dor house, referred to as the “Novak” home, 110 Park Street, in Spillville and lived there until Russell accepted the position of “Shared Superintendent” for the separate School Districts of Garnavillo and Guttenberg, IA beginning 1 Jul 1995.

During the 17 years the Lovens lived in Winneshiek Co. (1978-1995), they were very active in South Winneshiek and Winneshiek Co. activities. Russell served on the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors from 1988-1995. He also served on the Northeast Iowa Community College Foundation Board which he will continue to do from Guttenberg.

Russell completed work on his Specialist Degree in Education Administration at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1975. He started work on his doctorate at the University of Iowa in 1981, completing all requirements in May 1991. His dissertation topic was “The Role of the Shared Superintendent.”

Juanita returned to Luther College in the Fall of 1979 as Department of Nursing secretary for 6 years. During that time she completed college courses on the side. After their youngest son, Tom graduated from Luther in 1985, Juanita took a leave of absence to complete her final 38 college credits. She graduated from Luther in May 1986 with a major in Public Communications with emphasis on Public Relations and Marketing. She immediately accepted the invitation to “create" a business in the historic Wenzel Taylor building at 331 S. Main, Spillville which she developed as “The Old World Inn.” It included a Czech restaurant on the ground floor, 4 lodging rooms upstairs, plus gift items for sale. After owning and operating the business for 3 seasons (1 Apr 1987-1 Nov 1989) it was sold to Cheryl Novak, who subsequently sold to Linda Klimesh.

During the 1990's Juanita was a “full time volunteer" for tourism and economic development projects in Spillville and Winneshiek Co. and served on various boards, including the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board. After serving as president of Winneshiek County Tourism for a year, most of her efforts focused on activities promoted by the Spillville Historic Action Group, Inc. (SHAG), including the 1993 Dvorak Music Festival, the 1994 Bily Brothers & Spillville’s 100 Years of lncorporation/140 Years of Settlement Celebration and the 1995 Year of “Inwood Memories.” In connection with the aforementioned, Juanita authored a book entitled, Dvorak in Spillville. 100 Days, 100 Years Ago, published by SHAG in 1993 and edited Edythe Cekal’s book entitled, The Inwood—Celebrating 75 Years (1920-1995). published by the Civic Improvement Association, a Non-Profit Corporation which owns and operates Riverside Park and the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville. She also authored a cookbook entitled Wonderful Wisconsin Recipes.

The Lovens were active members of Calmar Lutheran Church from 1979-1995.

Juanita served on the Council from 1992-1994.

Neither Russell or Juanita have extensive “fine arts" training, but through the years they have found themselves promoting and supporting the “arts.” This all took root when Russ was Assistant High School Principal and in charge of scheduling the school auditorium in Watertown, Wl. The local Community Concert organization thought it would be advantageous to have the person in charge of scheduling on their Board of Directors. Russ drew Juanita into the organization and they found themselves enjoying musical performances they had not been exposed to before. Living in Spillville with its rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as close proximity to Luther College and the many cultural events available in Winneshiek Co. has allowed pursuit of and nourishment of this interest. Also, being constantly exposed to student fine art projects, has helped the Lovens appreciate efforts that help develop budding artists.

The Lovens love northeast Iowa for its beauty and heritage. Both enjoy hiking. Russ loves to cross-country ski. And there’s the old saying that “birds come home to roost..." History is repeating itself as their oldest son and wife, Scott and Rebecca Loven, and their sons, Seth and Cade, are in the process of moving from Maryland to Winneshiek Co.

The 3 older Loven children completed high school in Watertown, Wl (1974, 1975, 1976). Tom graduated from South Winneshiek in 1981. Subsequently, each completed Bachelor’s Degrees at the University of Maryland (Scott); Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD (Sheree); the University of Northern College (Sue); and Luther College (Tom). Scott and Sue have also completed Master’s Degrees. All are married and live in Maryland, upstate New York and Colorado. Russ and Juanita have 10 living grandchildren as of Sep 1995 having lost one angel in 1994.

Lovstuen, Nels and Hilda (Hagen)

(LaVonne Bjergum)

Nels A. Lovstuen was born in Glenwood Twp., Winneshiek Co., IA 10 Feb 1881. He was the son of Anders H. Lovstuen and Kjersti Svensrud. His father was born 9 Dec 1849 and died 16 Feb 1897. His mother was born 14 Jan 1852 and died 2 Nov 1888.

Nels' brothers and sisters were Otto Alymer (26 May 1875-21 May 1937), Caroline (12 Nov 1876 - 7 Jan 1946), Magdalena (3 Apr 1879 - 1923), Nels, Amanda (4 Aug 1883 - late 30’s, Madison, SD), Clara M. (12 Apr 1886 -27 Dec 1914 unmarried).

Nels married Hilda Hagen (19 Dec 1888 -10 Nov 1973). They had 6 children: Martha (16 Aug 1911 -12 May 1989), Alert (9 Oct 1912), Norton (13 Jul 1914), Milton (15 Dec 1915 - May 1986), Thelma (31 Jan 1921), Alton.

Martha was born at Burnsville, MN and married Merlin Moe (9 Sep 1905 - Oct 1965) at Glenwood Church parsonage. They had no children.

Alert was born at Burnsville and married Velva Kruse (31 May 1917) 1 Jun 1937. They had 3 children: Donna Mae, Vivian Ann, and Norbert.

Norton married Luella Peterson in 1936 and they had 6 children: Imogene Harriet, Norris Gerald