Fall 2015

Dear 49ers,                         

Homecoming 2015 is now history. We enjoyed a beautiful weather weekend, and many returned “home” to take part in the festivities. I attended the Friday noon luncheon at which the class agents and members of the Alumni Council were present. Several different presentations were on the agenda. In summary, Luther's enrollment had a slight increase, the financial situation is sound, the school situation is sound, and the school year is off to a good start. REMEMBER, just because I mentioned a sound financial situation does not mean that continued monetary gifts should slack off. Our college will always need gifts.

Speaking of gifts, the Class of 1965 observed their 50^th anniversary by presenting President Paula J. Carlson a check in excess of $1.1 million in gifts and pledges at the Friday evening alumni banquet that Marilyn and I attended. By the way, Luther defeated Buena Vista in an overtime football game Saturday afternoon. We also attended and enjoyed the Sunday afternoon concert. In my opinion, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, and Nordic Choir are the best. 

I have heard from classmate Luther Forde since my last letter. He and his wife, Ilene ’46, live in a retirement facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, called “The Waters of Plymouth.” Their two sons, John and Jim, live in the Twin Cities area. The sad news is that they lost their daughter, Martha, to cancer last January. She is survived by her husband, Paul, and two children, Luther-10 and Linnea-8. The Fordes also have a granddaughter, Kara, (John's daughter), who is a sophomore at Carleton College.

I will relate a bit about my “career.”  I have been a board member on the Keystone Area Education Agency for the past twenty-three years, the last three as board president. I chose not to run for re-election and on Monday evening, (October 19), I closed the meeting for the last time. Eighty-three years ago, I entered first grade in Rembrandt, Iowa. Continuously since then, I have been a student, math teacher and coach, school superintendent (33 years), and school board member (23 years), except for World War II, when I served as a U.S. Army paratrooper. I really have enjoyed my career in education, and I will miss the challenges and the opportunities of serving.

In closing, I hope that all is well with each of you 49ers. Please remember Luther College, and I encourage you to support OUR college in any way that you can.

Francis Peterson
1949 Class Agent
710 Ridge Road
Decorah, Iowa 52101
563-382-4504
[email protected]

Obituaries

GEORGE CHANDLER of Spring Grove, Minn., died Feb. 10, 2013, at age 88. After graduating from Preston High School in 1942, he enrolled at Luther, majoring in biology and physical education. After his Luther graduation, George went on to earn a master’s degree in science in 1959 from the University of Minnesota. He married HARRIET (BERGSRUD) CHANDLER ’46 at Faith Lutheran Church in Black Hammer, rural Spring Grove, on June 1, 1947. George served in the U.S. Army during WWII, in France and Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he froze his feet, and was awarded a Purple Heart. George taught schools in Williston, N.D., St. Croix Falls, Wis., and McHenry, Ill. After his retirement from teaching, he and Harriet settled in Black Hammer, where he was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church. George loved the outdoors, camping and fishing, and he enjoyed making wine. He is survived by his wife, Harriet; brother-in-law, Fred Bergsrud (MARTY [HOVDE] PAULSON BERGSRUD ’64); sister-in-law, Lois (Allan) Morken; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. George was preceded in death by his brother, Harland; sister, Audrey Jorgenson; and sister-in-law, Joanne Bergsrud.

JOSEPH JERDEE of Red Wing, Minn., died Jan. 31, 2015, at age 86. A native of Bemidji, he graduated in 1946 from Augustana Academy in Canton, S.D., before enrolling at Luther, where he majored in economics.  From 1951-53, Joe served in the Counter Intelligence Corps of the U.S. Army, and he earned degrees in German from the University of Heidelberg in 1958 and University of Minnesota (a master’s degree) in 1962. In 1963 Joe married SYLVIA (KAASA) JERDEE ’63. He taught German at Luther, the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, Bemidji State College, and Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and English as a foreign language at secondary schools in Aschaffenburg and Offenbach, Germany. Joe and his family lived in Germany and traveled throughout Europe for nearly 20 years. He retired in 1991 and enjoyed spending time at his lake home near Brainerd as well as numerous hobbies, including language, culture, nature, hiking, tennis, photography, coin collecting, and travel. A passionate singer and musician, Joe performed in many choirs throughout his lifetime. He is survived by his wife, SYLVIA (KAASA) JERDEE ’63; sons, JONATHAN JERDEE ’87, Peter (Niena) Jerdee, and Theodore (Valerie) Jerdee; sisters, JANET (JERDEE) FORDE ’48 (NELS FORDE ’50), and Dorothea Ofstedal (PAUL OFSTEDAL ’54); sister-in-law, MARY (KAASA) ULLAND ’65 (DICK ULLAND ’64); five grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

