JOTTINGS A publication of the Danish American Archive and Library May – Dec. 2017 Identity and Community in the New World: The Genealogy of the Bondo Family By Timothy A. Jensen, PhD

A new archival collection, quite unlike anything that the DAAL has seen before, now graces its shelves. It consists of thirty-eight large three-ring binders covering five shelves. These volumes are a genealogist’s dream, tracing the identities, the histories, and the relationships of the Bondo family in Denmark and the USA from the 14th century right up to the present. At the center of this genealogical encyclopedia is Elaine Hoyer. Over the past decades she has compiled, organized, and annotated information about the extended Bondo family. Since she herself is a Bondo and since it is curiosity about her own lineage that led her to this task, she stands at the center of the collection. One of the notebooks contains a document listing every person mentioned in this collection and describing their relationship to Elaine. Even in- laws are included. Thus, the inventory includes references such as “husband of the 2nd cousin once removed.” She began gathering information in 1978 in preparation for one of the Bondo family’s periodic reunions. Her work continues even today, although the emphasis now is on adding birth and death dates to existing records. From another perspective the central narrative of this collection is expressed in the lives of Laurits Christian “L.C.” Fog Bondo and Karen “Carrie” Henriksen Bondo. Their lives stand at the threshold between Denmark and the U.S., marking the end of one phase in the Bondo story and the beginning of another. In page after page there are genealogical charts and supporting documentation for L.C.’s Elaine Hoyer of Blair, Nebraska, shows just part of her Danish ancestors. Most of them lived decades-long effort at collecting Bondo family history. and died in and around the small city of Svendborg. They tended to be merchants, government employees, and, occasionally, clergy. L.C. and Carrie had ten children—five girls and five boys. Three of the boys, Henry, Willie and Sherman, became Lutheran ministers. For L.C. and his seven siblings this pattern broke down in the middle of the 19th century, a time when Denmark was struggling with rapid change from absolute monarchy to liberal democracy. Some siblings moved to other places in Denmark, but L.C. and his brother Oluf Christian Simon took the larger step of immigrating to the U.S., settling initially in New York state and eventually moving to Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Not long thereafter Poul Bondo (nephew of L.C. and Oluf and son of Caspar Vilhelm Bondo) immigrated to the Pacific northwest. Oluf became a businessman in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and married a woman from Wales. This genealogical thread soon disappeared from the Bondo genealogy. The same is true for Poul and his descendants. For L.C., Carrie, and their descendants, however, the story was just beginning. L.C. found work in Pottawattamie County as a hired hand for a prospering Danish American farmer, while at the same time Carrie Henriksen, a recent immigrant from northern Jutland, also found work there. The result was prophetic. L.C. and Carrie married, bought a little land and became farmers in The collection contains their own right. L.C., it seems, had long dreamed of becoming a farmer, a yearning that may have booklets such as this one been his primary motivation for coming to America. In Denmark he had attended the University of about Ellen Bondo. Copenhagen for two years as a possible prelude to becoming a pastor, but that had not satisfied him. L.C. had also studied at an agricultural school in Denmark, so his plans to become a farmer were not as quixotic as they might have seemed. Carrie had her own remarkable story of coming to America. When her widowed mother and other members of her family converted to Mormonism and made plans to immigrate to Utah (a common experience in late 19th century Denmark), Carrie and her brother refused to accompany them. Six years later she was able to accompany other immigrants to the U.S., where ultimately she found her way to Pottawattamie County and to her future husband. Her adventures are recounted in a booklet entitled “Karen: A Forsaken Little Girl” that is among the many supporting documents that Elaine has located and included. In America Carrie and L.C. were able to make that dream come true. Their prosperity as Iowa farmers became the stuff of legend, but it did not come quickly or easily. For their first Christmas together they could not afford a tree, so they had to be content with a

(Continued on Page 8) From the dana room

Victor Borge and Dana College, Part 1 by Ann (Harms) George

[This article, with a few minor changes, is reprinted from the Winter 2009 Dana Review, the college's alumni magazine.]

Victor Borge had played two benefit concerts for Dana College -- in 1976 and 1989 -- when President Myrvin Christopherson, his wife, Anne, special projects coordinator, and Phil Pagel, vice president for institutional advancement, visited him, in 1993, at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut. At the end of Borge’s 1989 performance, Christopherson had named him a “Great Dane of Dana College,” a designation that honored the achievements and contributions of distinguished Danes and Danish-Americans. Instead of a plaque, recipients were given a replica of a Viking helmet – and Borge immediately put his on. He was in his music room rehearsing for a concert in his native Denmark when the Dana visitors arrived, and he greeted them at his grand piano wearing the helmet. When Christopherson said they were honored that he would wear it especially for them, Borge replied, “I never practice without it.” The three had a gift for Borge, a painting titled “Rescue of the Danish Jews,” by Dana art professor Milt Heinrich.* He’d painted it after attending a conference with the same name held at Dana in 1990. “Borge was genuinely pleased to accept the painting and said it would be given a place of prominence in his study,” Pagel recalled. He described the visit that followed as “one of the most enjoyable hours of my life -- we had a ball.” This warm relationship, which included a shared Danish heritage, had developed over more than two decades. When Pagel was director of public relations (his first position at Dana), he proposed that the college give honorary doctor of music degrees to this country’s best-known “Great Danes,” Borge and heroic tenor Lauritz Melchior, with the stipulation that they visit the campus to receive them. In 1968 the faculty and regents approved the degrees for both men, and Melchior, who was retired, received his honorary doctorate that spring at Commencement. With Borge it took longer. Although he was receptive when Pagel wrote to him, he had a full performance schedule, and finding a time for a campus visit was difficult. Years of letters and contact “by whatever means I could,” followed, Pagel said. This poster was used to publicize Borge’s 1976 Then in 1975 Borge called him at home, saying he’d just arrived in Des Dana College concert. Moines, Iowa, for a concert. He invited Pagel to see the show as his guest and to have a late supper with him afterwards to talk about the possibility of a Dana appearance. “Naturally, I went,” Pagel said. More phone calls and letters followed this meeting, and they agreed on a date in the fall of 1976 -- Sunday, October 17, a Homecoming weekend -- when Borge would receive an honorary doctorate and give a benefit concert, with the proceeds used to establish the Victor Borge Scholarship Fund. Scholarships from this fund would assist Danish students wanting to study at Dana, Dana students wanting to study in Denmark, and students who demonstrated special abilities and/or financial need. A large audience, estimated at 3,000, attended the concert, which Borge called “Something Special for Dana,” in the college’s Borup Coliseum. “The thing that struck me about that first appearance here was Borge’s genuine interest in Dana and what kind of work we were doing,” Pagel said, “and he gladly attended a luncheon in the Presidents Room for the regents, administration and faculty senate.” His introduction to Dana also included a performance by the college’s Folk Dancers in traditional Danish costumes, a campus tour with then President Earl Mezoff, and a visit to the library and its Danish Heritage Room. After this concert, Pagel related, “our relationship continued and became more personal; we exchanged letters and greetings, he called occasionally when on tour in this area, and in every way kept the door open for future possibilities.” (To be continued in the next issue of Jottings.)

*Because Borge was Jewish and because, as a young performer in Denmark, he directed satirical barbs at Hitler and the Nazis, he was threatened by members of a local Nazi organization. Although he was frightened, in a defiant response he worked up and performed even more anti-Nazi sketches. In 1940 he was performing in Sweden when Germany invaded Denmark, and he escaped to the U.S. from Finland on the last passenger ship to leave northern Europe during World War II.

