Endowment funds guarantee there will always be scholarships from A-P Dollars for Scholars to our students.
Only the interest that is earned from endowment funds can be awarded as scholarships each year. Gifts to A-P Dollars for Scholars that are requested to be endowments by the donor are held in an interest-bearing account and only the interest that is earned is awarded to students each year. The size of the award is impacted by the amount of money in that specific endowment, interest rates, and in some cases the additional gifts given towards that endowment through the year.
Aplington-Parkersburg Dollars for Scholars
Endowment Scholarship Funds
A-P Class of 2010 Senior Football Team Members Endowment- Established by the members of the 2010 Falcon football team; scholarships generated from this fund are awarded to graduating seniors who participated in Falcon football.
Andy & Elizabeth (Alberts) Knock Memorial- Andy was a farmer, salesperson, and owner of Knock Lumber Co in Parkersburg. Elizabeth worked for the Aplington newspaper before their marriage. They had 7 children: Henry, Esther, Markley, Wallace, Elizabeth, Lois, Richard and Bonnie. Preference for this scholarship is to a deserving student who might not otherwise be considered.
Arnie Swanson Endowment- Arnie was an avid Aplington-Parkersburg supporter who watched his grandchildren participate and excel in the A-P schools. This scholarship is given to a student with notable character and high classroom achievement who participated in basketball or football.
Arnold W. Schipper Endowment- Arnold was a resident of Aplington who graduated from Aplington High in 1955. Two scholarships will be generated from this fund; one for a student going into accounting/finance/business and the second to a student entering the medical field.
Ben & Ruth Hook Memorial Endowment- Ben was a longtime resident of the Aplington/Kesley area and was an active supporter of education including serving several years on the Aplington School Board. Scholarship preference is given to those entering the educational field.
B.G. & Cordelia Johnston Endowment- B.G. Johnston operated the local elevator beginning in the 1930's. Even though B.G. had no children and very little education, he wanted to assist others in obtaining their degree. The interest on this fund is used to award scholarships each year based on criteria established by DFS.
Bill Dohrn Academic/Athletic Memorial- This scholarship was endowed to emphasize two aspects of education important to Bill: academic excellence and athletic participation. Scholarships are awarded to the male basketball player and the male baseball player who have earned the highest grade point average.
Bonnie J. & L.D. (Vern) Holm Endowment- Bonnie was an All-State basketball player for the Parkersburg Crusaders. She attended San Antonio Union Jr. College, UNI, and Viterbo University. She retired from teaching at A-P High in 2012. Vern graduated from New Hartford and later from UNI and Arizona State. He received metals for service with the U.S. Air Force. Scholarship preference is given to a student entering the health, fashion, or culinary science field.
Carl & Anna Bruechert- Carl Bruechert grew up in Parkersburg where his father was a medical doctor for generations. Scholarships are given at the discretion of the A-P DFS board but with preference to students attending Iowa State University in certain academic fields.
Christian M. & Ruth M. Fisher Endowment- This scholarship was established in memory of their parents by Christie, Kathleen, Jon, and David. Ruth taught elementary school in Aplington, Parkersburg and Ackley until age 70, and Chris and Ruth valued the benefits of a good education. The scholarship will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in teaching.
Coach Ed Thomas Memorial- Ed was a teacher, coach, mentor, and citizen of Parkersburg for over 30 years. He was one of the winningest coaches in Iowa football history and was honored as the 2005 National Football League's High School Coach of the Year. Four of his former players have made our communities proud playing in the NFL. The funds for this endowment were given by his peers, his friends, his former players, and the community at large.
Coach Al Kerns Endowment- Al has been a teacher and coach in the Parkersburg Schools and for the Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons for many years. Funds for this endowment were given by his peers, his friends, and former students and athletes.
Curt Stewart Memorial- Curt was a member of the graduating class of 1986 at Parkersburg High School. He passed away May 3, 1986. Scholarships are awarded to those pursuing an education in a vocational/technical program.
