Joanne would be pleased. Today's outing was a trip to Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Astoria, S.D. Astoria, population 130?, boasts a sign at the outskirts "ASTORIA, NEXT 4 EXITS." The cemetery a few miles east of Astoria is about a mile from the farm on which the Rev. Dr. Oscar C. Hanson grew up and he's Joanne's father.
Joanne's grandparents, Henry and Mary Hanson, are buried there. Henry died in 1937 and Mary in 1964, a month before Joanne and I were married. It was Mary who showed us the family Bible in which was recorded that my grandfather, Rev. Olai Bergh, had baptized her at Singsaas Church. Also buried at Bethlehem Cemetery are two of Joanne's aunts; Clara Solem with her husband Clarence and Myra Hanson. Clara's two daughters, Connie and Mavis are buried next to their parents.
Coming equipped with appropriate tools I did some much needed maintenance around the gravestones. It was also an opportunity for Lisa and Evy to learn more about their families. We'd hoped to visit the Singsaas Cemetery but there was some event there so we didn't tarry. Joanne's great-grandmother Kari Rasmuson is buried there. Singsaas is still an active congregation.
There were two Lutheran Churches east of Astoria; Bethany near town and Bethlehem a few miles east. Eventually they merged and formed Bethel Lutheran in town. Joanne also has relatives in the Bethany Cemetery but they are more distant.
Perhaps it's a sign of geezer-hood that I'm visiting these cemeteries, though I've always been fascinated by them. Cemeteries are filled with history and pathos. In this case it was also an opportunity to involve younger generations. We brought a picnic lunch which we enjoyed in the shade of the cemetery trees.
Takk for alt,
Al
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