Sandra Wigdahl, Editor and Writer Jill Hennick, Executive Director John W. Nielsen, Executive Director Emeritus 1738 Washington Street, Blair, Nebraska 68008 Telephone: (402) 426-7910 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: 8am-3 pm, Monday-Friday Page 2 ARCHIVE REPORT May—December 2017 VOLUNTEERS: 4,191 hours by 56 volunteers from Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio and Texas. VISITORS: 267 visitors from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Denmark, France and Germany. USERS: 72 users from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Denmark, Germany, Uganda and email.

ACQUISITIONS Materials: Muriel Johnson (Littleton, CO) Margret Christoffersen The following are the donations of Lori Jones (Texarkana, TX) Elaine Hoyer (Blair, NE) materials we have received from May Richard & Delores Jorgensen (Poy Sippi, WI) Raymond & Carole (Madsen) Dickinson through December. The Archive Richard & Pat Jorgensen (Blair, NE) Lowell & Sue Madsen (Fresno, CA) could not continue to document the Avis Jorgenson (Tucson, AZ) Nina Engskow history of Danish Americans without Sandra Josephson (Omaha, NE) Eugene Gnuse (Arlington, NE) these wonderful materials including complete family collections, photos, Lois Kemble (Lincoln, NE) Ruth Falksen books, periodicals, music and Lores Klingbeil (Albuquerque, NM) Bernard Falksen (Ellendale, MN) obituaries. We appreciate your Marty & Linda Koefoed (Missouri Valley, IA) Elwin Farwell financial donations to support the Bob & Joan Krogh (Blair, NE) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) processing and storage of your Karen Kreutzian LaCroix (Omaha, NE) Ben Fischer materials. Lynn Langenfeld (Monticello, WI) Pat Bentsen (Blair, NE) Fran & Allan Anderson (Omaha, NE) Ezra Larsen (Boulder, CO) Becky Gnuse Vicki Barr (Ft. Calhoun, NE) Nancy B. Larsen (Milwaukee, WI) Eugene Gnuse (Arlington, NE) Ginny Beck (Colorado Springs, CO) Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) Clifford K. & A. Veola Hansen Cheri Begin (Arvada, CO) Edgar Madsen (Princeton, NJ) James & Annette Brown (Mishicot, WI) Erna Berthelsen (Albert Lea, MN) Linda Madsen (Billings, MT) Ed Hansen Ann Boos (Washington, DC) Margaret & Frank Madsen (Orcutt, CA) Ruth Miller (Richfield, MN) Lois Bornemeier (Waukesha, WI) Michele McNabb (Des Moines, IA) Shirley Hansen Lois Carter (Blanchard, LA) Museum of Danish America (Elk Horn, IA) Michael & Susan Barnard (Shelton, WA) Nikolaj Christensen (Boulder, CO) Susie Meyer (Blair, NE) Richard & Karen Herreid (Austin, MN) Vaughn Christensen (Blair, NE) Linda Karen Miller (Henderson, NV) Arne & Meryl Jessen (Woodbury, MN) Danish American Historical Society of California Norma Nabity (Omaha, NE) Lee Anne & Eugene Lack (Montrose, MN) (Fresno, CA) David & Julie Neve (Des Moines, IA) Ann Lee (Minneapolis, MN) Danish Federation (Gloucester, ON) Lois Neve & Reza Andish (Minneapolis, MN) Ruth Miller (Richfield, MN) Ellen Ellick (House Springs, MO) Mary Theresa Neve (Austin, TX) Steve & Susan Schwarten (Stanchfield, MN) Lois Eagleton (Eugene, OR) Muriel Neve (Blair, NE) Doris Hanson Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (Solvang, CA) John Mark & Dawn Nielsen (Blair, NE) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Fern Faaborg (Ankeny, IA) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Dean Henricksen Dean Finke (Bennington, NE) Ron Nielsen (White Bear Lake, MN) Kathryn L. Henricksen (Parkville, MO) Sherry Forrest (Omaha, NE) Agnes Paulsen (Tucson, AZ) Marie Hofman Norman Freund (Fremont, NE) Jon & Sonya Pedersen (Homer Glen, IL) Pat Bentsen (Blair, NE) Grace & Rob Gee (St Anthony, MN) Owen Picton (Blair, NE) Phyllis Jensen Hunter Eric George (Blair, NE) Sharon Rozanski (Omaha, NE) Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Chris Glintborg (Elgin, IL) Eleanor Schou (Albert Lea, MN) Dorthea Sorensen Jensen Esther Grindberg (Circle Pines, MN) David Shayne (Chicago, IL) Christie Gehringer (Omaha, NE) Mark and Caryl Grorud (Fremont, NE) Larrie Stone (Ames, IA) Earl S. Jensen Anne-Mette Hansell (Drexel Hill, PA) Martha Stone (Boston, MA) Christie Gehringer (Omaha, NE) Karen Hansen (Omaha, NE) Finn Thomsen (Aalborg, DK) Ada Jeppesen Paul Hansen (email) Peter H. Tveskov (Branford, CT) Erna Berthelsen (Albert Lea, MN) Verlan & Helga Hanson (Blair, NE) Jane Nielsen Wilson (Farragutt, IA) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Duey Heffelfinger (Blair, NE) Memorials Bernard Falksen (Ellendale, MN) Marcia Hennick (Rincon, GA) A.M. Andersen Michael & Jill Hennick (Blair, NE) Arvin Hernes (Blair, NE) Mike & Karen Brodie (Richardson, TX) Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Lori Hilgenkamp (Arlington, NE) Clarice Andersen Elaine Hoyer (Blair, NE) Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Lorene Andersen (Bennington, NE) Patti Nielsen (Blair, NE) Elaine Hoyer (Blair, NE) Herbert Anderson Carol Jorgensen Paul & Jean Hundtoft (Blair, NE 68008) Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) Herb Jorgensen (Green Lake, WI) Allen E. Hye (Spring Valley OH) Ted Bansen on his 52nd birthday Leo Kirchhoff Joy Ibsen (Ontonagon, MI) Lloyd & Ann Bansen (Yamhill, OR) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) May Jackson (Rochester Hills, MI) Celia Ann Buksas Duane & Dixie Petersen (Wichita, KS) Joy Jacobsen (Aurora, NE) Pat Bentsen (Blair, NE) Donna Rector (Norfolk, NE) Geraldine Jasan (Northfield, MN) Dave Carlsen Bee Krantz Jane Jensen (Plainview, NE) Larrie Stone (Ames, IA) Agneta Gaines (Omaha, NE) Tim & Sharon Jensen (Blair, NE) Bob Cerv Dorothy Anna Larsen Lynda Jeppesen (Oak Park, IL) Pat Bentsen (Blair, NE) Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Arne & Meryl Jessen (Woodbury, MN) Myra Vig Christensen Oluf & Lillie Bondo Larsen Dody Johnson (Blair, NE) Lloyd & Ann Bansen (Yamhill, OR) The Ruth E. Benson Fund of Vanguard John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Charitable Juliana Johnson (Darby, KS) Page 3 FINANCIAL REPORT (cont.)

