ANDREW AND LAURA [MADSEN] SONDER
Andrew Sonder was born September 11, 1885, in Fostrop, Denmark, and
at the age of 1 ½ years, he came to America with his parents and two
sisters, Stena and Patrene Trena.
The family settled on a farm near Osmond, Nebraska, and in 1900 they
moved to a farm 4 ½ miles northwest of Verdigre. (It is known as the
Martin Sonder place.) He never had much formal schooling, completing
just the fourth grade. During his early years, he herded cattle, did
other work on his father’s farm, and went to school only when there
was no work to be done. However, that didn’t stop him from learning
by himself. He was always reading and practiced writing until he
became quite an expert at fancy writing and drawing.
Andrew became a carpenter by trade. He, in company with his friend
Chris Jensen of Winnetoon, Nebraska, built many houses and other
structures around the country. Some are still in existence today.
On March 30, 1910, he was united in marriage to Laura Madsen,
daughter of Rasmus and Elsie (Herskind) Madsen. Laura was born
January 4, 1891, at Omaha, Nebraska. As a child, she moved with her
folks to New York state where they lived for a few years. They moved
back to Omaha, and there she received her education. Laura had one
brother, Sophus H Madsen, and one sister, Mrs. Frank (Lillie) Chvala.
The family moved to Pierce County and then later to Knox County
where she lived with her parents until her marriage to Andrew.
They moved to a farm 6 ½ miles northwest of Verdigre. There, with
the help of his friend and partner Chris Jensen, he built up the
farm. Years later the house was moved to Verdigre and is still in
existence today.
Mr. Sonder gave up his carpentry work and went into farming. He also
pursued an interesting hobby - photographing and developing pictures
along with farming.
In 1921 they moved to the home place and there he farmed the rest of
his life.
On December 21, 1942, Andrew and Laura were admitted to communion at
the Walnut Lutheran Church, as were their children, Irvin and
Florence. Helen and Irene had previously joined the church.
Mr. Sonder served many years on the Sparta Township board, the
school board for District 64, and was a member of Farmers’ Union
Local 137.
He loved operatic singing and enjoyed listening to it on the radio.
He helped organize and manage the Riverside Band of which three of
his children, Evelyn, Irvin, and Irene, were members.
Six children were born to Andrew and Laura Sonder: Helen, Evelyn,
Irvin, Irene, Florence, and Vernon.
Raising a family, especially through the thirties, was a fulltime
job. However the whole family helped. They raised a large garden,
canned fruits, and helped with chores and field work.
Andrew passed away at his home on May 8, 1943, after being ill for
two years and bedfast for eight months. His wife Laura and all six
of his children survived him.
After his death, his son Vernon stayed home with his mother and
farmed the home place until he was called into the service. Then the
other son, Irvin, and his family moved to the farm to take over the
farming. It was then that Laura purchased a home in Verdigre, the
Martin Sonder house. She loved to garden and also loved flowers. She
was a self-taught seamstress, sewing for many people. She designed
and sewed her own wedding dress.
She was a respected charter member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church
and a member of the Ladies Aid. She was great to accept and go along
with the younger generation.
Laura passed away on March 26, 1971. She had 12 grandchildren.
Pages
402, 403
