1. Mae Elizabeth Cowan Penfield (Mae) 1891
Mae Elizabeth Cowan Penfield (Mae)
b. June 15, 1891 at Sheldon, N. D. d. July 2, 1973.
Mae was the first child of Jim and Inga Cowan. Inga was 26 and Jim was 17 at the time of Mae's birth. Jim and Inga had been together since the early fall of 1890 and living at Owego near Sheldon, North Dakotaon Jim's dad's small farm. Mae was born at Sheldon, North Dakota and when she was eight years old the family moved south about nine miles to a farm just south of Anselm, a small village near the Sheyenne River.
Mae attended one room country school at Owego School No 2, District #9 of Ransom County. The teacher, Margaret Stoffel, gave a souvenir of attendance for the period of March 1901 to June 1902 to the pupils and her name was listed. In 1907, when Mae was 16 years old, the family lived at Valley City and her brothers, Walter and Wallace, were born.
When Mae was age 17, she married Paul A. Penfield, then 21, in McHenry County at Towner, the county seat. They were married on January 21, 1909 - - about a half year before her youngest sister Pearl was born.
Paul Penfield was born Nov. 10, 1887 at Cleveland, Ohio and is an adopted son of Joseph L. Penfield and his wife Lois Levina Penfield. Joseph was born Nov. 16, 1834 at Owego, N. Y. and died at Motley, Minn. Lois was born 1842 at Rotland, Wis. Joseph and Lois adopted two other children, Margaret ( Maggie) and Audrey. Maggie married Tim Coan and they lived at Bend, Ore.
Mae and Paul lived at Granville for a short while and then moved to Little Fork, Minn. and later to Clarissa, Minn.They had five children and they are Florence, Floyd, Francis, Forrest and Ferde. The photo at right was taken in 1917 two years before Ferde was born.
Children of Mae Date of Birth Date of Death
Florence Inger Lavina Sep. 11, 1909 Mar 21, 1992
Floyd Llowellyn Paul Jun. 14, 1911 Oct. 26, 1994
Francis William Oliver May 03, 1913 Nov. 11, 1992
Forrest Henry Walter May 30, 1915 Oct. 2, 2004
Ferde Roland July 12, 1919
Mae and Paul separated some time later and Mae brought the children back to Dakota and they lived at Granville for many years. Also Mae taught school in one-room country schools in North Dakota and in Montana. Paul moved to Modesta, California and died there on Jan. 11 of 1933 at the age of 45.
Mae lived at Walford City, ND about 35 miles southeast of Williston in her later years. She lived to just past her 82nd birthday and died at Walford City. Memorial services were held at the Welander-Quist Chapel in north Minneapolis and Mae's nephew, the Reverend William Cowan of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Proctor, MN officiated and gave the message. Mae is buried at Crystal Lake Cemetery in North Minneapolis where her parents and many of the family are buried.
The following is a letter from mother Inga to her son Walter and his wife Esther on arriving at Granville, N.D.for a visit with her daughter Mae and her family.
Granville, N.D.
June 2 - 38 [1938]
Dear Walter Ester
Well we arrived at Granville Sunday eving sure surprised Mae [fore onse Floy] got a
car so we have plenty of rides even up town Mae her hur work it school house
goes it a come home it 2 so dit Floyd Ferde Flos at home they just come home
left work from their chools - how are the children has the youngest got the
measles yet? hope they are not sick the 2 oldest be up this weake I hope -
yesterday [Medelin] and Doris [corvin coled Medlin Just came back from
Douglas N.D. She sure is tal and slim doris chinke the picture of Kate hur mother -
Florense just told me they was going to a showers fore a nue married
cuple acras the streat this afternoon - told me I was to go also - we are going
over to my sister some Sunday before Floyd goes away with the car
it soon diner time Mae be home then she will mail all my leter & then
see how will anser first we are a houseful here 6 at the table 3 times a day -
Mae got a nice please here hedges - fence- around house a nice please - Floyd
Ferde is playing chicken it son diner time so I beter hurey hoping to here how
the children are - is nice and soney today but the north west wind is chiley
hoping to here from yous soon
your loving mother
This letter by Mae's mother was written upon arriving at Mercer, N.D. It sounds like she is staying with her
sister Hattie (married to Krog Ovre) at Mercer, N.D. shortly before the joint wedding of their twin daughters Martha and Anna
(Ruth).
