Posted on: Pierce Co. Wi Obituaries Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/PierceObits/10064 Surname: Banks, Sandtroen, Odden ------------------------- Spring Valley Sun, March 10, 1932 Siri Johanne Banks Mrs. Siri Johanne Banks was born to John Sandtroen and wife Ingrid Odden on April 8, 1854, in Foldalen, Norway. In 1869 she came to America with her widowed mother and three of her brothers Paul, Peter and John. At the age of 16 she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith by Rev. O. J. Hagestad, who at that time was pastor of the extensive Rush River charge, covering both Pierce and St. Croix counties. On June 19, 1874, she was united in marriage to Simon Banks of Spring Lake, where he had purchased a piece of land near the present village of Elmwood. By hard and faithful work those acres, which were then only densely wooded wilderness, were transformed into a splendid farm, where Mr. and Mrs. Banks have lived and labored together for the past 58 years. Three children were born to them, of whom two are living - Martin and Josie, both at home; Inger died at the age of 24. Mrs. Banks has been a cross-bearer for many years. About twelve years ago she fell and broke her hip, and since that time she has been more or less of an invalid. For the past six years she has been confined to her chair and at times to her bed. Finally death came to her relief on Wednesday morning March 2. The funeral was held from the home and the new Spring Lake Lutheran church, Saturday, March 5, Rev. Berven officiating. Owing to the blizzard and snow-blocked roads the funeral was not so largely attended as it otherwise would have been. Burial was made in the Spring Lake Cemetery. Besides her aged and feeble husband and two children, deceased is survived by several nephews and nieces also some more distant relatives here and in Norway. Contributed by Joe Waddell Link: Pierce County WIGenWeb Project URL: <http://www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/>