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 to our Community

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 dwagner@vesterheim.org to talk about your ideas.

Events Across the Country

Vesterheim thanks all of the people who have hosted so many fantastic Vesterheim events around the country! From dinners and dances for hundreds of guests to dessert for small groups in a private backyard, those who appreciate Norwegian art and heritage come together to enjoy each other’s company and share their enthusiasm for Vesterheim.

Check our program calendar for events.

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 dwagner@vesterheim.org 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 jhale@vesterheim.org 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.

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.

The Vesterheim Annual Fund provides the infrastructure to allow us to serve our four most fundamental values, that we be welcoming, good stewards, authentic, and have integrity in everything we do. Additionally, Annual Fund covers critical behind-the-scenes expenses. Here are just a few annual fund projects in recent years:

  • Reshingling the steeple of Bethania church
  • Paint for Dayton House and the façade of the Cary building
  • Annual whitewashing of historic structures
  • Newly created artifact labels in textiles exhibition
  • Repairs to the roof of the Jacobson farm
  • After school programs for woodworking and textiles
  • Equipment purchases for staff and volunteers, like a laptop for the membership team to use to help at events
  • Humidity monitors in the galleries and collections storage areas
  • Work/study students and seasonal interns to support facilities
    upkeep, membership renewals, and exhibition construction
  • Administrative costs to loan objects to 26 institutions nationally

Volunteer at Vesterheim

Learn More

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!

Membership

There is no better way to connect to our community than through the Vesterheim membership program.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

Easy ways to make your donation go further

  • Automated Montly Giving An automated monthly donation provides a hassle-free way for donors like you to contribute to the Vesterheim Annual Fund. Your donation goes further because you help to reduce administrative, postage, and paper costs – meaning more of your donation goes directly to Vesterheim. You can sign up for monthly giving to Vesterheim Annual Fund online at “Make a Gift Now” on this webpage above, or by filling out this form and mailing it to Vesterheim, Donor Relations, P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA 5201.
  • 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.

Learn More

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 +)

Greg and Becky Boman
Mary J. and Gerald* Boman
Janet and Robert Coe
John J. Hanson
John V. and Carolyn Hanson
Joan Hrachovina Estate
Dan F. and Bonnie J. Huebner*
Trygve Lønnebotn*
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies

GOLD ($500,000 - $999,000)

J. Harry and Josefa Andersen*
Owen Bekkum*
Donna Danielson*
Decorah Bank & Trust Co.
Charles Gulbransen*
James A. and Elaine Halls*
John K. & Luise V. Hanson Foundation
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Marion and Lila Nelson*
Ruth Wamstad* Estate
Barbara M. Westby*
Luther College
The Government and People of Norway

SILVER ($100,000 - $499,000)

