacific area. On 8 Mar 1952 he married Wilma Marie Ohnstad of Florence, SD. They purchased the farm from Gullick at that time and farmed there until 1987. They have 4 surviving children: Kristi Marie, Randy Curtis, Kelly Allan and Ricky David.

Their second child, Alden Gerhard Lien. He too was baptized in the Springfield Lutheran Church but was confirmed in Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. In 1947 he graduated from Decorah High School and in 1951 graduated from Luther College. From 1951 to 1955 he served in the US Air Force during which service he acquired an MBA from the University of Houston in TX. After service he was employed by the Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wl and retired from there after 35 years. He was married to Helen Jean Bothel in 1951 and they had 4 children: Kathryn Jo, Steven Jon, Eric Jay and David Joel.

Gullick enjoyed his retirement in a home he built in Ossian, IA until his death 15 Dec 1969. He is buried in the Springfield cemetery near his ancestors. Anna died 12 Oct 1985. She had made several trips back to Norway to visit with her surviving sisters and other relatives.

Lien, Robert and Marlys (Wilkens)

(Marlys Lien)

Robert E. Lien was the son of Elmer and Grace (Berness) Lien. Marlys A. Wilkens Lien was born to Wm. and Esther Wilkens. Bob and Marlys were united in marriage 2 Jun 1957 at Decorah Lutheran Church, Decorah, IA. They farmed the Lien farm (Velkommen Valley Farm), Springfield Twp., Winneshiek Co. which was homesteaded by Bob’s great grandfather Gulick K. Lien in 1854. Marlys and Bob are the parents of 4 children.

Debra Marie (b.4 Mar 1958) died at age 35 from complications of multiple sclerosis. Deb was married 15 Sep 1979 to Gary Allen Rausch. Gary married Patty Lechtenberg 22 Aug 1987. They have 4 children: Kari Marie, Aaron Michael, Megan Elizabeth and Mikayla Anne. Now this family lives on the Lien farm homesteaded by Bob's great grandfather. The children are the 6th generation to enjoy and cherish Velkommen Valley.

Scott Lien married Sally Schissel 26 May 1990. They live in Wabesha, MN with Isaac Robert. Kristen David married Pamela Gaul 16 Sep 1995. They live in Moorpark, CA.

Marlys and Bob belong to Springfield Lutheran Church, rural Decorah. Both have been very active in community and church activities. Marlys was named an Iowa Master Homemaker, Theta Nu Woman of the Year, Distinguished Dairy Women of Winneshiek Co. and received an award in the teaching of reading. Bob was also named Distinguished Dairyman of Winneshiek Co.

Now Bob and Marlys reside in Decorah where they have opened “Once Upon A Time," a children's and inter-age book store. Marlys has received the title “The Story Lady” and shares stories in her courtyard, front porch, store, care centers, schools and community functions.

Lillegraven, Wendell and Marian (Turner)

(Marian Lillegraven)

Wendell Everett Lillegraven was born 7 Jun 1910. His parents were Louis and Elizabeth (Peterson) Lillegraven.

On 16 Oct 1937 Wendell married Marian Turner at the Methodist Parsonage, Decorah. Marian was born 19 June 1916 in Fillmore Co., MN. She was the daughter of Frank and Kate (McCrehin) Turner. Marian graduated from Mabel (Minnesota) High School.

Wendell and Marian lived in Minneapolis for a few years where Marian worked for the Bell Telephone Company. They then moved back to Decorah. In Decorah Wendell and Marian both worked for the Holt Dairy for a time. Marian later worked in the cafeteria at the Decorah High School.

In 1968 Marian inherited the hotel in Mabel, MN. Marian and her husband moved to Mabel and lived in the hotel. Marian operated the hotel until she sold it in 1975 and she and Wendell moved back to Decorah. Wendell died 22 Dec 1978. He is buried in Mabel, MN.

Wendell and Marian had three children: David; Mark; and Mary. David is married to Janice Hagen and lives in Plainfield, IA. Mark married Loretta Redwing. They live in Mabel, MN. Mary is married to John Hegg and lives on a farm near Decorah.

Marian now makes her home at the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah.

Linderbaum, Earl and Bernice (Budahl)

(Bernice Linderbaum)

Earl Fredrick Linderbaum, son of Charles Linderbaum, Sr. and Alma (Pliester) Linderbaum, was born 13 Mar 1917 on the family farm in Bloomfield Twp. He attended the Moneek school near his home. Earl was inducted into the U.S. Army in Dec 1941. He was stationed in Pomona, CA. On 15 Aug 1942 he married Bernice Budahl at the Community Presbyterian Church in Postville, IA. Bernice, the daughter of Gustav M. and Amanda (Hanson) Budahl. Earl was transferred to Toledo, OH where the couple lived for a year. Earl was then sent