A. ROBERT “BOB” PEDERSON of Fargo, N.D., died Feb. 5, 2015, at age 89. Born in Glenwood, Minn., he graduated from high school there before enlisting in Combat Infantry Company, 339th Infantry, 85th Division, of the U.S. Army, serving two years and receiving a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and three major battle stars in the Italian Campaign. Bob majored in chemistry at Luther and, after graduation, taught in Northwood and Fargo. In 1949 he married DOROTHY ANN (HANSON) PEDERSON ’48. Bob received a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of North Dakota. During his 41-year teaching career, Bob won many awards, including, the Fargo Teacher of the Year, Fargo Schools “Recognition of Excellence Award,” Outstanding Physical Science Teacher of N.D., James Bryant Conant Award by Red River Valley section of the American Chemical Society, State semifinalist for Presidential Excellence Award in Science Teaching, N.D. Heritage Award, and he was inducted into the North High School Hall of Fame. Bob also ran the clock for basketball and football games and attended music concerts, swim meets, and other co-curricular activities. He retired from teaching in 1990. A a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church, Bob served on the church council and building committee, taught confirmation, and ushered for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Bob is survived by his wife, DOROTHY ANN (HANSON) PEDERSON ’48; son, Michael (Mary) Pederson; daughter, Marianne Gagelin; four grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and two brothers, Jerome (JoAnn) and Donald (Joan) Pederson.

HELEN (LARSON) PETERSON of West Salem, Wis., and formerly Onalaska, Wis., died Jan. 26, 2015, at age 88. Born in Forest City, Iowa, she graduated from Thompson High School in 1945 before enrolling at Luther, where she majored in biology. While at Luther, Helen met her husband, DONALD R. PETERSON ’51, and they married in Leland, Iowa, March 24, 1951. She and Don lived in Menomonie, Wis., before moving to Africa to serve as missionaries; later, they returned to the Midwest, where Don served as a parish pastor. From 1972-2014, Helen resided in Onalaska, where she was a member of First Lutheran Church and excelled as a homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, baking, Bible studies, and doing any tasks that benefited others. Helen is survived by five children: Douglas (Judy) Peterson, Karla (Gene) Amann, ANNE (PETERSON) PIETSCHER ’78  (CHUCK PIETSCHER ’76), Cathy (Steve) Gabrielson, and Meg (Kurt) Pfuhl; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and was anticipating the birth of the seventh. Also surviving are two sisters--Muriel (Bernie) Teague and Anne Moe--and two sisters-in-law--Louise (Herb) Patterson and Sally (Jim) Head. She was preceded in death by her husband, DONALD R. PETERSON ’51, in 1983, and by four siblings, Venita (Edwin) Christ, Bob Larson, Herb (Liz) Larson, and James Larson.

VICTOR "DOC" ROSSING of Oshkosh, Wis., died Jan. 27, 2015, at age 90. Born in Argyle, he graduated in 1941 from Argyle High School where—along with his brother Bill—he played on a six-man football team, with leather helmets, no face-guards, and few pads for protection. Undefeated for two years, Victor was sought after by Curly Lambeau to play halfback for the Packers, but WWII interfered. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-46, a pharmacist mate-second class, and mostly in the South Pacific and Guam, before being honorably discharged. While at Luther, Victor majored in biology, and he received a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He worked as head of sanitation in Racine, Wis., before receiving a promotion and moving to Oshkosh in 1960. Victor was hired as director of public health and welfare for the City of Oshkosh, the first city employee with a master’s degree. He retired in 1988, eighteen years later, and was presented the key to the city for his outstanding and faithful service. Victor married Patricia “Pat” Anderson on April 17, 1949, and she died March 24, 2011. A member of First English Lutheran Church-Oshkosh, he was an avid reader who also enjoyed fishing and traveling. In April of 2013 Victor joined the Old Glory Honor Flight from Appleton, Wis., to Washington, D.C. He is survived by three children: Rhonda Marie Rossing, John Victor (Cathy)Rossing, and Mary Elizabeth (Tom) Jensen; six grandchildren; and a brother, David Rossing. Victor was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; three sisters: Charlotte and Dorothy Rossing and Ruth M. Emery; brother, William H. "Bill" Rossing; twin brothers at birth; and a nephew.

