“We became friends with many Luther Seminary students when we worked and lived nearby,” said Don and Charleen Weidenbach. “We came to understand how crucial student support is and want to continue to support students as they follow their calls.”
They established the Charleen and Donald Weidenbach Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Simon and Alma Hanson Scholarship, using funds from a bequest from Charleen’s mother, to make their support concrete at Luther Seminary. In addition, they set up a charitable remainder trust to be sure they could achieve their charitable dreams beyond their lifetimes.
They appreciate the income from the trust, and the tax advantages of gifting appreciated assets to it. Because it’s a charitable remainder trust, they know that after their deaths the trust’s remainder will go to ministries about which they care deeply, including Luther Seminary. “We feel so gratified about having made these plans and being able to help!”
Leave your legacy
Like many Luther Seminary investors, the Weidenbachs are members of the Heritage Society. This group represents a community of supporters who have made a commitment to the next generation of the church and its leaders through a planned gift. Is Luther already in your estate plan? Let us know so we can recognize your generosity.
There are many ways to invest in Luther Seminary through a planned gift, such as a charitable remainder trust (CRUT). A CRUT allows you to support Luther’s mission while planning for your future with a secure, steady income. To learn more about leaving a legacy and the benefits of making a planned gift through your estate, property or other investments, visit legacy.luthersem.edu, or contact Luther’s Director of Gift Planning Susan Dunlop at sdunlop001@luthersem.edu or 651-523-1751.