Established on 02.16.2024 by Betty L. and Merle J. Peterson
Betty Peterson grew up on her family’s farm near Humboldt, Iowa. She attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated in 1955 having majored in elementary education. While at Luther she met Richard Wanberg and they were married in 1957. Betty and Richard’s careers took them from Spencer, IA to Minot, ND, and ultimately to Rochester, MN where they settled in 1965. Betty and Richard raised four children; Cheryl, Martha, Lori, and David. Richard passed away in 2004.
Merle (“Pete”) Peterson grew up in Blooming Prairie, MN, graduating from high school in 1948. Merle then enlisted in the Army and served until late 1952, including service in the Korean War. Upon discharge from active service, he served in the Army Reserves and received a Commission in 1953. He started college at Winona State, graduating in 1955 having majored in industrial arts and mathematics. He initially taught high school in St. Charles, MN, and then later taught at Kellogg Junior High in Rochester. “Pete” married Dolores Fingerson, a St. Olaf College graduate, in 1956, and together they raised four children; Julie, Katherine, Joseph, and Amy. Dolores passed away in 1998. Service to country has been an important value and priority for Pete; in addition to his service in the Korean War he also served for many years in the Army Reserves and as the Liaison to the United States Military Academy (West Point) for the 1st Congressional District of Minnesota.
Betty and Merle were united in marriage in June 2007. Their strong Lutheran faith, service to others, family, and the importance of education are just a few of the many values that both Betty and Merle have always held dear. Of their combined eight children, three attended and graduated from Concordia; Cheryl Baldwin ’80, Martha Lopez ’85, and Julie Taylor ’80. Two granddaughters, Anna Baldwin ’07 and Maren Murray ’06, are also Concordia graduates.
The Betty L. and Merle J. Peterson Endowed Scholarship is awarded by the Office of Financial to one or more students of any class or major based on financial need.