Join / Give | Vesterheim Norwegian-American

Join / Give | Vesterheim Norwegian-American
Join / Give
Make a Gift Now
Everything we do, every single day, depends on generous gifts to the Vesterheim Annual fund from friends like YOU! Thank you for your support.
To contribute to the Strong Roots, Bold Future campaign, complete this form and enter “Strong Roots, Bold Future” in the “Additional Comments” box.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Welcome!
Vesterheim is first and foremost, a community. Many among us choose to support our community with financial gifts. There are lots of ways to get involved. Choose from the many options below, or contact Diane Wagner, Vice President of Donor Relations, at
[email protected]
to talk about your ideas.
Thank you for your support of Vesterheim!
The Vesterheim Annual Fund helps make everything we do at Vesterheim possible.
Vesterheim gratefully accepts gifts of cash, checks, credit card as well as:
Donor Advised Funds
– consider recommending a grant from your donor-advised fund. Please note that certain restrictions apply, including membership and pledge requirements.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
– a QCD can count towards satisfying your
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
from your IRA; providing a way to support Vesterheim while also managing your tax liabilities. Talk to your financial advisor for more information.
Gifts of securities – t
o request information on transferring gifts of stocks and securities, please call Vesterheim’s Vice President of Donor Relations Diane Wagner at 563-382-9681, ext. 103. You can also find a complete
Donor Letter of Security Transfer (PDF) to send to your broker here.
Vesterheim Federal Tax ID: 42-6081638
Your commitment to support Vesterheim’s mission truly makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your generous support.
Items Donated for Museum Use
Vesterheim accepts donated objects for use on the museum campus or for fundraising purposes. Examples of museum use items include tools and supplies to help in museum up-keep. Examples of fundraising items include artwork for raffles, and items and services for auctions. To discuss your gift, contact Diane Wagner, Vice President of Development, at
[email protected]
or 563-382-9681.
Items Donated to Vesterheim's Collection
Every year, new objects, books, or archival materials are added to the collection through the generosity of individuals and organizations. These donations help Vesterheim fulfill its mission of sharing the Norwegian-American experience.
Vesterheim's Collections Wishlist
Below is a list of items Vesterheim would like to add to the collection. If you think you have something that will enhance Vesterheim’s collection, please contact Jule Hale, Collection Assistant, at
[email protected]
or 563-382-9681 to discuss the donation.
Sámi and Sámi-American artifact and archival materials (photographs, documents) with historic provenance
Hands-on objects to furnish Norwegian House in the Main Building, including an acanthus-carved and painted cupboard (framskap) and traditionally-decorated serving pieces (ambar, tine, ale tankards and bowls, etc.)
Examples of Viking-revival style
Non-Sámi artifacts from north of Trondheim
Complete outfits and garments brought and/or worn by immigrants
Nineteenth-century urban Norwegian textiles
Photographs of Norwegian immigrants on ships, arriving in the United States
Photographs of food traditions
Shipping- and fishing-related artifacts and archival materials from the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes
Business/retail/professional artifacts and archival materials from Brooklyn community/ “Lapskaus Boulevard”
Logging industry artifacts and archival materials from Pacific Northwest and northern Midwest
Artifacts and archival materials from mid-century immigrant professionals
Artifacts used by domestic servants
Artifacts and archival materials from the East Coast, West Coast, Texas, and Southern U.S.
Knute Rockne football (or comparable memorabilia)
Tokheim gas pump (early model)
Jonas Lie painting with industrial subject
Ole Balling paintings
Examples of Norwegian mid-century modern design
Artworks by latter 20th century Norwegian-American artists, such as Arne Nybak
Artworks (knives, woodworking, rosemaling, weaving) made by Vesterheim Gold Medalists
Historic Norwegian rosemaling in Rogaland and Os styles
Three-dimensional objects with rosemaling by Sigmund Aarseth
Artifacts and archival materials from non-Lutheran Norwegian immigrants, such as Mormons and Jews
Norwegian-American temperance quilt
Artifacts, documents, and photographs related to Norwegian-American innovators.