C.I. “Jerry” Lund Roger Hanson (Cedar Falls, IA) Cindy Adams (Littleton, CO) The Green Kitty Cat Fund of InFaith Community Karen Jessen (Waterloo, IA) Sandra Allen (Plainville, CT) Foundation* Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kohl, Jr. (Waterloo, IA) Karen Allredge (Carbondale, CO) Willard “Willie” Meier Cindy Kruckeberg (Cedar Falls, IA) Andy & Sue Andersen (Ellijay, GA) Arvin Hernes (Blair, NE) Ann Lee (Minneapolis, MN) Dennis Andersen (Atlanta, GA) Loyd & Marie Neve (Omaha, NE) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Ruth Andersen (Fresno, CA) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Wayne & Naomi Theye (Winona, MN) John & Lemay Anderson (Linwood, NE) John Neve Greg Tollefson (Waterloo, IA) Anonymous John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Donald Thompson Dennis Barten (Kirkwood, MO) Le Vern & Marilyn Nielsen Robert & Martha Christiansen (Scottsdale, Kevin & Lori Bayne (Blair, NE) Lisa Nielsen (Fairfield, PA) AZ) Belz/Nelson Family Charitable Fund Luella Nielsen Don Warman Benevity Community Impact Fund (Cargill Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) employee program) Clayton Nietfeld Honoraria: Ruth Randall Benson (Apple Valley, MN) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Virginia Beck Erna Berthelsen (Albert Lea, MN) Allan Nyegaard Tim & Sharon Jensen (Blair, NE) Aase Besson (Lake Oswego, OR) Ginny Beck (Colorado Springs, CO) DAAL Volunteers Lisa Betts (Lincoln, NE) Erna Berthelsen (Albert Lea, MN) The Green Kitty Cat Fund of InFaith Blair Area Community Foundation, “Washington Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) Community Foundation* County Gives” program John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) Blair Real Estate (Blair, NE) Marilyn Nyegaard Ann George Larry & Lois Bornemeier (Waukesha, WI) Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Margaret Bogh (Highland, CA) Dr. Paul & Ingfrid Nyholm Arvin Hernes Judy Brehm (Blair, NE) Gunnar Nyholm (Valley, NE) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Frida Brewer (Lubbock, TX) Phil Pagel Tim & Sharon Jensen Ron & Mary Bro (Cedar Falls, IA) Agneta Gaines (Omaha, NE) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Henry & Patricia Brock (Selma, CA) Lorraine Jensen (Bloomington, MN) Ada Jeppesen Milt & Elaine Brostrom (St Peter, MN) Dr. Jack & Ruth Petajan Bill & Betsy Anderson (Blair, NE) Phil & Becky Bryant (West Des Moines, IA) Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) Dody Johnson Linda Carlson (Leonardtown, MD) “Pete” Petersen of Omaha Andy Johnson & Kathy Gerking (Omaha, NE) Joyce E. Christensen (Omaha, NE) Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) Vaughn Christensen (Blair, NE) Ruth Peterson (Oregon) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Dale & Laurel Christiansen (Dannebrog, NE) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Gene Lindblad Bob & Joan Coffey (Menomonee Falls, WI) Ellenora Plugge Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Robert & Mary Cowling (Bethlehem, PA) Pat Bentsen (Blair, NE) Gary Madsen for his leadership of DAAL Danish Brotherhood Lodge #1 (Omaha, NE) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Nancy Davis (Carroll, IA) Gene & Nancy Lindblad (Blair, NE) Elizabeth Nielsen Denmark Lodge #35 (Homewood, IL) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) David Nielsen (Winfield, KS) Happy Birthday Darrell Dibben (Blair, NE) Mary Louise (Berthelsen) Ruden John W. Nielsen Anne-Marie Douglas (Chicago, IL) Clark & Claudette Gilbert (Aurora, CO) Bill & Betsy Anderson (Blair, NE) Lois Eagleton (Eugene, OR) Bill Janes (Mesquite, TX) David Nielsen (Winfield, KS) on Father’s Day Karen Eastlund (Raritan, NJ) Jim & Linda Bertlesen (Arlington Heights, IL) David Nielsen (Winfield, KS) Happy Birthday Jim & Sharon Eastwood (Fridley, MN) Marianne Bertelsen (Randers, Denmark) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen Don & Anne Eppley (Omaha, NE) Tom Bertelsen (Randers, Denmark) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) David & Marilyn Falksen (Arlington, VA) Lars Braedstrup (Randers, Denmark) Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) Dorothy Farthing (Colorado Springs, CO) Andy Johnson & Kathy Gerking (Omaha, NE) Roger & Dorothy Olson Lyle & Dorothy Feisel (Chestertown, MD) Lois Olson (Prior Lake, MN) Jack & Lois Beal (Bothell, WA) Dennis & Barb Garrett (Blair, NE) Roger & Connie Ruden (Roscoe, IL) Agnes (Larsen) Paulsen GE Foundation Sylveria Ruden (Dubuque, IA) Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) Christie Gehringer (Omaha, NE) Don Schou Joan Sorensen Esther Grinberg (Circle Pines, MN) Bernard Falksen (Ellendale, MN) Mike & Karen Brodie (Richardson, TX) Louis & Anne Mette Hansell (Drexel Hill, PA) Blair & Marsha Hansen (Clive, IA) Julie Johnson & Judy Pollock (Columbus, Charles E. Hansen (Mt Prospect, IL) Bradley & Cathy Hansen (New Berlin, WI) OH) Erik & Greta Hansen (Racine, WI) John & Anne Nielsen Hibbing (Lincoln, NE) Charles & Janet Kahn (Gulf Breeze, FL) Kenneth Hansen (Blair, NE) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Kathy Meldrum (Mertztown, PA) Larry & Sandra Hansen (Fremont, NE) Patti Nielsen (Blair, NE) Sarah Meldrum (Lowell, MA) Lloyd Hansen (Firth, NE) Eleanor Schou (Albert Lea, MN) Sandra Wigdahl Mary Ann Hansen (Blacksburg, VA) Thomsen Reuters Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Kristie Hansen-Mendez (Chicago, IL) Hans G. Sorensen Joan Heaton (Novi, MI) *The Green Kitty Cat Fund of InFaith Community Grandage Family Charitable Fund Mark Hennick (Kansas City, MO) Foundation was established in memory of Marion Hanson Svendsen Mary Henriksen & Alan Hanson (Omaha, NE) Rev. C. I. “Jerry” Lund by Maryann Lund & Julie Anderson, Evelyn Svendsen Arvin Hernes (Blair, NE) family. & Linda Strand (Northampton, MA) Ralf & Inga Hoifeldt (Urbandale, IA) General Fund: Harriet Betzold (Minnetonka, MN) Ron & Rikki Hulsebus (Omaha, NE) All donations are placed in the General Fund Elmer & Elizabeth Ciancone, Mark & Peter Lynette Hunt (Blair, NE) unless otherwise specified. Those who give (Terre Haute, IN) Richard Husk (Hollis, NH) through the 50/100 Club are listed in each Judith Fogdall (Cedar Falls, IA) Jim & Marge Iversen (Decorah, IA) issue of Jottings. Michael & Jill Hennick (Blair, NE) Arnold & Marianne Jensen (Charlottesville, VA) Greek & Marilyn Abariotes (Blair, NE) Page 4 FINANCIAL REPORT (cont.) Beth Jensen (Omaha, NE) Don & Audrey Pedersen (Pea Ridge, AR) In honor of John W. & Liz Nielsen Jane Jensen (Plainview, NE) Duane Pedersen (Ames, NE) Julianne Johnson & Judy Pollock (Columbus, OH) Jim Jensen (Crossville, TN) Donna Jean Petersen (Daly City, CA) Alice M Jorgensen (Ferndale, MI) Ken & Bonnie Jensen (Albert Lea, MN) Duane & Dixie Petersen (Wichita, KS) Herb Jorgensen (Green Lake, WI) Mick & Sandra Jensen (Blair, NE) Joanne Peterson (Oshkosh, WI) In memory of Carol Jorgensen Tim & Sharon Jensen (Blair, NE) William Plume (Pine, CO) Willard Johnson (Rochester, MN) Lynda Jeppesen (Oak Park, IL) Arvin Quist (Oak Ridge, TN) Jim & Linda Jorgensen (Blair, NE) Joyce Johnsen (Huntington Beach, CA) Carl A. Rasmussen (Nevada, IA) Richard & Delores Jorgensen (Poy Sippi, WI) Kenneth & Muriel Johnson (Littleton, CO) Carl L.M. & Nancy Rasmussen (Kirkland, IL) Vivian Kelley (Blair, NE) Marjorie Johnson (Blair, NE) Ruth Rasmussen (Blair, NE) Luther & Doris Kloth (Wauwatosa, WI) Paul & Liz Johnson (Fremont, NE) Martin & Nita Richards (Omaha, NE) Marty & Linda Koefoed (Missouri Valley, IA) Alice M. Jorgensen (Ferndale, MI) Thomas Richardson (Fond du Lac, WI) Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) Dorothy Jorgensen (Bemidji, MN) Riverview Grange, No 392 (Blair, NE) Larry & Susan Legore (Algona, IA) Herb Jorgensen (Green Lake, WI) D’Arlene Rosenau (Lodi, CA) Carole Liljedahl (Missouri Valley, IA) Lis Jorgensen (Burnsville, MN) Carole Schetter (Highlands Ranch, CO) Claudia Martin (Omaha, NE) Harry Junker (Omaha, NE) David & Ellen Solevad (Washougal, WA) William & Margie Nelsen (St Peter, MN) Jean Clark Kahldahl (Port Townsend, WA) Paul Sorensen (De Kalb, IL) Roger & Marilyn Nichols (Tucson, AZ) Gladys Kempe (Tustin, CA) Arliss Stockdale (Ames, IA) David Nielsen (Winfield, KS) John & Ramona Klaasmeyer (Omaha, NE) Larrie Stone (Ames, IA) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Richard & JoAnn Kleber (Northfield, MN) Martha Stone (Boston, MA) Lori Nielsen (Blair, NE) Larry Knudsen (Northfield, MN) Robert Storms (Omaha, NE) Jon & Sonya Pedersen (Homer Glen, IL) David & Carol Knutson (Preston, MN) Paul Thisted (Evergreen, CO) T. Richard & Mary Lou Petersen (Herman, NE) Kathy Knutson (New Brighton, MN) Evelyn Thomas (Northfield, MN) John Peterson (Plymouth Meeting, PA) Marty & Linda Koefoed (Missouri Valley, IA) Larry & Charlotte Travis (San Antonio, TX) Larry & Palma Plume (Evergreen, CO) Bob & Joan Krogh (Blair, NE) Peter Tveskov (Branford, CT) Robert & Darlene Rademacher (Lincoln, NE) Denny Kuhr (Peachtree City, Georgia) Steffen Waendelin (Birmingham, AL) Jim & Sidney Rames (Omaha, NE) Martin Kuhr (Blair, NE) Cara Cowan Watts (Claremore, OK) Donna Rector (Norfolk, NE) Charles Lang (Orlando, FL) Building Fund: Mary Ruden (Littleton, CO) Alfred Larsen (Bellingham, WA) Dennis Barten (Kirkwood, MO) Don & Eleanor Schou (Albert Lea, MN) Keith & Lori Larsen (Blair, NE) Pat Bentsen (Blair, NE) In memory of Ada Jeppesen Liz Larsen (Cupertino, CA) Marcia Bergmeyer (De Witt, NE) Greg Schou Lorene Larsen (Omaha, NE) Egon & Diana Bodtker (Salem, OR) In memory of John Nielsen & Meta Nielsen Marilyn Larsen (Underwood, IA) Carol Bogacz (La Vista, NE) Sandy Sonderup (Blair, NE) Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) July Brehm (Blair, NE) Joan Sorensen (Richardson, TX) Bruce & Gerry Lauritzen (Omaha, NE) James & Annette Brown (Mishicot, WI) Arliss Stockdale (Ames, IA) Harold & Barbara Laursen (Kearney, NE) Betty Bryan (Cary, NC) Reinhold & Mary Teten (Talmage, NE) Robert Laursen (San Francisco, CA) John & Myra Christensen (Fortuna, CA) Karen Taylor (Springville, IA) Bill & Toni Lawson (Green Bay, WI) Danish Brotherhood Lodge #1 (Omaha, NE) Nancy Thompson (Urbandale, IA) Galen Lillethorup (Omaha, NE) Danish Sisterhood Ellen Lodge 21 (Castle Pine, Larry & Charlotte Travis (San Antonio, TX) Edgar Madsen (Princeton, NJ) CO) Barbara K & Gerald Ward (San Diego, CA) Sue Marsh (Blair, NE) Lois Eagleton (Eugene, OR) Marian Ward (Blair, NE) Peter & Barbara Mathiasen (Aldergrove, BC) Jim Eastwood (Fridley, MN) LeRoy & Sandra Wigdahl (Blair, NE) Don Mattox (Sheboygan, WI) Charles & Joyce Gauck (Plymouth, MN) Danish Flag Sign: Gene & Susie Meyer (Blair, NE) Christie Gehringer (Omaha, NE) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Marilyn Meyer (Everly, IA) Milbern & Kathryn Goetz (Greeley, CO) Digitization: Dan & Alice Mikel (West St Paul, MN) Gregerson Family Fund, a charitable fund of the Agnete Temali (Shoreview, MN) Gary Miller (Harrisburg, SD) Community Foundation for Southwest Furniture & Computers: Linda Karen Miller (Henderson, NV) Washington Fran Anderson (Omaha, NE) Maxine Mitchell (Omaha, NE) Charles Hansen (Mt Prospect, IL) Fritz Hansen (Wichita, KS) Donna Morton (La Habra, CA) Fritz Hansen (Wichita, KS) Linda Karen Miller (Hendersen, NV) Bodil Muller (Hillsboro, OR) Ingrid Hansen (Lincoln, NE) Mark & Shannon Rohlfing (Houston, TX) NE/CO District Danish Sisterhood (Lincoln, NE) Kristie Hansen-Mendez (Chicago, IL) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen Fund: Donald Nelson (Cedar Rapids, IA) Roger Hanson (Cedar Falls, IA) Jean Jaspersen-Naegele (Columbus, NE) Martha Nelson (Webster, MN) Michael & Jill Hennick (Blair, NE) Endowment: Leon & Alice Neve (St Paul, MN) Arvin Hernes (Blair, NE) DELORIS HANSEN BENGTSON FUND Howard Nicholson (Marquette, MI) In honor of family Thomas Bengtson (Rock Island, IL) Cheryl Nielsen (Harlan, IA) Charles & Susan Hettinger (Westminster, CO) EARL JENSEN FAMILY FUND David Nielsen (Winfield, KS) Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Christie Gehringer (Omaha, NE) Phyllis Nielsen (Yankton, SD) In honor of John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen REV. C.I. “JERRY” LUND FUND Stanley Nielsen (Monona, WI) In honor of DAAL staff & volunteers, past & REV. ASTER & RUTH NEVE FAMILY FUND Lila Nietfeld (Lincoln, NE) present DAGMAR VASBY FUND Folmer & Vera Nyby (Michigan City, IN) Ron & Rikki Hulsebus (Omaha, NE) GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND Kathleen Oftedahl (Waseca, MN) Bonnie Jensen (Apple Valley, MN) Keith & Paula Anderson fund of Schwab Charitable Jim & Sue Olsen (Blair, NE) Esther Jensen (Santa Maria, CA) Dody Johnson (Blair, NE) Robert Olson (Houston, TX) Ray & Julie Jensen (Aquilla, TX) In memory of Myra Vig Christensen Philip Panum (Engelwood, CO) Tim & Sharon Jensen (Blair, NE) In memory of Doris Petersen Hanson Agnes Paulsen (Tucson, AZ) Joyce Johnsen (Huntington Beach, CA) In memory of Ada Jeppesen Ivan & Pat Paulsen (Walker, MN) Dody Johnson (Blair, NE) In memory of Karen Thomsen Petersen Page 5 FINANCIAL REPORT (cont.)

