I thought I would post a genealogy report starting with my ancestors who were born in Norway and came to Alpena and then moved to Leer. It is 4 generations, the 4th being my generation. Let me know if you see anything familiar. My mom was born and raised in Alpena. She is June Lucille Olson Jenter. My grandfather changed the name from Olsen to Olson because when he was a young man there were two Oscar Olsen's in Alpena. The name was originally Olesen.

Do you knw the date of the school picture??? Can you give me the names of the Olsen's???

Karen Jenter
Washtenaw Co., Michigan

Here is my family:
Descendants of Ole Ottersen


Generation No. 1

1. OLE4 Ottersen (OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 01 Jun 1821 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 11 Jan 1894 in Alpena, Alpena, Michigan. He married ANDRINE OLSDTR 28 Jul 1844 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, daughter of OLE HANSEN and KARI OLDSDTR. She was born 11 Mar 1819 in Svangs-eie, Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 08 Oct 1913 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

More About OLE OTTERSEN:
Burial: Leer Cemetery, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan
Christening: 17 Jun 1821, Lier, Buskerud, Norway
Farm Name in Norway: Kopperud

More About ANDRINE OLSDTR:
Burial: Leer Cemetery, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan
Christening: 18 Apr 1819, Lier, Buskerud, Norway
Farm Name in Norway: Svangstrand

Children of OLE Ottersen and ANDRINE OLSDTR are:
2. i. OTTER5 OLESEN, b. 28 Oct 1844, Lier, Buskerud, Norway; d. 02 Mar 1931, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.
ii. CHRISTIAN OLESEN, b. 06 Oct 1846, Kopperud, Lier, Buskerud, Norway; d. 08 Nov 1849, Norway.

More About CHRISTIAN OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): Infant; Temple:
Christening: 22 Nov 1846, Kopperud, Lier, Norway
Endowment (LDS): Infant; Temple:
Sealed to parents (LDS): 17 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

3. iii. KAREN (OLESDTR) OLESEN, b. 07 Dec 1848, Lier, Buskerud, Norway; d. 29 Aug 1933, Leer, Alpena Co, Alpena MI.
4. iv. KRISTINE CHRISTINE (OLESDTR) OLESEN, b. 07 Nov 1851, Kopperud, Lier, Norway; d. 27 Mar 1893, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.
v. CHRISTIAN OLESEN, b. 18 Aug 1853, Norway; d. 19 Mar 1856, Norway.

More About CHRISTIAN OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): 04 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Christening: 25 Sep 1853, Lier, Norway
Endowment (LDS): 10 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Sealed to parents (LDS): 19 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

5. vi. DORTHEA (OLESDTR) OLESEN, b. 16 Aug 1855, Norway; d. Norway.
vii. CHRISTIAN OLESEN, b. 18 Jun 1857, Norway; d. Infant, Norway.

More About CHRISTIAN OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): 04 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Christening: 05 Jul 1857
Endowment (LDS): 10 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Sealed to parents (LDS): 19 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

viii. CARL OLESEN, b. 21 May 1859, Gunerud, Lier, Norway; d. 24 Jun 1861, Norway.

More About CARL OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): Infant; Temple:
Christening: 31 Jul 1859, Lier, Norway
Endowment (LDS): Infant; Temple:
Sealed to parents (LDS): 17 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

ix. CHRISTIAN OLESEN, b. 1861, Norway; d. 1947; m. MARY BRUKMAN.
x. ANNETTE (OLESDTR) OLESEN, b. 23 Apr 1864, Norway.

More About ANNETTE (OLESDTR) OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): 03 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Christening: 12 Jun 1864, Lier, Norway
Endowment (LDS): 10 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Sealed to parents (LDS): 19 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah


Generation No. 2

2. OTTER5 OLESEN (OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 28 Oct 1844 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 02 Mar 1931 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan. He married (1) OLINE ANDERSON 1866 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, daughter of OLE ANDERSEN. She was born 03 Jan 1844 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 05 Sep 1885 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan. He married (2) ANNETTE ANDERSON 20 Mar 1887 in Long Rapids, Michigan. She was born 07 Jul 1854 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 23 Sep 1895. He married (3) ANNA ANDERSON 16 Aug 1896 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan. She was born 18 Sep 1865 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 17 Nov 1959.

More About OTTER OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): 04 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Christening: 01 Dec 1844, Lier, Buskerud, Norway
Emigrated: Aug 1867, Buffalo, New York
Endowment (LDS): 10 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Farm Name in Norway: Tveten
Moved to: 1880, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan
Sealed to parents (LDS): 19 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

More About OLINE ANDERSON:
Farm Name in Norway: Sjastad

More About ANNETTE ANDERSON:
Farm Name in Norway: Krodsherad

Children of OTTER OLESEN and OLINE ANDERSON are:
6. i. ALBERT6 OLSEN, b. 23 Nov 1867, Buffalo, New York; d. 15 Jun 1960, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
ii. OLE OLSEN, b. 16 Nov 1869, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 13 Jul 1889, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

Notes for OLE OLSEN:
Died after a kick by a horse.

7. iii. ANNA PAUINE OLSEN, b. 23 Jul 1871, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 20 Feb 1915, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
8. iv. EDDIE OLSEN, b. 07 Dec 1873, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 20 Dec 1954, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
9. v. JENNIE OLESEN, b. 04 Jan 1876, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 05 Jul 1972, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
10. vi. MANDI AMANDA OLSEN, b. 11 Oct 1877, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. Miami, Florida.
vii. NORA OLSEN, b. 15 Oct 1879, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 20 Oct 1959, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; m. HENRY TOLLSON, 02 Jul 1902, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
viii. OTTO OLSEN, b. 24 Aug 1881, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 21 Oct 1953, Traverse City, Michigan.

More About OTTO OLSEN:
Burial: Leer Lutheran Church, Alpena, Michigan

ix. ELIZA OLSEN, b. 12 Sep 1883, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 1950, Miami, Florida; m. PAUL MONSER.
x. OSCAR OLSEN, b. 05 Sep 1885, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 22 Sep 1885, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

More About OSCAR OLSEN:
Burial: Leer Lutheran Church Cemetery, Long Rapids, Michigan


Children of OTTER OLESEN and ANNETTE ANDERSON are:
11. xi. ALTA6 OLSEN, b. 13 Jan 1891, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 17 Feb 1949, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
xii. OSCAR OLSEN, b. 28 Jul 1887, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 25 Jun 1888, Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.


Child of OTTER OLESEN and ANNA ANDERSON is:
12. xiii. ALFRED6 OLSEN, b. 08 May 1897, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.


3. KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN (OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 07 Dec 1848 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 29 Aug 1933 in Leer, Alpena Co, Alpena MI. She met MARTIN OLESEN 02 May 1879 in Norwegian Lutheran Church, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, son of OLE CHRISTENSEN and HELLE HANSDTR. He was born 31 Dec 1854 in Lier, Buskerud, Norway, and died 16 Feb 1923 in Leer, Alpena Co, Alpena MI.