Dan Alsaker
Evy and Robert A. Alsaker
Kenn R. Barry*
Gertrude H. Berg*
Katherine S. Bilodeau* and Elizabeth Gallanis* 
Duane and Eileen Bruening*
Bryant Foundation
Veronna and John Capone
Brenda and David Carlson
Sallie Haugen DeReus
Amanda F. Duff*
Mary Embertson*
Clayton Engen*
Lowell and Audrey Erdman*
Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Evelyn Evenson*
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
Harriet M. Hustvedt*
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Janice M. Jacobson*
John A. Johnson Foundation
Dorothy and Wayne* Johnson
Ruth Christine Johnson*
Jane and Don* Kemp
Russell* and Ingrid Keune
Anonymous
Mary Jane and Robert Lake
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. Nordby*
Nordic Brunch
Neal and Gerry Nottleson*
H. Signe Ostby and Scott Cook
Paul Gilbert Schee* Estate
Ham and Suzanne Peterson
Anna Rosendahl*
Jeff and Marilyn Roverud
Rydell-Mortenson Charitable Foundation
Michael and Diane Schmidt
Anonymous*
Ruth and Arne* Sorenson
Harold Segelstad
State Historical Society of Iowa Grants Office
Sundet Foundation
Louise and Leland Sundet
Helen (Molly) Sverdrup*
John W. Thompson
Thrivent – formerly Lutheran Brotherhood
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
Anonymous, Miscellaneous
Jack and Ellie Anundsen*
A.N. and Eldrid Arntzen*
Arts Midwest, Inc
Helen Basler
Bernice Rise Trust
Gladys Bertsch
BMO
Eileen Borchers*
Borgen Family Foundation
Keith and Amy Bruening
Christine Tuve Burris and James F. Burris
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*
Philip* and Audrey Dybdahl
Joseph and Ione Ellis*
Orton L. Enstad*
Joyce and Edgar Epperly
Lindsay and Karla Erdman
Eugene J. Nordby and Olive M. Nordby Foundation
Featherlite Trailers
Janet B. Figg
Ella Ager Fossum
Fred Carlson Company, Inc.
G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
Helen Garnaas*
William N. & Dona Georgeson*
Robert M. Granum*
GreenPoint Bank
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
Hal A. and Patricia G. Hetland
Dawn Svenson Holland and Josh Holland
Ron E. Hovda
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* Estate
Lorin H. Klemesrud*
Larry and Gail Larson
Joan Losen
Madison Friends of Vesterheim
Kate M. Martinson
Carl McConeghey*
McGough Construction
Kirk and Renee Mies
Casey and Heather Miller
David and Linda Brekke Mona
Milma Naeseth*
National Museum of Decorative Painting
Irene and Harry Navarre*
Glenn Nelson*
Olive Nordby*
Mary Ann Olsen*
Karen Owen-Tuzcu
Sonja L. Perkins
Sonja Peterson
Elizabeth Platou
Pratt – Paul D. Pratt & Marguerite Olson Pratt Fund
Kate Rattenborg Scott
Janice W. Relf*
Rochester Friends of Vesterheim
Lee* and David Rokke
Nick and Courtney Rowley
Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
Brian and Karen Rude
Walt* and Amelia Rugland
T. Eileen Russell*
Robert and Elizabeth Sande*
W.R. and Floy Sauey*
Charlene and Gil* Schjeldahl
Ruth and Randy Schultz
Peter Shields and Ace Werner
John Simpson and Linda (Nelson) Simpson
Philip C. Smaby*
Ingebor Husby Smith*
Sons of Norway – Noreg Lodge 3-466
Sons of Norway, Valdres Lodge #1-503
Dr. Robert F. Spier*
Hazel T. Stoeckeler
C. Peter Strong*
Thompson Investment Management
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Daniel and Mary Ann Thurmer
Tollef Sanderson*
Violette I. Twedt*
Ella Valborg Tweet*
Viking
Viking State Bank & Trust
Mrs. G. H. Westby*
Wicks Construction, Inc.
William and Kathi Wild
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*
AbbVie
Jana Agrey
Aid Association for Lutherans
Richard and Barbara Amundson
American Car Club of Norway
Alan Anderson
Nancy E. Anderson*
David and Candace Arp
Russell and Jean Ashbaugh, Jr.*
Phyllis A. Askildsen*
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company
Augsburg Publishing House
Ray Aune*
Joan M. Barager* Estate
Helen Bruening Barbier
Dennis and Doris Barnaal
Marie Kleppe Barness*
Gordon G. and Barbara L. Bauman
Peggy Beatty
Naomi Bekkum*
Kristin and Karl Bennett
Carol Birlkand and Tom Woxland
Margaret C. Bisberg
Arley and Beverly Bjella*
John and Jackie Bjoin*
Joan Liffring-Zug and Dwayne Bourret
Michael J. Bovre
Mette and Ed Bowen
Brekke Tours and Travel
Kenneth M. and Eleanor A. Brown*
Greg and Karen Bruening
Bruening Rock Products, Inc.
Dr. James Bullard
Wilfred Bunge
Dr. Joseph* and Ingrid Callaghan
Curtis L. Carlson*
Dr.* and Mrs. Harley Carlson
Helen Carlson*
William and Yvonne Cary
Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Naomi S. Craft
Paul and Lois* Christenson
Birgitte and John Christianson
City of Decorah
Peter Coffeen
Jane and John Connett
Ruth Hanold Crane and Douglas A. Crane
Kurt K. Croell and Croell
Karlyn Nordgaard Cross*
