rado in 1902, but returned so that the children could be confirmed in a Lutheran church. Meanwhile, the Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church had been built. Fred was confirmed there on 17 Feb 1907. Until the age of 25 Fred worked on his father's and Uncle E.T Anderson’s farms; then he attended an auto mechanics school in St. Louis, MO. Upon graduation, he enlisted in World War I on 17 Mar 1918 serving in France after his basic training. Discharged on 20 Feb 1919, Fred took the Civil Service exams and in June of 1920 assumed the position of rural letter carrier. Serving Route 5, Fred had as patrons the Josvangers. Fie and Freda became friends and were later married at the Decorah Lutheran parsonage 26 Aug 1922. Just prior to this, they had purchased the home at 722 Washington Street from J.A. Fleadington et al; the home was across the street from the minister’s home. Fred served as a carrier on Route 5 and later Routes 3 and 8 for many years until his untimely death 20 Aug 1948.

Frederick and Freda Womeldorf

Freda Elizabeth Benora Josvanger born 12 Aug 1896 to H.O. and Isabell Gustine (Bakken) Josvanger lived in Madison Twp. all her life until her marriage. After graduating from Decorah High School, she attended summer school at Waldorf College. For several years she taught rural school, and, together with her brother George maintained a home for her younger brother and sisters after the death of their parents.

When a substitute carrier was needed on Fred’s route, Freda filled the role. She was the first woman in Winneshiek Co. to carry U.S. mail.

The Womeldorf Five

Kathryn, F. Howard, Marjory, Frances and Dorothy.

The Womeldorfs had 5 children: Frances Marian (b. 6 Jan 1924); Dorothy June; Marjory Ann; Frederick Howard; and Kathryn Elizabeth — all born in Decorah.

Frances and Dorothy were both soloists in high school and both won first ratings in state contests; Dorothy as contralto soloist (and later a soloist with the St. Olaf College choir); Frances winning twice — once as a contralto and once as a mezzo-soprano. In 1941 she also received a first rating at the national music contest as a mezzo soloist. Frances graduated from Luther College and Dorothy from St. Olaf. Howard played both football and basketball for Decorah High School. After graduating from Luther College, Howard spent 2 years in the U.S. Air Force, then coached and taught in Iowa and was an administrator and counselor in Minnesota schools until his sudden death in Mound, MN 19 Oct 1977. Marjory started St. Olaf College but transferred to Luther after her father died. Kathryn took a business course during high school which served her well earning her excellent positions. She retired 1 Jan 1996 from a position in the Kootenai Co. Court House, Couer d’Alene, ID.

The Womeldorf home was always open to family and friends. Seldom were only family members at the dinner table, Freda set an extra plate, just in case! Freda was an outstanding cook and baker — her chocolate cakes were enjoyed by hundreds! Fred’s huge garden provided an abundance of produce which Freda and girls canned for winter use.

Saturdays were for preparing for Sunday — the house was cleaned, the baking done, the yard mowed and Sunday School lessons memorized. Few were the Sundays that the family didn’t attend Decorah Lutheran Church and Sunday School - the girls singing in the church choir.

Freda lived 19 years after Fred died in his sleep 27 Aug 1967. Both are buried in the Decorah Lutheran Cemetery. Blessed is their memory.

Womeldorf, James and Laurel (Luzum)

(James Womeldorf)

On 28 Aug 1965, just before their last year at Luther College, Laurel Lee Luzum and James Curtis Womeldorf were united in marriage at Calmar Lutheran Church. The next spring brought not only college graduation, but also a baby, Brian James. After three years of teaching in Grand Meadow, MN (science for Jim, Spanish for Laurel) the family moved to Calmar, welcomed the final addition to the family, David Scott, and starting teaching at Turkey Valley Schools in Jackson Junction. Jim taught there for five years; Laurel taught for one.

Nineteen hundred seventy-eight found the Womeldorfs building an earth-covered home at 2366 Siewers Spring Road near the Decorah Fish Hatchery. They designed and built the house themselves hiring contractors for the concrete work, roofing and earth-moving. It continues to be home and is still heated using only passive solar and a wood burning stove.