Sep 16 -38
Dear Walter Ester and all -
Gat here O.K. but ofel tired din't get here til nerley 1.a.m. he was afraid to hurt
thet car of his wife was tired then I was She was laying around all the next
day. they had a days drive home to the South western part of N. Dak - It cloudy
and cold this a.m. everything is dead around her none cropes here again only
some corn not fare from the lake- Martha Ovre was home from Bismark yesterday
the 15- drove beck lest eving she his some country werk Thersa - hed onley hed a
card from Mae thet we should drive up but they heve none car is goe thet far
onley a roun about the farm and Mae hes non car Floyd is a way teaching Mae dint
say if Flornse was beck from Fargo yet Ferde Penfild dint get to chool this year
dint make eney more this sumer so Mae got 2 hure hendes - I dont now when I
(page 2) If I get up to Mae She hasent asked me
yet it cold lokkes like an erle winter hope not how is Pearl what did the Dr say
Pleas - lest Sunday we vesited Ruth Father & mother in lone a mr mrs
anderson hed chicken Super they are quit old peopel onley heve a Son and a
Daughter - here will be a duble weding this fal the girls will be marred at
home my brother will come here to mare them - Ruth is cleng house this a.m. so
I beter get thrue and move - Here is a bank at Merser but I send it beck so you
can cashe it et the please where we awek cashed it and send the mone beck to
merser my sister might get a chense to goe to minet soon then I goe along to Dr
Stone I got hedake all the time well let me here from yous Sun love to all from
all
Your Loving Mother -[Inga]
Part of a letter from Mae at Granville to her mother:
The letter is undated and the first page is missing but, based on the
text the letter, it was written prior to Christmas of 1939 (Two of her children
had just gotten married).
Pg 2. . . . "another grand day but is getting a little cloudy so may rain or
snow but we have had it so nice shouldn't mind some bad weather. Alice and
Forrest are just fine and is baby Jerry ever growing goes all over in his walker
weighs 21 1/2 lb. has 5 teeth and is some baby we think. They live next door
north in Hilda Wagener's house.
Ferde and Amy Westrum were married Oct 12 had a lovely church wedding.
They run a cafe at Sherwood and are getting along fine but I miss my baby.
Amy is a stranger here. She came from Fessenden, N. Dak. last Dec and run
the Model Cafe with her sister and brother. Is a very nice girl. Floss and
Pete were married Nov. 15 and are living on a farm. Mr. Graham is with
them but is going to Indiana for the Winter. So I'm all alone but really don't
mind it..."
(3) ...children are having a spell about me staying alone am kept busy
all the time. Floyd will be home for two weeks a Xmas time teaches at
Springbrook near Williston. Fan is still at Los Angeles Cal. and wants me to
come there and stay with him. Haven't made up my mind yet
Everybody is well here. Kate works part time at Cafe, Doris finishes
high School this year in June. Don't hear from Louise and Lloyd but
they were all here over Labor Day Sept. 7. Kenneth is married and so is
Elaine, Madelene, Babe and Billy are home young to school. Kate was
out there short time ago got a ride there with friends. Well must stop
my scribbling and write me if you are able and let me know all about
yourself won't you Mother dear. Hoping this finds you getting better
every day and loads of love. Daughter
Mae
At the time of the above letter, Mae's mother Inga was 75 years of age and in a nursing home in Minneapolis. Inga died about two months later in January of 1940.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1A-1 Florence Inger Lavina Penfield (Flossie or Flo)
b. Sept. 14, 1909. d. Mar. 21, 1992. Daughter of Paul and Mae Penfield. Florence Penfield was born to Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield at Granville, N. D. The family moved to Little Fork, Minn. some time after Flossie was born.
A photograph, above, which shows Flossie and her brothers Floyd, Francis and Forrest, was taken when the baby Forrest was just 2 1/2 months old. It shows the children sitting in the brush by a small bay of a lake and there is a forest in the background and a rowboat at the shore. Flossie is sitting holding Forrest and has large white ribbons at each side in her hair. Written on the back is: "To Mrs W. J. Cowan [Inga], The other side of this card shows you what I can keep myself interested with Babe was 2 1/2 mo old here Write when you can Love Mae." Brother Ferde was not yet born at the time of the photograph. The card is undated but likely taken in 1915 at Little Fork.
When Flossie was in her early teens, the family moved back to Granville,North Dakota where Florence was graduated from high school. At age 30, Flo married Lawrence R. Graham (Pete) on Wednesday, the 15th of November 1939 at Towner, N.D. Pete was born Oct. 29, 1909. Pete and Flo farmed near Granville, N.D.and adopted a daughter, Marcia. Marcia was born 1949. The Penfields and Walter Christiansons used to get together from time to time and were close. Walter served as State Treasurer for a number of years and was involved with the political affairs of the State. Florence and Pete retired in Mesa, Arizona. Pete died there in February of 1987 and Flos died five years later in February of 1992. More information?
1A-1a Marcia Ann Graham
b. April 8, 1949 and adopted daughter of Pete and Florence Graham. Marcia grew up at Granville. I remember that in the mid 1960's when Marcia was in her early teens that she and her mother came down to Minneapolis to the University for treatment of a spine curvature and that they always stopped at my mother and dad's. Marcia had a full back brace and neck support and it needed frequent adjustment. Mom and dad saw to it that they were taken care of while here in the cities - driving them around and taking them to dinner and visiting and such. They all enjoyed the opportunity to be together and to visit.
Marcia married Kim Osteroos, an Air Force man, on March 5, 1969 and they lived at Granville while he was stationed at Minot and later they moved out to Longmont, Colorado.
At Easter of 1981, Marcia's Aunt Hildegarde writes to Esther Cowan about Marcia, "We were down to Granville in March - Stayed overnight with Marcia and kids. She is - Oh - so busy fixing up the house and changing things and building in cupboards, etc. Kim is in California at an air base training until May and then he'll be there, too, stationed at Minot. Marcia is a real worker and can do just about anything - never complains, either." Marcia and Kim and the kids, now quite grown up, live at Longmont Colorado (written 1996).