Volunteer at Vesterheim
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are involved at Vesterheim, and new volunteers are always welcome. There are great opportunities for people from many walks of life. You may be able to offer a specific skill or talent, but often, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the only requirements for a volunteer task!
We consider our donors partners in our shared goals.
Here are ways we honor that relationship:
Valhalla Society
, honoring those individuals who include Vesterheim in their estate plans
Vennskap Society
, honoring those individuals whose gifts to Vesterheim’s Annual Fund total $1,000 or more during a calendar year.
Kroneklubben
, honoring those individuals whose cumulative giving reaches $10,000 or more.
Impact Reports
keep our investors informed about how we’ve spent their donor dollars, and give us an opportunity to say thank you to all who makes Vesterheim’s mission possible.
Vesterheim endorses the Donor Bill of Rights, created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. View the most recent Donor Bill of Rights
here
Our Commitment to Donor Privacy
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum respects the privacy of all our constituents. Your privacy is a priority and we go to great lengths to protect it. This donor privacy policy describes how we collect and use information about our donors, members and visitors.
View the most recent Donor Privacy Policy here
Year End Giving Information
Vesterheim business offices are closed December 24 and 25 and from noon on December 31 through January 1.
If you would like to make a donation after business hours, please do so on our online
donation page
Checks
by mail (U.S. Postal Service) must be postmarked by December 31.
or
drop off to a Vesterheim employee during regular business hours by
De
cember 31
. If delivering in person, please note
Vesterheim business offices are closed December 24 and 25 and from noon on December 31 through January 1.
Credit Card
donations are considered complete on the date the charges are processed.
The last day for receiving and processing mailed-in credit card gifts is December 31.
Credit card gifts by phone must be made before 12:00 p.m. (CT) on December 31 by calling Vesterheim at 563-382-9681. Credit card information received by voicemail will not be processed.
Credit card gifts made online at
Donate | Vesterheim Norwegian-American
must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Central Time (CT) on December 31.
Donor Advised Funds
– As you plan your year-end philanthropy, remember that Vesterheim gratefully accepts contributions from your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). It’s a simple way to maximize your impact while enjoying the benefits of flexible giving and potential tax advantages.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
– A QCD can count towards satisfying your
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
from your IRA; providing a way to support Vesterheim while also managing your tax liabilities. Talk to your financial advisor for more information.
Gifts of securities a
re complete on the date in which the transfer to Vesterheim’s name is finalized. We recommend initiating these transactions significantly in advance, at least 1 to 2 weeks prior, to allow for processing time. The stock transfer must be complete by December 31. Please contact Diane Wagner at 563-382-9681 ext. 103 if you have any questions.
Membership
There is no better way to connect to our community than through the Vesterheim membership program.
Corporate Partners
Whether you run a local business or a large multi-national corporation, we’ve got a partnership package that can suit your budget and marketing goals.
Estate Giving
Vesterheim is fortunate to have friends who express their generosity with planned charitable gifts. Learn how to include Vesterheim in your will or other long-term…
Easy ways to make your donation go further
Join the
Fellesskap
(Community) Circle.
Each Fellesskap Circle member makes an automated monthly gift to bring the richness of Norwegian-American culture to everyone who wants to explore the museum’s many engaging experiences. Just as important, your ongoing support provides a steady and reliable stream of income, giving us the ability to plan thoughtfully and wisely steward resources for the future. You can sign up to be part of the
Fellesskap
Circle online at “Make a Gift Now” on this webpage above, or
fill out this form and mail it to Vesterheim, Donor Relations, P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA 52101.
Employer Matching Programs
contribute almost $5 million to charities annually, making it possible for all donations to do more good work.
We are honored to be a valued charity partner with Thrivent Financial.
Check out their website here.
Are you a Thrivent or Thrivent Financial member? Thrivent Choice or Thrivent Simply Giving will give direct support to Vesterheim that costs you nothing.
Vesterheim’s Endowed Funds
illustrate how private contributions make a difference to our long-range vision for serving future generations. These funds exist in perpetuity, ensuring that your favorite programs are always supported.
Find a list of endowed funds here.
Don’t see your favorite program represented in our existing funds? Endowed funds can be named to honor your loved ones, and established with gifts of $25,000 or more.