Dale & Norma (Smith) Hassman- An Endowment Fund administered by the Community Foundation of NE Iowa was established by Dale & Norma to provide annual scholarships to A-P post-grads.
Darlene Dreesman- Darlene was a lifelong resident of Parkersburg, and a Parkersburg High School graduate. She was a loyal Falcon fan and an A-P Booster Club Fan of the Year. Darlene started driving school bus for the district in 1993 and continued to drive school routes and many, many sporting events for 27 years.
Deane Frey Memorial- Deane was an Aplington graduate and went on to college at the U of I. She taught for 38 years and was a part-time librarian for 16 years. Scholarship preference is given to those entering the education field.
Delbert & Arlene Kalkwarf Endowment- Delbert and Arlene both graduated from Parkersburg High School. Delbert served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. They farmed northwest of Parkersburg for 45 years. Scholarships are awarded to those entering the medical field.
Dennis Hook & Family Service Endowment- Dennis volunteered countless hours in the community. He and his wife, Susie, were members of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Amvets, Parkersburg American Legion post #285, Parkersburg Fire and EMT, and the Grundy County Honor Guard. He was involved in the Wolf's Landing ball diamonds and was named Parkersburg Citizen of the year in 1997. This scholarship is awarded to a student who is a strong community volunteer.
Dennis Ubben Memorial- Dennis graduated in 1961 from Ackley HS, and from Ellsworth College where he played football and later served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Dennis farmed in the Aplington area until his passing in 2007.
Don & Anna Mae Mehmen Memorial- Don was raised in Parkersburg and attended rural school until 8th grade. Don and his wife Anna Mae farmed north of Parkersburg. Mr. Mehmen was a school bus driver for the Parkersburg Schools for many years. He also was employed at the Schwartz Funeral Home. Don was active and spent many volunteer hours for the Parkersburg Lion's Club and many other projects in the community. Because of his passion for volunteering, this scholarship is for a student who exemplifies such volunteerism and leadership.
Doris Adelia Bawn Griffiths Memorial- Doris was born in 1909 and graduated from Parkersburg High School where she played violin and viola. She attended nurses training at Broadlawns in Des Moines and then worked at Broadlawns Hospital. She was a school nurse in Parkersburg from 1956 - 1975. Doris was a historian for the Parkersburg Historical Home. She and Paul, her husband of 56 years, raised three children on the farm in Grundy County.
Dr. H.N. Bruechert Memorial- Henry "Doc" Bruechert was a physician in Parkersburg from 1908 until his sudden passing in 1952. He was born in Monticello, IA and graduated from the U of I Medical College. The scholarship was established in loving memory by his children Margaret Reynolds of San Francisco; Carl Bruechert of Atlanta, and Adelaide (Kay) Tedder of Winter Haven, FL. All of their children were graduates of Parkersburg High School.
Dr. Robert Watson Memorial- Bob Watson graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1945 and later from the University of Iowa, College of Dentistry. He started practicing dentistry with his father Leo, in Parkersburg, after graduation. He served the community for his entire working life.
Dwight & Marjorie Galpin Bode Endowment- Dwight was a 1945 graduate and Margorie a 1947 graduate of Parkersburg High School. Both taught for several years and at age 28 Dwight became Iowa's youngest Superintendent. Dwight went on to work for Iowa's Area Education Agencies and served as director of the Grant Wood AEA until retirement. Dwight passed away in 1996. Marjorie was dedicated to working for child advocacy groups in Cedar Rapids. Grants from this scholarship focus on those pursuing a career in education.
