Vesterheim recognizes the contributions of ten Decorah residents

Keith and Amy Bruening and their children, Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson

Ten Decorah residents have been recognized by Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum for their contributions.  Keith and Amy Bruening, David and Kirsten Heine, Robert and Arlene Houlihan, Jeff and Marilyn Roverud, and Jim and Caroline Weis have been presented with "Kroneklubben Awards" for their contributions.

Kroneklubben, or "the Crown Club," was launched in 2000 as a way for Vesterheim to acknowledge accumulated lifetime gifts by its most generous and devoted donors. "These gifts are critical in helping the museum achieve its mission and we are so grateful to these people," said Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson.

Keith and Amy Bruening have supported Vesterheim's fourth-grade Pioneer Immersion Program, as well as the exhibition, "Pieces of Self: Identity and Norwegian-American Quilts" in honor of Amy's grandmother Ruth Nesset, who made a quilt for each of her ten grandchildren.

David and Kirsten Heine's contributions include creating Vesterheim's Benefit Auction, sponsoring Norwegian language classes for staff, leading tours to Norway, and helping sponsor Norwegian Christmas weekend.

Bob and Arlene Houlihan made contributions to the Phyllis Leseth Study Room in the museum's Westby-Torgerson Education Center and to the museum's Endowment Fund. They have been longtime community leaders and during Vesterheim's capital campaign "On the Shoulders of Giants," their outreach was integral to the success of the campaign.

Jeff and Marilyn Roverud have been hosts and sponsors for eight of Vesterheim's Syttende Mai celebrations. Their sponsorship of this event includes free admission, the Nordic Dancers, hands-on activities, and all other entertainment.

Jim and Caroline Weis have supported the Annual Fund, while Jim has served as a Vesterheim trustee and has donated two trucks to the museum over the years.  Jim and Caroline also helped with the Decorah area "On the Shoulders of Giants" campaign and the Phyllis Leseth Study Room in the Westby-Torgerson Education Center.

Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson, Kirsten and David Heine and their children

Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson and Arlene and Bob Houlihan

Jeff Roverud, Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson and Marilyn Roverud

Vesterheim Executive Director Steve Johnson and Caroline and Jim Weis