As Kim and Marcia move to their new home in Evergreen, Colorado Marcia writes in her Christmas letter of 1998, “We will miss our home, friends and church family very much. The Longmont community and Boulder Countyhave been very kind and supportive to us. When we needed their help the most, 11 years ago when Arafel died the day we moved in here, we have had supportive friends in the community. Their old house has seen much growth and many changes. Kim’s move to United, the 720, training Center, the 747-400, and doing volunteer work for the Child and Family Advocacy Center; and Marcia earning her BA and M.S.W., recovery from cancer, job at Jefferson County Department of Human Services and her dream position as Outpatient Director at Forest Heights Lodge in Evergreen. This old house watched us volunteer as victim advocates for the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department, help start a Stephen’s Ministry program at Bethlehem Lutheran, teach a class on Christian Care giving and Classic Christianity. It has been a painful, growthful and joyful eleven years. Had you asked me where we would be today I would never have envisioned the journey that God has planned for Kim and I, KiMar, Ryan and Andrea, or where we ended up. I can only say that we are where we are supposed to be and doing what God intended for us to do. And now we start a new pathway!"
1A-1a-1 KiMar Dorence Osteroos b. Aug. 1969 at Granville, N.D. KiMar graduated from NCSU and now teaches 7th and 8th grade math at Elko, Nevada. Married David Shannon Gartman, b. 1965.
1A-1a-2 Lt. Col. Ryan Osteroos b. ____ at Granville, N.D. Ryan graduated from Longmont High and the Air Force Academy. Married to Andrea Nicole____, b. 1972. From the US Air Force Academy Facebook page: Here's a cool story about Lt. Col. Ryan Osteroos and his actions during the Reno Air Races tragedy last year. The Colorado Springs Red Cross recently named Osteroos its Military Hero of 2011, an award it will present to him at the Anders Hilton hotel downtown March 8
1A-1a-3 Arafel Rohanna Osteroos b. June 18, 1985 d. Nov. 4, 1987. Little Arafel died from a fall off the deck on the day the family moved into their new home at Longmont.
1A-2 Floyd Llowellyn Paul Penfield
b. June 14, 1911. d. Oct. 26, 1994. Floyd was born to Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield at Little Fork, Minnesota. Mae later moved with her family to Granville, North Dakota, a town where many of her family lived. Floyd grew up and was graduated from Granville High School. Floyd married Hildegard Heipler b. Sept. 24, 1915 d. Jan, 4, 2005.
The following biography was written as part of the funeral service held October 29th at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Interment at Hillside Memorial Cemetery, Williston, N. D.
"Floyd completed his undergraduate work and was
graduated from North Dakota State University with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and was later
graduated from Greeley College with his Master of
Education degree.
"On May 17, 1941, at age 29, he was united in
marriage to Hildegard Heipler in the LutheranChurchin Wolf
Point, Montana. They established their home in Springbrook,
eventually moving to Williston where they have resided
these many years. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding
anniversary in 1991.
"During his professional life his commitment and dedication
to education took many forms. He was principal at Alamo
High School and in Poplar, Montana; was superintendent
of schools in Springbrook, Tioga, and Columbus, North
Dakota; and taught at the Junior and Senior Highs in
Williston for twenty years until his retirement in 1976,
after which he continued to substitute for some years.
Floyd also taught at UNDW when it first started, was a
thletic director at the Epping Bible Camp, and coached
and refereed boy’s basketball.
"Floyd was a charter member and past council president
of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, a life member of National
Education Association, charter member of the North
Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and on
the State Board of Classroom Teachers.
"Floyd is survived by his wife, Hildegarde, two brothers,
Ferde of Fargo and Forrest of Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Francis,
and his sister, Florence."
In a letter at Easter time of 1981 to Esther Cowan, Hildegard writes,
"Hi
- Will drop a line now. Think of you often but guess you know how it goes.
All is fine. We've been well and busy all this 'beautiful' winter weather we've
been having. Hardly seems possible Easter is next Sunday. Mom is
about the same. Keeps at her usual hand work and says the time goes by
so fast. Floyd has been over there cleaning up her yard last week. Then he has
done quite a bit of substitute teaching, too. So he keeps out of mischief.
We are enjoying our new church now. And have that about full both
services. Another 26 families joined today. School will be out May 21st -
Then I'll have 41 1/2 years of teaching in and I'm through and I'm
really looking forward to it.
Greet your family and have a happy Easter.
Love. Floyd and
Hi."
1A-3 Francis William Oliver Penfield (Fran) b. May 3, 1913.
d. Nov. 14, 1992 Son of Paul and Mae Penfield. Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield lived in Littlefork, Minnesota.
Mae and the children later moved to Granville, North Dakota where Fran was graduated from Granville High
School. In 1945 Fran married Alice Cody, b. May 20, 1913, and they have two adopted daughters. Alice lived at 1210 Loara Street # 1, Anaheim, CA 92802. Alice died Feb. 8, 2000 at Anaheim.
