IN MEMORIAM (April 2022)
Obituary information is provided by district offices to the Synod’s Office of Rosters and Statistics. Any questions about content should be referred, therefore, to the appropriate district office. — Ed.
ORDAINED
AUFDENKAMPE, CHARLES R. REV., April 9, 1945, Lakewood, Ohio, to Dec. 18, 2021, Evanston, Ill.; son of Raymond and Dorothy (Hagedorn) Aufdenkampe; graduated Springfield Seminary 1971. Served 1971-2004. Ministries/Parishes: Mobile, Ala.; Havertown, Pa.; Oberlin, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; Tucson, Ariz. Retired 2004. Memorial Service: Chicago, Ill.
BUCK, GEORGE JR. REV., June 17, 1935, Mineola, N.Y., to Nov. 20, 2021, Parma, Ohio; son of George and Milda (Granz) Buck; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1960. Served 1960-1997. Ministries/Parishes: E. Northport, N.Y.; Valley City, Lancaster, Cleveland, Ohio. Retired 1997. Preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Brune) Buck and daughter Teresa Uffelman. Survivors: sons: George, Jonathan, Mark; daughter: Katherine Dixon. Funeral: Nov. 30, 2021, Parma, Ohio: Interment: Nov. 30, 2021, Hinckley, Ohio.
BUEGE, RICHARD LEO REV., Sept. 1, 1928, Sturgeon Bay, Wis., to Jan. 9, 2022, Mankato, Minn.; son of Leo and Louise (Braemer) Buege; graduated Springfield 1955. Served 1955-1987, 1994-2009. Ministries/Parishes: Arcadia, Whitehall, Richland Center, Waldo, Wis.; Rosemount, Vernon Center, Burnsville, Minn. Retired 2009. Survivors: Delores (Larson) Buege; daughter: Julia Freeman. Funeral: Jan. 15, 2022, N. Mankato, Minn.; Interment: Jan. 17, 2022, Pigeon Falls, Wis.
BYE, THOMAS W. REV., May 11, 1950, Elmhurst, Ill., to Dec. 3, 2021, Hart, Mich.; graduated Fort Wayne 1981. Served 1981-2007, 2012-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Elgin, Minn.; Oshkosh, Wis.; Shelby, Mich. Retired 2021. Survivors: Jeralyn (Finney) Bye; daughters: Erika Sheridan, Maryann Storer. Memorial Service: Dec. 6, 2021, Shelby, Mich.
CLAUSEN, JULIUS BERNHARD REV., April 6, 1949, Havelock, Iowa, to Dec. 8, 2021, Aurora, Colo.; son of Herman and Frieda Clausen; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1975. Served 1975-2017. Ministries/Parishes: Denver, Edwards, Parker, Englewood, Colo.; Winfield, Kan.; St. Paul, Minn.; LaVerne, Calif.; Carson City, Nev. Retired 2017. Survivors: Donelle (Beckler) Clausen; sons: Brian, Christopher.
COX, STEVEN DOUGLAS REV., March 19, 1952, Portland, Ore., to Nov. 24, 2021, Vancouver, Wash.; graduated St. Louis Seminary 2006. Served 2006-2016. Ministries/ Parishes: Othello, Moses Lake, Pasco, Basin City, Mesa, Wash. Retired 2016. Survivors: Sandra (Lyles) Cox; son; John; daughters: Elizabeth Verbrugge, Margaret Gore, Caroline.
DESENS, MERWIN CARL REV., March 23, 1936, Milwaukee, Wis., to Oct. 22, 2021, Overland Park, Kan.; son of Carl and Emily (Kolbe) Desens; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1959. Served 1959-2000. Ministries/Parishes: Council Bluffs, Iowa; Lyons, Ill.; St. Louis, Monett, Kansas City, Mo.; Missouri District Circuit Visitor 1988-1992. Retired 2000. Survivors: Harriet (Mennicke) Desens; sons: Carl, Craig, Chris; daughters: Cheryl, Cindy Trivilino. Funeral: Nov. 8, 2021, Kansas City, Kan.
