Grandma, as a bride, was quoted as saying, “I can’t wait for him to grow a beard.”

Grandpa Peder and Grandma Mina Clauson had 6 children whom I knew. First of all there was my dad, John R Clauson. I also knew 5 of his sisters, namely: Malina Wangslie, Pernille Weimager, Josephine Danielson, Clara Tyribakken and Petra Quandahl. Our records show that other children died very young. These included a Josephine who died at 21/2 and Karl Gustav who died when he was 3. Whether these records are complete or not, I am not sure.

Both Peder and Mina died in 1924 when I was 8 years old, consequently I don't remember them well. I recall visits to their home in Bee, a village close to Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church in Allamakee Co., and likewise visits to our home. They looked so stately riding in their buggy. When they arrived at our front gate, Grandpa stepped out and took hold of the buggy wheel and said “Ho Dick” to his horse. Then they came into the house for dinner or lunch and the Norwegian visiting began.

Cline, Dennis and Cheryl (Sersland)

(Ransome Bolson)

Dennis Cline family, Christmas 1992 Front: Nathan. Left to right: Kevin, Cheryl, Dennis and Jason.

Dennis Lee Cline was born in Decorah to Robert T and Vernetta (Bolson) Cline. He was baptized at Decorah Lutheran 1 Mar 1953 by Pastor I. M. Gjellstad. His sponsors were Gerald Cline and Mr. & Mrs. Marlin Bolson. Dennis was confirmed at Decorah Lutheran Church 29 Sep 1968 by Pastor Alden Hovda. He attended Clay Hill country school and the Decorah schools, graduating from high school in 1971. He was active in baseball, basketball, wrestling, played cornet in the Junior High Band and participated in choir, Boys Glee Club and FFA (Future Farmers of America). He was a member of Riverside Beavers 4-H Club and showed cattle at the county fair 9 years. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1975 with a degree in Dairy Science. He was active in the Dairy Science Club and Judging Team and while a student he took care of the goats at Iowa State University for 4 years.

After graduation Dennis farmed with his father for 4 years on Clay Hill. Next he farmed in Allamakee Co. for 8 years. The family belonged to Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church where Dennis was president of the congregation. Their last move was to their present farm across from Glenwood Lutheran Church in 1987.

Dennis was married to Cheryl Kay Sersland 29 Sep 1973 at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church by Pastor Arndt Braaten. Cheryl was born in Waterloo and was baptized there. She was confirmed at Washington Prairie Church 16 Jun 1968 by Pastor Dennis Mueller. Cheryl attended kindergarten in Harmony, MN and then attended Decorah Schools graduating from Decorah High School in 1972.

Cheryl and Dennis have 3 sons: Jason Judd, Nathan Greg and Kevin Daniel,

Jason was born at Ames, IA. He was baptized 17 Apr 1974 at Washington Prairie Church by Pastor Arndt Braaten. His sponsors were Roy and Debra Prestsater and Keith Sersland. He was confirmed at Glenwood Church by Pastor Landis Olson. Jason began school at Waterville, IA and attended Waukon and Decorah schools, graduating from Decorah High School in 1992. He participated in track, cross country, wrestling and FFA. Jason attended Madison Area Technical College, Madison, Wl for 1 year. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Buck Private.

Nathan was born at Decorah. He was baptized at Decorah Lutheran 12 Mar 1978 by Pastor Alden Hovda. His sponsors were Gary Cline and Ronald Sersland. He was confirmed at Glenwood Lutheran 13 Jun 1993 by Pastor Joseph Lambert. Nathan started school at Waterville and then attended Decorah schools. He is presently a senior at Decorah High School. He participates in FFA, football, wrestling, baseball and orchestra (violin).

Kevin was born at LaCrosse, Wl . He was baptized at Glenwood Lutheran 13 Nov 1983 by Pastor Bruce Wrightsman. His sponsors were Mark and Dianne Cline. Kevin attends the Decorah schools and is presently in the 6th grade at age 10. He plays the violin in the school orchestra.

Jason, Nathan and Kevin have all been active members of 4-H and have won many prizes at fairs with their Jersey cattle.

Cheryl was also active in school. She was a member of FTA., G.R.A. and the Viking and Dynamo Staff. She has taught Sunday School and Bible School at Old West Paint Creek and Glenwood Lutheran churches. She serves on the Altar Guild at Glenwood Lutheran. She was a member of Allamakee Dairy Darlings and is a member of Winneshiek County Milk Maids. Dennis and Cheryl are 4-H leaders. Dennis has coached 4-H judging teams. He served as secretary of the Glenwood Lutheran Congre-