In memory of Mary Bertelsen Ruden 50/100 FOUNDER LEVEL Sandy Sonderup (Blair, NE) In memory of Don Schou Luther & Doris Kloth (Wauwatosa, WI) Joan Sorensen (Richardson, TX) In memory of Marian Svendsen Phil & Florence Larsen (Blair, NE) Doug & Jane Wilson (Farragut, IA) Julianne Johnson & Judy Pollock (Columbus, OH) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) John & Deb Wood (Oklahoma City, OK) In honor of Dody Johnson 50/100 GENERAL Sandra Wunder (Greeley, CO) Paul & Liz Johnson (Fremont, NE) Ginny Beck (Colorado Springs, CO) In honor of Dody Johnson Ruth Randall Benson (Apple Valley, MN) Legacy Builders: John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen (Blair, NE) Erna Berthelsen (Albert Lea, MN) These donors have named DAAL in their In memory of Ada Stokes Jeppesen Mark & Erika Bondo (Freehold, NJ) estates (* indicates deceased). If you are not Becky Bryant (West Des Moines, IA) on this list but should be, please contact Jill 2017 Thrivent Choice/YourCause Gifts: Borge M. Christensen (Rochester, MN) Hennick at 402-426-7910. Thomas Bengtson (Rock Island, IL) Myrv & Anne Christopherson (Decorah, IA) Erna Berthelsen Alice Hanson (Oregon, WI) Norman Freund (Fremont, NE) Judy Brehm Janice Heath (Hardin, MT) Neil & Arlene Grover (Staples, MN) Myrv & Anne Christopherson Mary Hendrix (Minneapolis, MN) Fritz Hansen (Wichita, KS) Kathryn (Olsen) & Milbern Goetz Susan Hettinger (Westminster, CO) Roger Hanson (Cedar Falls, IA) Roger J. Hanson Alvina Hjortsvang (Council Bluffs, IA) Michael & Jill Hennick (Blair, NE) Michael and Jill Hennick Dody Johnson (Blair, NE) Elaine Hoyer (Blair, NE) Arnold & Marianne Jensen Kevin Knitt (Stevens Point, WI) Tim & Sharon Jensen (Blair, NE) Russell P.* and Esther A. Jensen Lee Anne Lack (Montrose, MN) David & Michele Johnson (Council Bluffs, IA) Tim & Sharon Jensen William Lawson (Green Bay, WI) Dody Johnson (Iowa City, IA) Ada Jeppesen* Shirley Lincoln (Lincoln, CA) Julianne Johnson (Columbus, OH) Julianne Johnson and Judy Pollock* Chuck & Joyce Jorgensen (Blair, NE) Oscar* & Dody Johnson 50/100 Club: Gene & Nancy Lindblad (Blair, NE) Paul & Liz Johnson The 50/100 Club was inspired by the idea that if Earl Nelson (Mount Pleasant, WI) Lorene Larsen 100 members give $50 per month, most of our Vordyn Nelson (Luther, MI) Phil & Florence Larsen operating expenses would be met. Members Andrea Neve (Minneapolis, MN) Gene & Nancy Lindblad give a minimum of $600 per year (given John Mark & Dawn Nielsen (Blair, NE) Gary & Diane Madsen monthly, quarterly, or yearly according to the Lisa Nielsen (Fairfield, PA) George Madsen donor’s preference). Those at the Founder’s Ruth Nyegaard (Eugene, OR) Ronald D. Johnson* and Bodil Strom Muller Level give at least $2,000 per year. 50/100 club Donald & Audrey Pedersen (Pea Ridge, AR) John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen members receive one donation Karl Petersen & Jan Pearson (Bainbridge Island, LeVern* & Marilyn* Nielsen acknowledgement for tax purposes in January WA) W. Clayton Nielsen reflecting a yearly total of all donations, rather Pete & Shirley Petersen (Canyon, TX) Larry & Palma Plume than getting a separate acknowledgment for James Peterson (Richfield, MN) Joan Sorensen ■ each financial contribution. These donations Palma & Larry Plume (Evergreen, CO) are part of the General Fund. Scott & Colleen Rasmussen (Omaha, NE)