Ed Thomas Family Foundation Endowment- Coach Ed Thomas was a teacher, coach, and athletic director at A-P from 1975 until his tragic death in 2009. Coach Thomas absolutely loved A-P and took so much pride in our school and our community. He had the ability to see the best in all people and help them achieve beyond what they thought they were even capable of. Coach Thomas believed he lived in and worked at the greatest place on Earth. He absolutely loved to see young people go on to chase and achieve their biggest dreams as he truly believed if you were from A-P you could become whatever it is you wanted to be! The priorities in his life were his FAITH, FAMILY, and FALCON FOOTBALL. The family of Ed Thomas hopes the recipient of this award will use the scholarship to chase their dreams and we hope you never forget where you come from!
Elmer and Bernice Sansenbach Endowment- Elmer Sansenbach was a lifetime resident of Grundy County, Iowa. He lived with his wife Bernice (Barr) on the family farm southeast of Parkersburg. They enjoyed music and fishing. They attended the United Methodist Church in Parkersburg.
Everett Jensen Endowment- Mr. Everett Jensen was a teacher and coach since 1975, coming to A-P as high school principal in 1995 through retirement in 2007. He genuinely cared about each student and had the ability to form positive, lasting relationships with students. Education was at the forefront of their household. The family were a staple at Falcon activities for many years. He was proud to have worked alongside great leaders like Coach Ed Thomas and Coach Al Kerns, two men whose friendship meant so much.
Falcon Pride Club Endowment- Community support for the A-P School District
Fern Neeman Krumme Endowment- Fern, along with her twin sister Frances, was a 1939 graduate of Parkersburg High School. She was a graduate of Gates Business College and worked as a legal secretary for the Van Eman & Mulder Law Firm in Parkersburg for 15 years. She married Martin Krumme in 1959 in Muskegon, MI.
George and Marilyn Palmer Memorial- George and Marilyn grew up in Butler County. George studied accounting at Drake University and Marilyn attended Wartburg. Not long after their marriage and George's service in the U.S. Navy, the Palmers moved back to Parkersburg to carry on the family business and raise a family. Community involvement and education were important to them. This scholarship is for a student pursuing a career in medicine (in honor of the caring medical treatment they both received) or music (in honor of her gift of music.)
Glenn Frey Memorial- Glenn was a member of the Aplington community and co-owned Frey Oil company.
Hilko & Henrietta Nevenhoven Endowment- Hilko and Henrietta grew up and farmed their entire married life near Aplington. They enjoyed traveling and were passionate about church, school and kids. Even though they never had children, they were supportive of kids, and helping them with their continued education.
Holger L. & Alice G. Bakker Holm Endowment- Holger grew up near New Hartford and graduated in 1935. He served with Chicago Battery, U.S. Army during World War II, winning three Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. Alice grew up near Aplington, attending rural schools. They operated a D-X tank wagon until they retired and began work for the New Hartford Schools.
Ivan & Margaret Harken Memorial- Ivan Harken graduated from Aplington High School, enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-12 program and served during World War II. He returned to Aplington and was a secretary of the school board where he met a teacher, Margaret Glenn who had graduated from Ellsworth College. Following their marriage Ivan was a partner in Harken Lumber Co. while Margaret taught in a local preschool. Scholarships preference is to education or building trades.
Janni (Walters) Muller Memorial- Janice was involved in golf and softball and graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1986. Janni attended beauty school and for 20 years owned a beauty salon in Parkersburg. She loved her children and caring for her family. The recipient of these scholarships should exemplify this caring of fellow students, teachers, and family. This scholarship has been established by Janni's family and over 350 memorials received in 2007.
Joe Van Eschen Memorial- Joe was the principal at Parkersburg High School from 1958 to 1965. He died of a sudden heard attack on June 11, 1965. His family wants all to remember his commitment to everyone receiving a good education.
Keith & Heather Vry Memorial & Endowment Funds- In memory of Keith & Heather, Lisa Vry established this fund in memory of her husband and daughter. They were killed in an auto accident in December 1993.
