Albert and Hazel Lehman Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Luther Seminary

In memory of their parents, the children, Joy Lehman (James) Erickson, Marcus Lehman, Dawn Lehman, and Beth Lehman, established The Albert and Hazel Lehman Family Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2021. Al and Hazel grew up in rural communities in Iowa. Al on a dairy farm in Slater and Hazel in Radcliffe. Rural life and their love for the land influenced their call to ministry in the church. Al and Hazel graduated from St Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Al intended to go back to the family farm but his parish pastor urged him to enroll at Luther Theological Seminary where he received his degree in 1944. Hazel was a music major and accomplished pianist. She used her talents as organist and choir director in many of the parishes they served.

Early on in their ministry, Al and Hazel were missionaries in Madagascar (1946-48). They were stationed at Toalagnaro (Fort Dauphin) and Tsihombe. Their love for Madagascar and the Malagasy people left an indelible mark on their lives. They shared their Madagascar experience throughout their ministry and influenced many others to support the Lutheran mission in Madagascar.

Pastor Lehman served churches in urban and rural settings in Minnesota and Iowa for 35 years. He was always interested in ecumenism and worked with each of the congregations he led to witness effectively and faithfully among all peoples. This perspective also guided his work as Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Churches from 1973-1979.

Al and Hazel retired to their farm in Lake City, Minnesota where Al returned to his agricultural roots raising purebred cattle. Throughout their lives, they strove to be ‘faithful servants’ of the Church.

The PURPOSE of this fund is to provide scholarships annually for any deserving Master of Divinity student from Madagascar; any deserving Master of Divinity student from Africa; or any deserving international student attending Luther Seminary.