K.O. Stakke

STAKKE, HELLICKSON

Posted By: IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/23/2007 at 07:32:25

K. O. STAKKE is a representative of a nationality proverbial for its perseverance, industry and reliability, and in his business career displays these characteristics of the peoples from "the land of the midnight sun. " He was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, in 1857, but his father was a native of Norway, whence he came to America in 1846, first locating in Wisconsin. Soon, however, he removed to Allamakee county and there reared his family of eleven children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth. The family living on a farm, he was early trained to habits of industry and economy and became familiar with all the labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His preliminary education, acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in the schools of Waukon, Iowa. In 1873 his father died and the care of the home farm devolved upon him. He continued its cultivation until 1885 when he rented it and came with his brother to Woonsocket, South Dakota, where he began dealing in agricultural implements. During the years from 1889 until 1895, when crops were very poor they had a
struggle to carry on their enterprise, and were one of the few houses in their line not forced to discontinue. At length, however, times improved, their patronage increased, and in the spring of 1896 they established a branch store in Beresford, South Dakota, Mr. Stakke having charge of the one in Woonsocket, his brother managing the other. They have secured an extensive patronage, and their constantly increasing sales have brought them a good income. They also took contracts for building railroads in 1882-3, and in that were very successful. Their property interests include some improved farms which they rent.

In September, 1888, Mr. Stakke was united in marriage to Miss Lena Hellickson, and they have two children: Bernice and Harry, aged twelve and five years, respectively. They have a pleasant home in Woonsocket, which extends its cordial hospitality to their many friends. In his political views Mr. Stakke is a stanch Populist and soon after the organization of the party was candidate for county treasurer. Now he gives his attention almost exclusively to his business interests, in which he is meeting with well merited success, yet he finds time to faithfully discharge every duty of citizenship and to promote all movements or measures intended for the general good.

-Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of South Dakota; Published by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1899; pg 631-632