1A-3a Darlene Penfield b. 1953
1A-3b Janice Penfield b. 1954
1A-4 Forrest Henry Walter Penfield(Forrie) b. May 30, 1915. d. Oct. 2, 2004 Son of Paul and Mae Penfield. Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield lived in Little Fork, Minnesota. The family later moved to Granville, North Dakota where Forrest was graduated from Granville High School. At age 23, Forrest married Mary Alice Barnett, b Nov. 12, 1918 on June 12th, 1938. Alicewas 20 when they married. Forrest and Aliceretired and lived at 700 West College, Apt 241, Ladysmith, WI 54848. They have two children - - Jerry and Bonnie.
1A-4a Jerry Lee Penfield b. April 16, 1939 at Granville. Jerry married Marlene Long and they later divorced. Jerry and Marlene have two Children.
1A-4a-1 Brian Penfield b. _____
1A-4a-2 Michelle Penfield b. _____ Married Tom Parkovich.
1A-4b Bonnie __ Penfield b. Sept. 23, 1942 at Minot, N. D. Bonnie married Robert Alvin Baarlie on August 25, 1962 at Milwaukee. Bob was born Aug. 25, 1941 at Milwaukee and is the son of Alvin and Ruby (Schmidt) Baarlie. Bob and Bonnie run a farm at Bruce, Wisconsin and have three children.
1A-4b-1 Michael Scott Baarlie b. Sept. 29, 1963 at West Ellis, Wisc. Mike married Teresa ____, b. June 24, 1961 at Monomonie, Wisc., on Aug. 27, 1994. Mike has two children
1A-4b-1a Shane Baarlie b. Mar. 26, 1985 at Menomonie, Wisc.
1A-4b-1b Cory Baarlie b. July 7, 1988 at Menomonie, Wisc
1A-4b-2 Jullie Ann Baarlie b. Sept. 1, 1965 at St. Michael's Hospital in Milwaukee. Julie married Jerome Allen Karpowitz of Minneapolis on July 14, 1984 at Bruce, Wisc. Jerry was born Sept 25, 1964 at Minneapolis to Vincent and Catherine (Sieja) Karpowitz.
1A-4b-2a Daniel Andrew Karpowitz b. Aug. 22, 1984 in Rush County at Ladysmith, Wisc.
1A-4b-2b Ashley Karpowitz b. Aug. 26, 1987 at Rice Lake
1A-4b-3 Tracy Kay Baarlie b. July 13, 1971 at Milwaukee. Tracy married Thomas Frank Sieja, b. May 3, 1970 of Rice Lake, Wisc. on Sept. 16, 1989. Tom's parents are Albert Sieja and Antoinette Schulz.
1A-4b-3a McKyle Thomas Sieja b. May 3, 1990 Rice Lake, Wisc.
1A-4b-3b Jason Sieja b. Feb. 20, 1992 Rice Lake, Wisc.
1A-4b-3c Mark Sieja b. June 20, 1995 Rice Lake, Wisc.
1A-5 Ferde Roland Penfield
b. July 12, 1919 at Clarissa, Minn.Son of Paul and Mae Penfield. At the time that Ferde was born, the family had moved from Little Fork to Clarissa and later moved to Granville, North Dakota where Ferde was graduated from high school. At age 20, Ferde married Amy Westrom of Fessenden, North Dakota on October 12th, 1939. Upon their marriage they ran a cafe at Sherwood. N.D. Ferde and Amy have three children; Alan, b. 1940, Roland, b. 1941, and Mark, b. 1952. Ferde and Amy have lived in Fargo, N. D. for many years and in 1986, Amy died of emphysema. Ferde remarried in August of 1987 to Winnifred (Winn) Murphy and at the time of this writing (1995) they live at 2403 20th Ave South, #202, Fargo, ND. 58103. Ferde and Winn are retired and each winter they go to Braunfels, Texas 78130 for the season leaving about November 1st and returning in April. In Texas, they live in the same apartment each year and enjoy golf and visiting with their southern friends there. Every other year, Ferde and Winn come back to Fargofor Christmas. Ferde writes to me that Winn has seven children and five grandchildren so they are busy visiting them and Ferde's family. Ferde and Amy's children and grandchildren are:
1A-5a Allan Paul Penfield b. ____, 1940. Married to Sandra Showman _____ of (town) _____ on ______. They have two children.
1A-5a-1 Jay Paul Penfield b. Feb 17, 1969, Married to Christy _______. Jay and Christy live at Hudson, Wisconsin.
1A-5a-2 Jennifer Penfield b. May 1, 1972. Hudson, Wisconsin.
1A-5b Roland David Penfield b. 1941. Married to Carol Leetun. They have three children.
1A-5b-1 Timothy Penfield b. April 9, 1968
1A-5b-2 Jeffrey Penfield b. June 22, 1970
1A-5b-3 Sarah Penfield b. October 11, 1974 Attending Concordia College in Morehead, MN
1A-5c Mark Lane Penfield b. 1952. Married to Marcia Stone. Three Children.
1A-5c-1 Heather Penfield b. August 13, 1972
1A-5c-2 Kristi Penfield b. July 14, 1976. Attending Bemidji State College
1A-5c-3 Brian Penfield b. November 9, 1982
b. June 15, 1891 at Sheldon, N. D. d. July 2, 1973.