Notes for KAREN (OLESDTR) OLESEN:
Birth record from Syling, Lier, Norway
Karen
born 7 Dec 1848
parents Ole Ottersen and Andrine Olsdtr of farm Kopperud.
Sponsors are Engel Hansdtr from Kopperud
Ingeborg Ottersdtter from Trorseur
Christian OLSEN from Osdo
Anders Nelsen Kopperud
Bert Knudson Kopperud
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Notes from Anna Mae Boboltz
1. Karen OLESEN, daugher of Ole and Andrine Ottersen came to the USA in 1871 with the Erick Ericksen’s. Mrs. Ericksen was Berte Anderson. She was the sister of Oline Anderson. Online was the first wife of Otter OLESEN who was the sister of Karen.
++++++++++++++++++
Marriage certificate for
Martin OLESEN and Karen OLESEN (maiden name same)
married 2 May 1879
Norwegian Lutheran Church, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan
++++++++++++++++++++++
Alpena Newspaper
29 Aug 1933
Death Takes Mrs. K. Olsen Leer Pioneer
Mrs. Karen OLSEN aged 84 years resident of Leer died this morning at 4 o’clock at her farmhouse following an extended illness. Death is attributed to infirmities of age.
Mrs. Olsen was born in Norway Dec 7, 1848 and when a young woman came to the United States locating in Alpena in 1871. She was a devout and active member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Leer and lived a life of service for her family and friends. She was always kindly and understanding and stood ready to extend a helping hand to friend’s in need
Surviving Mrs. Olsen are two daughters Mrs. Jacob Houck of Alpena and Mrs. Martin Jensen of Leer, three sons Oscar Olson Alpena, Henry OLSEN and Carl OLSEN of Leer and one brother Chris Olson of Alpena, 17 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock at the OLSEN home and at 2 o’clock at the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Leer. Rev. O.C. Rolfson of Alpena will officiate. Internment will be in the church cemetery


More About KAREN (OLESDTR) OLESEN:
Christening: 11 Mar 1849, Lier, Buskerud, Norway
Emigrated: 1871, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan
Farm Name in Norway: Kopperud

Notes for MARTIN OLESEN:
Baptismal record for Martin OLESEN
from Sylling, Lier, Norway
born 31 Dec 1854
baptised 28 Jan 1855
parents Ole CHRISTENSEN and Helle Hansdatter
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Marriage certificate for
Martin OLESEN and Karen OLESEN (maiden name same)
married 2 May 1879
Norwegian Lutheran Church, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Alpena Newspaper
WORKED IN ALPENA
SAW MILL, 40 YEARS
AGO, DEAD AT Leer
Martin Olson, aged 66, who for
forty years had cleared and farmed a strip of land one mile and a half from Leer, died at 0 p.m. Friday at his farm home on the same property where he had spent the best efforts of his life. During the previous winter, he was stricken with the flu from which he never apparently recovered. He had been ill throughout the present winter.

The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday with service at the house, followed by services in the Lutheran Church at Leer, and interment in the Norwegian Cemetery.

In addition to the widow, he is survived by two daughters and three sons: Mrs. Jacob Houck and Mrs. Martin Jensen, both of Alpena, Oscar, Carl and Henry of Leer.

Mr. Olson formerly resided in Alpena and was employed in the saw mill of the Butterfield Lumber company before moving to Leer.


More About MARTIN OLESEN:
Christening: 28 Jan 1855, Sylling Church, Lier, Buskerud, Norway

Marriage Notes for KAREN OLESEN and MARTIN OLESEN:
Transcribed from the printed pages from the small book on the Norwegian Church,
(Grace Lutheran Church Alpena, MI LDS film
By Karen L. Jenter

History of the Congregation

As near as can be learned the first Norwegian people came to Alpena during the year 1869 and from then on their numbers kept increasing quite rapidly. It was also reasonable to assume that from the very beginning after getting settled in their new homes that these people began making plans for the means and a place to worship. Occasional worship services were conducted by two laymen Erick Erlokson and one Andreas, last name unknown, who read sermons out of so-called “postills”, or sermon collections.

Meanwhile they contacted or perhaps were contacted, by the Rev. J. H. Grothem of Green Bay, Wisconsin who had charge of a Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Church at that place, and who visited Alpena in the fall of 1872, and assisted in the preliminary steps towards organizing a Lutheran Church here. The difficult and time consuming travel conditions of those times, as well as the results obtained, made his noteworthy visit, and the congregation was indebted to him forgetting the church started Through his encouragement, Rev. Martin H. Ruh came here in the spring of 1873 and began to gather the people for services in a room in the Union School, where services continued to be held until the first church was built.

The first official records of the congregation are the minutes of a meeting held on May 19 1873. Rev. Ruh was present, and presided as chairman.

The first resolution adopted at this meeting stated that it was the purpose of all the Norwegian peoples, living here to organize a congregation and to call a pastor. It was also decided that the name should be The Norwegian Lutheran Church of Alpena, and that it should affiliate with the Conference for the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America, popularly called” The Conference”. It was decided that the pastor’s salary, besides offering at the three great festivals and fees for ministerial acts, should be “Twelve Dollars” per year per family, nine dollars for each bachelor and six dollars for each unmarried woman. Resolutions as this first meeting also indicated a deep concern for the religious training of the children and made this matter a special responsibility of the pastor to be called.

Rev. Martin P. Ruh
In conclusion the meeting adjourned to May 23 for the purpose of calling a pastor, resulting in the selection of Rev. Martin P. Ruh, 37 votes were cast, of which 31 was for Rev. Ruh and 6 for Rev. J. N. Grothem. The call was then drafted and forwarded to pastor Ruh, which was accepted, and he began his regular pastorate as of October 1, 1873.

The next undertaking was to procure a building site and to plan for the building of a church and parsonage. At a meeting on October 3 1873, a vote was taken concerning location, when 37 votes were cast, for the South Side of Thunder Bay River and 6 for the North Side. Whatever efforts may have been made to secure a site is not indicated, but the problem was solved, when at a meeting on March 27, 1873, it was announced that a lot valued at five hundred dollars in the center of the city (so it is stated in the records) was offered without cost, which after was gratefully accepted.

At the same meeting, it was decided to erect the parsonage first, if the funds to be collected should not be sufficient for both. The pastor also offered to pay fifty dollars a year rent, until three hundred dollars had been paid.

Members were to be required to contribute up to six day of labor and if anyone failed without valid reason should pay $1.23 per day instead. The parsonage was built and we find that by May 17th same year, it was ready and occupied. It had been built at a cost of $357.36 plus 160 days of donated labor. This parsonage is still in use, except that it has been remolded somewhat and improved several times. To begin with, the living quarters were all on the first floor, and the second story was a hall used by the congregation for various meetings. Services continued to be held at the Union School. The parsonage was built to the rear and to the side of the lot, to leave room for the church in front.

The first church building was built during 1876 and was dedicated on May 27, 1877. There is no record showing when it was first taken into use, but there is evidence that it was in the fall of1876. This building was later moved to the rear and has been used as a Parish House up to the present time.

In checking the records we find 59 charter members listed of the congregation. However, as there are included 23 married couples in this listing, the wives would add another 23 to this number, making in all 82, not including children. We believe it may be of interest to give the names of the charter members. They were:

Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Severest,
Mr. and Mrs. Nils OLSEN,
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnsen,
Mr. and Mrs. Jakob Andersen
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Alfsen
Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Andersen,
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kristophersen
Mr. and Mrs. Otter OLSEN
Mr. and Mrs. Kristian Johnsen
Mr. and Mrs. Andreas CHRISTENSEN
Mr. and Mrs. Nils Andreas OLSEN
Mr. and Mrs. Bjorn Halvorsen
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gulliksen
Mr. and Mrs. Kristian Pedersen
Mr. and Mrs. Erick Ericksen
Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Kristophersen
Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Gulliksen
Mr. and Mrs. Hans OLSEN
Mr. and Mrs. Jens Johannesen
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kjolstad
Mr. and Mrs. Peder Kristiansen
Mr. and Mrs. Hans Andersen
Mr. and Mrs. Ole OLSEN
Mr. and Mrs. Johansen Svang
Hans Mathisen
Jorgen OLSEN
Kristian Hansen
Andres Larsen Kirkerud
Andreas Larsen
Andreas Pedersen
Bernhard Enger
Bernt Ellingsen
Hans Halversen
Hans Nielsen
Anders Pedersen
Hans Haugerud
Hans CHRISTENSEN
Svend C. Rued
Herman P. Mork
Torger Bernsen
Ole Nielsen
Anders Larsen Ardah
Kasper OLSEN Wahl
Jakob Nielsen
Bernt Andersen
Anders Eversen
Lars OLSEN
Anders Ammundsen
Anders C. Bahll
Christian Larsen
Miss Kristine OLSEN
Miss Karen OLSEN
Miss Marie Gulliksen
Miss Thea OLSEN
Miss Augusta Andersen
Miss Oline Andersen
Miss Anne OLSEN
Miss Marie Larsen
Miss Oline Gundersen


The Norwegian population increased rapidly as young people from Norway were attracted by the lumber industry, and the membership of the congregation grew to 172 in 1882, and continued its rapid growth for several years.

