G.P.(Gustavus Petter) immigrated in 1866 from Norway. There were four known siblings that came to USA with his parents Peter and Anna Bolkan. They farmed in Brookfield, Worth County, Iowa.

He and Torina Orpen married in 9/30/1892 living in Orfordville for 6 years, then moved onto and lived in Kensett, IA. on a farm west of Kensett until passing. His mother Anna, lived with them in 1900 after his brothers moved to Dakota Territory.

The union was blessed with eight children-Anna A., Alma P., Alvin F, Gena, Selmer(Tem), Lil, Esther(Berniece), Mildred. In U.S. census GP was listed as a merchant for his livelihood.

Anna married and moved to WI with 2 children born. Alma married and she and her only child(Arlene) died from scarlet fever very young.

Alvin married(Dora)with 1 daughter in that union. He lived later in life in AZ. He had two granddaughters.

Gena married Mr. Church two sons( formal names Robert and William) with G.P. and Torina blessed with 2 more grandchildren(aka Bobby &Billy) Gena was known as Aunt Gene to her nephew Kevin and family-the cousins lived in the DesMoines,IA location.

Selmer(Tem) remained a bachelor and was buried next to his parents.

Lil married Mr. Jay Mariner(dentist) and grandson Richard was born.

Esther(Berniece) died as a teen in 1918.

Mildred(aka Babe) married Mr. Ortale and G.P./Torina were blessed with the final/youngest two grandsons.

Eight grandchildren were G.P. and Torina's next generation to carry on for the family.

Eight known great grandchildren were continuing the family into the following generation.

Daughter Alma died in 1919. Granddaughter Arlene and daughter Berniece(Esther) passed in 1918. All the young family members were buried next to GP and Torina.