Clifford I. Cummings*
Mike and Pat Dahly
David and Linda Mona Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Deco Products
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
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*
Richard M. and Nancy L. Enstad
Erdman Engineering, P.C.
Kristine and Michael Erb
Norman E. Erickson*
Gerald and Deanna Erickson
James and Joy Erickson
Kristine S. Erickson
Ernest M. Espelie*
Peter and Kari Espinosa
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
Francis and Geneice Gaasedelen*
Gary and Miriam Gandrud
General Mills Foundation Gift Matching Program
Dean* and Ann Gesme
Dr. & Mrs. Dean Gesme, Jr.
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
Anonymous
Gunnar and Elizabeth Gundersen*
Lawrence R. Hafstad*
Newman T. Halvorson, Sr.*
Rebecca S. Hanna
Shirley Hansen* Estate
Karl N. Hanson
Minnard H. Hanson*
Karyne and C. Blaine* Harstad
Carol and Paul* Hasvold
Mr. and Mrs. Roe H. Hatlen
Lawrence O. and Lois Hauge*
Eva Haugen*
Kirsten Roverud Heine and David Heine
Mr. and Mrs. Orrin L. Helstad*
Darrell Henning and Terry Sparkes
Karen and Lynn Herche
Randall Hicks
Ann Highum and Gerald Freund
David and Cynthia Hill
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-Motel tax
Hotel Winneshiek
Robert and Arlene Houlihan*
Charis and Terry Hovden
Carrie Hovland*
Stanley* and Helen Howe
David and Carol Hoyem
Gertrude Husby*
Joseph and Mary Husby*
Pearl Husby*
IBM Corporation
Connie Jacobson*
Jerry and Jo Sonja Jansen
Jay L. and Sandra O. Jensen
John W Kurtich Foundation
Paul Johnsen
Chris and Bonnie Johnson
Inga Doris Johnson*
Ruby A. Johnson*
Jill Lendu Johnson and Joel Chapiewsky
Martin and Ruth* Johnson
Steve and Barbara Johnson
Rita and Roy Jorgensen
Ione N. Kadden*
Ellen Kerbs
Esther Kittelson*
Iva Kjerland*
Heyn and Sandy Kjerulf
Mary Klimesh
Knut Utstein Kloster*
Mrs. Lewis Kranick*
Earl Kruse*
Theodora H. Kubly*
Karen Kuhlman
Severt and Mary Kvamme
Gayle Kvenvold and Charles Gould
Mrs. Nordis Landsverk*
Paul and Dianne Larson
Merlin and Margaret Lee*
Dorothy and Maurice Leon*
Phyllis Leseth*
Joan M. Leuenberger
Barbara and Clark Lewey
Martha Y. and James W.* 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*
Mr. and Mrs. William O. Lyders
Lynn Bolstad Jordan Trust
Magnhild and George Madsen
Dennis Magnuson
Daniel and Ann Mansfield
James and Susan Matson
McGraw-Hill Companies Foundation
Elsie Melby*
Meredith Corporation Foundation
Clifford M. Miller
Esther R. Miller*
Corey and Suzanne Mineck
Mobil Foundation Inc.
Grace O. Molloy*
Peder and Jeanne Moren
Nancy and Fred Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mork*
Alida Motland*
Michael K. Musgrave
David L. and Ann Nelson
Harland and Corinne* Nelson
John and Arlene Nelson
Marlin P. Nelson
Melany S. Newby*
Bradley and Laura Nichols
Elsie Ardis H. Norlander*
Norwegian Mutual Insurance Association
Frieda* and Ronald Nowland
Nuveen Investments
Sharon B. O’Hara*
James R.* and Marilyn Olin
Alfred D. and LaDelle Olson*
Connie Osmundson*
Terje Ostby
Barbara and Osmund* Overby
Sherman Oyen*
Helga Lund Parsons*
George J. Pedersen
Brit Aabakken Peterson*
Carl and Donna Platou Family
Anonymous
Janet Blohm Pultz and Vaughan M. Pultz
Martin W. Reinhart
Lorie Reins Schweer
Barbara and Alan Rennie
Georgia and Finn Roed
Wayne A. Rohne
Lora Rosenbaum
Jerry Rosholt*
Robert and Lucille Rosholt*
Dag* and Sharon Rossman
Brynhild C. Rowberg*
Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Minneapolis
Eleanor Rud*
Marion Rude
William O. Running*
Ruth Rupp*
Beverly J. Saboe
Lyle and Lucille Sacquitne*
Helen and Edmund Scherer
Kathleen Bergan Schmidt
Neil and Ruth Schraeder
Anonymous
Selmer Corporation
Rebecca and Robert Shaw
Julia Shima*
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
Sons of Norway, Concordia Lodge #6-070
Dennis R. Sorheim*
Stanley Engineered Fastening
Janice Stewart*
Kathleen M. Stokker
Muriel B. Stone
Gilman M. and Helen C. Storlie*
Lowell and Debra Stortz
Henry Strong*
Robert and Frances* Sundt
Anonymous
Lucile G. Swenson*
The John R. Cross Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation
Thomas A. Woods, Ph.D., Making Sense of Place, Inc.
Arnold and Marian Thompson
Jack Thompson*
Donald A. and Virginia Tollefson*
Henrietta P. Torgerson*
Trollheim Building Corporation
James and Nancy Ulring
Ingeborg L. Ulvestad*
Vanberia International Gifts LLC
Verdandi Lodge No. 3, I.O.S.
Dean and Carol Vigeland
Voltmer Electric
Joann Voltmer
Steve and Diane Wagner
Walmart
Mr. and Mrs. William K. Wangensteen
Boyd Wasson
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
Susan D. Woodhall
Sue P. Wrolstad
Signe Wrolstad-Forbes and Casey Forbes

