K. O. Stakke Biography


	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
 	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & 
	Co., Chicago, 1899. Pages 631-632

	Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger,mkrueger@iw.net, 1998. 

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K. O. STAKKE is a representative of a nationality proverbial for its 
perseverance, industry and reliability, and in his business career 
displays these characteristics of the peoples from "the land of the 
midnight sun. " He was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, in 1857, but his 
father was a native of Norway, whence he came to America in 1846, first 
locating in Wisconsin. Soon, however, he removed to Allamakee county 
and there reared his family of eleven children, of whom our subject was 
the third in order of birth. The family living on a farm, he was early 
trained to habits of industry and economy and became familiar with all 
the labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His preliminary 
education, acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study 
in the schools of Waukon, Iowa. In 1873 his father died and the care of 
the home farm devolved upon him. He continued its cultivation until 
1885 when he rented it and came with his brother to Woonsocket, South 
Dakota, where he began dealing in agricultural implements. During the 
years from 1889 until 1895, when crops were very poor they had a 
struggle to carry on their enterprise, and were one of the few houses 
in their line not forced to discontinue. At length, however, times 
improved, their patronage increased, and in the spring of 1896 they 
established a branch store in Beresford, South Dakota, Mr. Stakke 
having charge of the one in Woonsocket, his brother managing the other. 
They have secured an extensive patronage, and their constantly 
increasing sales have brought them a good income. They also took 
contracts for building railroads in 1882-3, and in that were very 
successful. Their property interests include some improved farms which 
they rent. 

In September, 1888, Mr. Stakke was united in marriage to Miss Lena 
Hellickson, and they have two children: Bernice and Harry, aged twelve 
and five years, respectively. They have a pleasant home in Woonsocket, 
which extends its cordial hospitality to their many friends. In his 
political views Mr. Stakke is a stanch Populist and soon after the 
organization of the party was candidate for county treasurer. Now he 
gives his attention almost exclusively to his business interests, in 
which he is meeting with well merited success, yet he finds time to 
faithfully discharge every duty of citizenship and to promote all 
movements or measures intended for the general good.