Iowa residents who make a donation to the Vesterheim Fund at the Iowa Community Foundation may be eligible for an additional 25% tax credit.
Find out more here!
Remembering Vesterheim in your will
makes the museum more sustainable, and can help you minimize your estate tax impact.
Stepping Into Her Family’s Legacy
Kate Nelson Rattenborg shares her family’s continued connection to Vesterheim.
Kroneklubben
In 2000, Vesterheim launched Kroneklubben or “Crown Club” for recognizing our most generous and devoted donors. This special recognition acknowledges accumulated lifetime gifts and is essential for helping us achieve our mission. Membership in Kroneklubben is a high honor starting at $10,000 up to $29,999 for the pewter level, followed by bronze at $30,000-99,999, next is silver with a range from $100,000-499,999, then gold at $500,000-999,000, and ultimately platinum for lifetime gifts of $1,000,000 and more.
Vesterheim chose this bridal crown, drawn and interpreted by Norwegian-American artist Elisabeth Maurland, to be a symbol for its Kroneklubben. For us too, the crown represents the ties that bind us as a community, linking us to each other and to those that come before and after us. Your gifts to Vesterheim enable the museum to sustain this mission, to share a cultural legacy, for years to come.
The crown illustrated on the Kroneklubben award is a part of the Vesterheim collection. It helps to tell the story of living Norwegian-American heritage that Vesterheim embodies. Bridal crowns were treasures of a Norwegian community, shared by all for marking special occasions. Crowns, like this one from Trondheim, were keepsakes, used to literally and symbolically pass along traditions. Crowns connected generations: as an older woman placed the bridal crown on the head of a young woman, she linked generations, and members of the community, in a celebration of that heritage and tradition.
Just as the bridal crown is passed from one generation to another within a community, your support ensures that Vesterheim keeps its stories alive for tomorrow’s generations. We invite you to consider a gift or pledge to become a part of this prestigious group.
View Full List of Kroneklubben Members
PLATINUM ($1,000,000 +)
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
John K. & Luise V. Hanson Foundation
Greg and Becky Boman
Mary J. and Gerald* Boman
Janet and Robert Coe
John J. Hanson
John V. and Carolyn Hanson
Joan Hrachovina*
Dan F. and Bonnie J. Huebner*
Trygve Lønnebotn*
GOLD ($500,000 - $999,000)
J. Harry and Josefa Andersen*
Owen Bekkum*
David and Brenda Carlson
Donna Danielson*
Decorah Bank & Trust
The Government and People of Norway
Charles Gulbransen*
James A. and Elaine Halls*
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Janice M Jacobson*
Luther College
Marion and Lila Nelson*
Ruth Wamstad*
Barbara M. Westby*
SILVER ($100,000 - $499,000)
Daniel Alsaker
Robert A. and Evy Alsaker
Anonymous
Kenn R. Barry*
Gertrude H. Berg*
Anonymous*
Duane and Eileen Bruening*
Bryant Foundation
Veronna and John Capone
Edward and Edith Delman*
Sallie Haugen De Reus
Amanda F. Duff*
Mary Embertson*
Clayton Engen*
Lindsay and Karla Erdman
Lowell and Audrey Erdman*
Evelyn Evenson*
William N. and Dona Georgeson*
Newman T. Halvorson, Jr.
