Family

Barton and Marilyn (Kolsrud) Hamm of Waukon are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. The couple married September 4, 1955 at Waterville Lutheran Church in Waterville.

The couple’s family includes four children: Greg (deceased) and wife Becky Hamm of Waukon, Jeff Hamm of Waterville, Sandy (Tim) Rathe of Urbana, and Brad Hamm of Waterville. Their family also includes several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to 704 5th Avenue SW, Waukon, IA 52172.
 

The descendants of two pioneer families of Allamakee County are planning a reunion for Sunday, September 14 at the Waterville Community Center, the former Waterville School. 

In 1857, Martin Anderson Bekkesven came to America where he married Anna Christoffersdatter Erstad, who also came in 1857. Three of the eleven children of Martin and Anna Anderson married three of the children of another pioneer family, Ole D. Busness and Martha Holgersdatter Djonne, who came to America in 1859.

A birthday celebration is scheduled for Saturday, August 30 from 2-6 p.m. at the New Albin Community Center in honor of Dave Richards’ 80th birthday and Sue Richards’ 75th birthday. Food, drinks and fun will be provided. No gifts are requested.
 

Nikole Smith of Monona announces the birth of her son, Colter Scott Smith, born August 13, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. He weighed 8 lbs. 9 ozs. and measured 19-3/4 inches in length at the time of his birth. He joins siblings, Paisley Smith (10) and Carter Pritchard (6).

Grandparents are John and Lily Smith of Strawberry Point and Lisa Goedken Smith of Monona. Lois Goedken of Dyersville is a great-grandparent.

The 65th annual Bulman reunion was held July 20, 2025 at the Eitzen Community Center with 19 descendants and in-laws attending. Deb and Brad Harguth, supervised by Grace Bulman, set up the center for the reunion and made sure lunch went smoothly. Loren Hartley led in prayer.

After the meal, the meeting was called to order by chairman Bruce Bulman. Discussion was held on continuing the reunion due to declining attendance. The few that made the trip enjoyed the fellowship, so it was voted to continue the reunion at the Eitzen Community Center. Next year’s reunion will be July 19.

The current officers graciously agreed to continue: Bruce Bulman, Caledonia, president; Lori Hover, Dorchester, treasurer; LeeAnne Bulman, Independence, WI, secretary; and Laina Ford, Waukon, historian. Send any family updates to bulmanreunion@gmail.com.

Abraham and Elise Faugstad of Waukon announce the birth of their daughter, Martha Marie Faugstad, born July 18, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 6 lbs. 9 ozs. and measured 20 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins siblings, Hilde (5), Bjug (3) and Daniel (2).

Grandparents are Robert and Rachel Widmer of Yukon, OK, and Daniel and Julie Faugstad of Redwood Falls, MN.
 

The Brainard Family Reunion was held Saturday, July 12 at the Jaycees Shelter in the Waukon City Park with over 30 family members present during the event. Descendants of Amos and Cora (Ewing) Brainard in attendance at the Brainard Family Reunion are pictured above. Photo by Joe Moses.

Dylan Hammel and Sydney Hawkins of Spring Grove, MN announce the birth of their daughter, Vidalia Kay Hammel, born July 9, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 7 lbs. 11 ozs. and measured 21 inches in length at the time of her birth.

Grandparents are Matthew and Jennifer Hawkins of Waukon and David and Karla Hammel of Dorchester. Great-grandparents are the late Ralph Sr. and late Stella Hammel, the late Emmet and late Betty Howe, Sheryl Hawkins and the late Wallace Gary Pladsen.

Devarshi Patel and Nayankumar Patel of Waukon announce the birth of their son, Samay Patel, born July 9, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. He weighed 6 lbs. 4 ozs. and measured 19 inches in length at the time of his birth.

Grandparents are Patel Ila and Patel Dilipkumar of Waukon. Great-grandparents are Patel Dhulabhai and Patel Bhikhiben of Waukon.

Ken and Alice Hanson of Lansing celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this month with family. Ken  Hanson and Alice Bechtel were united in marriage July 10, 1960 at the United Methodist Church in Lansing.

The couple has three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.