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, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

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 2024 Giving

Jana Agrey
James and Kathleen Almelien
Robert and Evy Alsaker
Daniel Alsaker
Frederick Ambli
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin R. Anderson
Anonymous
Gary Antoniewicz and Martha Hougen Taylor
Paul C. Aspinwall
Katherine Høyland Barnett
Peggy Beatty
Richard and Rebecca Beem
Kristin and Karl Bennett
Carol F. Bentsen
Carol Birkland and Tom Woxland
David Bjoraker
Blue Heron Knittery
Mary Jo Boman
Jane Borelli
Dr. James A. Bullard
Wilfred Bunge
Veronna and John Capone
William and Yvonne Cary
Julie and Paul Cochran
James D. Costello
Jansen and Kimberly Dahl
Peter Dahlen and Mary Carlsen
Jean De Ridder
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
Decorah Bank & Trust
Darcy J. Lenzgrinden Dye
Judith and Stewart Easterby
Dave and Carol Elfstrand
Rebecca Engrav
Joyce and Edgar Epperly
Kristine and Michael Erb
Lindsay and Karla Erdman
Evonne B. Erickson
Gerald and Deanna Erickson
Kristine S. Erickson
Michele and Logan Esposito
Carole and Loren Evenrud
Janet B. Figg
Ella Ager Fossum
Karen L. Fretheim
Susan Frey
Jim and Rita Friest
Dean Gipp
Bruce Gjovig
David and Janet Gross
George and Joann Hagen
Newman T. Halvorson, Jr.
Marilyn H. Hansen
Louise and Walter Hanson
Karl N. Hanson, MD
Jon and Mary Hart
Elaine E. Hasleton
Karen Hegtvedt
Merlin Helstad and Ann McLaren Helstad
Pamala Henjum and Wendell Mendell
Barbara and Dale Henning
Sarah Henning Iversen and Philip Iversen
Karen and Lynn Herche
The Hermes Foundation
Dana Himes and James Davis
Robert M. Holter
Charis and Terry Hovden
Michael Hovland and Nancy Jones
Jerry and Jo Sonja Jansen
Paul Johnsen and Janet Jackson

Chris and Bonnie Johnson
Rhonda and Kenneth Kekke
Jane Kemp
Tina C. Keune
Mary B. Klimesh
Karen Kuhlman
David Kundert
Gayle Kvenvold and Charles Gould
Mary Jane and Robert Lake
Gail and Larry Larson
Dr. and Mrs. David E. Larson
Paul and Dianne Larson
Lora Lee
Fred and Nancy Lee
Lois Leidahl-Marsh
Joan Losen
Susan and George Louthain
Petra Luke
Frode Maaseidvaag
Perry McGowan and Sheila Smith
Kirk and Renee Mies
Charles and Susan Mies
Heather and Casey Miller
Onita Mohr
Sharon and Erin Moore
Sylvia Munsen
Ruth Murphy and John Murphy Jr.
Bradley and Laura Nichols
Eric J. Nilson
Dr. Eugene J. Nordby
Dr. Jon and Kim Nordby
Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust
Craig and Karen Northrup
Neal and Gerry Nottleson
Oneota Community Food Co-op
Terje Østby
Ruth and Lynn Paulson
Hamlet and Suzanne Peterson
Elizabeth Platou
Paul D. Pratt & Marguerite Olson Pratt Fund
Charlotte Pratt Nordstrom and Henrik Nordstrom
Kate Rattenborg Scott and Paul Scott
Lorie Reins Schweer
Richard H. Rhode
Lora Rosenbaum
Jeff and Marilyn Roverud
Brian and Karen Rude
Marion Rude
Amelia Rugland
Beverly J. Saboe
Frederick and Dianne Schjolberg
Kathleen Bergan Schmidt
Ruth and Randy Schultz
Gary and Nanci Smaby
Stuart and Julie Smith
Marilyn Dahlen Somdahl
Sons of Norway – Noreg Lodge 3-466
Sons of Norway – Valdres Lodge 1-503
Sons of Norway – Wergeland Lodge 2-21
Marilyn Sorensen
Ruth Sorenson
Kris Spazafumo
Lois Stangeland
Stephen Stenstrom and Donna Mueller
Judy and Gary Stinar
Muriel B. Stone
David and Lynn Susag
Dawn Svenson Holland and Josh Holland
Darlene Swenson
Symra Literary Society
Carol Thompson
Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman
Monica Van Kirk
Viking State Bank & Trust
Voltmer Electric, Inc
Diane and Steve Wagner
James Weis
William and Kathi Wild
Winneshiek County Development & Tourism
Signe Wrolstad-Forbes and Casey Forbes