Mae was the first child of Jim and Inga Cowan. Inga was 26 and Jim was 17 at the time of Mae's birth. Jim and Inga had been together since the early fall of 1890 and living at Owego near Sheldon, North Dakotaon Jim's dad's small farm. Mae was born at Sheldon, North Dakota and when she was eight years old the family moved south about nine miles to a farm just south of Anselm, a small village near the Sheyenne River.
Mae attended one room country school at Owego School No 2, District #9 of Ransom County. The teacher, Margaret Stoffel, gave a souvenir of attendance for the period of March 1901 to June 1902 to the pupils and her name was listed. In 1907, when Mae was 16 years old, the family lived at Valley City and her brothers, Walter and Wallace, were born.
When Mae was age 17, she married Paul A. Penfield, then 21, in McHenry County at Towner, the county seat. They were married on January 21, 1909 - - about a half year before her youngest sister Pearl was born.
Paul Penfield was born Nov. 10, 1887 at Cleveland, Ohio and is an adopted son of Joseph L. Penfield and his wife Lois Levina Penfield. Joseph was born Nov. 16, 1834 at Owego, N. Y. and died at Motley, Minn. Lois was born 1842 at Rotland, Wis. Joseph and Lois adopted two other children, Margaret ( Maggie) and Audrey. Maggie married Tim Coan and they lived at Bend, Ore.
Mae and Paul lived at Granville for a short while and then moved to Little Fork, Minn. and later to Clarissa, Minn.They had five children and they are Florence, Floyd, Francis, Forrest and Ferde. The photo at right was taken in 1917 two years before Ferde was born.
Children of Mae Date of Birth Date of Death
Florence Inger Lavina Sep. 11, 1909 Mar 21, 1992
Floyd Llowellyn Paul Jun. 14, 1911 Oct. 26, 1994
Francis William Oliver May 03, 1913 Nov. 11, 1992
Forrest Henry Walter May 30, 1915 Oct. 2, 2004
Ferde Roland July 12, 1919
Mae and Paul separated some time later and Mae brought the children back to Dakota and they lived at Granville for many years. Also Mae taught school in one-room country schools in North Dakota and in Montana. Paul moved to Modesta, California and died there on Jan. 11 of 1933 at the age of 45.
Mae lived at Walford City, ND about 35 miles southeast of Williston in her later years. She lived to just past her 82nd birthday and died at Walford City. Memorial services were held at the Welander-Quist Chapel in north Minneapolis and Mae's nephew, the Reverend William Cowan of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Proctor, MN officiated and gave the message. Mae is buried at Crystal Lake Cemetery in North Minneapolis where her parents and many of the family are buried.
The following is a letter from mother Inga to her son Walter and his wife Esther on arriving at Granville, N.D.for a visit with her daughter Mae and her family.
Granville, N.D.
June 2 - 38 [1938]
Dear Walter Ester
Well we arrived at Granville Sunday eving sure surprised Mae [fore onse Floy] got a
car so we have plenty of rides even up town Mae her hur work it school house
goes it a come home it 2 so dit Floyd Ferde Flos at home they just come home
left work from their chools - how are the children has the youngest got the
measles yet? hope they are not sick the 2 oldest be up this weake I hope -
yesterday [Medelin] and Doris [corvin coled Medlin Just came back from
Douglas N.D. She sure is tal and slim doris chinke the picture of Kate hur mother -
Florense just told me they was going to a showers fore a nue married
cuple acras the streat this afternoon - told me I was to go also - we are going
over to my sister some Sunday before Floyd goes away with the car
it soon diner time Mae be home then she will mail all my leter & then
see how will anser first we are a houseful here 6 at the table 3 times a day -
Mae got a nice please here hedges - fence- around house a nice please - Floyd
Ferde is playing chicken it son diner time so I beter hurey hoping to here how
the children are - is nice and soney today but the north west wind is chiley
hoping to here from yous soon
your loving mother
This letter by Mae's mother was written upon arriving at Mercer, N.D. It sounds like she is staying with her
sister Hattie (married to Krog Ovre) at Mercer, N.D. shortly before the joint wedding of their twin daughters Martha and Anna
(Ruth).
Sep 16 -38
Dear Walter Ester and all -
Gat here O.K. but ofel tired din't get here til nerley 1.a.m. he was afraid to hurt
thet car of his wife was tired then I was She was laying around all the next
day. they had a days drive home to the South western part of N. Dak - It cloudy
and cold this a.m. everything is dead around her none cropes here again only
some corn not fare from the lake- Martha Ovre was home from Bismark yesterday
the 15- drove beck lest eving she his some country werk Thersa - hed onley hed a
card from Mae thet we should drive up but they heve none car is goe thet far
onley a roun about the farm and Mae hes non car Floyd is a way teaching Mae dint
say if Flornse was beck from Fargo yet Ferde Penfild dint get to chool this year
dint make eney more this sumer so Mae got 2 hure hendes - I dont now when I
(page 2) If I get up to Mae She hasent asked me
yet it cold lokkes like an erle winter hope not how is Pearl what did the Dr say
Pleas - lest Sunday we vesited Ruth Father & mother in lone a mr mrs
anderson hed chicken Super they are quit old peopel onley heve a Son and a
Daughter - here will be a duble weding this fal the girls will be marred at
home my brother will come here to mare them - Ruth is cleng house this a.m. so
I beter get thrue and move - Here is a bank at Merser but I send it beck so you
can cashe it et the please where we awek cashed it and send the mone beck to
merser my sister might get a chense to goe to minet soon then I goe along to Dr
Stone I got hedake all the time well let me here from yous Sun love to all from
all
Your Loving Mother -[Inga]
Part of a letter from Mae at Granville to her mother:
The letter is undated and the first page is missing but, based on the
text the letter, it was written prior to Christmas of 1939 (Two of her children
had just gotten married).