At a meeting May 25, 1877 Rev. Ruh tendered his resignation as pastor, giving as his reason that the congregation was too small to support him and his family, and it seems that his last service was the dedication of the Church on May 27th.

During Rev. Rush’s ministry both the parsonage and the church had been built, and the minutes of the meetings of the congregation during those years give a vivid picture of the struggles of this young group to raise the necessary money to keep the organization going. This struggle was the more difficult from the fact that it was a time of financial depression generally, following the crash of 1873. If it had not been for such heroic struggles in the beginning the church would not have been built. As we read the records of these struggles, Rev. Ruh is revealed as a strong and effective leader who laid good foundations and built solidly upon them.

Rev. Peder Isberg

The congregation remained without its own pastor until late in the summer of 1878, when Rev. Peder Isberg, who had just been graduated from the seminary at Madison, Wis., was sent to Alpena by Synod President H. A. Preus. Meanwhile the congregation held occasional services conducted by members.

During Rev. Isberg’s ministry of four years, a half lot adjoining the church was purchased for 4162.50 and there was some discussion about erecting a school house, but nothing came of that.

At a meeting in 1881 the question of a parochial school was discussed, but as parents did not want to take their children out of public school it was decided to have Saturday School, and such a school continued as an important agency for Christian training of children for many years. The pastor was also asked to hold cathechisation in church on Sunday It was decided that if children of non-members parents would come to Saturday School, these parents should appear at a meeting of the congregation t ask for the privilege of sending them and should pay two dollars per child per year.

The minutes of a meeting on Oct 2, 1881 gives an interesting glimpse into the inner life of the church at this time. A case of church discipline was a matter of business. Five members were under consideration. Of these two were dismissed from membership, with the statement that fellowship with them should cease and that the ouster resolution should be read in church the following Sunday. One of these it was said that he had not contributed, nor attended services or Holy Communion, and had declared that anyone belonging to the church was a fool. Of the remaining three, two were given one month, or until the following meeting, to consider whether they would mend their ways, and one ask for forgiveness and was reinstated into good standing. His sin was that he was married by a pastor of another church.

Meanwhile, Rev. Isberg announced a call from Perry, Wisconsin offering $600.00per year, while in Alpena he had been getting only $375.00 and at a meeting January 1882 his resignation was accepted with the stipulation that he should remain until late March or Early April. Halvor CHRISTENSEN was no elected superintendent of the Sunday School, which was established, and he was also asked to read the “texts” in church at the regular hour. He accepted both positions.

Rev. Jens Andreas Wang

From the minutes of a meeting on January 7, 1883, it appears that a letter of call was issued to as student, A. L. Dahl, and there was some correspondence concerning a clause in the letter of call relating to the doctrine of election. Student Dahl did not accept and Rev. J. J. Maakestad who had recently come to Suttons Bay, Michigan was asked to serve the parish at Alpena temporarily and he made a few trips to Alpena to take care of the most necessary services.

At a meeting on Aug 5, 1883, a letter was read from Rev. J.A. Wang stating he had received a call from Alpena and that he expected to arrive in the parish early in September. A committee consisting of E. J. Svang and Hans OLSEN was elected to receive the new pastor and Rev. Maakestad, who came with Rev. Wang to install him.

Rev. Wang continued as pastor of the congregation until 1899 and gave able and energetic leadership to the growing congregation. During this time the cemetery was acquired, a choir was organized and other advances made. But the main achievement was the erection of the new church building and the completion of this project makes an interesting story.

At a meeting in 1885 it was decided that non-members who wished to use the church for weddings should pay two dollars and for baptisms one dollar.

It was at the annual meeting in 1886 that the first steps were taken to acquire a cemetery and by October 16th same year, the project was completed as a cost of $175.00 and members were assigned lots by drawing lots.

The New Church

As several meetings during the fall of 1887, the building of a new school house was under discussion and subscription lists were circulated for that purpose. On November 24th was read a letter from one Sam Gilbertson offering a contribution of $15.00 for that purpose providing certain conditions were met, or for a new church in case the old church was converted into a school house. It also appeared at this meeting that subscriptions had been taken for a new church which amounted to $443.00 while for a new school house $49.00 had been subscribed. It was decided to proceed to see what could be done about raising money for a new church.

At a special meeting on April 22, 1888, the congregation voted to build a church and a plan was adopted calling for a church 30 x 60 feet, brick construction, estimated to cost $860. But the matter was dropped when at a later meeting it was reported that such a sum could not be secured. At a special meeting at the home of Oluf Gundersen on Saturday evening June 15th 1889 it was decided by a vote of 8 to 6 to build a church about 40 x 60 feet that a new committee of three take subscriptions, that it should be built of brick vaneer construction if enough money could be had, but otherwise of wood and the materials should be bought and work started as soon as possible. At a meeting on August 25th, it was reported that $1150.00 had been subscribed for a new church and it was decided to proceed with the building and to move the old church to the half lot adjoining which was done at a cost of $70.00

At a meeting on September 15, 1889 a plan was adopted, specifying a church 36 x 60, chancel 12 x 22, with seven foot foundation and 18 foot high walls with a steeple in the corner. It was decided to secure an architect to prepare the plans and that the foundation should be built that same fall. The minutes of the December meeting refer to the corner sone laying service and the total subscription for the church of $1337.00.

The construction of the new church proceeded slowly and it was not until October 23 1892 that it was dedicated. The total cost was $4642.16.

The heroic effort put forth in this project is seen from the fact that before to the end of the following year less than $300.00 debt on the church remained. The records reveal that Rev. Wang was the driving force in this accomplishment and his tact and wisdom is indicated by the fact that not much friction developed in the process.

At a meeting in February 1896 it was announced that the Ladies Aid and the young women’s society had contributed more than nineteen hundred dollars, chiefly to the new church building and a motion was passed thanking them for this great help.

During the years of planning and struggling to build a new church the congregation increased rapidly in membership. New members were received practically at every meeting. References to problems connected with religious training of the children, to services by lay readers when the pastor was absent, to collections for synodical benevolence and to many other details reflect the healthy life in a new growing congregation.

The in gathering of the pastor’s salary was always a problem A committee apportioned to each member his share, but not al paid upon time and we read of ten members dropped from membership at one meeting who were from two to eleven dollars in arrears, of others who were excused, being unable to pay and of others who were given six months in which to pay.

The minutes of a meeting early in 1889 showed plans to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the congregation, May 19-22 the same year.

A very fine church bell was dedicated March 26, 1899. It had been purchased by the singing society “Haabet” with the help of the Ladies Aid and probably others and we find that these societies were given a vote of thanks for this splendid gift at a meeting of the congregation on May 25th same year.

Rev. Wang presented a letter of resignation at a meeting on July 19, 1898 and we can read between the lines of his letter that he was tired from the many years of struggling against great odds to build and promote the church. The letter was accepted with great reluctance after he had agreed to serve until the following spring.

Rev. Lorentz Christian Johnson

At a meeting in December 1898 it was voted to issue a call to Rev. L. C. Johnson from Suttons Bay. The salary offered was $450.00 a year plus offerings at the great festivals. He accepted the call and we find him opening the meeting on July3 1899.