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

LeRoy & Sandra Wigdahl, Blair, NE Alvina Hjortsvang, Council Bluffs, IA $10,000 and over Elaine Hoyer, Blair, NE Gregerson Family Fund, a charitable fund of the $1,000 - $1,999 Esther Jensen, Santa Maria, CA Community Foundation for Southwest Karen & Mike Brodie, Richardson, TX David & Michele Johnson, Council Bluffs, IA Washington by Alf & Lili Gregerson Borge M. Christensen, Rochester, MN Myrv & Anne Christopherson, Decorah, IA Julie Johnson, Columbus, OH $5,000 - $9,999 Don & Joyce Jorgensen, Ripon, WI Paul & Liz Johnson, Fremont, NE Philip & Florence Larsen, Blair, NE Herb Jorgensen, Green Lake, WI Marty & Linda Koefoed, Missouri Valley, IA Joan Sorensen, Richardson, TX Bill & Toni Lawson, Green Bay, WI Richard & Delores Jorgensen, Poy Sippi, WI $2,000 - $4,999 Charles & Janet Kahn, Gulf Breeze, FL Gene & Nancy Lindblad, Blair, NE The Bay Family Foundation of the Omaha Bruce & Gerry Lauritzen, Omaha, NE Duncan & Karthryn Meldrum, Mertztown, PA Community Foundation by Mogens Bay Lowell & Sue Madsen, Fresno, CA Linda Karen Miller, Hendersen, NV Ruth Benson, Apple Valley, MN Marilyn Meyer, Everly, IA Vordyn Nelson, Luther, MI Patricia Bentsen, Blair, NE William C. & Margaret R. Nelsen, St. Peter, MN Roger & Marilyn Nichols, Tucson, AZ Erna Berthelsen, Albert Lea, MN The Belz/Nelson Family fund of Fidelity Charitable David Nielsen, Winfield, KS Danish Brotherhood Lodge #1, Omaha, NE by Earl Nelson John Mark & Dawn Nielsen, Blair, NE Chris & Frank Gehringer, Omaha, NE Lisa Nielsen, Fairfield, PA Lila Nietfeld, Greeley, CO The Grandage Family Fund of Schwab Charitable Larry & Palma Plume, Evergreen, CO Don & Audrey Pedersen, Pea Ridge, AR by Linda Grandage Sandy Sonderup, Blair, NE Joan Pearson & Karl Petersen, Fritz Hansen, Wichita, KS Thrivent Choice Funds, Appleton, WI Bainbridge Island, WA Roger Hanson, Cedar Falls, IA James Peterson, Richfield, MN $500 - $999 The Green Kitty Cat Fund of InFaith Community Joanne Peterson, Oshkosh, WI Ginny Beck, Colorado Springs, CO Foundation by Maryann Lund & family Carl A. Rasmussen, Nevada, IA Thomas Bengtson, Rock Island, IL Tim & Sharon Jensen, Blair, NE Scott & Colleen Rasmussen, Omaha, NE Mark & Erika Bondo, Freehold, NJ Dody Johnson, Blair, NE Agnete Temali, Shoreview, MN Phil & Becky Bryant, West Des Moines, IA Luther & Doris Kloth, Wauwatosa, WI Doug & Jane Wilson, Farragut, IA Arlene & Neil Grover, Staples, MN Sandra Wunder, Greeley, CO John W. & Elizabeth Nielsen, Blair, NE Michael & Jill Hennick, Blair, NE Page 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 (Cont.)

