Halvor was born Aug. 20, 1847 on the Riste Farm in Nord Aurdal, Valdres Valley, Norway. He came to America with his parents in 1855, landing in Quebec, Canada, and then settling near Dodgeville in Iowa County, WI. In 1860 they moved to Winnesheik County, IA, living between Ossain and Decorah. While there, Halvor worked for Rev. U.V. Koran of Washington Prairie Church, Decorah, who at the time was involved in building the first Lutheran College. (Rev. Koran was President of the Norwegian Synod for many years.) Halvor was 18 when his family moved near Blue Earth in Faribault County, MN, and then to Freeborn County, MN the following year. In 1893 Halvor bought 160 acres in Moscow Township, Freeborn County, where he lived until his death.

Halvor married Kari Hoidal in June 1870 and they had nine children, two of whom died in infancy.

OBITUARY FROM THE TIMES-ENTERPRISE, ALBERT LEA, MN.

HALVOR K. FODNESS died at his home in Moscow, MN Thursday, Dec 21, 1922 at the age of 75 years. Mr. Fodness was born in Valders, Norway, Aug. 20, 1847, his parents being Knut and Inger Berg Fodness. In 1855 they immigrated to the United States, coming to Dane County, Wisconsin, where they lived until 1860. They then moved to Winneshiek County, IA. In 1865 they came to Minnesota, coming to Freeborn County in 1866. In 1870 Mr. Fodness married Carrie Hibbard of Freeborn County. They were residents of Riceland Township for many years. In 1893 he bought 160 acres of land in Moscow Township and has lived there ever since. Mr. Fodness was one of the most useful citizens of this community. He served as a member of the town board, was one of the promoters of the Moscow Creamery of which he was President for many years. He helped organize the Oakland Farmers Elevator Company and served as its president for two years; was member of the school board for a number of years; director of the Manchester Farmers Insurance Company. For the town of Moscow, he helped organize the Moscow Telephone Company, and was one of the officers for many years. He was a man of broad mind. Although being at an advanced age at the time of his death, he was still interested in public improvements. It was a pleasure to discuss public affairs with Mr. Fodness. He was one of the organizers of the Oakland Lutheran congregation 46 years ago and always took a leading part in its welfare. He was always ready to help the needy and sick, and donated liberally for charity and missions. He had built up a nice home in Moscow and devoted much of his time in planting different kinds of trees to beautify his place. He leaves to mourn his death his wife and seven children, four brothers, and four sisters. His children are: Mrs. Ben Bridley, Mrs. Frank Aubrey of Moscow, Mrs. Geo. King of Minneapolis, Mrs. Joseph Badem of McGregor, MN, Mrs. Anderson of Genoa, NE, Carl Fodness of Grand Forks, ND, and Jacob Fodness on the home farm. He has thirty-six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Wednesday, Dec. 27, the funeral took place which was one of the largest ever held here. People from far and near came to pay their last respects to an old settler and pioneer. Rev. Ellertsen of Hayward officiated. He was laid to rest in the Oakland Lutheran Cemetery. The county has lost one of its best citizens and this community and church one of its strongest supporters. The family has our sympathy in their sad bereavement Son of Knut and Inger (Berg) Fodness, older brother of Ella, moved with the family to Winneshiek County, IA - lived on a farm between Ossain & Decorah. Halvor worked for the Rev. U. V. Doran of Washington Prairie who for many years was President of the Norwegian Synod of the Lutheran Church. Luther College was built in Decorah, MN in 1865. All hired men were required to donate one month's salary, about $19.00 to the building fund. Halvor walked 8 miles to borrow a yoke of oxen to haul logs for the frame work of the first Luther College building which later burned. When Halvor was 18 (1865), he moved with his parents to Faribault County, MN. In 1866 they moved to Freeborn County, MN and settled in London Township, where the mother died. The family then moved to Riceland Township, where the father died. In 1893 Halvor bought 160 acres in Section 20, Moscow township and built a roomy and comfortable dwelling, barns, sheds, and other buildings. He broke a large part of the land, which he cultivated and in all ways made an excellent farm from the wild land he first purchased. He followed general farming and gave special attention to dairying. He assisted in the organization of the Moscow Creamery and for several years was President of it. Halvor was always a leader in church and community life. On June 20, 1870 he married Carrie Hibbard of Freeborn County. They had 7 children. Halvor K. is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he was a progressive Republican and has been elected to many town and school offices. He served as Supervisor in both Riceland and Moscow Townships. Since the organization of School District 127, he has been either Clerk or Treasurer until his election to the officer of Director.. He was a Director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester for more than 20 years. The book, "History of Freeborn County" claims he owes his present place of high esteem in this community to his own efforts, and his kindly spirit and exact business methods having won him a host of friends. Both Halvor and Kari are buried in the Oakland Cemetery west of Oakland, MN. From all indications, Halvor K. was the patriarch of the Fodness family during his generation.

HALVER K. FODNESS, a native of Norway, was born August 20, 1847, son of Knut and Inger (Berg) Fodness. In 1855 they landed at Quebec and later went to Iowa county, Wisconsin, and purchased forty acres of land, where they lived till 1860. They then moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1865 they went to Faribault county, Minnesota, where they farmed a year. In 1866 they came to this county and settled in London township, where the mother died. The family then moved to Riceland township, Freeborn, where the father died. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and early learned the lessons of thrift and industry which have served him well his whole life. After working out for several years he bought, in 1893, 160 acres in section 20, Moscow township, and has since erected a roomy and comfortable dwelling, barns, sheds and other buildings which are on his farm today. He broke a large part of the land, which he has since cultivated and in all ways made an excellent farm from the wild land he first purchased. He follows general farming and gives special attention to dairying. He assisted in the organization of the Moscow creamery and for several years was president of it. On June 20, 1870 , he married Carrie Hibbard of Freeborn county, and to them have been born seven children; Inger, who married Ben. Bridley, of Moscow; Tina, who married George King of Minneapolis; Sina married Joseph Baum, of Aitkin county; Carl, who lives in Grand Forks, ND., where he is mail clerk; Jacob, of Moscow township; Etta, who is at home and Mabel O. of Grand Forks. Mr. Fodness is a member of the Lutheran church. In polities he is a progressive Republican and has been elected to many town and school offices. He served as supervisor in both Riceland and Moscow townships. Since the organization of school district 127, he has been either clerk or treasurer until his election to his present office as director. He has been a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of Manchester, for more than twenty years. He owes his present place of high esteem in his community to his own efforts, and his kindly spirit and exact business methods have won him a host of friends.
History of Freeborn County pages 658-659