Jon and Mary Hart
Helen M. Heitmann*
Richard and Joann M. Harr Hemp
Edwin R. and Joan T. Hemphill*
Barbara and Dale Henning
David and Cynthia Hill
Harriet M. Hustvedt*
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Anonymous*
Dorothy and Wayne Johnson*
John A. Johnson Foundation
Ruth Christine Johnson*
Jane and Don* Kemp
Russell* and Ingrid Keune
Mary Jane and Robert Lake
Anonymous
Dean E. and Marilynn Amdal Madden*
Herbert C. Madison*
Helena Naef*
National Endowment for the Humanities
Alyce I. Neetzel*
Betty R. and David T. Nelson*
Dr. Eugene J. and Olive M. Nordby*
Nordic Brunch
Sons of Norway – Noreg Lodge 3-466
The Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Neal and Gerry* Nottleson
H. Signe Ostby and Scott Cook
Sonja Hoel Perkins and Jonathan Perkins
Hamlet* and Suzanne Peterson
Anna Rosendahl*
Jeff and Marilyn Roverud
Rydell-Mortenson Charitable Foundation
Paul Gilbert Schee*
Michael and Diane Schmidt
Anonymous*
Harold Segelstad
Ruth and Arne* Sorenson
State Historical Society of Iowa Grants Office
Sundet Foundation
Louise and Leland Sundet
Helen Sverdrup*
John W. Thompson
Thrivent
Tomson Family Foundation Trust
O. Jay and Patricia Tomson
Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman
Mike Voltmer
Ruth Wickney*
Marwin and June Wrolstad*
BRONZE ($30,000 - $99,999)
Dr. Alf Altern*
American-Scandinavian Foundation
Alan and Ann Anderson
Jack and Ellie Anundsen*
A.N. and Eldrid Arntzen*
David and Candace Arp
Arts Midwest, Inc
Helen Basler*
Kristin and Karl Bennett
Gladys Bertsch
Carol Birkland and Tom Woxland
BMO
Eileen Borchers*
Borgen Family Foundation
Rev Glenn and Mary Borreson
Amy Bruening
Keith Bruening
Christine Tuve Burris and James F. Burris
Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
Lyle and Jean Cary*
Chicago Friends of Vesterheim
Dahl Family Foundation
Andrew and Jamie Dahl
Harry and Carla Dahl
Jansen and Kimberly Dahl
Kenneth V. Dahl*
Tyler and Michelle Dahl
Carlin Dahler*
Mike* and Carole Daughton
Philip* and Audrey Dybdahl
Joseph and Ione Ellis*
Orton L. Enstad*
Joyce and Edgar Epperly
Erdman Engineering, P.C.
Peter and Kari Espinosa
Featherlite Trailers
Janet B. Figg
Ella Ager Fossum
Fred Carlson Company, Inc.
Helen Garnaas*
Robert M. Granum*
Martha and James Griesheimer
Larry and Diane Grimstad
Gundersen Health System
Hacker, Nelson & Co., P.C.
Glenn Haga*
Hagen & Kallevang P.C.
Richard and Diane Halom
Marilyn H. Hansen
David J. Hardy*
Brent and Cindy Hart
Anonymous
Hal A. and Patricia G. Hetland
Dawn Svenson Holland and Josh Holland
Ronald E. Hovda
Charis and Terry Hovden
Howard and Eunice Hovland*
Alice Hudson*
Humanities Iowa
Iowa Arts Council
Alvin A. Johnson*
Darold E. and Carol O. Johnson
Dennis* and Carole Johnson
Anonymous
Madeline D. Kanner*
Lorin H. Klemesrud*
The John Kurtich Foundation
Larry and Gail Larson
Inez I. Lilleoren*
Joan Losen
Madison Friends of Vesterheim
Marion E. Jerome Foundation
Kate M. Martinson
Carl McConeghey*
McGough Construction
Kirk and Renee Mies
Casey and Heather Miller
David and Linda Brekke Mona
Alf V. Mork*
Leone Murphy
Milma Naeseth*
National Museum of Decorative Painting
Irene and Harry Navarre*
Glenn Nelson* and Jane Borelli
Eugene J. Nordby and Olive M. Nordby Foundation
Dr. Jon and Kim Nordby
Charlotte Pratt Nordstrom and Henrik Nordstrom
Mary Ann Olsen*
Karen Owen-Tuzcu
Anonymous
Sonja Peterson
Elizabeth Platou
Paul D. Pratt & Marguerite Olson Pratt Fund
Janice W. Relf*
Bernice Rise Trust
Rochester Friends of Vesterheim
Lee and David Rokke*
Nick and Courtney Rowley
Brian and Karen Rude
Walter* and Amelia Rugland
T. Eileen Russell*
Ellen and Bill Rydell
Robert and Elizabeth Sande*
Tollef Sanderson*
W.R. and Floy Sauey*
Charlene and Gil* Schjeldahl
Ruth and Randy Schultz
Kate and Paul Scott
Peter Shields and Ace Werner
John B. Simpson and Linda Nelson Simpson
Philip C. Smaby*
Ingebor Husby Smith*
Dr. Robert F. and Carolyn Spier*
Hazel Stoeckeler*
Muriel B. Stone
C. Peter Strong*
Thompson Investment Management
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Daniel and Mary Ann Thurmer
Violette I. Twedt*
Ella Valborg Tweet*
Sons of Norway – Valdres Lodge 1-503
G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
Viking
Viking State Bank & Trust
Voltmer Electric, Inc
Mrs. G. H. Westby*
Wicks Construction, Inc.