Pg 2. . . . "another grand day but is getting a little cloudy so may rain or
snow but we have had it so nice shouldn't mind some bad weather. Alice and
Forrest are just fine and is baby Jerry ever growing goes all over in his walker
weighs 21 1/2 lb. has 5 teeth and is some baby we think. They live next door
north in Hilda Wagener's house.
Ferde and Amy Westrum were married Oct 12 had a lovely church wedding.
They run a cafe at Sherwood and are getting along fine but I miss my baby.
Amy is a stranger here. She came from Fessenden, N. Dak. last Dec and run
the Model Cafe with her sister and brother. Is a very nice girl. Floss and
Pete were married Nov. 15 and are living on a farm. Mr. Graham is with
them but is going to Indiana for the Winter. So I'm all alone but really don't
mind it..."
(3) ...children are having a spell about me staying alone am kept busy
all the time. Floyd will be home for two weeks a Xmas time teaches at
Springbrook near Williston. Fan is still at Los Angeles Cal. and wants me to
come there and stay with him. Haven't made up my mind yet
Everybody is well here. Kate works part time at Cafe, Doris finishes
high School this year in June. Don't hear from Louise and Lloyd but
they were all here over Labor Day Sept. 7. Kenneth is married and so is
Elaine, Madelene, Babe and Billy are home young to school. Kate was
out there short time ago got a ride there with friends. Well must stop
my scribbling and write me if you are able and let me know all about
yourself won't you Mother dear. Hoping this finds you getting better
every day and loads of love. Daughter
Mae
At the time of the above letter, Mae's mother Inga was 75 years of age and in a nursing home in Minneapolis. Inga died about two months later in January of 1940.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1A-1 Florence Inger Lavina Penfield (Flossie or Flo)
b. Sept. 14, 1909. d. Mar. 21, 1992. Daughter of Paul and Mae Penfield. Florence Penfield was born to Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield at Granville, N. D. The family moved to Little Fork, Minn. some time after Flossie was born.
A photograph, above, which shows Flossie and her brothers Floyd, Francis and Forrest, was taken when the baby Forrest was just 2 1/2 months old. It shows the children sitting in the brush by a small bay of a lake and there is a forest in the background and a rowboat at the shore. Flossie is sitting holding Forrest and has large white ribbons at each side in her hair. Written on the back is: "To Mrs W. J. Cowan [Inga], The other side of this card shows you what I can keep myself interested with Babe was 2 1/2 mo old here Write when you can Love Mae." Brother Ferde was not yet born at the time of the photograph. The card is undated but likely taken in 1915 at Little Fork.
When Flossie was in her early teens, the family moved back to Granville,North Dakota where Florence was graduated from high school. At age 30, Flo married Lawrence R. Graham (Pete) on Wednesday, the 15th of November 1939 at Towner, N.D. Pete was born Oct. 29, 1909. Pete and Flo farmed near Granville, N.D.and adopted a daughter, Marcia. Marcia was born 1949. The Penfields and Walter Christiansons used to get together from time to time and were close. Walter served as State Treasurer for a number of years and was involved with the political affairs of the State. Florence and Pete retired in Mesa, Arizona. Pete died there in February of 1987 and Flos died five years later in February of 1992. More information?
1A-1a Marcia Ann Graham
b. April 8, 1949 and adopted daughter of Pete and Florence Graham. Marcia grew up at Granville. I remember that in the mid 1960's when Marcia was in her early teens that she and her mother came down to Minneapolis to the University for treatment of a spine curvature and that they always stopped at my mother and dad's. Marcia had a full back brace and neck support and it needed frequent adjustment. Mom and dad saw to it that they were taken care of while here in the cities - driving them around and taking them to dinner and visiting and such. They all enjoyed the opportunity to be together and to visit.
Marcia married Kim Osteroos, an Air Force man, on March 5, 1969 and they lived at Granville while he was stationed at Minot and later they moved out to Longmont, Colorado.
At Easter of 1981, Marcia's Aunt Hildegarde writes to Esther Cowan about Marcia, "We were down to Granville in March - Stayed overnight with Marcia and kids. She is - Oh - so busy fixing up the house and changing things and building in cupboards, etc. Kim is in California at an air base training until May and then he'll be there, too, stationed at Minot. Marcia is a real worker and can do just about anything - never complains, either." Marcia and Kim and the kids, now quite grown up, live at Longmont Colorado (written 1996).
