Johanna’s sisters and brothers were: Emma (m. Kirkle); Olga (Mrs. Iverson): Dora; Ole; Carl and Melvin.

Joe and Jenny had one daughter, Helen “Mae”, and a son who died at birth. Helen was born 14 Jan 1912 in Decorah. She attended school in Decorah. On 27 May 1929 Mae was united in marriage to Orlando “Orrie” Otteson. Orrie and Mae had 3 children: Esther (m. Houck); Merton Dale and Mavis (m. Mitchell).

When in his early teens Joe worked with his father on the railroad. He was called to serve his country in WWI but the war ended before he had a chance to serve. He worked for the Goodrich Coal Company and later drove a truck for his cousin Bill Frye. During WWII Joe worked for Fairbanks Morse in Beloit, Wl for a year. Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing as a young man. He also loved horses and could handle them with great skill. Joe took great pride in taking care of his home. He loved going to the drive-in with his oldest granddaughter, Esther.

Jenny helped Joe run a restaurant and store called “Little Chicago" where “Sons of Norway" is now located. She worked for Fairbanks Morse along with Joe and their son-in-law Orrie. She also worked as a cook at the Green Parrot Restaurant in Decorah, cleaned houses and did laundry for several families in Decorah. In her later years she took care of elderly people. She belonged to the Royal Neighbors and Ladies Aid at Hauge and Decorah Lutheran Churches. Jenny enjoyed playing bingo, cards and beating her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at checkers.

Overvold, Paul and Norene (Smith)

(Paul Overvold)

Paul Morris Overvold was born in Minneapolis, MN. His father Carl Overvold was born 13 Aug 1916 in Velva, ND to Paul Sr. and Birgit (nee Swenson) Overvold. His mother Marie Overvold was born in Racine Wl to Marius and Margit (nee Stensvaag) Johnson 1918. Paul’s parents were married in Racine, Wl  7 Aug 1947.

Paul was the third of 5 children. His brothers and sister are: Mark Carl (1948-1988); Peter Michael; Mary Ellen (Ronningen) and Jon Arthur.

Paul Overvold and Norene Alyson Smith were married 31 Dec 1977 in Seattle, WA. Norene was born in Seattle and is the daughter of George Duncan and Norma Jean Smith. Her father was born in Vancouver, B.C., Canada in 1921 and her mother was born in Seattle in 1921. They were married in New York, N.Y in Aug 1944. Norene’s brothers include: George Duncan II and Kevan Franklin, both of Washington State.

Paul graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in German and Sociology. Norene graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano.

Paul and Norene both graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Paul was ordained into the ministry of the American Lutheran Church in 1978. Norene was ordained into the ministry of the American Lutheran Church in 1983. Paul served as pastor of the following churches: Zion Lutheran in Finland, MN from 1978 -1981;

Christ Lutheran in Slayton, MN from 1983-1990; Decorah Lutheran from 1990 to the present. Norene served as pastor of Christ Lutheran from 1983-1990 and as Campus Pastor at Luther College from 1991 to the present.

Rev. Norene A. Smith, Rev. Paul M. Overvold,
Elena Smith Overold, age 9 and
Erica Smith Overold, age 7.

Paul and Norene have 2 daughters: Elena Liv Smith-Overvold and Erica Christina Smith-Overvold. Both girls were born in Slayton and now attend Decorah Public Schools.

The Overvold-Smith family enjoys family, church and college activities, many friends and traveling to visit relatives. They are members of Decorah Lutheran Church.

Oxley, Anthony and Alice (Nelson)

(Alice Oxley)

Anthony “Wally” and Alice Oxley live at 1533 Centennial Road, Ossian, IA. Anthony Walter Oxley ; Alice June (Nelson) Oxley. Wally is a soil conservation technician working out of the Decorah office. Alice is retired after 26 1/2 years as Assistant County Recorder. Wally and Alice are the parents of 2 children: Susan Elizabeth and Anthony Walter Oxley III. Susan married Dennis Bigler (b. 7 Jan 1951). Dennis and Susan live at 1204 Ferris Mill Road, Decorah. Dennis is a farmer; Susan is President of the Lutheran Credit Union and also is employed by Interstate Power Co. They have 2 children: Lynnae Elizabeth and Dustin Roy.

Anthony Walter ’Andy” Oxley III is married to Mary Eliza-