Kenneth & Janet Johnson Endowment- For over 50 years Kenny and Janet were active in their church and community. They volunteered in the AP Food Pantry, 4-H, Little League, Big Brothers, Fun Days, Chamber, RAGBRAI, Friends of the Library, School Board, Lion's Club, building committee and musicals. They believe the community is as strong as its volunteers and will flourish if youth are involved. This scholarship is designated for the student who demonstrates a passion for their community by finding ways to be active in it.
Kenneth Van Lengen Memorial- Ken was an active church member and Booster Club member. He was an outdoorsman, loving to fish and hunt. He was a friend to everyone he met. Ken loved his grandchildren and never missed their events, particularly wrestling meets, and horse shows.
Kenneth R. Koop Memorial- Kenny was a resident around Aplington. He graduated from Aplington in 1964 and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He owned Ken's Skelly-Texaco for 19 years. After battling cancer, Kenny passed away in 1995. This scholarship is designated for a medical career.
Luis Cox Memorial- Luie resided in Parkersburg. His four children graduated from A-P High School. He coached many of his kids' athletic teams, was the CEO of the North Iowa Juvenile Detention Center and the Adult Crisis Stabilization Center. He was dedicated to Juvenile Law and Mental Health. This scholarship is awarded to those pursuing a career in Mental Health or Criminal Justice.
Mary Ann Vry Endowment- Mary Ann dedicated her life to her family, work, and friends. She worked as an LPN for 37 years and chose to work third shift so she could attend her kids' events. She was always willing to help friends. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in the medical field with a hard work ethic, maintaining a 3.0GPA, who cares for others and makes a positive impact.
Merle Huisinga Memorial- Merle was a resident of Butler County. He grew up on a farm near Aplington and lived for many years with his mother and aunt in Parkersburg. He enjoyed woodworking, making birdhouses, bird watching, and baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs. Merle understood the value of a good education which, due to illness, he never had the opportunity to complete.
Michael Buchholz Memorial- Mike always supported A-P students by attending sporting events and encouraging students in the hallways and by texting. He worked in the Aplington school building as a custodian, drove shuttlebus, and painted the football field. He served as the school's Transportation Director. His family would like him to be remembered as strong, supportive, doing what was right, not just what was easy. Recipients will be seniors or post-grads attending a 2-year college.
Michael Neavins Memorial- Mike was killed in a bike accident in 1994 after he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loras College. His prized award was the Bernie Saggau Award for being the student who best exemplifies a patriotic spirit, strong religious and moral convictions, living and professing the qualities of honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. The recipient will be the student who receives the Bernie Saggau Award or received football's hardest worker award.
MidWestOne Bank- Established by MidWestOne Bank Foundation. They believe in giving back to the community and to continually learn and continually improve as a core operating principal both at work and in life.
Minnie Oldenburger Endowment- Minnie was a lifelong resident of Parkersburg. She was born the daughter of Henry and Foska (Kate) Oldenburger in 1922 and passed away in 2015. Minnie spent her working career as a CNA at Grundy County Memorial Hospital.
Oliver Jungling Memorial- Oliver Jungling graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1926 and was with the Parkersburg State Bank for most of his life. Oliver served on the Parkersburg School Board for 15 years.
Parkersburg High School Class of 1969 Endowment- Dr. Steven Humphrey started this scholarship in memory of his classmates: Karen Daniels, Gaylen Hawkins, and Martha Mulder. The scholarship is for pursuing a nursing career.
Parkersburg Tornado Story Book Endowment- After the 2008 EF-5 tornado, a group of dedicated citizens published a book of remembrance. The funds raised from the sale of the story book was donated to create this scholarship.
Paul "Woody" Schuck Memorial- Woody was born near Buck Grove and grew up around Aplington, graduating from Aplington High School in 1932. He farmed near Buck Grove for nearly 40 years, then worked as a carpet installer and later as a salesman and supervisor of O's Gold/Asgrow Seed. He actively supported his community by serving on many school, church, and community boards.
