3/9/2008:
Today Sondre Norheim is internationally recognized as the Father of Modern Skiing. But when Norheim passed away on this day, March 9, 1897 his North Dakota neighbors knew nothing of his legendary past. The unmarked grave of the Norwegian skier-turned-North Dakota farmer lay forgotten for two generations.
Nearly 70 years after his death, Dorothy Lyon, the great granddaughter of Norheim, happened across an article in Encyclopedia Britannica referring to Norheim as “a pioneer not only in the slalom and jumping, but also in making skis.”
With a little detective work, Sondre’s grave was located in the Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery south of Denbigh, ND. A granite boulder and plaque were placed on his grave and dedicated in a memorial ceremony on June 12, 1966
Written by Christina Sunwall
Sources:
Sondre Norheim: The Skiing Pioneer of Telemark- http://www.sondrenorheim.com/remembrance/grave.htm