Karl and Louise Koeneman, Clay Arbogast and Kathy (Finholt) Arbogast.

enjoyed the family gatherings and getting to know Karl's family background. The call of the West finally won out, however, and they returned to Wyoming in 1992. They now live in Pittsburg, MO where Karl is in the heart of the bass fishing country and is soon to be attending taxidermy school which has been a long time dream. He is handicapped from the motorcycle accident when he was young, but it’s not holding him back. Louise is managing a small restaurant in the area that caters to the small town trade and the bass fishermen. Kathryn is in Kindergarten in the Pittsburg school system.

Koeneman, Robert and Kathryn (Finholt)

(Kathryn Arbogast)

Bob and Kathy (Finholt) Koeneman

Robert and Kathryn Finholt Koeneman were married 7 Jul 1956 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah, IA.

Robert, son of Waldemar and Barbara Koeneman was born in Red Lodge, MT where they lived for a few years before moving back to Minneapolis, MN. They lived in Golden Valley, a suburb of Minneapolis, where he attended St. Louis Park High School. After graduating he attended Luther College where he met and married Kathy Finholt. Kathy the daughter of Orlando and Ruth (Osmundson) Finholt, attended the Cresco and Decorah schools. Her first love through school was vocal music and she was active in the choirs at school and church.

After Kathryn and Robert were married, he continued with his college education and Kathryn worked as a secretary in the placement department at Luther. In 1958, Bob transferred to Augsburg College in Minneapolis, to finish his education and while there Kathy attended classes at Fairview Hospital and graduated as a Surgical and Obstetrical technician working at that position until Bob’s graduation in 1961.

Their children, Robin and Karl were both born at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis.

The family moved to the West in 1961, living in Absarokee, MT

In 1965 they returned to Decorah where Bob accepted the position of English teacher and drama coach for the high school. Robin was in the second grade at the John Cline Elementary School that year.

They returned to the West in 1966, where Bob accepted a position in the high school and Kathy was secretary at Linden Elementary School, Sheridan, WY for eight years. During this time she was active in the church, singing in the choir and volunteering her time in the library and circle organizations. She sang in several other local singing organizations and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Sheridan Women’s Club, holding offices from time to time. She loved gardening, bike riding and skiing with the kids.

They divorced in 1975. Kathy married Clay Arbogast in 1979 and now resides in Decorah.

Kolaas, Arnold and Thelma (Falnes)

(Shirley J. Hanson)

Arnold Norman Kolaas was born in Colton, SD 26 May 1904, the son of Benjamin N. and Clara (Carsrud) Kolaas. He received his education in the Hartford, SD schools. Eleanor Thelma Falnes, daughter of Christopher and Tomina (Nali) Falnes, was born near Calmar, IA 8 Mar 1907. They were married there 27 Feb 1927. They lived for 10 years in Hartford, then moved to a farm north of Calmar. Both Arnold and Thelma were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Calmar. Arnold served as secretary of the congregation since its organization and was active in its Men’s Club until his death 19 Apr 1953. Thelma remained on the farm for several years, later moving to Decorah where she died 28 Nov 1975. The Koiaas's are buried in Calmar Lutheran Cemetery.

They had five children - all graduates of Calmar High School. The oldest, Shirley Joan, was born in Hartford, SD. She married Karl E. Hanson 14 Aug 1948 in Calmar. They are the parents of three children: Karl C. of Rochester, MN; Rebecca L. of Elgin, MN; and Eric A. of Rock Island, IL. Shirley's husband died 8 Jul 1986 in Washington, IL. She later moved to Decorah.

Elaine June was born in Hartford and was married to Edward M. Halse 2 Mar 1952 in Calmar. Their son Ronald lives in Mendham, NJ. Two daughters, both of Decorah, are Nancy (m. Ron Boice) and Patricia (m.