Rev. Johnson had brought with him as a present to the congregation a beautiful baptismal font and at this same meeting a rising vote of thanks was given him for this gift.

Rev. Johnson served for fourteen years. By this time the steady flow of immigrants from Norway seems to have slowed down and for the first time almost, we read of congregational meetings held when no members were received. During this time it seems that pressure from demands for the use of the English language was first felt. This pressure created problems that were among the most difficult to solve throughout the whole Norwegian Lutheran Church. It was a period of financial difficulties.

Problems of a different nature are indicated in a report from the Board of Deacons in which they inquired whether they should take any action against members who participated in drinking, dancing and card parties. At a later meeting the Deacons reported that conditions were a little better.

At a meeting in 1901 it was decided to care for the cemetery lot and grave which belonged to Rev. Wang.

At a meeting in 1902 there was a discussion about a proposition to buy the property adjoining the parsonage. It seems that this matter was discussed again and again for several years until the property was acquired in 1943

The beautiful altar in the church was secured during Rev. Johnson’s ministry and that the times were different then than now is seen from the fact that it was purchased for $125.00.

In 1906 it was decided by a vote of 17 to 2 to build a foundation and basement under the school house, since the Ladies Aid had expressed a willingness to raise the money. The bid that was accepted for this work was for $430.00. At the same meeting Pastor Johnson was given permission to build a barn between the parsonage and the school house.

At a meeting in November 1912 Rev. Johnson presented his resignation to take effect May 1913 as he accepted a call to a charge in North Dakota. After about four years in that charge he retired and returned to Alpena. We find that Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were accepted as members of the congregation in January 1918. He lived here until he died in 1925 and it appears that he preached during vacancies and otherwise rendered services from time to time.

Rev. Johnson was an excellent penman and during the later years of his life he copied by hand in ink the whole bible first in Norwegian and then in English and finally in German. Each copy contains about twelve hundred ledger size pages of manuscript bound in a beautiful volume.

Modern Period

With the conclusion of Rev. Johnson’s pastorate it may be said that the pioneer period of the history of the congregation came to an end. The second generation members began to take an active part in the church and the English language was use more and more. The three buildings had been completed and the activities were those of an established congregation.

We shall merely list the later pastors and mention some of the important items of progress.

Rev. Ingval Hustvedt 1913-1917 For his occupancy the parsonage was put on a stone foundation and outfitted with electric lights, gas and bathroom. Financial conditions improved and envelopes were taken into use for the collection of all expenses except for synod. The time of the annual meeting was changed from May to January
Rev. Finn Magelsen 1918-1920 His pastorate was a short one lasting less than two years. During this time an organ fund committee was elected consisting of Martin Martinson, Ole Drag and John Alfsen.
Rev. Nils Edwin Halversen 1921-1925 It was during Rev. Halversen’s pastorate that the Hinners Pipe Organ was installed with necessary changes made in the church chancel. In1923 the congregation celebrated the Golden Jubilee.
Rev. Ole Chelmen Rolfsen 1925-1934 That the old times were now over it seems from the fact that the stable for horses located between the parish house and parsonage was removed at this time. It was also at this time that the sacristy or vestry was built, through the efforts of the Ladies Aid and that “Lyngblomsten” now Grace Guild was granted permission to install electric light fixtures. Extensive improvements were made in the cemetery, additional land secured from the city, trees planted and the hedge planted in front.
Rev. Louis S.Marik served as temporary pastor from Christmas1934 to April 1935.
Rev. Leif H. Roholt 1935-1943 The period of Rev. Roholt’s pastorate was a time of extensive improvements in the church property. Ad addition for a new kitchen and rest rooms was built to the Parish House, the interior of the church was completely renewed, with new walls, new carpet and new windows, the study at the rear of the parsonage was completed and new heating systems installed in the church and parsonage. The purchase of the lot adjoining the parsonage was also negotiated at this time.
Rev. Mikkel Lono was installed in the fall of 1943 and is the present pastor.

Synodical Affiliation

At the organization meeting the congregation voted to affiliate with the so-called “Conference”. But at a meeting November 24,1874 Rev Ruh announced that he wished to resign from that body to join the “Synod” giving as his reason the publication of an article entitled :”Open Declaration” by the professors Oftedal and Wenaas of “The Conference”. Upon Pastor Ruh’s suggestion the congregation voted to follow his example and it remained affiliated with the “Synod” until it resigned during the pastorate of Rev. Wang.

It was at a meeting on November 13, 1887that the congregation voted to sever its connection with the “Synod” after a discussion about the doctrines involved I the Lutheran Church in America.

It was not until 1893that the congregation voted to apply for admission into the “United Church”. It remained a member of this body until the “United Church” was merged with other groups in 1917 as The Norwegian Lutheran Church in America, now known as The Evangelical Lutheran Church with which the congregation is now connected.

Language

The congregation was organized as a Norwegian Church, to serve the Norwegian people of Alpena and the language was Norwegian for several years.

It was not until a meeting in 1913 that it was decided to have one English class in the Sunday School, which seems to be the first use of the English language in the work of this congregation.

There is no record as to when the first public services were held in the English language, but at the annual meeting in 1920 the pastor reported that of 43 services held 23 were in Norwegian 18 in English and 2 in both languages. At that same meeting it was voted to use the English language in the Sunday School

In 1923 it was decided to hold two Sunday morning services one in English at 10:30 and one in Norwegian at 11:30. In 1926 the English services out numbered the Norwegian, in that 49services were held in the former languages and 47 in the later.

The first secretary’s minutes written in English were of a meeting in October 1923 and in July 1927 it was decided that minutes should be written in both languages.

At the annual meeting in 1928 it was decided to change the name of the church from The Norwegian Lutheran Church to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Services in both languages each Sunday as a rule were held through 1943. But beginning with Rev. Roholt’s pastorate in 1935 the use of the Norwegian language was sharply curtailed and after a couple of years it was discontinued entirely. Since then the language of the founders has been used only for a few private Communion Services and in private counseling.

Affiliated Congregations

On March 23,1882 the congregation received a letter from Leer stating that on March 5th the Leer Lutheran Church had been formed and that this congregation now asked the privilege to be served by the pastor from Alpena promising whatever the farmers were able to provide from their farms. This request was granted.

In the minutes of the annual meeting in 1893 we find the first reference to farmers living near Hubbard Lake, when it was decided that these former member of the church of Alpena should not be required to pay the one dollar to have their children baptised in the church but should pay the regular fee of two dollars for church weddings.

At a meeting in June 1894 there was presented a request from Hubbard Lake saying that a regular congregation had been organized there with ten member sand requesting that the Alpena pastor be permitted to hold six services a year for this group. The request was granted at a later meeting, provided the people at Hubbard Lake would contribute thirty dollars towards the pastor’s salary the first year.

The two congregations now Leer Lutheran Church and Caledonia Lutheran Church have been affiliated with the Alpena congregation since that time, with the exception of a period during Rev Rolfsen’s pastorate when there churches were served by Rev. N. B. Ursin.

During the early period these congregations grew rapidly and it was not long before they contributed substantially to the common cause. When the call was issued to Rev. L. C. Johnson it was stipulated that of the $450.00 offered, Alpena should pay $275.00 and Sunken Lake (as Leer was called then) $110.00 and Hubbard Lake $65.00. For a short time somewhat later the pastor’s salary was allocated equally to the three churches.

From references in the minutes it appears that both Leer and Caledonia planned to dedicate their new churches in the fall of 1900.

The comparative strength of these affiliated congregations seems to have reached its highest point at the time of Rev. Magelsen’s pastorate as at that time the pastor’s salary of One Thousand Dollars was apportioned equally to the three congregations
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Transcribed from the hand written notes on the Norwegian Church, Alpena, MI
(Grace Lutheran Church) LDS film
By Karen L. Jenter

In Jesus Name

A short insight in the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church Congregation in Alpena “Co” Mich.

