Fall 2009

Dear Luther College Schoolmates,

I am happy to report that Luther College, our alma mater, got off to a good start in September.  Enrollment is strong and the campus has never been more beautiful and functional.  The construction over the past few years has been completed.

Fifty some years ago, Russia’s Sputnik fostered a science education surge in U.S. colleges and universities.  The facilities that were constructed then have worn out, so a new (and expensive) surge has been taking place.  At Luther, a whole new building has been finished for biology and chemistry, with an emphasis on laboratories.  With these two departments in new quarters, the older science building, Valders, has been renewed for physics, psychology, nursing, and general science.  The mathematics and computer science departments are in the nearby Olin building. 

Two other items have been completed.  First, the road network that runs on the south edge of campus (e.g., in front of Larsen) has been realigned and repaired (with concrete).  Second, uniform and attractive signs have been placed in optimum locations.  Campus beautification is being carried out, and Lucy and I look forward to many campus walks next spring.

Luther’s 2009 Homecoming was somewhat dampened by a light drizzle much of the weekend.  But the football team won its game, and the expanded Dahl Centennial Union building accommodated those of us that preferred to stay indoors.  The class of 1949 had its 60-year reunion so I saw a number of familiar faces.  (I talked briefly with Ole Storvick about our classmate, Dave Storvick.  Dave has had difficult spinal surgery and this, combined with other health problems, has put Dave in much pain over an extended period of time.  If you want to send him a line, contact the Alumni Office for his address, or visit the online alumni directory.)

Our class has done quite well on the “giving” side.  In the year ending May 31, 2009, 44 percent of us contributed $73,562 to Luther College.  Only one class has made it over the 50 percent participation mark.  I wish our class could crack that 50 percent barrier!  We have 141 living members, 62 of whom have contributed.  It would take only 9 more of you to put us over.  At a minimum, a five-dollar check and a 44-cent stamp on the enclosed envelope would do the trick!  Or, make your gift online at givenow.luther.edu. We hope we can count on you to help.

I keep thinking about our 60-year reunion in 2011 (October 14-16, 2011).  With Luther celebrating its sesquicentennial (150-year anniversary), it will be an extra-special yearlong celebration.  Keep healthy and mobile in the meantime, so that you are able to join in the festivities. 

Lucy and I hope the upcoming winter and spring seasons will go well with all of you!

Bob Rosholt
1951 Class Agent
[email protected]

Obituaries
CARROLL NESSETH of Decorah died Jan. 12, 2009, at age 77. He attended Luther and served in the U.S. Army for three years during the Korean War. Carroll was employed in his uncle's mattress factory for a number of years prior to his employment as custodian in Luther’s Athletic Department.  He retired in 1986 after working for 22 years. He was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church in Decorah and a life member of V.F.W. and Cooties. Carroll enjoyed attending Decorah High School and Luther College sporting events. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and maintained a stat book on many sports. Carroll was loved and revered by his family and friends, and he loved dogs, especially his dear Oscar. Memorials may be directed to the Luther College Department of Athletics.

RUTH (LARSON) WENDLING of Rochelle, Ill., died May 16, 2009, at age 78. After attending Luther, she became a homemaker and was very active in her church.  She served as a Sunday school teacher, confirmation instructor, Luther League advisor, guest speaker at numerous conferences, volunteer at Harmony House, server in the church kitchen, and for many other church duties. In retirement, Ruth and her husband, John, bought a home on Lake Waubesa, where they lived for 19 years. She is survived by her husband, two children, and four grandchildren.