LAURAYNE (HELGERSON) SOLBERG of Stoughton, Wis., died Oct. 20, 2014, at age 91. A native of Mt. Sterling, she attended Luther for two years before graduating from Augsburg College in 1956. Laurayne married LELAND C. SOLBERG ’50 on Nov. 25, 1966. She worked as a medical technologist and was certified for more than 50 years. An accomplished quilter and rosemaling artist, Laurayne’s rosemaling earned Best of Show at the annual Syttende Mai Celebration in Stoughton. She was also very involved in her church and loved singing in the church choir. Laurayne contributed to many charities, including Lutheran World Relief. She is survived by her sister, DARLEEN (HELGERSON) REM ’51, and numerous nieces and nephews. Laurayne was preceded in death by her husband, Leland, in 2003.

LLOYD SWANTZ of Lahti, Finland, died Dec. 22, 2014, at age 90. He majored in religion and sociology at Luther and, after graduation, received a bachelor of divinity degree from Luther Seminary in 1952. In 1965 Lloyd earned a master’s degree from Syracuse University and, in 1974, a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He was the first pastor of the International Evangelical Church in Finland (IEC) and served the international Christian community in the capital region for more than a decade, from 1976-89. Lloyd his survived by his wife, Marja; three daughters: Lea Makela, Eva Rydberg, and AILI (SWANTZ) TRIPP ’76 (WARREN TRIPP ’76); and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, LOWELL SWANTZ ’42.

ARNOLD “JUDGE” VEGLAHN of St. James, Minn., died Jan. 6, 2015, at age 92. A native of La Crosse, Wis., he graduated from Central High School before joining the Army Air Force, where he served in radio communications from 1942-46. While at Luther, Judge majored in physical education and sociology, and, in 1954, he received a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Iowa.  He married MARILYN (EVANSON) VEGLAHN ’49 on August 21, 1949. From 1949-51, Judge taught and coached in Harmony, Minn., before they moved to St. James, where he taught social studies, physical education, and drivers education until his retirement in 1984. While living in St. James, Judge coached boys basketball for 29 years. His teams won 10 conference, 10 district, and three region championships—in 1954, 1972, and 1974; the 1972 state tournament team had a 29-0 record, winning the Class A tournament and defeating the Class AA winner. Judge’s lifetime record was 399-236. Judge coached baseball for 10 years, taking teams to the state tournament in 1960 and 1962. His teams won four conference and four district 6 titles. Judge also coached the girls golf team. He was the 1972 Coach of the Year in basketball and was awarded the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame Award. Judge belonged to the 25-year Coaches Club, the State Coaches Association, MEA, and NEA. He was inducted into the Luther College Hall of Fame in 1974, and while in college, he set numerous records in basketball and baseball. Judge belonged to First Lutheran Church and St. James Golf Club. He was a former member of the Lion Club, and his hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, and playing cards. Judge enjoyed all spectator sports, travelling, and spending winters in Mesa, Ariz. He is survived by his wife, MARILYN (EVANSON) VEGLAHN ’49; sons, MARK VEGLAHN ’78 (TRACY [FLOHRS] VEGLAHN ’78) and JAMES VEGLAHN ’83 (Tammy) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister, Betty Voves; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, BETH (EVANSON) KABAT ’56. He was preceded in death by an infant son, three sisters, and three brothers.

Are you an eligible Thrivent Financial member with Choice Dollars® to direct? 

Do you know you can direct those dollars to Luther College?  You can have an impact on current and future students with the click of a mouse (or a quick phone call)!

Online:

1. Visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice.
2. Scroll down and select the “Get Started” button in the “Direct Choice Dollars” section. Log in and enter your user ID and password, and answer your security question. (If you haven’t yet registered on Thrivent.com, click  “Register for account access” to do so.)
3. Find the number of Choice Dollars available to direct on the right side of the screen.
4. Search the catalog of organizations to find Luther College.
5. Click on “Direct Now” to direct designated Choice Dollars. 

By phone:

1. Call 800-847-4836 and when prompted, say “Thrivent Choice.”
2. Press 1 to direct Choice Dollars or 2 to hear Thrivent Choice program terms
   and conditions. (If prompted, say or enter your phone number and date of birth.)
3. A representative will work with you to direct Choice Dollars.

You may be able to DOUBLE OR TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT

WITH EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, visit www.matchinggifts.com/luther or ask your human resources representative.

If your company is eligible, you can request a matching gift form from your employer, fill it out, and send it to Luther with your gift. We’ll do the rest!

The impact of your gift to Luther College may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses, too.

Questions? Give us a call at 1-800-225-8664, or email [email protected]