As far as is known the first members of congregation arrived at this place in year 1870. The following year a few more immigrants from Drammon, Norway arrived and in year 1872 was followed by a lot more so it started to be quite populated. This year the Norwegians had a visit from Pastor F. H. Ceratheim, the Danish Norwegian conference in U.S.A. The following year Pastor Martin P Ruh from the same conference visited Alpena, and under his leadership a meeting of Norwegian population was held and organized a congregation under the name of Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Alpena, Michigan. Also in the same year members voted to join the Danish Norwegian Conference and call it’s own pastor. The 25thof May a congregational meeting was held to call their own pastor and Rev. Ruh and Ceratheim was nominated and Rev. Ruh was elected pastor with 51 votes and Ceratheim 6.
The congregation included the following members:

Married
1. Johannes Severson
2. Niles OLSEN
3. Martin Johnsen
4. Jakob Andersen
5. Martin Alfsen
6. Johannes Andersen
7. PederKristoffersen
8. Otter OLSEN
9. Kristian Johansen
10. AndreasKristensen
11. Miles Andreas OLSEN
12. Bjorn Halversen
13. Martin Gullksen
14. Kristian Pedersen
15. Erik Eriksen
16. AndreasKristoffersen
17. Gustaf Gulliksen
18. Hans OLSEN
19. Jens Johannesen
20. Martin Kjolstad
21. Peder Knutsen
Single
24. Hans Marthisen
25. Jorgen OLSEN
26. KristianHansen
27. Andreas Larsen Kirkerud
28. Andreas Larsen
29. E. J. Svang
30. Anders Pedersen
31. Bernhard Enger
32. Bernt Ellingsen
33. Hans Halvorsen
34. Hans Nilsen
35. Andreas Pedersen
36. Hans Haugerud
37. Hans Kristiansen
38. Svend C. Reud,
39. Herman Mork
40. Torger Bernsen
41. Ole Nielsen
42. Anders Larsen Ardahl
43. Kasper O. Wahl
44. Jakob Nilsen
45. BerntAndersen
46. Andreas Everson
47. Lars OLSEN
48. Andreas Ammundsen
49. Anders H. Bahli
50. Kristian Larsen
51. Kristian OLSEN
52. Karen OLSEN
53. Marie Gullksen
54. Thea OLSEN
55. Augusta anderson
56. Oline Andersen
57. Anna OLSEN
58. Marie Larsen
59. Oline Gundersen
Pastor Ruh accepted the call and began Oct 1, 1873. In year 1874 Mr. Hitsheck gave the congregation the lot on which the biggest foundation is now standing. S-E, m2/3 of the congregation property that a parsonage was built on the same property, which put the congregation in debt. As a result a misunderstanding resulted between the pastor and congregation and a lot of members left, as this debt was a burden for many years on the few remaining members.

On Nov24, 1874 Pastor Ruh ended the membership with the Danish Norwegian Conference because of a writing by Prof. Wanard Ofteslal, a writing called “Open Declaration”. Same day the congregation joined the Norwegian Synod., Sunday Aril 1.. The congregation decided to build a church where the foundation already was laid. They started work the next day and may 27th the next year, it was so far progressed that a dedication could be held under L. M. …….from Monitoval,Wis. May26th Rev. Ruh quit his connection with the Alpena church, he had served 4 years. Now the “call” was out and the outlook for a new pastor was bleak indeed. Even $250.00 per year now was hard to come by. But the letter was sent April 27 1878. As an answer to this letter they received a ‘friendly” letter from H. A Prues saying: The church board have decided to send Mr. Isberg from Madison Seminary. Please let me know before May 28th so I can contact the church board. “May God and His mercy look after your congregation”. Yours in Christ. H. A. Prues. This gave the congregation new courage and a substantial amount of money. The members brought in $260.000, also Mr. Petter …. and Mr. Minor …… gave $25 and $20 respectively also Mr. Donly $3.00 so now the problem was solved for this time.

Sept 78 Pastor Ruh held his first sermon. The congregation had been nurturing .a minister for 1-½ years. The 6th of March 1882 a sister congregation was started in Long Rapids, as former Alpena members, who has grown rapidly, and have a bright future in sight.

On May 7th the congregation bought a half lot which was the N-E 1/3 of the property on which the foundation is in at the price of $162.50. Sunday Nov 26th the congregation under the leadership of Pastor J. J. Maakestad accepted the call, a student, as an established pastor was hard to get The Madison Seminary was contacted and the following students were recommended J. A. Wang and A. L. Dahl. Dahl refused because of poor health, as student Wang accepted after finishing exams. His first service was held Sept 16, 1883 and with God’s blessing he has been with us, although and in health to this day.

May 1, 1882 the church decided to buy a church organ. The ladies aid had donated $76.00 for this purpose and Ingeborg OLSEN could play same, she has functioned as an organist ever since.

In May 1887, the congregation decided to buy a burial place situated near the city cemetery on the west side of town. Nov 13, 1887 the congregation ended the conversation with the ………

Aug 25th congregation decided to start building a new church and move the old building on the lot for a “school house”, which was sorely needed. On the committee were Stang Larsen, Martin Halversen, Olaf ………. The ……committee started right in and with ……money and peoples help …..days finally …… One Sunday lot 13, $87 the corner stone was laid. May the most faithful God continue to add his blessing on our labor so that this temple will be finished with not so many difficulties and after the finish we like the pillars…….words “This is God’s house and heaven unite” Can we say about our church. The congregation now and before have received much help ladies aid who have always shown their willingness to help. The cornerstone is a gift from the congregation’s children.
1. Carl Pederson
2. Agnst Sorensen
3. Marie Eriksen
4. Jenni Eriksen
5. Martha ………
6. Marie ……..
7. Hanna …….
8. Anna Marie
9. Martin Martinsen
10. Elm Martinsen
11. Tina Martinsen
12. Gustaf Carlsen
13. Hans Carlsen
14. Terry Carlsen
15. Carl Martinsen
























Children of KAREN OLESEN and MARTIN OLESEN are:
13. i. HULDA6 OLSEN, b. 07 Mar 1880, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 25 Feb 1965, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
ii. HENRY OLSEN, b. 28 Nov 1881, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 02 Mar 1987, Alpena, Alpena Co, Alpena MI.
iii. OLAF B. OLSEN, b. 14 Aug 1884, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 03 Aug 1885, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan.

Notes for OLAF B. OLSEN:
OLESEN, OLOF
Date of death: 10-Aug-1885
Ledger Page: 26
Record Number: 902
Place of death: LONG RAPIDS
County of Death: Alpena
Sex: Male
Race: WHITE
Marital Status: Single
Age: 8 months
Cause of Death: UNKNOWN-INFANT
Birthplace: LONG RAPIDS
Occupation:
Father's Name: OLESEN, MARTIN
Father's Residence: LONG RAPIDS
Mother's Name: OLESEN, CATHERINE
Mother's Residence: LONG RAPIDS
Date of record: 26-May-1886



14. iv. OSCAR Olson, b. 23 Jun 1886, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan USA; d. 31 Jan 1971, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.
15. v. ANNA M. OLSEN, b. 10 Jun 1888, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 06 Feb 1980, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
vi. CARL Olson, b. 22 Dec 1891, Leer, Alpena Co, Alpena MI; d. 14 Aug 1967, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan.

