change, railroad depot, stockyards and Springfield No. 6 elementary school which Donna attended from kindergarten through the sixth grade.

Donna was born “over the store". The attending physician was Dr. Lester Larson of Decorah, and Donna's grandmother, Emma Haugen, a midwife, was also there. Donna’s family had part of the living quarters, as did our grandparents, aunts and uncle, upstairs over the store, until Donna’s father bought our grandfather's share in the business and our grandparents moved to a farm near Decorah.

Donna’s brother Thomas, followed by twins, Judith Ann and Gerald Alan and David Joe. The Haugen’s continued to live in Nordness until June 1944 when they moved to Decorah. Donna's father then operated the Skelly Station of East Water Street. The store in Nordness was purchased by Ray Finholt.

Our great-grandmother Agnethe Rustad died on 8 Oct 1917 in Nordness and our great-grandfather Ole died on 10 Jun 1925 at the Decorah Hospital. They are buried in Big Canoe Methodist Cemetery in Pleasant Twp, Winneshiek Co, IA.

Our great-great-grandfather, Martin Christiansen Rustad, lived in Winneshiek Co. for thirty years. He died on 21 Oct 1914, at the age of ninety-two and is buried in the Washington Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, located in Springfield Twp.

Ruth, Sidney and Esther (Josvanger)

(Frances M. Jeffers)

Esther and Sid Ruth circa 1959

Sidney Albertus Ruth was born 13 Apr 1897 to Bertinus and Grace Ruth in Canoe Twp., Winneshiek Co., IA. His first wife, Marjorie Corson, died in 1927 when their daughter Audrey was less than 3 years old. Sidney and Audrey lived with his mother. Audrey continued to live with her grandmother until high school graduation. Sidney was in the dairy business for many years. On his milk delivery route he had as one of this customers the “E & B" cafe located on West Water Street where there now is a parking lot for the Fareway grocery store. One of the proprietors was Esther Josvanger.

Palma Esther Katherine Josvanger was the 8th of 9 children of H. O, and Gustine (Bakken) Josvanger, born 3 Apr 1904. After graduation from rural school Esther graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. She was active in sports, drama and served as a class officer. Upon her graduation she worked in various positions including several restaurants where she was attentive to not only the cooking, baking and serving, but also the business operations involved. Esther and her friend Beatrice Tufty became partners in the “E & B" cafe.

Sidney and Esther went to Des Moines to marry—their friends, the A. J. Kannenbergs, were attendants for the bride and groom...26 Aug 1935. Sidney sold his dairy business and opened a wheel alignment and body shop located behind the home the Ruths purchased at 107 Riverside. Both Sidney and Esther were avid fishermen, enjoying trips “up north” with many of their friends. They shared a love for gardening and bowling, too. Sidney died 9 Nov 1971. Esther continued to live in their home, always welcoming friends with coffee and cookies. Esther died 9 Aug 1992. Both are buried in the Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah.