Spring 2011
Greetings,
When I hear someone talk about the class of ’50, the first thing I think is “that is not yesterday.” Others would say that a lot of water has passed over the dam in that time, which is true when we consider all the wars, space flights, and the discovery of polio vaccine that have taken place in that time. A lot has taken place also in the number of years that Luther has been in existence. Some of those events are listed in the Alumni magazine and also on the Luther website.
Luther is celebrating its sesquicentennial (150th) year. Much has transpired at Luther in those years, from the changes in the campus to the size of the student body. One can easily visualize the various life journeys the graduates have taken over the years, from teachers to managers and presidents of businesses. I’m sure each one made a contribution wherever they lived and left a little bit of Luther wherever they traveled.
If you have not looked at Luther’s website, you may want to do it. A nice bit of information and history has been placed there, which I thought was well done.
Now that the Super Bowl is over the papers can get back to their usual news coverage. I was amazed at the amount of hype that took place about the game but I suppose that is to be expected if living in Wisconsin and not far from Green Bay.
The class of ’50 can be proud of itself. According to statistics from the Development Office, our class has one of the highest participation rates of graduates contributing to the college. I’m sure Luther appreciates all of the gifts it receives in light of the various costs associated with the maintaining a college campus.
Don’t forget Homecoming, Oct. 14-16, 2011, and send your news updates.
Arlan Knutson
1950 Class Agent
[email protected]
Don't forget your Annual Fund giving!
Each year nearly 10,000 alumni, parents, and friends support the Annual Fund with gifts from $3 to $25,000. Strong support from alumni helps Luther secure additional funds from foundations and corporations, and your gift each year helps us reach our goal of 30% alumni giving to the Annual Fund. Here’s how your class—and surrounding classes—did in 2010:
Class of 1949 Total giving in 2010: $24,358 from 48% of the class
CLASS OF 1950 TOTAL GIVING IN 2010: $25,868 FROM 47% OF THE CLASS
Class of 1951 Total giving in 2010: $48,873 from 46% of the class
Your gift can boost the impact your class has on current students! Please visit givenow.luther.edu to show your support. Thank you!
Class Notes
PAULINE (BIGALK) BAILEY of Austin, Minn., retired after 33 years at Hormel Foods.
JERRY BERNATZ was named honorary captain for the Luther vs. St. Olaf football game on Sept. 4, 2010, and took part in the traditional coin toss.
Obituaries
DonnaLou “DONNY” (Nelson) Hanson of Wood Lake, Minn., died Sept. 7, 2010, at age 82 after a long battle with cancer. She earned a certificate in education from Luther and taught elementary school in the Sleepy Eye, Goodhue, Wood Lake, Maynard, and Fairmont (Minn.) schools for many years. Donny volunteered for many organizations, including AARP, Widowed Persons Service, RSVP, Mid Minnesota Legal Volunteers, Senior Federation, Time Steppers, Bell Choir, Fitness and Dancersize. She was a member of Sons of Norway, Study Club, and Circle. After her husband, JIM HANSON ’49, died in 1990, Donny became a speaker and seminar leader for AARP and for Widowed Persons Service organizations across the United States. She loved performing with Time Steppers and other groups, teaching piano and organ students, and instructing her Tiny Tot Tumblers. Donny was well known as a volunteer for the Granite Falls (Minn.) Schools as "Grandma Nonny." Her interests were varied, and she enjoyed her family, reading, music, playing cards, dancing, walking, plays, and—most of all—people. Donny is survived by three children, including JENIFER (HANSON) KLEIN ’83; nine grandchildren, including SHELBY KLEIN ’12; six great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Harris Hedin.
MARLIN INGEBRETSON of Thornton, Iowa, died July 14, 2010, at age 83. After graduation from high school in 1944, he entered the U.S. Navy where he served until 1946. Marlin’s military experiences, particularly his connections to Navy chaplains, encouraged him to plan his pre-theological studies. He attended Waldorf College and graduated from Luther before earning a divinity degree from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. Ordained in 1954, Marlin later earned a master's degree in theology from Luther Theological Seminary. He served as pastor for Lutheran congregations in Eureka, Kan., and Jewell, Thor, Ryan, and Thornton, Iowa. Marlin also served on the faculty of Waldorf College in Forest City. He retired in 1996. Giving and kind to all, Marlin was a peacemaker and faithful servant to the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; four children, including MARK INGEBRETSON '73; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.