William and Kathi Wild
Susan D. Woodhall
Dr. David W. and Peg Wright*
Harriet S. Wrolstad*
Marguerite Ylvisaker*
PEWTER ($10,000 - $29,999)
99th Infantry Battalion
A & J Petersburg Agency
Marian R. Aaker*
Maynard E. and Minerva Aaker*
Jana Agrey
Aid Association for Lutherans
Frederick Ambli
American Car Club of Norway
Richard* and Barbara Amundson
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin R. Anderson
Nancy E. Anderson*
Russell and Jean Ashbaugh, Jr.*
Phyllis A. Askildsen*
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company
Augsburg Fortress Publishers
Ray Aune*
Joan M. Barager*
Helen Bruening Barbier
Dennis and Doris Barnaal
Marie Kleppe Barness*
Gordon G. and Barbara L. Bauman*
The Bay and Paul Foundations
Peggy Beatty
Naomi Bekkum*
Margaret C. Bisberg
Arley and Beverly Bjella*
John* and Jackie Bjoin
David Bjoraker*
Lynn Bolstad Jordan Trust
Michael J. Bovre
Mette and Ed Bowen
Brekke Tours and Travel
Broadway Group
Kenneth M. and Eleanor A. Brown*
Greg and Karen Bruening
Bruening Rock Products, Inc.
Marvin Bruha
Karen Brunssen
Dr. James A. Bullard
Wilfred Bunge
Dr. Joseph* and Ingrid Callaghan
Curtis L. Carlson*
Cynthia Carlson
Dr.* and Mrs. Harley Carlson
Helen Carlson*
William and Yvonne Cary
Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Paul and Lois* Christenson
Birgitte and John Christianson
Peter Coffeen
Sons of Norway, Concordia Lodge #6-070
Jane and John Connett
Naomi S. Craft
Ruth Hanold Crane and Douglas A. Crane
Croell Inc.
Karlyn Nordgaard Cross*
The John R. Cross Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation
Clifford I. Cummings*
Peter Dahlen and Mary S. Carlsen
Mike and Pat Dahly
Deco Products
City of Decorah
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
Depot Outlet
Mark and Vicki Donhowe
Tracy and Wayne Dostal
Lois Drews*
Mary M. Dunea
Janet I. and Peter J.* Dyck
Darcy J. Lenzgrinden Dye
Irving R. Eittreim*
Gerhard and Mildred Ellestad*
Richard M. and Nancy L. Enstad
Kristine and Michael Erb
Gerald and Deanna Erickson
James and Joy Erickson
Kristine S. Erickson
Norman E. Erickson*
Ernest M. Espelie*
Evjue Foundation, Inc.
Stanley and Mary Jo Finholt
Edward H. and Sandra Fish*
E. T. and Marjery* Fjelde
Richard H.* and Vivian Fjeldheim
Sanford* and Wilma Fosholt*
Mr. and Mrs. Connor D. Freeman
Ron* and Karen Fretheim
David E. Frew*
Elsa Bettum Friberg*
Al and Rhoda* Fritsch
Helene M. Furst*
Richard and Carol Gaard
Francis and Geneice Gaasedelen*
Gary* and Miriam Gandrud
Ann and Dean* Gesme
Dr. and Mrs. Dean H. Gesme, Jr.
