Nels VOLGREN, Jr

Notes:

As Nels, living with his cousin Simon at the time of the 1930 census (April 25). Also listed with his parents in Balsam Lake (April 17).

Nels Volgren Jr. 93 of Amery, Apple River Township, rural Balsam Lake passed away at his home on Saturday, October 3, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.

Although Nels was a life-long farmer, he was a man that wore many hats.  As well as taking care of his own farm, Nels used his many talents for helping his fellow neighbors.  No matter what needed to be done, Nels would lend a helping hand.  He was an accomplished carpenter, welder, and custom farm worker.  Nels also served his community on the Goose Lake School Board and as an assessor for Apple River Township.  He was an employee at Twin City Arsenal in New Brighton as well as owning a part time business (Wild Goose Yamaha) along with his sons.  Above and beyond these things, Nels will always be remembered by his family and friends as a passionate outdoors man.  He enjoyed hunting deer, bear, and birds, but especially loved his trips to Montana to hunt elk.

Nels leaves to celebrate his memory, his wife, Donna, Amery, children: Rick (Thelma) of Balsam Lake, Julie (Stan) Steuter, Elk River, MN, Dan (Renee) of Balsam Lake, John of Balsam Lake, grandchildren: Jerry (Debbie) Volgren, Erik (Klare) Volgren, Jennifer  (Matt) Wetzel, Brian Steuter, Sarah (Mike) Moran, Heidi (Jeremy) Laabs, Kari Peer, Ben Volgren, Megan Volgren, Matthew Volgren and Jack Volgren, great grandchildren, Bailey, Sydney, and Samantha Volgren, Madyson, Eli, and Ella Moran, Mason Peer, and Lila Laabs. Also brother, Carl Volgren of Balsam Lake, numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.??He was preceded in death by his parents, Nels Sr. and Maria Katrina (Jons-Dotter) Volgren, two sisters and one brother in Sweden, sisters: Juliet Peterson, Betty Lundmark, brothers: Robert Walgren and Harold (Doc) Volgren.??Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Diane Norstad will officiate. Organist will be Dorene Hendrickson and Vocalist will be Pam Garvey.??The family will greet visitors at the Faith Lutheran Church Fireside Room in Balsam Lake on Wednesday evening from 4 - 7 P.M. and again at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday.??Nels will be laid to rest near his parents and his brother at the Volga Cemetery rural Amery, Wisconsin.  Casket Bearers will be Jerry Volgren, Erik Volgren, Brian Steuter, Ben Volgren, Matt Wetzel, Mike Moran, Jeremy Laabs and Honorary Casket Bearers will be Matthew Volgren and Jack Volgren.

Died:
SSDI last residence

Nels married Donna Ann DARMODY on 1 Dec 1945 in Polk County, Wisconsin. Donna was born on 28 Dec 1923 in Olmsted County, Minnesota; died on 3 Oct 2012 in Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin; was buried on 9 Oct 2012 in Volga Cemetery, Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bonde in the 1890 Swedish census, Hemmansägare in the 1900 Swedish census, Farmer in the U.S.

Notes:

The 87-94 Household Exam for Hösen of Frappnäs shows that Märta (and her husband since they were married in April, June, July, August, or September - dates vary and are unclear) left for Frösö on October 7, 1885. At the time of the 1890 Swedish census, Nils, Märta, Johannes, and Karin Götilda were living in Stensgården in the parish of Frösö, county of Jämtland. They were still there at the time of the 1900 Swedish census but with three additional children. There is no mention of “Valgren” in the Swedish census reports; that must have been adopted in the U.S.

He and his family arrived in Philadelphia in April of 1911, aboard the S.S. Friesland which had sailed from Liverpool on April 5th. The family consisted of Niels Johansson, 51, Maria K., 31, Julia, 15, Niels R., 11, and Jenni E., 11 months. They had come from Frösä, Sweden, and were bound for Amery, Wisconsin. The senior Niels’s closest relative in Sweden was his brother-in-law, Sachanea Estenson of Vala.

Shown as Nels Valgrin in the 1920 census and was still not a citizen.. He and his family were living in Balsam Lake Township, Polk County, Wisconsin. Harold, Carl, and Nels were still at home. From this, we can infer: Although Nils was married to Marta Jonsson (Jonas’s half-sister), with whom he had five children, Marta died in 1909. Shortly thereafter, by 1910 or 1911, Nils married a much younger woman than he (by 21 years) named Marie. They came to the U.S. in 1911 with their baby daughter Lizzie and also, apparently, with two of Nils's children by Marta: Robert and Julia. By 1920, neither Robert nor Julia was living with Nils. Also by 1920, Nils, Marie, and Lizzie were still listed as non-citizens. But, by 1920, Nils and Marie had had 3 more children in Wisconsin: Harold, Carl, and Nils.

Shown as Nels Volgren in the 1930 census. He and his family were still living in Balsam Lake.

Nils was living in a nursing home in Balsam Lake in the spring of 1954.

Birth:
per 84-93 Household Exam for Frösö

Nils married Maria Katrina Jonsdotter NORFYLD on 10 Jan 1910 in Sweden. Maria was born on 28 Oct 1880 in Sweden; died on 3 Feb 1958 in Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin; was buried in Volga Cemetery, Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Came to the U.S. in 1911, was still not a citizen in 1920.



Also called Maria Nordstrom.

Johan married Caroline NILSDOTTER in 1852. Caroline (daughter of Nils Nilsson and Magdalena Olsdotter) was born on 14 Nov 1825 in Frösö, Jämtlands län, Sweden; died on 23 Mar 1890 in Frösö, Jämtlands län, Sweden. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edfast + Guro Olofsdatter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nils + Magdalena Olsdotter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]