Martin Rusfeldt’s family left Norway in 1865 and settled on a farm in Albert Lea. Martin worked in a brickyard on the south side of Albert Lea, eventually electing to go into the brick business on his own. He first opened a brickyard on his family farm, then he purchased another site on the south side of Albert Lea, closer to the railroad. Some early newspaper reports listed his property as being inside an area from James to South Broadway and then between the railroad tracks and Fourth Street South. The 1902 Albert Lea directory lists the brickyard location as 921 South Broadway Avenue. This plant wound down and production shifted to the yard on the northwest side of town, near the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad.
M. F. Rusfeldt, of this city, goes to Duluth this week to look after a brickyard which he owns up there. He also operates one in this city, and expects to manufacture several million brick this season. (The Saint Paul Globe, Monday Morning, March 21, 1898, Volume XXI, Number 80, Page 5)
Last night, at the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Rusfeldt, Miss Emma Rusfeldt was married to William A. Kubat of Owatonna, Rev. Dr. Danner performing the ceremony. Many guests were present and there were valuable gifts. Owatonna will be the future home of the young people. (The Minneapolis Journal, Thursday Evening, October 31, 1901, Page 5)
The Sunday school (of the United Lutheran congregation of Albert Lea) selected officers as follows: …directors, Lewis Anderson and M. F. Rusfeldt. (The Minneapolis Journal, Friday Evening, December 2, 1904, Page 18)
M. F. RUSHFELDT OF ALBERT LEA PASSES AWAY. Long Time Resident Suffers Heart Attack During Night and Died at 3:30 O’clock This Morning at Home on South Washington St. Martin F. (Ferdinand) Rushfeldt, one of Albert Lea’s oldest residents and business men, passed away at 3:30 o’clock this morning, July 7 (1933), at his home, 602 South Washington street. Mr. Rushfeldt has been suffering from heart attacks for the past year. At 2:15 o’clock this morning he suffered a heart attack. His son Ferd was awakened by his groans and went to assist him. Death came at the time mentioned above. Mr. Rushfeldt was eighty-one years and nine months of age. A number of years ago he operated one of the largest brick yard plants in southern Minnesota. The plant was located just south of Fourth street, taking in all that area from James street to Broadway and as far south as the Rock Island tracks. Later he took over the Albert Lea Brick & Tile Co., located west of the M. & St. L. roundhouse. A little later Mr. Rushfeldt engaged in making brick and tile in a plant located near Duluth, Minn. He continued to make his home in Albert Lea. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emelia Rushfeldt, who has lived for years with his daughter, Mrs. Mora Muus in Washington, D. C. and his four children as follows: Henry in Kansas City, Mo.; Fred, in Albert Lea; Mrs. Otto Fielding of Owatonna and Mrs. Muss of Washington, D. C. Henry will be present at the funeral. Mrs. Fielding arrived today. Mrs. Rushfeldt and Mrs. Muus will not come, because of the distance and the age of Mrs. Rushfeldt. The funeral arrangements had not been made at the time of going to press. (The Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Friday, July 7, 1933, Page 4)
M. F. Rushfeldt. M. F. Rushfeldt was born at Vatso, Norway, Oct. 16, 1851, and passed away July 7, 1933, at his home at 602 Washington street, Albert Lea. He was 81 years, 8 months and 21 days old at his death. Mr. Rushfeldt was one of Albert Lea’s oldest residents and business men, coming to Albert Lea about 1865 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. N. Rushfeldt, who have preceded him in death. He came from a family of seven children, three preceding him in death, namely, Oluf N., of Los Angeles; Joseph E. of Hayward; and Julia McCord of Westbrook, Minn. Those surviving are John N., of Albert Lea; Johan A., of Volcan, Alberta, Can., and Elizabeth Albeckson of Parker’s Prairie, Minn. On Nov. 30, 1874, he was married to Amelia D. Fixen of Albert Lea, and to this union were born four children. He is survived by his wife and the four children, namely, Mrs. Otto Fielding of Owatonna; Mrs. P. H. Muus of Washington, D. C., and Ferd of Albert Lea, and Henry of Kansas City, Kan. He is also survived by eight grandchildren.
Card of Thanks. We desire to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the messages of sympathy and the many acts of kindness, and the beautiful floral offerings from our friends during the illness and death of our beloved husband and father, M. F. Rushfeldt. We also desire to thank Rev. S. T. Sorenson for his comforting message, and desire to thank Prof. Emmons and Miss Sether for musical services rendered. Mrs. M. F. Rushfeldt, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Rushfeldt and Family, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Rushfeldt and Son, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Fielding and Family, Mrs. P. H. Muus and Family. (The Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Wednesday, July 12, 1933, Page 7)