Ylvisaker was born in Norway.  He immigrated to America in 1868.  He graduated from Luther College in 1888 and attended Luther Seminary.  He was also the president of the North Dakota District of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.

Born May 26, 1868 in Trondhjem, Norway to Rev. Niels Thorbjornsen and Kristine (Orbeck Hundere) Ylvisaker. Immigrated to America in 1868. Attended Luther College, 1881-88; Lutther Sem., 1888-91. Pastor Great Falls, Mont., 1891-92; Helena Mont., 1892-93; Maryville, N.D., 1893-17. Married to Delia Davidson in 1892.

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Ylvisaker ble født i Trondheim. Han kom til Amerika i 1868. Han gikk ut fra Luther College i 1888 og studerte også ved Luther Seminary. Han var president for et av distriktene til Norwegian Lutheran Church of America i Nord Dakota.