Notes for CARL OLSON:
Alpena Newspaper
14 Aug 1967
Carl Olson
Carl Olson 76, a famer died early today (Aug 14) at his home in Leer.
Born Dec 22, 1891 in Leer, he had been a lifelong resident. He was a member of Leer Lutheran Church and the Long Rapids IOOF Lodge.
Surviving are a sister Mrs. Martin Jensen of Leer, two brothers Henry of Leer and Oscar of Alpena and a number of nieces and nephews. Another sister Mrs. Jacob Houck died in 1963
Mr. Olson’s body will be at the Leer Lutheran Church Wednesday from noon until the service at 2. The Rev. Homer Marsh will officiate. Burial wil be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call at the Wachterhauser Funeral Home after 7 tonight. Contributions in Mr. Olson’s memory may be made to the Leer Lutheran Memorial fund.


vii. ALBERT B. OLSEN, b. 01 Aug 1893, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 24 Jan 1894, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan.


4. KRISTINE CHRISTINE (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN (OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 07 Nov 1851 in Kopperud, Lier, Norway, and died 27 Mar 1893 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan. She married BERNHARD JORGEN JORGENSON ENGER 26 Apr 1878 in Alpena, Alpena, Michigan. He was born 24 Oct 1852 in Rikshopitalets Kuinneklinikk, Oslo, Norway, and died 02 Dec 1933 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

More About KRISTINE CHRISTINE (OLESDTR) OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): 28 Jul 1950, Salt Lake City, Utah
Burial: Leer Lutheran Church Cemetery, Leer, Michigan
Christening: 11 Jan 1852, Kopperud, Lier, Norway
Endowment (LDS): 06 Sep 1950, Salt Lake City, Utah
Sealed to parents (LDS): 17 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

More About BERNHARD JORGEN JORGENSON ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): 28 Jul 1950
Burial: 04 Dec 1933, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan
Endowment (LDS): 04 Jan 1951

Children of KRISTINE OLESEN and BERNHARD ENGER are:
i. JORGEN GEORGE6 ENGER, b. 02 Jun 1879, Alpena, Alpena, Michigan; d. 17 Jul 1966, Posen, Michigan; m. HULDA PEDERSEN, 23 Jul 1907.

More About JORGEN GEORGE ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): 11 Feb 1975
Endowment (LDS): 13 Mar 1975
Sealed to parents (LDS): 23 Apr 1975

ii. OLE ENGER, b. 20 Apr 1882, Leer, alpena, Michigan; d. 03 Mar 1925, Portland, Multnomah, Oregon; m. CAROLINE TJERSLAND, 29 Sep 1917.

More About OLE ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): 29 Jun 1961
Endowment (LDS): 02 Dec 1961
Sealed to parents (LDS): 17 Oct 1962

iii. AUGUST ENGER, b. 10 Jan 1884, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 28 Jan 1964, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

More About AUGUST ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): 11 Feb 1975
Endowment (LDS): 13 Mar 1975
Sealed to parents (LDS): 23 Apr 1975

16. iv. HANNAH BREDINE ENGER, b. 11 Aug 1886, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 28 Oct 1923, Chesterfield (Toponce), Bannock, Idaho.
v. AGNES ENGER, b. 03 Jun 1889, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 03 Jan 1957, Detroit, Michigan; m. GOTFRED CORELL.

More About AGNES ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): 30 Jun 1961
Endowment (LDS): 04 Oct 1961

vi. JEANETTE BERHARDINE ENGER, b. 25 Mar 1893, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 03 Sep 1893.

More About JEANETTE BERHARDINE ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): Child; Temple:
Endowment (LDS): Child; Temple:
Sealed to parents (LDS): 17 Oct 1962

vii. KRISTINE ENGER, b. 25 Mar 1893, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan; d. 31 Aug 1893, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

More About KRISTINE ENGER:
Baptism (LDS): Child; Temple:
Endowment (LDS): Child; Temple:
Sealed to parents (LDS): 08 Jan 1952


5. DORTHEA (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN (OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 16 Aug 1855 in Norway, and died in Norway. She married HANS DRAG 04 Dec 1881 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, son of HERMAN HANSEN DRAG. He was born in Norway, and died in Norway.

Notes for DORTHEA (OLESDTR) OLESEN:
Dorthea and Hans Drag went back to Norway to take over the Drag Family farm.

More About DORTHEA (OLESDTR) OLESEN:
Baptism (LDS): 03 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Christening: 04 Nov 1855, Lier, Norway
Endowment (LDS): 10 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah
Sealed to parents (LDS): 19 Feb 1981, Salt Lake City, Utah

Notes for HANS DRAG:
Returned to Norway where he inherited property. The 3 children listed are shown as children in the church record of the Norwegian Lutheran Church,Alpena, now known as the Grace Lutheran church. So it is believed that the children listed were born in Alpena, since Dorthea or Thea came to America unmarried.

When Hans' fathere died in Norway in 1886, Hans was the eldest and inherited the property, so the family returned to Norway.



Children of DORTHEA OLESEN and HANS DRAG are:
i. CARL OSCAR6 DRAG, b. Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
ii. HENRY HARRY DRAG, b. 03 Dec 1883, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan; d. 1905, Norway.

Notes for HENRY HARRY DRAG:
Henry returned to Norway with his parents and sister in 1886. In 1905 he was skating on a lake a fell through the ice and drowned, his body was never recovered. They lake was very deep.

iii. BERTHA ANDREA DRAG, b. 17 Feb 1882, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.


Generation No. 3

6. ALBERT6 OLSEN (OTTER5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 23 Nov 1867 in Buffalo, New York, and died 15 Jun 1960 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. He married KATHERINE LUDWIG 08 Oct 1901 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.

More About ALBERT OLSEN:
Burial: Pleasanet View Cemetery, Spruce, Michigan

Children of ALBERT OLSEN and KATHERINE LUDWIG are:
i. VICTOR7 OLSEN.
ii. WILBUR OLSEN.


7. ANNA PAUINE6 OLSEN (OTTER5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 23 Jul 1871 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died 20 Feb 1915 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She married CARL MARKUSON.

More About ANNA PAUINE OLSEN:
Burial: Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Alpena, Michigan

Child of ANNA OLSEN and CARL MARKUSON is:
i. CLARA7 MARKUSON.


8. EDDIE6 OLSEN (OTTER5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 07 Dec 1873 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died 20 Dec 1954 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. He married MARTHA PEDERSON.

More About EDDIE OLSEN:
Burial: Leer Lutheran Church Cemetery, Long Rapids, Michigan

Children of EDDIE OLSEN and MARTHA PEDERSON are:
i. EDWARD7 OLSEN.
ii. ANNA MAE OLSEN, m. ALFRED BOBOLTZ.


9. JENNIE6 OLESEN (OTTER5, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 04 Jan 1876 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died 05 Jul 1972 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She married OSCAR LARSON 25 May 1897 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.

More About JENNIE OLESEN:
Burial: 07 Jul 1972, Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Alpena, Michigan

Children of JENNIE OLESEN and OSCAR LARSON are:
i. SYLVAN7 LARSON.
ii. ELWIN LARSON.


10. MANDI AMANDA6 OLSEN (OTTER5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 11 Oct 1877 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died in Miami, Florida. She married OSCAR LARSON.

More About MANDI AMANDA OLSEN:
Burial: Leer Lutheran Church Cemetery, Long Rapids, Michigan

Children of MANDI OLSEN and OSCAR LARSON are:
i. SYLVAN7 LARSON, b. Mar 1898.
ii. ELWIN LARSON, b. 20 Apr 1904.


11. ALTA6 OLSEN (OTTER5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 13 Jan 1891 in Long Rapids, Leer, Alpena County, Michigan, and died 17 Feb 1949 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She married GEORGE ANDERSON 19 Mar 1910 in Long Rapids, Leer, Michigan.

Child of ALTA OLSEN and GEORGE ANDERSON is:
i. MARGARET7 ANDERSON.


12. ALFRED6 OLSEN (OTTER5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 08 May 1897 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan. He married MABEL KYSER 1929 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan.

Children of ALFRED OLSEN and MABEL KYSER are:
i. ROBERT7 OLSEN, b. 1929; d. 1938.
ii. WILLIAM OLSEN, b. 1933; d. 1976.
iii. DALE OLSEN.


