Robin Koeneman Mace

part of her life. They come to Decorah to visit Robin’s mother and step-father. While here they love to visit the antique stores in the area.

Magelssen, Finn and Catherina (Magelssen)

(Jo and Dorothy Magelssen)

Rev. Finn Magelssen was born in Norway 19 Jul 1878. Fie came to America in 1890 and joined family members near Rushford, MN. Fie graduated from. Luther College, Decorah, IA in 1909 and later from the Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN. In Jun 1911 he married his cousin Catherina Magelssen. She was born 24 Jul 1883. Finn served parishes in Amhurst, Wl, Alpena, Ml and Rushford, MN. In 1925 he came to the Freeborn Lutheran parish consisting of three congregations: North, East and Central, serving there until retirement in 1948. They moved from the parsonage to Hayward, MN, building a home with money from the retirement gift received from the congregations. Later they moved to Decorah where they enjoyed numerous activities at Luther College. They were well respected and loved by those who knew them.

Finn's imagination was full of wonderful stories. He was known for the poetry he wrote for many occasions. They enjoyed playing parlor games. Catherina’s musical ability continued into her 80’s, playing the piano for chapel services at the Aase Haugen Home where they lived the last years of their lives.

Children of Finn and Catherina were: Signe (18 Apr 1913-18 Jul 1920); Johannes (9 Mar 1915-6 Aug 1919)-both died of typhoid fever; Edel (8 May 1917) died of hepatitis 2 Oct 1938 while attending Luther College; Johannes was born at Alpena 16 Aug 1920 and given his older brother's name.

Finn Magelssen died 1 Feb 1975 and Catherina died 28 Dec 1973. Both are buried at Highland Prairie Cemetery near Rushford.

Magelssen, Johannes and Dorothy (Johnsrud)

(Jo and Dorothy Magelssen)

Johannes Magelssen was born 16 Aug 1920 at Alpena, Ml to Rev. Finn and Catherina (Magelssen) Magelssen. He grew up at his father’s parsonage in Minnesota. Jo attended grade school in District 58, graduated from Albert Lea, MN High School in 1937 and Luther College, Decorah, IA in 1942. He stayed out of college one year when his brother Edel died. On 28 Jun 1942 he married Dorothy Johnsrud at East Freeborn Lutheran Church, MN. Dorothy  was a daughter of Bernhard and Clara Johnsrud. Johannes was drafted in 1942 and served in the 8th and 9th Army Air Force in Europe. After the war he attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota and taught school at Pemberton and Alden, MN. Jo managed the Stephenson Music Store in Albert Lea before moving to Decorah in 1954 to organize the new book store for Luther College. He then managed the book store at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA and in 1965 at the University of Hawaii, where the family lived almost 15 years.

Children of Johannes and Dorothy Magelssen, all born in Albert Lea, MN, are Ruth, David and Mark.

Ruth  married Dennis Green. They have 3 children: Catherine, Michele and Michael. Ruth is an accomplished artist in rosemaling. David  married Penelope Wilson from Washington. They have 4 children: Finn, Faith, Jens and Ruth. David retired as a full Colonel, a physician in the Army, in Feb 1995. He is now in private practice in Tacoma. Mark married Liane Tsyua from Hawaii. They have 4 children: Noelle, Marie, Joy and Kristen. Mark was a physician in the Army also and was discharged as a Major in Sep 1993. He is in private practice at Queen's Hospital in Honolulu, HI.

Johannes and Dorothy Magelssen are both retired and at present living in Tacoma and spending long vacations with the Greens in Decorah.

Mansfield, Dan and Ann (Wise)

(Madelyn Wise)

Ann Renae Wise was born the daughter of Wilbur and Madelyn (Willson) Wise. She grew up on the family farm east of Locust in Pleasant Twp. While she was growing up, Ann was active in 4-H and served on the 4-H Council. She attended St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Decorah where she was a Lector and Communion distributor. Ann graduated from Decorah High School in 1975, Luther College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a Master of Science in Nursing in 1988.

Ann married Dan Mansfield on 29 Jun 1982 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Ann and Dan have 2 children: Taylor and Kate Ruth. Dan graduated from Luther College with a degree in Biology and then attended medical school at the Uni