John Ankerstjerne Family

ANKERSTJERNE, CHAPIN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/22/2015 at 21:51:33

Monona County, Iowa History
1982

John Ankerstjerne Family, p 95

John Ankerstjerne, my father, son of Martin and Cris Ankerstjerne, was born in Onawa at the house they now reside in. He attended school at Blencoe, Iowa from which he graduated in 1946. He then attended 1 year at Morningside College but quit to farm with his father. In 1949 he met my mother, Lila Chapin, daughter of Walter and Ellen Chapin from Soldier. Lila graduated from Soldier High School in 1948 but attended her other years of school at Onawa. She then worked in the office at REC, until she and Dad married January 11, 1950. To this union, four children were born.

Sandy, the first, now residing in Blencoe, Iowa is the wife of David Beechy. They have two children, Mindy, age 6, and Aaron, age 1. Sandy attended Tyler’s Beauty School in Sioux City. She owned and operated a Beauty Shop in Onawa until 1972. She then found it time be a wife and mother. In 1980 she decided to change her occupation. She now works part-time as an obstetrics aide at Burgess Memorial Hospital. She enjoys her work but more – she enjoys her family.

Steve, the second, born November 16, 1953, now resides in Onawa. He married Vernice Gloyer October 6, 1972. They are the parents of two children, Charity, age 5, and Travis, age 3. Steve graduated in 1972. For the past 3 years he has owned and operated a semi-tractor and trailer hauling mostly grain. He travels to several surrounding states. He also enjoys hunting and golfing and his family.

The next is myself, Sherri. I was born December 26, 1957 at Onawa. I married Mike Burgess July 24, 1976 and we are now residing at Blencoe. I graduated in 1976 and attended the Nursing School at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City. Since then I have worked the past 3 years at Burgess Memorial Hospital. I enjoy playing the piano, bicycling, trying to golf and spending time with my nieces and nephews.

The fourth and final is Scott. He was born February 17, 1966. He is now a sophomore at West Monona. Scott intends to join the National Guard his junior years of school which trains during the summer. Presently he is participating in band and vocal music along with his other studies. He plans to study agriculture after high school.

Now that you’ve met the children of John and Lila, I’d like to tell you a little about their occupations and hobbies.

Dad has been farming since 1947 on the same farm his parents farmed since 1926. He also raises livestock. Dad enjoys golfing and hunting. He is presently planning his annual elk hunting trip to Wyoming. He also served as a school board member for 15 years at West Monona and president of the Country Club. But most of all, he has been a very good husband, father and provider for our family.

Mom has spent most of her time caring for children and grandchildren. She enjoys cooking very much and fixes fantastic Sunday dinners every Sunday when our whole family tries to get together. Mom enjoys baking wedding cakes for family and friends. Mother is the kind of person who devoted all of her time to her family.

This about sums up the history of my family. I know I wouldn’t trade any of them for anything in the world and I hope we have many more years of happiness together. Submitted by Sherri L. Burgess