Kenneth and Charlotte Althoff Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth W. and Charlotte E. Althoff Endowed Scholarship fund was established in 2014 by Kathleen Brekken in honor of her parents Kenneth and Charlotte. Kenneth William Althoff was born in 1921 in Graceville, Minnesota. He attended Cannon Falls High School and later graduated from St. Olaf College and Luther Theological Seminary. Following an internship in Detroit, Michigan, Ken’s calling led him to serve in congregations in Pine River and in Dawson, Minnesota. In 1953, due to health reasons, Ken left the ministry and opened a small retail gift shop and began importing and wholesaling religious and Christmas products. After several years, he closed the retail store but continued to flourish his wholesale Christmas business. Thousands of stores across the country were purchasing the decorative Christmas items. Charlotte Elaine Alexander was born in 1921 in Cannon Falls, Minnesota where she attended high school. After high school, Charlotte graduated from St. Olaf College as well. She studied music and was a member of the St. Olaf choir. They were married in 1946 and traveled extensively for Ken’s business. They spent many happy years at their home in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Ken passed away in 2006 and Charlotte in 2014. This fund provides important support annually for financially deserving students of Luther Seminary.