Here are some pictures of the gravesites at Opdahl where Dad (Lawrence) and Grandma and Grandpa Hagen are buried. We did something a bit different and put all of the family handprints in concrete blocks and placed them on top of Dad's grave. Marilyn came up with the idea, Gayle and John got the blocks started and Lanette did most of the finishing work and placing them. She worked pretty hard in typical North Dakota conditions. The first picture is looking towards the south and the farm. The 2nd is looking towards the west where 1/2 mile NW the Holgerson farm was destroyed by a tornado.I don't remember running into any old pictures of Opdahl Church before the storm. I was just looking at Arnold's book where he tells about the storm. It happened in 1919 and the church disintegrated with debris blowing to the east. Then they dug a basement and covered that for use hoping to build later. That never happened. The Haugen boys are doing their part now keeping the place up. The church really looks nice (on the outside).
3 comments:
Lynn, that is beautiful how the top of the grave was done! You said you did it in cement...but there is a sheen so was it then varnished or something to give it that shine? Maybe used polyurethane or something to make it repel water? It really is lovely. Great idea! He was covered with love.
The process for the blocks started out with pizza boxes with 2 hangers laid in the bottom for strenth. Lanette came up with a frame made of wood which made for more uniform size. The sheen is from the paint she used. Some have had to be touched up, but holding up well. Grandma and Granpa's graves have the marble slabs, but they don't recommend that anymore (expensive too). I thought this symbolized all of our hands keeping Dad company on the prairie.
I found it interesting that while visiting the graveyard in Ashby, I was surprised to see that Great Grandma and Grandpa Tollefson's graves have the same marble slabs as Grandpa Hagen. It made me realize that Grandma Hagen probably made her decision to do the same with Grandpa's grave. I was surprised to see that the dirt was beginning to creep across the Tollefson slabs. Had I had a trowel with me,I would have done some cleaning of the stones. If any of you stop by for a look, take a shovel!
Post a Comment