$250 - $499 Jim & Marge Iversen, Decorah, IA Marcia Bergmeyer, DeWitt, NE Keith & Paula Anderson, Gaylord, MN Bill James, Mesquite, TX Harriet Betzoid, Minnetonka, MN Lloyd & Ann Bansen, Yamhill, OR Arnold & Marianne Jensen, Charlottesville, VA Molly Bogh, Highland, CA Benevity Community Impact Fund by Beth Jensen, Omaha, NE Judy Brehm, Blair, NE Stephanie Adams Bonnie Jensen, Apple Valley, MN Henry & Patricia Brock, Selma, CA Blair Area Community Foundation, Blair, NE Ken & Bonnie Jensen, Albert Lea, MN Milt & Elaine Brostrom, St. Peter, MN Carol Bogacz, La Vista, NE Lorraine Jensen, Bloomington, MN Pat Brown, Burlington, WI Danish Brotherhood Lodge #35, Homewood, IL Mick & Sandra Jensen, Blair, NE Betty Bryan, Cary, NC Danish Brotherhood Lodge #84, Lincoln, NE Ray & Julie Jensen, Aquilla, TX Phil & Marilyn Christensen, Sparks, NV Norman Freund, Fremont, NE Lynda Jeppesen, Oak Park, IL Dale & Laurel Christiansen, Dannebrog, NE Dennis & Barbara Garrett, Blair, NE Kathy Gerking & Andy Johnson, Omaha, NE Nancy Davis, Carroll, IA Eugene Gnuse, Arlington, NE Kenneth & Muriel Johnson, Littleton, CO Darrell Dibben, Blair, NE Arvin Hernes, Blair, NE Willard Johnson, Rochester, MN Anne-Marie Douglas, Chicago, IL Joyce Johnsen, Huntington Beach, CA Alice M. Jorgensen, Ferndale, MI Jim Eastwood, Fridley, MN Jim & Linda Jorgensen, Blair, NE Lis Jorgensen, Burnsville, MN Lyle & Dorothy Feisel, Chestertown, MD Jean Clark Kaldahl, Port Townsend, WA Vivian Kelley, Blair, NE Claudette & Clark Gelbert, Aurora, CO Elizabeth Larsen, Cupertino, CA Richard & JoAnn Kleber, Northfield, MN Larry & Sandra Hansen, Fremont, NE Andrea Neve, Minneapolis, MN Larry Knudsen, Northfield, MN Mel & Mary Hendrix, Minneapolis, MN Ruth Nyegaard, Eugene, OR David & Carol Knutson, Preston, MN Richard & Karen Herreid, Austin, MN Jim & Sue Olsen, Blair, NE Bob & Joan Krogh, Blair, NE Charles & Susan Hettinger, Westminster, CO Pete & Shirley Petersen, Canyon, TX Martin Kuhr, Blair, NE Anne Nielsen & John Hibbing, Lincoln, NE William Plume, Pine, CO Lee Anne & Eugene Lack, Montrose, MN Ron & Rikki Hulsebus, Omaha, NE Charlie & Julie Rohlfing, Blair, NE Keith & Lori Larsen, Blair, NE Richard Husk, Hollis, NH Eleanor Schou, Albert Lea, MN Lorene Larsen, Omaha, NE Jane Jensen, Plainview, NE John & Deb Wood, Bloomington, MN Harold & Barbara Laursen, Kearney, NE Jim Jensen, Crossville, TN Ann Lee, Montrose, MN Dorothy Jorgensen, Bemidji, MN $100-$249 Carole Liljedahl, Missouri Valley, IA John & Ramona Klaasmeyer, Omaha, NE Marilyn & Greek Abariotes, Blair, NE Edgar Madsen, Princeton, NJ Alfred Larsen, Bellingham, WA Andy & Sue Andersen, Elijay, GA Peter & Barbara Mathiasen, Aldergrove BC Marilyn Larsen, Underwood, IA Dennis Andersen, Atlanta, GA Laura Meldrum & David Shepard, Musella, GA Galen Lillethorup, Omaha, NE Ruth Andersen, Fresno, CA Sarah Meldrum, Lowell, MA Margaret & Frank Madsen, Orcutt, CA Bill & Betsy Anderson, Blair, NE Donna Morton, La Habra, CA Susan Marsh, Blair, NE John & Lemay Anderson, Linwood, NE Jean Jaspersen-Neagle, Columbus, NE Betty Megrue, Blair, NE Julie Anderson, Northampton, MA NE/CO Dist. Danish Sisterhood, Lincoln, NE Susie Meyer, Blair, NE Dennis Barten, Kirkwood, MO Donald Nelson, Cedar Rapids, IA Dan & Alice Mikel, West St. Paul, MN Lori & Kevin Bayne, Omaha, NE Leon & Alice Neve, St. Paul, MN Gary Miller, Harrisburg, SD Jack & Lois Beal, Bothell, WA Lori Nielsen, Blair, NE Loyd & Marie Neve, Omaha, NE D. James Bertelsen, Arlington Heights, IL Folmer & Vera Nyby, Michigan City, MI Stanley Nielsen, Monona, WI Aase Besson, Lake Oswego, OR Gunnar Nyholm, Valley, NE Ivan & Pat Paulsen, Walker, MN Egon & Diana Bodtker, Salem, OR Robert Olson, Houston, TX Duane Pedersen, Ames, NE Frida Brewer, Lubbock, TX Philip Panum, Englewood, CO Jon & Sonya Pedersen, Homer Glen, IL Ronald & Mary Bro, Cedar Falls, IA Donna Jean Petersen, Daly City, CA James & Sidney Rames, Omaha, NE James & Annette Brown, Mishicot, WI Duane & Dixie Petersen, Wichita, KS Donna Rector, Norfolk, NE Linda Carlson, Leonardtown, MD T. Richard & Mary Lou Petersen, Blair, NE Thomas Richardson, Fond du Lac, WI John Christensen, Fortuna, CA John E. Peterson, Plymouth Meeting, PA Roger & Connie Ruden, Roscoe, IL Joyce Christensen, Omaha, NE Arvin Quist, Oak Ridge, TN Larrie Stone, Ames, IA Vaughn Christensen, Blair, NE Ann Marie Rasmussen, Junction City, OR Karen Taylor, Springville, IA Robert & Martha Christiansen, Scottsdale, AZ Carl L.M. & Nancy Rasmussen, Kirkland, IL Wayne & Naomi theye, Winona, MN Elmer & Elizabeth Ciancone, Terre Haute, IN Ruth Rasmussen, Blair, NE Evelyn Thomas, Northfield, MN Robert & Joan Coffey, Menomonee Falls, WI Riverview Grange No. 392, Blair, NE Peter Tveskov, Branford, CT Robert & Mary Cowling, Bethlehem, PA D’Arlene Rosenau, Lodi, CA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #16, Minden, NE $49 and Under Mary Ruden, Littleton, CO Danish Brotherhood Lodge #21 Ellen Lodge, Karen Alldredge, Carbondale, CO Greg Schou, Albert Lea, MN Castle Pines, CO AmazonSmile Carol Skogman, Sequin, TX Lois Eagleton, Umpqua, OR Lorene Andersen, Bennington, NE Arliss Stockdale, Ames, IA Anne Eppley, Omaha, NE Fran Anderson, Omaha, NE Paul Thisted, Evergreen, CO Bernard Falksen, Ellendale, MN Anonymous Thomsen Reuters Agneta Gaines, Omaha, NE Lisa Betts, Lincoln, NE Larry & Charlotte Travis, San Antonio, TX Milbern & Kathryn Goetz, Greeley, CO Blair Real Estate, Blair, NE Steffen Waendelin, Homewood, AL Esther Grindberg, Circle Pines, MN Larry & Lois Bornemeier, Waukesha, WI Sonja Walker, Minneapolis, MN Cathy & Bradley Hansen, New Berlin, WI Weston & Marci Crawford, Lincoln, NE Barbara Ward, San Diego, CA Charles Hansen, Mt. Prospect, IL Karen Eastlund, Raritan, NJ Cara Cowen Watts, Claremore, OK Lloyd Hansen (North Logan Cemetery Association) Dorothy Farthing, Colorado Springs, CO

Firth, NE Judith Fogdall, Cedar Falls, IA $50-$99 Kristie Hansen-Mendez, Chicago, IL Sherry Forrest, Omaha, NE Cindy Adams, Littleton, CO Kathryn L. Henricksen, Parkville, MO Charles & Joyce Gauck, Plymouth, MN Sandra Allen, Plainville, CT Ralf & Inga Hoifeldt, Urbandale, IA Louis & Anne Mette Hansell, Drexel Hill, PA Michael & Susan Barnard, Shelton, WA Lynette Hunt, Blair, NE Page 7 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 (Cont.)

