Book 2 - Nathan, Amy, Madison and Ethan Berga

Lena Vanasse
1. Lena walked two to three miles to church on Sunday; she walked to ladies aid
meetings, which she was a charter member; and often walked to see her sister,
Mary Nelson.
2. Maids of honor at her wedding: Sarah A. Watson & Lily Watson.
3. Before her marriage, William knew her as Lena Mikkelsen, after they married,
he found that her last name was Nordrum.
4. Suffered from “sick headaches” due to William’s tobacco smoke.
5. Lena wore her hair in a pug, skirts that fell near her ankles, dresses and aprons
of tiny flowers which were always ironed with care.
6. Spoke with a soft Norwegian accent.
“I remember her as a quiet, very peaceful
person. In spite of difficult times, there
was never any anxiety shown. Everything
was always done in this peaceful way. She
would talk to me at bedtime while combing
her long, gray hair. When I was small
she taught me how to pray, and about her
family and parents. I always felt secure
with her. She would sit in her rocker in
the bedroom and read the big Bible. Many
times when I did not see her around, I
would find her in her room with her
Bible.” Helen Vanasse Barnstable
Lena Vanasse standing on left
Peter lived with his son, and daughter-in-law, until
his death. Saturday, January 31, 1925, he fell down a
few steps of the basement stairway, fracturing his hip,
his obituary states, “Owning to his advanced age the
shock proved too much for his feeble body. He grew
steadily weaker until death came to his relief Monday,
February 23. Funeral services were held at the home
and at Spring Valley Lutheran church, Saturday, Rev.
Berven officiating. Special singing was furnished by
a trio composed of Miss Jessie Gaarden and Rev. and
Mrs. Berven, with Mrs. Christ Owens [Minnie] at
the organ. The body was laid to rest in the Spring Valley
Cemetery. Besides his children, he is survived by
17 grandchildren and 7 great grand children. None
of his children living in Washington were able to attend
the funeral. The death of Mr. Vanasse marks the
passing of another of Pierce County’s pioneers, whose
ranks are now almost depleted. It is due, in great extent,
to their industry that this region, which was then
a solid, unbroken forest, has been transformed into
numerous fertile and well-improved farms. Deceased
was a kind gentleman, ever thoughtful for any favor
that was shown him, his kindly face will be miss, not
only in the family circle but also by his many friends
far and near.” 27
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