Larry Swalheim gained an interest in his grandmother’s Norwegian heritage at a young age, growing up on the family farm purchased by grandparents Carl and Sevrina in 1920.  The farm is located eight miles from Stoughton, Wisconsin and close to the historic Koshkonong Prairie.  Stoughton was a hub for Norwegian immigrants in the early 1900’s such as teenagers Sevrina Hareid and her sister Mari who immigrated from Sogne, Norway in 1907.

Larry recently finished this 200-page book featuring his grandmother’s early life in Norway, challenges on her journey to America, life on their family farm, and her continuing legacy.  In his presentation, he will combine genealogy, interesting stories, the impact of world events and where to start to write your own family heritage book!

Mr. Swalheim graduated from Stoughton High School and received a liberal arts degree at Luther College.  For twenty years, he was CEO of Landmark Cooperative headquartered in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. Now retired, he and his wife Dottie, reside in Venice, Florida.  They are still members of the historic West Koshkonong Lutheran Church.

This presentation will take place in the Livsreise auditorium