GIESEKING, DAVID EUGENE REV., July 21, 1958, Kansas City, Mo., to Nov. 14, 2021, Mexico Beach, Fla.; son of Marlyn and Marilyn (Baker) Gieseking; SMP certified 2016. Served 2016-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Mexico Beach, Fla. Preceded in death by his wife Elaine (Kolbus) Gieseking. Memorial Service: Nov. 24, 2021, Mexico Beach, Fla.
GOGOLIN, FLOYD EDWARD REV., July 3, 1936, Harrold, S.D., to Nov. 25, 2021, Oshkosh, Wis.; son of Walter and Ottilia (Lenz) Gogolin; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1963. Served 1963-2014. Ministries/Parishes: Milwaukee, Haven, Adams, Quincy, Wisconsin Rapids, Suring, Neshkoro, Westfield, Montello, Burnett, Wis.; Northwest District Circuit Visitor 1988-1990. Retired 2014. Survivors: Linda (Gess) Gogolin; son: John; daughters: Christine Engebrecht, Jean Thur. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 28, 2021, Oshkosh, Wis.
GROTH, MARLIN CHARLES REV., July 11, 1935, Courtland, Minn., to Jan. 5, 2022, Parma, Ohio; son of Carl and Rosa (Bartz) Groth; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1961. Served 1961-1965, 1968-2003. Ministries/Parishes: Neudorf, Saskatchewan, Canada; Scotia, N.Y.; Cleveland, Dayton, Graton, Ohio; Chicago, Dolton, Ill.; Northern Illinois District Circuit Visitor 1990-1992. Retired 2003. Preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Zilke) Groth. Survivors: sons: Christopher, Karl; daughters: Kathryn Bagby, Caryl Stewart. Funeral: Jan. 8, 2022, Parma, Ohio; Interment: Jan. 8, 2022, Cleveland, Ohio.
HAGEMEIER, FRED W. REV., June 26, 1936, Cincinnati, Ohio, to Nov. 21, 2021; son of Fritz and Louise (Hassebrock) Hagemeier; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1962. Served 1962-2006. Ministries/Parishes: Magnolia, Iowa; St. Louis, Mo.; Ft. Smith, Ark. Retired 2006. Survivors: Gayle (Evans) Hagemeier; sons: Paul, Timothy; daughters: Ruth Whitney, Deborah Mildenburger. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 26, 2021, Ft. Smith, Ark.
HAHN, ERNEST NORMAN REV., March 11, 1926, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Dec. 26, 2021, Canada; son of Rev. Ernest and Margueirte (Damkoehler) Hahn; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1952. Served 1952-1997. Ministries/Parishes: India; River Forest, Ill.; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Retired 1997. Survivors: Greta (Trakis) Hahn; sons: Ernest, Theodore; daughter: Ingrid. Funeral: Dec. 31, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Interment: Dec. 31, 2021, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
HECKMANN, ROBERT GEORGE REV., April 13, 1927, Riesel, Texas, to Nov. 29, 2021, Kingsport, Tenn.; son of Edwin and Concordia Heckmann; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1951. Served 1951-1987. Ministries/Parishes: Oakland, Martinez, Rodeo, Calif.; New Melle, St. Louis, Mo.; Newark, Del.; Richmond, Va. Retired 1993. Preceded in death by his wife Marie (Fickenscher) Heckmann. Survivors; sons: Robert, Richard; daughters: Lois Windes, Mary Becker. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 11, 2021, Kingsport, Tenn.
HENTZ, ROBERT D. REV., Dec. 25, 1932, Hankinson, N.D., to Dec. 12, 2021, La Habra, Calif.; son of Peter Jr. and Alice (Brown) Hentz; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1955. Served 1959-1997. Ministries/Parishes: Huntington, S. Charleston, W. Va.; Denver, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Burbank, Calif.; Pacific Southwest District Circuit Visitor 1986-1994. Retired 1997. Survivors: Marion (Horstman) Hentz; son: Stephen; daughters: Barbara, Deborah, Pamela. Funeral: Dec. 22, 2021, Anaheim, Calif.
