Peter J. & Carline (Olson) Flugstad
CAROLINE OLSON FLUGSTAD (7/27/1879 – 10/24/1965)
Caroline Olson was born near Cashton, WI, daughter of Carl and Maren (Pedersdatter Benerud) Olson in the Town of Portland, Monroe County, WI. She was baptized at home shortly after birth. She was so weak and frail that the midwife didn’t think she would live. About six months later on January 11, 1880 her baptism was reaffirmed in the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. She attended the Woodard grade school. She was confirmed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church near Cashton with the class of 1894-1895.
Reaching early adulthood, she “worked out”, as it was called. She was employed, for a short time, as second cook in the boarding club at Red Wing Seminary, MN, (a Haugian Synod seminary and college). She later worked in a hotel in Viroqua, WI.
Caroline married Peter Flugstad (1874-1967) on October 13, 1904 in the Immanue Lutheran Church. A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents under a large tent erected for the guests. Caroline chose a Friday the thirteenth to show her disdain for superstitions which she considered anti-Christian. Among those in the wedding party were her sister, Martina; the groom’s sister, Eva Flugstad; a favorite cousin, Christian Benrud; and her youngest brother, Christian Olson. Peter and Caroline farmed in the town of Christiana near Westby, WI for nearly sixty years.
Caroline and Peter Olson had three children: Kenneth Justus (1905-78); Hannah Esther, Mrs. Victor Bakke; and Luther Merland. They had eight grandchildren, one of whom, Jean Marian, died at age 2 1/2 moths, and is buried in Cameroon, Africa. They were married for 63 years.
Homestead / Location Information
Caroline and Peter Flugstad’s farm was on Rudie Road, near Westby, Wisconsin.
Burial Locations
Caroline and Peter Flugstad are buried in Saugstad Cemetery, near Westby.