Jens Helgeson Wickre was born in Skudesness, Norway on June 19, 1842, to Helge and Ingeborg Helgeson. He was a school teacher and carpenter. He married Eliassina Sandhaaland born in 1839. They came to Norway, Iowa in 1876 with their family of five children:
Helene Engeborg, born October 23, 1867, died March 9, 1893, married Ole Olson.
Anna Kathrine, born June 3, 1869, married Gustaf Olson, who died, she later married Anders Berglund. She died February 19, 1929.
Ellen Louisa, born August 4, 1871, married John Hillesland. She died July 16, 1911.
Elias J., born February 11, 1876, married Emma Hanson. She died and he later married Gertrude Gutormson in December, 1920. He died June 28, 1950.
Henry was born in 1878 in Iowa, and was a Lutheran pastor. He died November 1, 1937.
Jens' wife died in 1880. He moved to Wegdahl, Minn, and then to Watson, Minn, where he married is second wife, Sofie Adamson. Sofie Adamson was born February 8, 1852, to Adam and Gjertrud MOgensen at Ragelunde near Kettenge, Denmark. She came to the U.S. with five brothers and sisters. Their son, Alfred E., was born at rural Milan, Minn. August 21, 1885. In 1886 they moved to Day County, South Dakota, where they hoemsteaded on a farm 7 1/2 miles southeast of Langford on the Day-Marshall county line.
Jens built a farm house on the homestead. A daughter, Janna was born June 2, 1888. Jens joined the Falnes congregation in 1886 and being a carpenter, helped build the Falnes Church. Jens' wife, Sofie, died February 10, 1898. Later he married Sigrid Brotseth. After the marriage of son Alfred to Marie Likness, Jens and Sigrid moved to Langford and lived until Sigrid's death March 25, 1917. Jens moved back to his homestead and lived with Alfred and Marie until he died on November 25, 1922.
Jens spent time as a Christian Layman, visiting with the sick and shut-ins in the Falnes and Langford area.
