Bygness, Sanford “Ole” and Stella (Anderson)

(Charlotte (Wilkins) Lee)

Stella Anderson (21 Feb. 1896-1987), married Sanford Oley “Ole” Bygness. They farmed near Renwick, IA where they belonged to Lake Lutheran Church (about 4 miles south of Renwick). They are buried at Lake Lutheran Cemetery near the church. Ole and Stella had 2 sons, Merle Donavon “Don” and Russell.

Don  was in the US Navy during WWII. He graduated from Waldorf College and St. Olaf Lutheran College. He taught Jr. High Mathematics and Social Studies. After receiving his Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa he became an Elementary Principal in New Hampton, IA. He married Arlene Valen . They have 3 children: Ronald, Richard and Ruth. Ronald Wayne  graduated from St. Olaf College and received his MA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. He works for Cowles Publishing Co. as a journalist. He married Janie Leis . Richard Alan  graduated from St. Olaf College and teaches Jr. High Mathematics and Computer Science in Humbolt, IA. Ruth Ellen  graduated from St. Olaf College and received her masters from the U. of MN. She is a Financial Aid Officer at the University of San Diego, CA. She is married to Ronald Carl Brauer (b. 2 Feb 1957).

She married Ronald Thorn who works as a manager for CTS (Computer Technology Systems), Houston, TX. They have 3 children: Brent, Chris and Kristin. Brent  married Amy Bell. Chris  and Kristin . Colette Dianne Pederson  graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. She is a Special Education Teacher in Humbolt. Colette married Clayton “Clay" Hansen . Clay farms near Thor, IA, is an income tax advisor and a coach. They have 2 children: Lucas  and Holly . Suzette Marie Pederson  graduated from A.I.B. in Des Moines, IA. She is a programer for Vista in Houston, TX. She married Tom Burk. They have 2 children: Melanie  and Stephanie .

Ole and Stella (Anderson) Bygness

Russell  served in the US Navy during WWII. A farmer, he married Mavis Nerem Pederson . They have 2 children, Paul and Ryan, and Mardell, Colette and Suzette are step-daughters to Russell. Paul Lynn  teaches Elementary Physical Education in Houston, TX. He graduated from Waldorf Lutheran College and the University of Northern Iowa. He married Shannon Stoneman. Ryan Eric  is a student at the University of Iowa Dental School. He married Carol Croft. Mardell Anette Pederson and attended Ft. Dodge Community College.