Ludvig Kristian Johansen Gjonvik/Gjenvick

Ludvig Kristian Johansen Gjønvik (Gjenvick)

Ludvig Kristian was born in Trondhjem (now called Trondheim), Norway, 11 January 1892, the youngest of five children of a tradesman family. He was orphaned at the age of nine and was sent to live with elderly relatives who were tenant farmers in the country north and west of Trondhjem. After his confirmation at age fourteen, he worked on farms and eventually gained employment as a shoemaker at A/S Trondhjems Skofabrik in Trondhjem.

In 1913 Ludvig emigrated to the United States, living first in the Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois areas, moving later to Madison, Minnesota, where he worked as a farm laborer in nearby Garfield. It was there that he met his future wife, Clara Seefert.

When the United States entered World War I, Ludvig was drafted into the Army and received his citizenship while stationed at Camp Pike, Arkansas. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal and served in France. He deeply loved his adopted land and was proud of his military service.

Following the war, Ludvig married and settled in Minneapolis. Three children were born to Ludvig and Clara Susan Seefert: Benjamin, Marie, and Lawrence. Ludvig lived the rest of his life in Minneapolis except for several years in the late twenties when he moved his family to a farm near Spring Valley, Wisconsin. Prior to World War II, he began working for the D. W. Onan Company. Starting as a janitor, he was subsequently placed in charge of plant maintenance and security as the company expanded. He worked there until his retirement in 1957 at the age of 65.

Ludvig's life was marked by the tragedy of his parents' early deaths, his wife's death in 1938, and the poverty, anxiety, and suffering of the depression and war years.

He was deeply involved in the life of the church, serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and informal counselor to a succession of pastors. Concerned with missions and with service for people who were in need, he gave generously of his time, money, and energy to these causes.

Christian higher education captured his imagination as a young immigrant. Lacking much formal education, he inspired, encouraged, and supported his children's education and accomplishments.

A man of exceptional dignity and humor, he numbered countless friends who found in him unusual concern and wisdom. His hospitality, warmth, and charm made him an always welcome host or guest.

Ludvig was a man of exceptional physical strength and energy. He found great pleasure in walking and in physical work. He appreciated nature but also loved the architecture of the city. He found lifelong joy in music and loved to sing with his family and friends. The treasures of the church's hymns - Norwegian and English - enriched and sustained his life. Beyond all this he was a man with a profound personal faith. The Lord was his faithful, living friend to whom he turned in good days and ill. As the years increased beyond his expectation and his strength failed, he longed to go home.

Ludvig made a tile mosaic of the Last Supper which he gave to the Reverend Ronald C. Peterson as a farewell gift. A short time later, Ludvig passed away at the age of 83. He faced death with courage and hope.

© Paul K. Gjenvick and the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Family Archives and History Centre (www.gjenvick.com)