Blair & Marsha Hansen, Clive, IA Cindy Kruckeberg, Cedar Falls, IA Kathleen Oftedahl, Waseca, MN Erik & Greta Hansen, Racine, WI Denny Kuhr, Peachtree City, Georgia Lois Olson, Prior Lake, MN Ingrid Hansen, Lincoln, NE Charles Lang, Uehling, NE Agnes Paulsen, Tucson, AZ Kenneth Hansen, Blair, NE Robert Laursen, San Francisco, CA Robert & Darlene Rademacher, Lincoln, NE Mary Ann Hansen, Blacksburg, VA Larry & Susan Legore, Algona, IA Martin & Nita Richards, Omaha, NE Joan Heaton, Novi, MI Claudia Martin, Omaha, NE Sylveria Ruden, Dubuque, IA David Hendee, Omaha, NE Don Mattox, Sheboygan, WI Carole Schetter, Highlands Ranch, CO Mark Hennick, Kansas City, MO Ruth Miller, Richfield, MN Steve & Susan Schwarten, Stanchfield, MN Mary Henriksen, Omaha, NE Maxine Mitchell, Fremont, NE David & Ellen Solevad, Washougal, WA Kristen Jacobsen, Skokie, IL Bodil Muller, Hillsboro, OR Paul Sorensen, DeKalb, IL Arne & Meryl Jessen, Woodbury, MN Norma Nabity, Omaha, NE Martha Stone, Boston, MA Karen Jessen, Waterloo, IA Martha Nelson, Webster, MN Robert Storms, Omaha, NE Marjorie Johnson, Blair, NE Howard Nicholson, Marquette, MI Mary Teten, Talmadge, NE Harry Junker, Omaha, NE Cheryl Nielsen, Harlan, IA Nancy Thompson, Urbandale, IA Gladys Kempe, Tustin, CA Patti Nielsen, Blair, NE Greg Tollefson, Waterloo, IA Kathy Knutson, New Brighton, MN Phyllis Nielsen, Yankton, SD Marian Ward, Blair, NE ■ Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kohl, Jr., Waterloo, IA Ron & Kathie Nielsen, White Bear Lake, MN Please accept our profound thanks for all of your support. Your AROUND THE ARCHIVE contributions ensure that Danish American history is preserved for  Every October the Chamber of Commerce in Blair holds a future generations. competition among local businesses for best scarecrow display. The DAAL created a typically Danish one this year—a skeleton stylishly attired in a Dana College sweatshirt and authentic Danish clogs. His knit cap mimics a Viking helmet with attached blonde braids. We Bondo (continued) dubbed him “Hans Christian Skeleton.” Sadly he didn’t win the prize, though. branch. It was so cold that first Christmas Eve that they huddled in bed  Cheyenne Jansdatter, the archival collections coordinator at the rather than freeze beside that forlorn Museum of Danish America visited the DAAL on December 1. limb. Some years later L.C. and eight of Cheyenne is a Dana College grad who is Danish on her father’s side. their ten children contracted typhus (not She grew up alternating between Denmark and New Mexico. She not to be confused with typhoid), making only speaks fluent Danish, but also has an extensive background in working around the farm next to several areas of library science. She says she is “excited to return to the Midwest and join a team of people who are so passionate about impossible. preserving Danish American history and culture.” It was a pleasure to Even so, by the time of L.C.’s death in host Cheyenne, and we look forward to working with her in the future. 1907 they farmed over 1,000 acres and were financially secure. L.C. had  Last June, a group of volunteers from the DAAL visited the Oaks specified that a large endowment be Hans Christian Indian Mission, given to Dana College to provide a home Skeleton located in Oaks, for Dana’s president or for other Dana Oklahoma, where they were faculty. Perhaps this gift reflected L.C.’s celebrating the 125th anniversary of lifelong passion for learning, as the date when members of the Danish exemplified in his student days at the Lutheran Church first supported the University of Copenhagen. Curiously mission. As part of the festivities the documents describing this “Bondo Mission alumni presented a beautiful Memorial,” as it came to be known, did commemorative blanket and other not mention Dana College by name. gifts to longtime Oaks volunteers Instead, the college was identified as the Phil and Florence Hansen of Blair in Phil and Florence Larsen received a commemorative “Blair school” or the “United Danish gratitude for their more than 50 years Lutheran Church’s college.” Perhaps the of financial, spiritual and physical blanket in gratitude for their years of service to the support, including Phil’s time Oaks Indian Mission. name Dana, even though it was the serving on the mission’s board of official designation, had not yet entered directors. common usage. While this rags to riches saga is the  In light of changing tax laws in 2018, keep in mind that there are alternative ways to centerpiece of the genealogy that Elaine donate and still save on your taxes, such as (1) direct donations of IRA required minimum Hoyer has compiled, she extends this distributions and (2) gifts of stock. See your tax advisor for more information. narrative to include additional family  The DAAL has donated 101 books to the University of Nebraska at Omaha library. Most lines. Elaine’s Bondo collection of these books were published by the Danish Lutheran Publishing House which operated in connects to no less than 28 other family Blair from the late 1800s to 1960. The donated books are duplicates of ones the DAAL collections housed at the DAAL. If you already has in its library. This is part of our ongoing effort to eliminate multiple copies or are descended from a Danish family, you materials that have no relation to Danish American history in order to free up shelf space probably don’t even need the “Six and make searching for books and material more efficient. The UNO library intends to Degrees of Separation” to find a catalog the books and house them in the library’s special collections section. ■ connection. It could be right here in the Hoyer Collection. ■ Page 8 Executive director ’ s r e p o r t LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE It is my great pleasure to report that at 9:40 a.m. on GOOD NEWS! October 3, 2017, your Archive became debt-free! Our thanks go out to Alf and Lili Gregerson for the matching The members of the DAAL grant of $25,000 which made this possible. We raised Board of Directors are delighted $21,600 towards the match, which enabled us to pay off the to announce that Executive balance of the mortgage plus retain over $6,500 for long- Director Jill Hennick will be term building upkeep. working at the Archive full time Normally, an organization has a “mortgage burning” beginning March 1. This celebration and actually sets fire to the mortgage. As represents a significant stride archivists, however, we can’t bear to destroy a document, forward for the DAAL. Watch for so we took it through the multi-step process of more details in the April issue of accessioning, coding, cataloging and filing it to join the Jottings. thousands of other documents we preserve. Since we do Executive Director this same process with nearly every item that comes in our Jill Hennick door, you can imagine why we will never run out of work Tante Johanne for volunteers. This gives me the perfect opportunity to Edited by John W. Nielsen thank our dedicated volunteers—thank you all very much! We have certainly hit a milestone in the life of our independent archive. We have slowly been able to build our endowment from $0 to more than $100,000 within seven years, and we created a financial buffer to prevent having to close overnight as happened in 2010. The question of a secure home for our materials has been answered. Now it is time to start asking new questions: where are we heading from here, and what do we want to accomplish? The subtitle of the DAAL is “Center for Research and Education.” Because we are self-supporting, we have to work harder to make students and teachers aware of our resources. On the other hand, because we are self-supporting, we can welcome researchers, educators and students from any country, state or school, and we are doing everything we can to assist them. For researchers, we are working to enhance our finding aids. We might have the most amazing item in one of our acid-free boxes, but unless it has been noted in the library online catalog or in our internal database, no one will know about its existence. To this end, we are digitizing more of the collection (such as documents, oral history cassettes, 16mm film and videos) and creating an internal database that will help us search all of the different lists where a name may be found. For educators and students, we have presented an “Introduction to Archives” course for Midland University history classes two years in a row, and are planning to expand it to more area schools. In addition, we are offering internship opportunities to the educational institutions we already have relationships with—the University of Nebraska at Omaha and at Kearney, Midland University and Grand View University— and plan to reach out to additional universities that offer Scandinavian Studies. Letters have bridged the Atlantic Now that we have secured a safe place to work and house our materials, we are since the earliest days of Danish turning our attention to how to make this space better by increasing shelf space, floor immigration, and they are space and work space, as well as increasing our endowment to the point that we can documents of great historical finance more paid staff. You, as donors and volunteers, have helped us reach this interest because they express the milestone in our history. We look forward to accomplishing even more in the future. ■ thoughts and experiences of the THE MORTGAGE immigrants in their own words. BURNING PARTY Let these Danish pioneers speak to you as you savor their letters from On October 12, 2017, we threw a party a century ago. to celebrate paying off our mortgage, and it was a huge success by any Originally priced at $12.95, you can measure. Approximately 150 people now purchase this book for just $5.00 from Blair and the surrounding plus $4.00 shipping when you call communities enjoyed a Danish-style 402-426-7910 and mention the code buffet, a gift bag from the DAAL, and LUR1738. (Nebraska residents add 7% sales tax.) best of all a chance to visit with old friends and make new acquaintances. ■ A complete list of Lur books is found on our website at Old friends and Dana classmates Jody Sorensen and www.danishamericanarchive.com Dody Johnson stand with the traditional Kransekage that Jody brought all the way from Texas. Page 9 MORE DEVELOPMENTS AT DANA COLLEGE