Ron Gesme
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Morris Gjessing*
Dale and Susan Goodman
Richard Graving*
Karen and James Gray
Barbara and Eric Greenfeldt in memory of Robert & Elaine Lee*
Glen H. and Shirley B. Gronlund
Bertha M. Gronseth*
Gunnar and Elizabeth Gundersen*
Lawrence R. Hafstad*
Newman T. Halvorson, Sr.*
Rebecca S. Hanna
Shirley Hansen*
Karl N. Hanson, MD
Minnard H. Hanson*
Karyne and C. Blaine* Harstad
Ann Hart and Albert Hanson
Carol and Paul* Hasvold
Mr. and Mrs. Roe H. Hatlen
Lawrence O. and Lois Hauge*
Eva Haugen*
Jerry and Sally Haugen
Kirsten Roverud Heine and David Heine
Merlin Helstad and Ann McLaren Helstad
Mr. and Mrs. Orrin L. Helstad*
Darrell Henning and Terry Sparkes
Karen and Lynn Herche
Randall Hicks
Ann Highum and Gerald Freund
Dana Himes and James Davis
Donald and Doris Hoganson
Martha Marie A. Hoghaug*
Jock and Susan Holmen
David A. Holt
James M. and Susan* Honsvall
Hotel Winneshiek
Robert and Arlene Houlihan*
Carrie Hovland*
Michael Hovland and Nancy Jones
Stanley* and Helen Howe
David and Carole Hoyem
Gertrude Husby*
Joseph and Mary Husby*
Pearl Husby*
Sarah Henning Iversen and Philip Iversen
Connie Jacobson*
Jo Sonja and Jerry Jansen
Jay L.* and Sandra O. Jensen
Paul Johnsen
Chris and Bonnie Johnson
Inga Doris Johnson*
Jill Lendu Johnson and Joel Chapiewsky
Martin and Ruth* Johnson
Ruby A. Johnson*
Steve and Barbara Johnson
Roy and Rita* Jorgensen
Ione N. Kadden*
Ellen Kerbs
Esther Kittelson*
Iva Kjerland*
Heyn and Sandy Kjerulf
Mary B. Klimesh
Knut Utstein Kloster*
Mrs. Lewis Kranick*
Earl Kruse*
Theodora H. Kubly*
Karen Kuhlman
David Kundert
Severt and Mary Kvamme
Gayle Kvenvold and Charles Gould
Pamela and James Lambert
Mrs. Nordis Landsverk*
Paul and Dianne Larson
Merlin and Margaret Lee*
Dorothy and Maurice Leon*
Phyllis Leseth*
Joan M. Leuenberger
Barbara and Clark Lewey
Joan Liffring-Zug and Dwayne Bourret*
Martha Y. and James* Limburg
Anne and Scott Lindblom
C. Paul and Marlys Lindholm*
Paul and Justine Lionberger*
Leif and Mary* Lomo
Prof. Carl R. Loper, Jr. and Jane L. Loper*
Norman Lorentzsen*
Susan and George Louthain
Petra Luke
Mr. and Mrs. William O. Lyders
Madison Torskeklubben Foundation, Inc.
Magnhild and George* Madsen
Dennis Magnuson
Daniel and Ann Mansfield
Alison Martin
James and Susan Matson
Elsie Melby*
Charles and Susan Mies
Clifford M. Miller
Esther R. Miller*
Corey and Suzanne Mineck
Grace O. Molloy*
David and Linda Mona Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Thomas and Ann Monson
Sharon and Erin Moore
Peder and Jeanne Moren
Mildred and Darrel* Morf
Nancy and Fred Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mork*
Alida Motland*
Michael K. Musgrave
National Endowment for the Arts
David L. and Ann Nelson
Harland and Corinne* Nelson
John and Arlene Nelson
Marlin P. Nelson*
Melany Stinson Newby*
Bradley and Laura Nichols
Paul and Beverly Nichols
Nordic Services LLC
Elsie Ardis H. Norlander*
Anna and Russell Norris
Norseman’s Federation
Craig and Karen Northrup
Norwegian Mutual Insurance Association
Frieda* and Ronald Nowland
Nuveen Investments
Sharon B. O’Hara*
James R. and Marilyn Olin*
Alfred D. and LaDelle Olson*
Oneota Community Food Co-op
Connie Osmundson*
Terje Østby
Barbara and Osmund Overby*
Sherman Oyen*