13. HULDA6 OLSEN (KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 07 Mar 1880 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died 25 Feb 1965 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She married JACOB B. HOUCK. He was born 1875 in Michigan, and died 01 Mar 1962 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.

Children of HULDA OLSEN and JACOB HOUCK are:
i. JUSTIN7 HOUCK, b. 1905.
ii. BERNICE HOUCK, b. 1911.
iii. CLARENCE HOUCK, b. 1911.
iv. VERNON HOUCK, b. 1914.
v. MILDRED HOUCK, b. 1917.
vi. FRANCES HOUCK, b. 1920.
vii. THELMA JEAN HOUCK, b. 1923.


14. OSCAR6 Olson (KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 23 Jun 1886 in Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan USA, and died 31 Jan 1971 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan. He married LOIS MARIAN MCDONELL 03 Jun 1914 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan, daughter of ALBERT MCDONELL and ELLA STAFFORD. She was born 01 Jun 1894 in Black River, Alcona County, Michigan, and died 10 Feb 1956 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Alpena MI.

Notes for OSCAR OLSON:
Oscar's surname was originally (OLESEN) OLSEN. However as a young man, there were two Oscar Olsen's in Alpena, and he changed the name to Olson. All of the children were known as Olson.


Alpena Newspaper
20135 Olson, Oscar 84
31 Jan1971
Oscar Olson, 84 of 119 E.
Crapo, died at 3 a.m. Sunday at the Pierce Nursing Home.
Born June 23,1886 in Leer, he was a lifelong resident of Alpena County, except for seven years service in the U.S. Coast Guard.
He had been employed by the Besser Company as a layout man until his retirement in 1955.
He was married to Lois McDonnell on June 3 1914. She died in 1956.
Surviving are four daughters, Joyce and Beatrice at home. Mrs. Julius (Norma) Senchuk of Alpena. Mrs. Ronald (June) Jenter of Manchester, five sons, Howard, Albert, Gerald, Gordon and Kenneth of Alpena, one brother Henry of Leer and one sister Mrs. Anna Jensen of Leer.
One sister Mrs. Jacob Houck and one brother Carl preceded him in death.
Friends may call at the Wachterhauser Funeral Home where funeral services will be at 2p.m. Wednesday with Rev. Douglas F. Soley of Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Eventual internment in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials to the Intensive Care Unit of Alpena Hospital


More About OSCAR OLSON:
Burial: 03 Feb 1971, Evergreen Cemetery, Alpena MI

Notes for LOIS MARIAN MCDONELL:
Alpena Newspaper
Mrs. Oscar Olson
10 Feb 1956
An illness extending over four years culminated in the death of Mrs. Oscar Olson at her home, 119 Crapo.
Lois Marian McDonnell was born June 3, 1894 in Black River, and had been a resident of Alpena the past 55 years Her marriage to Mr. Olson took place June 3, 1914 in Alpena.
Surviving are her husband, four daughters. Beatrice, Joyce and Mrs. Julius Senchuk (Norma) of Alpena. Mrs. Roland Jenter (June) of Manchester, Mich.; five sons. Howard, Gordon, Albert, Kenneth and Gerald all of Alpena, 11 grandchildren, two sisters. Mrs. William Baillet , Tower and Mrs. William Klien LaMesa, Calif. and a stepsister Mrs. Maud Howard, Roscommon.
The body is at the Wachterhauser funeral home. Service will be Monday at 2 at the funeral home , the Rev. Mikkel Lono Officiating, internment at Evergreen Cemetery.


More About LOIS MARIAN MCDONELL:
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Alpena MI

Children of OSCAR Olson and LOIS MCDONELL are:
17. i. HOWARD OSCAR7 Olson, b. 09 May 1915, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 09 Sep 1995, Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan.
18. ii. ALBERT MARTIN Olson, b. 28 Aug 1917, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 08 Jul 1986, Presque Isle County, Michigan.
iii. BEATRICE MARIAN Olson, b. 25 Aug 1919, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 07 Jan 1996, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.
19. iv. GERALD HENRY Olson, b. 06 Sep 1922, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.
20. v. JUNE LUCILLE Olson, b. 27 Jun 1924, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.
21. vi. NORMA CATHERINE Olson, b. 19 Jun 1927, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.
vii. JOYCE LOIS Olson, b. 08 Feb 1929, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 26 Sep 2000, Alpena, Alpena Co, Alpena MI.
22. viii. GORDON JAMES Olson, b. 15 May 1934, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.
ix. KENNETH WALTER Olson, b. 06 Dec 1938, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 30 Dec 2002, Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan.

More About KENNETH WALTER OLSON:
Burial: 03 Jan 2003, Evergreen Cemetery, Alpena, Michigan


15. ANNA M.6 OLSEN (KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 10 Jun 1888 in Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan, and died 06 Feb 1980 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She married MARTIN J. JENSEN 18 Jul 1918 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan. He was born 19 Dec 1887 in Norway, and died 21 Mar 1965 in Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan.

More About MARTIN J. JENSEN:
Immigrated to US: 1909

Children of ANNA OLSEN and MARTIN JENSEN are:
i. CLARA J.7 JENSEN, b. 02 Jun 1919, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan; m. VINCENT HANKS.
ii. HENRY M JENSEN, b. 06 Jun 1921, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan; d. 14 Aug 1944, Saipan.

More About HENRY M JENSEN:
Burial: Leer Lutheran Church, Leer, Alpena Co, Leer MI
Military service: Bet. 1942 - 1944, Sgt. Active Duty was Oct 13, 1942-Aug 14, 1944 Killed in Action on the Island if Saipan

23. iii. ALMA MARIE JENSEN, b. 07 Apr 1924, Leer, Alpena Co, Michigan.


16. HANNAH BREDINE6 ENGER (KRISTINE CHRISTINE (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 11 Aug 1886 in Leer, Alpena County, Michigan, and died 28 Oct 1923 in Chesterfield (Toponce), Bannock, Idaho. She married WALFRED EMANUEL SIDWIN LARSON 19 Jul 1905 in Long Rapids, Alpena, Michigan. He was born 18 Oct 1881 in Animskog, Alvsborg, Sweden, and died 28 May 1972 in Troutdale, Multnomah, Oregon.

More About HANNAH BREDINE ENGER:
Burial: 30 Oct 1923, Chesterfield Cemetery, Chesterfield, Idaho

More About WALFRED EMANUEL SIDWIN LARSON:
Baptism (LDS): 19 Jul 1897
Burial: 02 Jun 1972, Finley's Sunset Hills Cemetery, Portland, Oregon
Endowment (LDS): 05 Dec 1973, Oakland, California
Sealed to parents (LDS): 11 Jan 1978

Child of HANNAH ENGER and WALFRED LARSON is:
24. i. MILDRED AGNES7 LARSON, b. Apr 1906.


Generation No. 4

17. HOWARD OSCAR7 Olson (OSCAR6, KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 09 May 1915 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan, and died 09 Sep 1995 in Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan. He married EDNA HIBNER 06 Jul 1949 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She was born 15 Jun 1917 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died 06 Jan 1988 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.

Children of HOWARD Olson and EDNA HIBNER are:
i. JACK8 Olson, b. 1952.
ii. MARK Olson, b. 1956, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.


18. ALBERT MARTIN7 Olson (OSCAR6, KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 28 Aug 1917 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan, and died 08 Jul 1986 in Presque Isle County, Michigan. He married MARCIA SPRAGG. She was born 04 May 1912 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan, and died 22 Nov 2006 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.