As Kim and Marcia move to their new home in Evergreen, Colorado Marcia writes in her Christmas letter of 1998, “We will miss our home, friends and church family very much. The Longmont community and Boulder Countyhave been very kind and supportive to us. When we needed their help the most, 11 years ago when Arafel died the day we moved in here, we have had supportive friends in the community. Their old house has seen much growth and many changes. Kim’s move to United, the 720, training Center, the 747-400, and doing volunteer work for the Child and Family Advocacy Center; and Marcia earning her BA and M.S.W., recovery from cancer, job at Jefferson County Department of Human Services and her dream position as Outpatient Director at Forest Heights Lodge in Evergreen. This old house watched us volunteer as victim advocates for the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department, help start a Stephen’s Ministry program at Bethlehem Lutheran, teach a class on Christian Care giving and Classic Christianity. It has been a painful, growthful and joyful eleven years. Had you asked me where we would be today I would never have envisioned the journey that God has planned for Kim and I, KiMar, Ryan and Andrea, or where we ended up. I can only say that we are where we are supposed to be and doing what God intended for us to do. And now we start a new pathway!"
1A-1a-1 KiMar Dorence Osteroos b. Aug. 1969 at Granville, N.D. KiMar graduated from NCSU and now teaches 7th and 8th grade math at Elko, Nevada. Married David Shannon Gartman, b. 1965.
1A-1a-2 Lt. Col. Ryan Osteroos b. ____ at Granville, N.D. Ryan graduated from Longmont High and the Air Force Academy. Married to Andrea Nicole____, b. 1972. From the US Air Force Academy Facebook page: Here's a cool story about Lt. Col. Ryan Osteroos and his actions during the Reno Air Races tragedy last year. The Colorado Springs Red Cross recently named Osteroos its Military Hero of 2011, an award it will present to him at the Anders Hilton hotel downtown March 8
1A-1a-3 Arafel Rohanna Osteroos b. June 18, 1985 d. Nov. 4, 1987. Little Arafel died from a fall off the deck on the day the family moved into their new home at Longmont.
1A-2 Floyd Llowellyn Paul Penfield
b. June 14, 1911. d. Oct. 26, 1994. Floyd was born to Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield at Little Fork, Minnesota. Mae later moved with her family to Granville, North Dakota, a town where many of her family lived. Floyd grew up and was graduated from Granville High School. Floyd married Hildegard Heipler b. Sept. 24, 1915 d. Jan, 4, 2005.
The following biography was written as part of the funeral service held October 29th at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Interment at Hillside Memorial Cemetery, Williston, N. D.
"Floyd completed his undergraduate work and was
graduated from North Dakota State University with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and was later
graduated from Greeley College with his Master of
Education degree.
"On May 17, 1941, at age 29, he was united in
marriage to Hildegard Heipler in the LutheranChurchin Wolf
Point, Montana. They established their home in Springbrook,
eventually moving to Williston where they have resided
these many years. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding
anniversary in 1991.
"During his professional life his commitment and dedication
to education took many forms. He was principal at Alamo
High School and in Poplar, Montana; was superintendent
of schools in Springbrook, Tioga, and Columbus, North
Dakota; and taught at the Junior and Senior Highs in
Williston for twenty years until his retirement in 1976,
after which he continued to substitute for some years.
Floyd also taught at UNDW when it first started, was a
thletic director at the Epping Bible Camp, and coached
and refereed boy’s basketball.
"Floyd was a charter member and past council president
of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, a life member of National
Education Association, charter member of the North
Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and on
the State Board of Classroom Teachers.
"Floyd is survived by his wife, Hildegarde, two brothers,
Ferde of Fargo and Forrest of Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Francis,
and his sister, Florence."
In a letter at Easter time of 1981 to Esther Cowan, Hildegard writes,
"Hi
- Will drop a line now. Think of you often but guess you know how it goes.
All is fine. We've been well and busy all this 'beautiful' winter weather we've
been having. Hardly seems possible Easter is next Sunday. Mom is
about the same. Keeps at her usual hand work and says the time goes by
so fast. Floyd has been over there cleaning up her yard last week. Then he has
done quite a bit of substitute teaching, too. So he keeps out of mischief.
We are enjoying our new church now. And have that about full both
services. Another 26 families joined today. School will be out May 21st -
Then I'll have 41 1/2 years of teaching in and I'm through and I'm
really looking forward to it.
Greet your family and have a happy Easter.
Love. Floyd and
Hi."
1A-3 Francis William Oliver Penfield (Fran) b. May 3, 1913.
d. Nov. 14, 1992 Son of Paul and Mae Penfield. Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield lived in Littlefork, Minnesota.
Mae and the children later moved to Granville, North Dakota where Fran was graduated from Granville High
School. In 1945 Fran married Alice Cody, b. May 20, 1913, and they have two adopted daughters. Alice lived at 1210 Loara Street # 1, Anaheim, CA 92802. Alice died Feb. 8, 2000 at Anaheim.
