bought a mobile home in 1973 and put it on her daughter’s farm, (Virginia), near Eyota, MN, She helped with the farm work, cooked meals and did garden work until her health failed. Vera died, after several months of cancer treatment, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, 3 Feb 1981. She was buried beside her husband at the Burr Oak Cemetery.

Quandahl, John and Sarah (Nesheim)

(Hazel Q. Sharp)

John Severin Quandahl was born in Konsarvik, Nordaland, Norway, 9 Apr 1868. He was the son of Lars Larson and Jorrun Quandahl (her maiden name was also Quandahl, 3rd cousins). His father was born 1 Nov 1839 and his mother 11 Jul 1842, also in the same area. Lars and Jorunn were married 27 Dec 1865 in Konsarvik.

John’s brothers and sister were Ole Larson, Guri (Julia) Larsdtr., Lars Olai (Ole), Julius Larson, Theodore Julius, Edward Larson, and Martinius John. Guri (Julia), and Olai (Ole) came to this country in 1866 with their parents and settled in the Springwater area in Canoe Twp. Ole Larson was born and died in 1866 and is buried in Norway. Martinius was born and died 1884 and is buried at the Springwater Cemetery north of Decorah on Locust Road. Quandahl was originally spelled Kvandal, as was the area from which they came where the Kvandal farm was located. In a book called “Houkenes Saga” it is stated that the farm was in the same family for over 200 years but was later sold.

Sarah Nesheim and John Quandahl

John Severin once fell heir to the farm providing he would return to Norway to live and take care of the “old" folks. He opted to stay in America where the prospects of making a better living seemed more likely. On 8 Apr 1903 John was married to Sarah (Sara) Nesheim, daughter of John and Andrine (Nelson) Nesheim, by Rev. Seehus at the Big Canoe Parsonage, east of Locust, IA. Their attendants were John's brother Ludwig and Sarah’s sister, Tilla Nesheim. Sarah had worked as a young girl for the Seehus household. She later attended Valders College in Decorah, taking a normal training course. Upon graduating she taught school at the White School in the Springwater area. That one room school house has either been moved or demolished and a log cabin now rests at the site.

John and Sarah farmed at several locations in the Decorah area and in 1916 purchased a farm in Canoe Twp., located about 7 miles north of Decorah on what is now the North Winneshiek Rd., and is directly across the road from the Seed Savers exchange. The farm had been owned by the late Dr. Jewell and his two maiden sisters, Effie and Gladys. Effie gave piano lessons in their home on East Main Street in Decorah. John and Sarah had four children - Raymond, Walter, Hazel, and Irene.

John passed away Feb 1925 and is buried at the Springwater Cemetery as is Sarah who died 9 Feb 1970 at the age of 90. Walter and his wife (Evelyn Young) continued to farm the place until it was sold in early 1947 to the Walter Stortz family. Sarah retired from the farm and moved to Decorah in the mid 30s where she worked for several years at the various restaurants, namely Cozy Tea Room, Gross Oil Co., and the Silver Dollar Cafe, which was owned by her oldest son, Raymond and wife Marian Sharp. She also sold Avon products for several years and was a loyal member of the Womans Relief Corp. where she enjoyed stitching quilts and was an active member of the VFW for many years. Hazel is married to Lloyd Sharp (Marian's brother). Irene born 24 May 1920, married Albert Frunan Richards. He died in the mid 1970s and is buried at the Springwater Cemetery. Irene now resides at Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel, MN. They had no children. Walter is deceased, as is Raymond, his wife Marian, and sons Raymond and Walter.

Quandahl, Julius and Inga Korsen

(Marvin Wicks)

Julius Quandahl was born 23 Nov 1875 in Canoe Twp. to Lars Larson Quandahl/Kvandal and Jorunn Johannesdtr. Kvandal. His parents came to Canoe Twp. in 1873 from Kvandal, Hordeland, Norway with four children. Julius was their fifth child and their first born in this country.

Julius Quandahl family

Left to right: Leonard, Julius, Clifford, Inga and Harry.

Julius grew up in Canoe Twp. and married Inga Korsen 2 Feb 1898 at Norwegian Lutheran Church in Decorah. Inga was born in Canoe Twp., the daughter of Ole Jacob and Johanna Andrine Johanesdtr. Korsen. Ole Jacob