Helga Lund Parsons*
Ruth and Lynn Paulson
George J. Pedersen
Brit Aabakken Peterson*
Alex Platou
Carl and Donna Platou
Espen Platou
Ian Platou
Solveig and Steve Pollei
Ken and Ruth Procter
Janet Blohm Pultz and Vaughan M. Pultz
Martin W. Reinhart*
Barbara and Alan Rennie
Judy Ritger
Georgia and Finn Roed*
Wayne A. Rohne
Lora Rosenbaum
Jerry Rosholt*
Robert and Lucille Rosholt*
Dag* & Sharon Rossman
Brynhild C. Rowberg*
Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Minneapolis
Royal Norwegian Embassy
Eleanor Rud*
Marion Rude
Uwe Rudolf and Ruth Caldwell
William O. Running*
Ruth Rupp*
Beverly J. Saboe
Lyle and Lucille Sacquitne*
Kevin and Leslie Sand
Bonnie Sauey
Helen and Edmund Scherer
Kathleen Bergan Schmidt
Neil and Ruth Schraeder
Lorie Reins Schweer
Anonymous
Selmer Corporation
Anonymous*
Silos and Smokestacks
Gerald R. Sime*
Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Skaugstad*
W. David and Kaaren T. Slawson
Dianne Enger Snell
Mrs. Lloyd H. Snively*
Barbara Solberg*
Else M. Solberg
Narvel A.* and Marilyn Dahlen Somdahl
Sons of Norway Foundation
Dennis R. Sorheim*
Lois Stangeland
Stanley Engineered Fastening
Sonja and Brian Stauffacher
Janice Stewart*
Kathleen M. Stokker
Gilman M. and Helen C. Storlie*
Lowell and Debra Stortz
Henry Strong*
Robert and Frances Sundt*
Lynn and David Susag, Jr.
Kathleen Orea Sweeney*
Lucile G. Swenson*
Arnold and Marian Thompson*
John W. Thompson and Jane A. Bartell Charitable Foundation
Jack Thompson*
Renee Thoreson
Ronald Toebaas*
Donald A. and Virginia Tollefson*
Henrietta P. Torgerson*
Sons of Norway – Trollheim Lodge 6-110
James and Nancy Ulring
Ingeborg L. Ulvestad*
Vanberia International Gifts LLC
Verdandi Lodge No. 3, I.O.S.
Dean and Carol* Vigeland
Joann Voltmer
Steve and Diane Wagner
Walmart
Mr. and Mrs. William K. Wangensteen
Boyd Wasson
Craig and LeAnn Watson
James and Caroline Weis*
Robert and Lois Wellvang*
Dr. Lorraine Westerberg*
Patricia T. White
Vincent and Verla D. Williams
Winneshiek County
Winneshiek County Development & Tourism
Thomas A. Woods, Ph.D., Making Sense of Place, Inc.
Sue P. Wrolstad*
Signe Wrolstad-Forbes and Casey Forbes
* deceased
Vennskap Annual Fund Giving Society
Vennskap
, Norwegian for “friendship,” is a giving society at Vesterheim that recognizes those who have generously given to the Vesterheim Annual Fund throughout the year.
The Vesterheim Annual Fund is the lifeblood of Vesterheim and the work that takes place each and every day to fulfill our mission. It is with deep appreciation that we recognize the following donors – our dear friends – whose gifts to the Vesterheim Annual Fund totaled $1,000 or more from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Vennskap, which was established in 2021, solely recognizes and celebrates unrestricted gifts of cash and securities to the Vesterheim Annual Fund. Gifts-in-kind, campaign gifts, membership gifts, and endowment gifts are not counted toward Vennskap Society totals. Donors in Vennskap are recognized annually on our website, as well as during other special appreciation opportunities.
Monthly giving is a great way to be part of Vennskap each year. With a monthly gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund of just $84, you will earn a place in the Vennskap Society!
