Harold and Ella Midtbo Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Harold and Ella Midtbo Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in August, 2008, by the Harold Midtbo Trust and by the estate of Ella Midtbo. Harold and Ella were active lay leaders in their congregations in New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. They met in youth group at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York, and married shortly after Ella finished Nursing School. Harold served as a lay preacher in the congregations he and Ella attended, and even preached at Coney Island in his early adulthood. He later served as interim president at New York Theological Seminary, and served part-time as a development officer for Luther Seminary. He and Ella enjoyed leading Bible studies and English classes for the wives of Japanese businessmen. Ella was an avid musician, playing piano and organ for worship services, and singing in the church choir. She taught Sunday School until the age of 87, and three of her students became bishops. Harold and Ella enjoyed many friendships with Luther Seminary graduates, faculty, and staff during their lives. This fund was established to help people, who hear God’s call, access a theological education and provides important financial support for deserving M.Div. students.