has led to some organizations being offered space in buildings that make better, more efficient and meaningful sense,” he said. He cited Christ Lutheran Church being offered the first floor of the former Durham Classroom Center and Trinity Chapel as an example. The congregation gave its overwhelming approval to pursue that venue over space in the former C.A. Dana-LIFE Library. The initial work on campus buildings will focus on issues that must be met to have them occupied, including mold mitigation, security, sprinkler systems, electrical, and heating and ventilation. The current boiler system that feeds multiple buildings is not viable at this point. An engineering firm is currently evaluating the most efficient stand-alone systems for each building Durham Center and Trinity Chapel according to its potential purpose. No specific timelines have been set, but After more than seven years of community within the community of certain buildings may be open for sitting vacant, the Dana College Blair. Frank Krejci is a generous and occupancy relatively soon, Shada said. campus now has a real possibility of caring man, and this affirms his belief In a later development, the city of being occupied again. Omaha that our plan is the most viable Blair has agreed to purchase the developer Frank Krejci, who had solution.” baseball and softball fields from owned the campus since 2013, donated Grace University, a Christian college Angels Share. As part of the the entire campus to Angels Share at located in Omaha, was considering agreement, Angels Share has agreed to the end of December. Angels Share is moving to the Dana campus, but has sell the two tax lots and, in turn, the a charitable, non-profit corporation since closed. Mr. Shada explained that city will pay for the cost of the dedicated to breaking the cycle of the plan for the campus has preliminary platting of the entire homelessness and lifting up and caring always been to have multiple tenants campus and the final platting of the for society’s most vulnerable people. so that it would not be totally main campus area, including “This is an incredible, multi-million- dependent on a single major dedication of roads and two areas for dollar gift,” said Angels Share organization. So the University’s new housing. The fields will continue President Ed Shada, “and it sets the departure opened opportunities to to be used by community softball and stage to begin the physical work on utilize numerous buildings that would baseball teams. ■ revitalizing the campus into a have been occupied by Grace. “This

DANISH CHILDREN PHOTO EXHIBIT COMES TO BLAIR

The DAAL’s popular Danish “We are so proud to be able to show opened on Saturday, January 6, 2018, Children Growing Up American Danish Children Growing Up and will run through February 2. In photo exhibit is now on display at the American at our library,” says Blair’s addition to the panels themselves, Blair Public Library and Technology Library Director Gayle Roberts. “This several display cases contain Danish Center. This exhibit, consisting of is a prime example of how the Blair and Danish American children’s twenty panels measuring four feet Library and the DAAL can books, as well as early twentieth wide by eight feet tall, has traveled to collaborate, and we already have plans century artifacts, such as toys and several venues from Denver to Des to work together on future exhibits.” books from the personal collections of Moines. And now, since the City of The twenty panels are printed on some of our volunteers. Blair built a new library building with both sides and feature roughly 50 Roughly 50 people attended a excellent display space, the DAAL photos of Danish immigrant children reception at the exhibit on Sunday, can finally show this wonderful in many aspects of their lives at the January 21, featuring an entertaining exhibit in our home town. turn of the 20th century. The exhibit talk by Dr. John Mark Nielsen, a former English professor at Dana Page 10 Would you like to help? Please cut out this card and send it in with your tax-deductible contribution.

A check for $______is enclosed. (Please make payable to the Danish American Archive and Library.) Or to pay by credit card:

____Mastercard _____Visa _____Discover _____Am Ex for $______

Credit Card No.______Exp. Date______V-Code No. ______Signature ______Please consider the DAAL for your company’s matching fund program and for estate gifts. Name______Spouse ______Mailing Address ______City______State______Zip ______Phone______Email ______

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Danish American Archive and Library

College and former director of the Museum of Danish America. Dr. Nielsen presented an overview of the immigration movement from Denmark to the United States, the reasons for it and why the immigrants settled where they did. Attendees included Blair Mayor Jim Realph and Dave Richards, Dean of the University of Nebraska at Omaha library, and Amy Schindler, Director of the Archives at UNO. It was a cooperative effort between UNO and the DAAL that first made the Danish Children Growing up American exhibit come to life. ■

Photo by Joe Burns

Photo by Joe Burns

Photo by Joe Burns

Page 11 1738 Washington Street Blair, Nebraska 68008

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

In The Stacks ONE BOOK AT A TIME By Michael Hennick, Library Assistant

The DAAL has roughly 13,000 books in its library, of which around 10,000 came with us when we left the Dana College library. More than ninety percent of these volumes are in Danish. In the last seven years since Dana closed, the book collection has expanded by about one third. Books may come in one or two at a time when a local person brings in perhaps a Danish hymnal, an old school book or a novel printed by a Danish publisher. At other times an offer of books via e-mail allows us to pick and choose which ones we want. On average this can provide us with up to fifty works. Occasionally we are offered entire libraries that belonged to a pastor or teacher who worked with Danish Americans or taught subjects dealing with Denmark. These collections can have as many as five hundred books! Library Assistant Michael Hennick accessions and catalogs the books We then evaluate the books by condition, whether or that are continually donated and added to our library. not we have better copies, and if they are relevant to the mission of the DAAL. We preserve books and periodicals that were used by Danish Americans, especially those who were still speaking Danish. Each volume must then wait to be officially cataloged. This can be a long process, because we must determine what the book is about and where it belongs on the library shelves, At this time the DAAL has nearly two thousand books and periodicals waiting to be entered into the collection. It must be done right, and it must be done one book at a time. But not to worry, we will eventually catch up. In the meantime we welcome any offers of works written in Danish, or books in either Danish or English that deal with Denmark or Danish America. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to our growing library. ■ Page 12