1A-3a Darlene Penfield b. 1953
1A-3b Janice Penfield b. 1954
1A-4 Forrest Henry Walter Penfield(Forrie) b. May 30, 1915. d. Oct. 2, 2004 Son of Paul and Mae Penfield. Paul and Mae (Cowan) Penfield lived in Little Fork, Minnesota. The family later moved to Granville, North Dakota where Forrest was graduated from Granville High School. At age 23, Forrest married Mary Alice Barnett, b Nov. 12, 1918 on June 12th, 1938. Alicewas 20 when they married. Forrest and Aliceretired and lived at 700 West College, Apt 241, Ladysmith, WI 54848. They have two children - - Jerry and Bonnie.
1A-4a Jerry Lee Penfield b. April 16, 1939 at Granville. Jerry married Marlene Long and they later divorced. Jerry and Marlene have two Children.
1A-4a-1 Brian Penfield b. _____
1A-4a-2 Michelle Penfield b. _____ Married Tom Parkovich.
1A-4b Bonnie __ Penfield b. Sept. 23, 1942 at Minot, N. D. Bonnie married Robert Alvin Baarlie on August 25, 1962 at Milwaukee. Bob was born Aug. 25, 1941 at Milwaukee and is the son of Alvin and Ruby (Schmidt) Baarlie. Bob and Bonnie run a farm at Bruce, Wisconsin and have three children.
1A-4b-1 Michael Scott Baarlie b. Sept. 29, 1963 at West Ellis, Wisc. Mike married Teresa ____, b. June 24, 1961 at Monomonie, Wisc., on Aug. 27, 1994. Mike has two children
1A-4b-1a Shane Baarlie b. Mar. 26, 1985 at Menomonie, Wisc.
1A-4b-1b Cory Baarlie b. July 7, 1988 at Menomonie, Wisc
1A-4b-2 Jullie Ann Baarlie b. Sept. 1, 1965 at St. Michael's Hospital in Milwaukee. Julie married Jerome Allen Karpowitz of Minneapolis on July 14, 1984 at Bruce, Wisc. Jerry was born Sept 25, 1964 at Minneapolis to Vincent and Catherine (Sieja) Karpowitz.
1A-4b-2a Daniel Andrew Karpowitz b. Aug. 22, 1984 in Rush County at Ladysmith, Wisc.
1A-4b-2b Ashley Karpowitz b. Aug. 26, 1987 at Rice Lake
1A-4b-3 Tracy Kay Baarlie b. July 13, 1971 at Milwaukee. Tracy married Thomas Frank Sieja, b. May 3, 1970 of Rice Lake, Wisc. on Sept. 16, 1989. Tom's parents are Albert Sieja and Antoinette Schulz.
1A-4b-3a McKyle Thomas Sieja b. May 3, 1990 Rice Lake, Wisc.
1A-4b-3b Jason Sieja b. Feb. 20, 1992 Rice Lake, Wisc.
1A-4b-3c Mark Sieja b. June 20, 1995 Rice Lake, Wisc.
1A-5 Ferde Roland Penfield
b. July 12, 1919 at Clarissa, Minn.Son of Paul and Mae Penfield. At the time that Ferde was born, the family had moved from Little Fork to Clarissa and later moved to Granville, North Dakota where Ferde was graduated from high school. At age 20, Ferde married Amy Westrom of Fessenden, North Dakota on October 12th, 1939. Upon their marriage they ran a cafe at Sherwood. N.D. Ferde and Amy have three children; Alan, b. 1940, Roland, b. 1941, and Mark, b. 1952. Ferde and Amy have lived in Fargo, N. D. for many years and in 1986, Amy died of emphysema. Ferde remarried in August of 1987 to Winnifred (Winn) Murphy and at the time of this writing (1995) they live at 2403 20th Ave South, #202, Fargo, ND. 58103. Ferde and Winn are retired and each winter they go to Braunfels, Texas 78130 for the season leaving about November 1st and returning in April. In Texas, they live in the same apartment each year and enjoy golf and visiting with their southern friends there. Every other year, Ferde and Winn come back to Fargofor Christmas. Ferde writes to me that Winn has seven children and five grandchildren so they are busy visiting them and Ferde's family. Ferde and Amy's children and grandchildren are:
1A-5a Allan Paul Penfield b. ____, 1940. Married to Sandra Showman _____ of (town) _____ on ______. They have two children.
1A-5a-1 Jay Paul Penfield b. Feb 17, 1969, Married to Christy _______. Jay and Christy live at Hudson, Wisconsin.
1A-5a-2 Jennifer Penfield b. May 1, 1972. Hudson, Wisconsin.
1A-5b Roland David Penfield b. 1941. Married to Carol Leetun. They have three children.
1A-5b-1 Timothy Penfield b. April 9, 1968
1A-5b-2 Jeffrey Penfield b. June 22, 1970
1A-5b-3 Sarah Penfield b. October 11, 1974 Attending Concordia College in Morehead, MN
1A-5c Mark Lane Penfield b. 1952. Married to Marcia Stone. Three Children.
1A-5c-1 Heather Penfield b. August 13, 1972
1A-5c-2 Kristi Penfield b. July 14, 1976. Attending Bemidji State College
1A-5c-3 Brian Penfield b. November 9, 1982