Near Scandinavia in Waupaca County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer

Photographed by Keith L, August 4, 2009

1. Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Marker

Inscription. Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, first Lutheran church in Waupaca county, was built in 1856 directly across the road. It was enlarged in the form of a Cross in 1867, and demolished in 1928. Pastor Nils Brandt dedicated the cemetery June 6, 1853. O. F. Duus, first resident pastor called from Norway, served from 1854-58. Before Scandinavia township was incorporated in 1854, this area was known as Waupaca Settlement or "the Indian Land." The first Norwegian pioneers arrived August 20, 1850.

Erected 1968 by a local committee.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1851.

Location. 44° 28.524′ N, 89° 9.251′ W. Marker is near Scandinavia, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. It is on County Highway G 0.8 miles north of County Highway B, on the left when traveling north. Marker is along the front edge of Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scandinavia WI 54977, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jorgens Park Preserve / A Tribute

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(approx. one mile away); Iola’s Methodist Roots (approx. 2.4 miles away); Riverside Cemetery (approx. 2.4 miles away); School House Ski Hill (approx. 2.4 miles away); The CWEC Electrified Rural Iola in 1939 (approx. 2.4 miles away); Iola’s Dr. Loope (approx. 2½ miles away); Helvetia Town Hall (approx. 2½ miles away); Birthplace of Numismatic News (approx. 2½ miles away).

More about this marker. Funds for the memorial were raised under the sponsorship of a local committee which included Mrs. William Wallace, treasurer, Miss Lillie Leppen and Carl Evenson. An appeal for donations was made through the Iola Herald and nearly $800 was sent in.
The memorial stands on a strip of land owned by the Scandinavia Cemetery Association off County Trunk G, or "old 49." A special fund is being donated by the committee to the cemetery association for perpetual care.
The metal plaque in the marker includes a reproduction of a photograph of the one-time "Cross Church" which stood on the east side of the road from the cemetery.
—excerpt from Stevens Point Daily Journal; May 9, 1968

Photographed by Keith L, August 11, 2009

2. Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Marker

Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, August 11, 2009

3. Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,361 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.