Born: 2 Nov 1833, Trysil, Hedmark, Norway
Married: 17 Feb 1861, Trysil, Hedmark, Norway
Died: 3 Mar 1916, Prosser, Benton co, WA
Buried: Prosser, Benton co, WA
Spouse: Kersti Olsdatter Grøndalen
Parents: Halvor Ottersen Skåret
Marte Embretsdatter Rypbækmoen
“I wish to announce to you the death of our dear old father, March 3, 1916. He passed away happy and prayerful without any sign of struggle.” These were the words sent out by his daughter, Mrs. M.M. Strandvold, Prosser, Washington.
John Halvorsen was born in Ljordalen, Trysil, Norway, in the fall of 1833. In the year 1861 he was married to Kersti Olsdatter Grindalen in Trysil. Four children were born to them, one boy and three girls, Halvor, Oline, Martha and Johanna. Halvor and Oline are dead and Martha and Johanna are married and live in Prosser, Washington.
John Halvorsen lived in Holmes City township for many years. He was a hard working man and always of good cheer. Wherever he was present mirth and happiness followed and he was exceptionally well liked by all. His wife and oldest daughter died in Holmes City but he bore his burden without murmur. After many years he moved with his daughter, Johanne and her husband, Mr. Harold Strandvold to Prosser, Wash., and there he was summoned to meet his God, March 3rd, 1916, at the age of 82 years and four months. The funeral services were held March 5th from the home of his daughter, Mrs. H. Strandvold. John Halvorsen was the uncle of G.O. Lordalen who lives near Lowry, MN. ~ Park Region Echo, 16 March 1916.
John & Kersti immigrated to America in 1881, bringing their youngest daughter, eight-year-old Johanne with them. They settled in Holmes City township, Douglas Co, MN with many other Trysling. For a time they lived with the E P Lobeck family. In America, John used the name John Halvorsen.
From E.P. Lobeck diary–
11 November 1882. Embret (young Lobeck) and John Halvorsen went to Alexandria with a cow and steer which they sold.
7 July 1883. Ola went with John Halvorsen to Alexandria to meet his two daughters, Oline and Marthe, who came from Norway along with Helen Grondalen.
10 June 1884. John Halvorson began to dig on the site for his house between John and Magnus Madsen in Section 33.
Kersti died 3 May 1885. Her death is recorded in the Trysil church records at Holmes City and is believed to be buried in Trysil cemetery.
Daughter Oline died unmarried in Holmes City township on 14 September 1887 of “liver complaint”.
Daughter Martha moved to Fargo and married Martin Martinson Strandvold there on 19 December 1893. About 1900 they moved west to Prosser, Washington where most of Martin’s family had gone. Martha died in Yakima, Washington on 4 April 1921.
Daughter Johanne stayed in Holmes City with her father and was confirmed there in Trysil church. Sometime after 1895, John and Johanne moved to Fargo. On 14 May 1899, Johanne married Harold Olsen Strandvold there and they lived in the area until about 1902 when John, Harold and Johanne moved to Prosser, Washington. About 1920 Johanne and Harold moved to Shelton, Washington. Johanne died at Shelton 20 February 1944 and is buried there.