and Hilda will always be a part of the Burr Oak community.

Espe, Robert and Hazel (Halverson)

(Hazel Espe)

Robert Edward Espe was born 29 Aug 1915 in Lake City, IA to Edward and Ida (Tolstad) Espe. Robert "Bob” had one sister Dorothy (1913-1969) who lived in Kansas City, MO and was married to a Short. He had one half-brother Earl (1924-1 Jan 1973) who lived in LaCrosse, Wl. Bob was educated in rural schools in Winneshiek Co.

Bob married Hazel Ovedia Halverson 1 Feb 1939 at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. Hazel was born 1 Feb 1917 in Springfield Twp. to John and Hilda (Orvella) Halverson. John and Hilda had 6 children: Rebecca, Hazel, Clara, Elsie, Julia and Orville.

Bob and Hazel lived on 3 farms during their marriage. The first year they rented a farm in Glenwood Twp. from Ole Orvella. The next 7 years they rented a farm in Decorah Twp. from Ole Halverson. Then they bought the Ole Berge farm in Decorah Twp. (next to the present Decorah Airport) and they still own this farm. Bob milked cows until 1969. They raised hogs and feeder cattle.

Bob and Hazel had 5 children: Ardith, Roger, Gene, Yvonne and Edward, all born in Decorah, IA.

Ardith Marie was born . After graduation from Decorah High School Ardith attended a cosmetology school in Cedar Rapids. Since 1961 she has owned and operated a beauty shop in Davenport. She married Robert Martin 21 Jul 1962 in Davenport. Ardith and Bob had 2 boys: Troy and Robert. Troy Thomas attended Davenport schools and graduated from a Davenport High School. Robert Anthony “Tony” graduated from high school in Davenport and entered the Navy. He served in the Navy during Desert Storm. Ardith and Robert have divorced.

Roger Edward graduated from Decorah High School in 1961 and then spent 3 years in the Navy. He married LeAnn Giesking 19 Sep 1964 in

Reno, NV. LeAnn was born in Grundy Center, IA.was born 25 Jun 1966. He served in the Navy 4 years and served during Desert Storm. Jay married Kathleen Sullivan 19 Jun 1989 at Imperial Beach, CA. Jay has one stepson, John Sullivan, and Jay and Kathleen have a son, Roger J. Espe, born at Imperial Beach. Kurt Robert married Lisa Meier 16 Apr 1994 in Ft. Dodge, IA. Kurt has 2 stepsons: Shane and Scott Meier. Machele Ann is currently attending NICC (Northeast Iowa Community College) at Dyersville, IA and is studying to be a radiology technologist.

Gene Allen in Port Orange, FL and works for the postal service. Gene was in the Navy 4 years.

Yvonne Kav married William Cary of Decorah 5 Aug 1972 at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. They live in Cedar Rapids, IA and have 3 children: Paul Benjamin, Kristine Marie and Ann Elizabeth.

Edward John was born in Decorah. He married Debra Sivesind 5 Nov 1977 at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. They have 3 children: Melissa Sue, Sara Marie, and Samantha Lynn. “Ed” works for Wicks Construction and “Deb" works in Food Service at Luther College.

Hazel has worked at various places. From 1969-1971 she worked at the Cliff House at the salad bar. She worked a couple of years in the kitchen at the Aase Haugen Home while it was still located in the country. She was working there when it closed and then worked for a while at the new Aase Haugen Home in Decorah. She worked several years at the County Care Facility in Freeport until she retired in 1987. After Bob retired from farming he enjoyed fishing, playing cards and doing carpentry work. Both he and Hazel were active members of Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. Hazel belongs to a church circle and the Woodside Mission Circle and WELCA. Bob served as a trustee and was a member of the Board of Deacons. He is remembered for his work in replanting some of the trees and putting up the new sign at the church.

Bob and Hazel moved to an Eastern Star apartment adjacent to the Barthell Eastern Star Home Nov 1991. Bob moved to the Barthell Eastern Star Home 11 Apr 1994 and resided there until his death 29 Dec 1995. Hazel is currently living in the Eastern Star apartment.

Estrem, Charles and Elizabeth (Viste)

(Lilah Aas and Paul Estrem)

Charles was born 5 Jun 1910 to John and Ida (Corsen) Estrem. He was confirmed at Springfield Lutheran Church. After graduating from Decorah High School he stayed on the farm and married Sigrid Elizabeth Viste 15 Jun 1932 in Rockford, IL. Elizabeth, as she is known, was the daughter of John and Helen (Clement) Viste. Although she was not from an adjacent farm, they went all through school together. The couple had two sons and one daugh-