Ray Brungard Memorial- Ray Brungard was born in 1945 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Bald Eagle Nittany HS in 1963. He moved to Waterloo to work for Chamberlain Mfg. and later DC Industries until he retired in 2001. Ray and his family lived in Parkersburg for 39 years. Ray loved his family and encouraged his children to do their best and to get an education.
Rhonda Adelmund Memorial- Rhonda was known as "the hat lady" at Kwik Star. The kids of the community were loved by Rhonda as she handed out a piece of candy or made them laugh with a funny, usually hand-decorated hat. Her friendly smile will be remembered forever in our community and to anyone who was fortunate enough to go through her line.
Robert (Bob) & Margaret (Peg) Neavins Endowment- Bob and Peg Neavins have been residents of Parkersburg since 1972. They purchased Anderson's Hardware then Parkersburg Hardware and stayed in the hardware business for 45yrs. They raised 4 kids that graduated from the Aplington-Parkersburg school district. Peg served on the Dollars for Scholars board for 22 years and believed in supporting students in reaching their goals at a higher education.
Ron Stockdale Memorial- Ron was raised in rural Aplington. He and his wife Carol had three sons who all obtained advanced degrees. Ron played high school baseball and basketball. Graduating in 1952, he attended the U of Dubuque on a basketball scholarship then was drafted into the U.S. Army. He later attended Iowa and became an Auditor then the President of a wholesale grocery company. Everywhere he lived, he invested in students by assisting with tuition and mentoring. Ron's roots in his community provided him with a solid foundation. Education made it possible for him to fulfill his dreams, which is his wish for you.
Rotary 2216 Business Endowment- Scholarship was established with funds from the Parkersburg Rotary Club.
"Rudele" Ruth & Adele Schoeneman- Sisters, Ruth and Adele Schoeneman graduated from Parkersburg High School in the 1940s. Scholarships are awarded to students in the Humanities, Conservation and Vocational, and Technical Fields.
Sandy Dannenbring Memorial- Sandy Dannenbring was an elementary teacher for 40 years. She was a graduate of Parkersburg High School. Even though she taught all over the United States, she always considered Parkersburg home. Sandy believed in lifelong learning and the power of reading. She loved to travel and learn about history and other countries. This scholarship will go to a student that is going into education with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Schrage Business Scholarship Endowment- Neal and Chris Schrage want this scholarship to be given to students attending 4-year universities with majors in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing who have been involved in community service. Neal is a graduate of Parkersburg High School. Chris is an instructor at UNI for the Management and Marketing Departments.
Shirley Meyer Luhring Memorial- Shirley graduated from Aplington High School in 1954. She valued education and community involvement and demonstrated integrity in her daily life. This scholarship is awarded to a student with a GPA of 3.50 or above and one who is active in at least two extra-curricular activities (in or out of school), while exemplifying strong moral character.
Stan W. Schipper Endowment- Stan was raised north of Aplington. He was a manager at Grundy R.E.C. The most important things to him were his family and faith. He was involved in the Lions Club, A-P Booster Club, Ambulance, Police and Fire Departments. He loved all sports and encouraged integrity in all facets of life. He has left a tremendous legacy for his two sons to follow.
"The Kate" Endowment- Katherine (Kneppe) Humphrey was born in 1928 in Parkersburg. She, her husband Miles, and all nine of their children graduated from Parkersburg. Kate attended Gates College in Waterloo. Kate and Miles met while he was her flight instructor. They farmed until they retired in 1992. Kate is known for her passion for volunteerism and her commitment to the local Dollars for Scholars program since it was chartered in 1983.
Virgil Goodrich Endowment- Virgil was Superintendent of Schools for Parkersburg and later for A-P High School until 2000. Funds for this endowment were given by his peers, friends, and by the community.
W-D Investments Endowment- This fund was created by Wayne and Norma Dudley, Dennis and Julie Dudley and Scott and Jackie Wildeboer.