View Full List of Vennskap Society Donors for 2025 Giving
Jana Agrey
James and Kathleen Almelien
Robert and Evy Alsaker
Daniel Alsaker
Frederick Ambli
Paul C. Aspinwall
Katherine Høyland Barnett
Kristin and Karl Bennett
Alice Berning
Carol Birkland and Tom Woxland
Emily Bodensteiner
Mary Jo Boman
Greg and Becky Boman
Jane Borelli
Gary and L. Ann Bormes
Michael Bovre
Marvin Bruha
Dr. James A. Bullard
Wilfred Bunge
Jerita and Matthew Burreson
Christine Tuve Burris and Dr. James Burris
Veronna and John Capone
Brenda and David Carlson
William and Yvonne Cary
Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Kristina Clark
Jansen and Kimberly Dahl
Carole Daughton
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
Decorah Bank & Trust
Darcy J. Lenzgrinden Dye
Craig and Rebecca Ellis
Rebecca Engrav
Joyce and Edgar Epperly
Kristine and Michael Erb
Lindsay and Karla Erdman
The Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Kristine Erickson
Gerald and Deanna Erickson
Evonne Erickson
Peter and Kari Espinosa
Janet Figg
Lois Fleming
Ella Ager Fossum
Karen L. Fretheim
James and Rita Friest
Bruce Gjovig
Carole and Steve Goodale
Dale and Susan Goodman
Raymond and Marian Gritche
George and Joann Hagen
Kenneth and Barbara Hall
Newman T. Halvorson, Jr.
Robert Owen Hanson
Louise and Walter Hanson
Jon and Mary Hart
Gerald and Sally Haugen
Merlin Helstad and Ann McLaren Helstad
Richard and Joann M. Harr Hemp
Dayton and Amy Henderson
Pamala Henjum and Wendell Mendell
Barbara and Dale Henning
Karen and Lynn Herche
Randall Hicks
Dana Himes and James Davis
Stephanie Hoff
Charis and Terry Hovden
Joseph Jenus Jr.
John W. Thompson & Jane A. Bartell Charitable Foundation
Paul Johnsen
Chris and Bonnie Johnson
Carole Johnson
Rhonda and Kenneth Kekke
Jane Kemp
Tina C. Keune
Mary B. Klimesh
Thomas and Kathy Kromroy
Karen Kuhlman
David Kundert
Severt and Mary Kvamme
Mary Jane and Robert Lake
Paul and Dianne Larson
David and Julie Larson
Lois Leidahl-Marsh
Leif Lomo
Joan Losen
Petra Luke
Barbara Lund
Frode Maaseidvaag
Marilynn Amdal Madden
Madison Torskeklubben Foundation, Inc.
Ragnar Meyer-Knutsen
Kirk and Renee Mies
Charles and Susan Mies
Heather and Casey Miller
Louise Moe
Sharon and Erin Moore
Sylvia Munsen
Sandra Simerson Nelson
Shirley Ness
Anna and Russell Norris
Craig and Karen Northrup
Neal Nottleson
Terje Østby
Karen Owen-Tuzcu
Elizabeth Platou
Carl and Donna Platou
Kathryn and Carl Proescholdt
Randy and Lisa Ramlo
Richard Rhode
Lora Rosenbaum
Sharon Rossman
Brian and Karen Rude
Ole Ryan
Beverly J. Saboe
Frederick and Dianne Schjolberg
Michael and Diane Schmidt
Ruth and Randy Schultz
Kate and Paul Scott
Rebecca and Robert Shaw
John and Linda Simpson
Marilyn Dahlen Somdahl
Sons of Norway – Noreg Lodge 3-466
Sons of Norway – Wergeland Lodge 2-21
Ruth Sorenson
Lois Stangeland
Stephen Stenstrom and Donna Mueller
Judy and Gary Stinar
Muriel Stone
Dawn Svenson Holland and Josh Holland
Gary Antoniewicz and Martha Hougen Taylor
Carol Thompson
John Thompson and Jane Bartell
Edith and Roland Thorstensson
Tomson Family Foundation Trust
O. Jay and Patricia Tomson
Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman
Ann and Scott Ulring
Harold and Pamela Ulvestad
Monica Van Kirk
Viking State Bank & Trust
Joe and Sue Van Wassenhove
Wicks Construction, Inc.
Winneshiek County Development & Tourism
Mike Voltmer
Joann Voltmer
Diane and Steve Wagner
James Weis
William and Kathi Wild
James Wilson and Pamela Toler
Signe Wrolstad-Forbes and J. Casey Forbes Jr