Notes for ALBERT MARTIN OLSON:
Alpena Newspaper
9 Jul 1986
ALBERT Olson
Albert Olson, 68 of 217 E. Wisner died at his Presque Isle County Cottage Thursday (July 9) following a heart attack.
Born in Alpena Aug 28, 1917 he was a lifelong area resident except for the time spent in service during World War II. He and the former Marcia Spragg were married in Alpena Dec 24, 1938.
Mr. Olson was employed for 42 years as a toolmaker with Besser Co retiring in 1979. He was a member of the American Association of Retired Persons and the senior adult group of First Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, a daughter Marlys (Mrs. Jerry) Rossowski of Alpena, two sons, Jere of Troy and Rick of Spruce; four sisters Beatrice Olson, Joyce Olson and Norma (Mrs. Julius ) Senchuk, all of Alpena, and June (Mrs. Roland) Genter of Manchester. Four brothers, Howard, Gerald, Gordon of Alpena and Kenneth of Texas. And five grandchildren. Friends may call after 7 tonight at Bannan funeral home where the funeral is 11 a.m. Friday. Internment Evergreen Cemetery.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Social Security Death Index Record
about Albert Olson
Name: Albert Olson
SSN: 370-01-7518
Last Residence: 49707 Alpena, Alpena, Michigan, United States of America
Born: 28 Aug 1917
Died: Jul 1986
State (Year) SSN issued: Michigan (Before 1951 )
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Notes for MARCIA SPRAGG:
The Alpena News

Marcia Olson

OLSON, Marcia May, 94, of 217 E. Wisner Street, Alpena, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, at Sally's Care Home.

She is survived by one daughter, Marlys (Jerry) Roznowski of Alpena; two sons, Jere (Elaine) of Troy, Rick (Linda) of Spruce; three sisters-in-law, Hazel Spragg, Norma Senchuk, June Jenter; one brother-in-law, Gordon (Elaine) Olson; five grandchildren, Kevin, Terri, Doug, Samantha and Josh Olson; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the Bannan Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday at Alpena Free Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m. with Rev. Luke Bedtelyon officiating.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery
++++++++++++++++++++++
Marcia May Olson
Marcia May Olson, 94, of 217 E. Wisner Street, Alpena, passed away Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at Sally's Care Home.
Born Marcia May Spragg on May 4, 1912, to the late John "Ed" Sprayy and Maude *Kingsley) Spragg. She married Albert M. Olson on Dec 24, 1938 in Alpena, and he preceded her in death on July 8, 1986.

Marcia, who was also known as "Grandma" at Sally's Home Care Home enjoyed summers with the family at the cottage on Long Lake, the fall days at their spratt Hunting Camp and the cold winter afternoon snowmobiling in northern Michigan. she also cherished her travels with her husband to most states in the U.S. and southern Canada as well as throughout Michigan.

In later years to keep active you could also find Marcia creating decorative yarn covered hangers for many friends and family members.

Bingo also was one of her favorite games that she liked to play especially at the Alpena Senior Center and over at Sally's.

She was a member of Alpena Senior Citizens Center, AARP, N.E. Doll Club and attended Alpena Free Methodist Church.

Surviving are one daughter, Marlys (Jerry) Roznowski of Alpena, two sons Jere (Elaine) of Troy, Rick (Linda) of Spruce, three sisters in law, Hazel Spragg, Norma Senchuk, June Jenter, one brother in law Gordon (Elaine) Olson; five grandchildren Kevin (Lynne) Roznowski, Teri (Roger) Keyes, Doug (Jeanne) Roznowski, Samantha Gerke, and Josh Olson; five great grandchildren, Adam, Ashley and Aaron Keyes, Wade Roznowski and Kaleb Gerke and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were four brothers: Jasper "Ted", Arthur "Buzz", Clarence and Norman and two sisters: Manatee Eagle and Jane Spragg.

Visitation for Mrs. Olson will be at the Bannan Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-8 p.m.. Visitation will continue Monday at Alpena Free Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m. with Rev. Luke Bedtelon officiating.

Internment: Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials: Hospice of the Sunrise Shore, Alpena County Library, and Northland Library.


Children of ALBERT Olson and MARCIA SPRAGG are:
i. MARLYS8 Olson, b. 27 May 1940.
ii. JERE Olson.
iii. RICKI Olson.


19. GERALD HENRY7 Olson (OSCAR6, KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 06 Sep 1922 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan, and died in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan. He married (1) MARIE. He married (2) MARIE A. BRUNETTE 17 Oct 1942 in Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan. She was born 29 Sep 1925 in Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan, and died 25 Sep 1968 in Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan.

Children of GERALD Olson and MARIE BRUNETTE are:
i. JEANNE8 Olson, b. 1960, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.
ii. RODNEY Olson, b. 1952, Alpena, Alpena Co., Michigan.


20. JUNE LUCILLE7 Olson (OSCAR6, KAREN (OLESDTR)5 OLESEN, OLE4 Ottersen, OTTER3 OLESEN, OLE2 CHRISTENSEN, KRISTEN1 RASMUSSEN) was born 27 Jun 1924 in Alpena, Alpena Co, Michigan. She met (2) RONALD ARTHUR Jenter 05 Oct 1947 in EMANUEL Evangelical & Reformed Church, Manchester, Wasytenaw Co, Michigan, USA, later to become EMANUEL United Church of Christ, son of ARTHUR Jenter and CORA GROSSMAN. He was born 04 Jun 1921 in Manchester, Washtenaw Co, Michigan, USA, and died 26 Mar 2006 in Chelsea, Washtenaw Co., Michigan.

More About JUNE LUCILLE OLSON:
Education: 1943, Alpena High School, Alpena MI
Faternal Organization: American Legion Auxiliary Post 119
Faternal Organizations1: Order of the Eastern Star

Notes for RONALD ARTHUR JENTER:
Jenter Funeral Home Time Line
1861 Oct 27 Birth of Ernest Christian Jenter to Christian Jenter & Anna Maria Maier
1867 Sept 8 Birth of Anna Dorothy Schaible to Frederick Schaible & Elizabeth Katharina Kuebler
1886 Founding of E.C. Jenter Funeral Home
1890 Oct 23, Marriage of Ernest Christian Jenter & Anna Dorothy Schaible
1894 Aug 4 Birth of Arthur Ernest Jenter to Ernest Christian Jenter & Anna Dorothy Schaible
1894 Sep 16 Birth of Cora Edna Grossman to Johann Georg Grossman & Catherina Elsabein Feldkamp
1916 Jan 18 Marriage of Arthur Ernest Jenter & Cora Edna Grossman
1921 Jun 4 Birth of Ronald Arthur Jenter to Arthur Ernest Jenter & Cora Edna Grossman
1924` Jun 27 Birth of June Lucille Olson to Oscar Olson & Lois Marian McDonnell
1927 Feb 8 Death of Ernest Christian Jenter
1947 Oct 5 Marriage of Ronald Arthur Jenter & June Lucille Olson
1948 Sep 19 Birth of Karen Lois Jenter
1951 Mar 31 Death of Anna Dorothy Schaible Jenter
1951 Oct 14 Birth of James Arthur Jenter to Ronald Arthur Jenter & June Lucille Olson
1963 Dec 31 Retirement of Arthur Ernest Jenter
1964 Jul 18 Death of Arthur Ernest Jenter
1983 May 4 Ronald Arthur Jenter honored as 40 year Licensee by Michigan Funeral Directors Assoc.
1986 July Jenter Funeral Home celebrates 100 years in the Manchester Fair Parade
1989 Dec 31 Ronald Arthur Jenter retires & sells Jenter Funeral Home to Martin Braun
1990 Feb 28 Death of Cora Edna Grossman Jenter
1990 Mar Ron, June, Karen & Jim enjoy vacation in Marco Island, Florida
1990 May Retirement party held for Ron & June Jenter
1993 May 6 Ronald Arthur Jenter honored as 50 year Licensee by Michigan Funeral Directors Assoc.
1997 Oct 5 Ron & June Jenter celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary
1998 Dec 5 Death of James Arthur