HORKEY, CHARLES ELMER REV., Jan. 16, 1951, Windom, Minn., to Jan. 14, 2022, Sioux City, Iowa; son of Gordon and Edna (Karo) Horkey; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1984. Served 1984-2011, 2021-2022. Ministries/Parishes: Schuyler, Howells, Tilden, Norfolk, S. Sioux City, Neb.; Wheaton, Minn.; Sioux City, Iowa.; Nebraska District Circuit Visitor 1995-1998. Survivors: Marsha (Pankow) Horkey; daughters: Anna Kobs, Jane Kreber. Funeral: Jan. 22, 2022, Sioux City, Iowa; Interment: Hankinson, S.D.
ISRAEL, JOHN WILLIAM REV., April 4, 1930, Huron, S.D., to Nov. 4, 2021, Loveland, Colo.; son of Rev. William and Esther (Schornack) Israel; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1956. Served 1956-1992. Ministries/Parishes: Lexington, Ottenheim, Ky.; Three Lakes, Eagle River, Tomahawk, Wis. Retired 1992. Survivors: Jean (Jauer) Israel; sons: Mark, David; daughter: Debra McCarthy. Memorial Service and Interment: Nov. 11, 2021, Loveland, Colo.
JACOB, PAUL G. REV., Dec. 11, 1957, India, to Dec. 13, 2021, Lakewood, Calif.; son of Rev. A. Jacob; graduated Holland Seminary. Served 2018-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Hollywood, Lakewood, Calif. Survivors: Elizabeth Jacob; daughter: Eugenia. Funeral: Dec. 22, 2021, Long Beach, Calif.; Interment: Dec. 30, 2021, Cypress, Calif.
KESSELMAYER, DARWOOD J. REV., March 20, 1927, Holgate, Ohio, to Nov. 30, 2021, Pekin, Ill.; son of Irvin and Kathryn (Barth) Kesselmayer; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1955. Served 1955-1991. Ministries/Parishes: Reno, Sparks, Nev.; O’Fallon, Mo.; Pekin, Ill. Retired 1991. Preceded in death by his wife Marian (Brauer) Kesselmayer. Survivors: sons: Michael, Steven, David; daughters: Kathryn Heisel, Karyn McCrystal, Kaye Shepherd. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 4, 2021, Pekin, Ill.
KORTH, DAIRD WAYNE REV., Nov. 9, 1954, Ft. Atkinson, Wis., to Dec. 12, 2021, Clear Lake, Iowa; son of Hilmer and Alice (Webb) Korth; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1981. Served 1981-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Ventura, Elma, Iowa; Iowa East District Circuit Visitor 2000-2015. Preceded in death by his wife Carol (Schulz) Korth. Survivors: sons: Nicholas, Christopher. Inurnment: Ventura, Iowa.
KRUEGER, ROBERT HENRY REV., April 17, 1945, Minneapolis, Minn., to Nov. 13, 2021, Jordan, Minn.; son of Herman and Helma (Elling) Krueger; graduated Springfield Seminary 1971. Served 1971-2008, 2011-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, Canada; Fair Haven, Kimball, St. Paul, Prior Lake, Minn.; Minnesota South District Circuit Visitor 1990-1997. Preceded in death by his wife Linda (Pieper) Krueger. Survivors: Katherine (Klemp) Krueger; sons: Robert, Scott, Jonathan. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 19, 2021, Prior Lake, Minn.
LONEY, DANA W. REV., June 5, 1959, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Nov. 25, 2021, Waukesha, Wis.; son of Darrell and June (Blocker) Loney; graduated St. Louis Seminary 2005. Served 2005-2020. Ministries/Parishes: Slayton, Minn.; Sheboygan, Franklin, Wis.; Rome, Ga. Retired 2020. Survivors: Catherine (Weidler) Loney; son: Tyler; daughters: Jennifer Stuckey, Nicole Alton. Funeral: Dec. 4, 2021, Oconomowoc, Wis.; Buried at sea.
MILLER, JOHN ANDREW III REV., Sept. 27, 1940, Denton, Texas, to Dec. 11, 2021, Boise City, Okla.; son of John and Elsie (Peck) Miller; graduated Springfield Seminary 1973. Served 1973-1993, 1995-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Philippines; Delano, Calif; Garden City, Kan.; Boise City, Okla; Dalhart, Texas. Survivors: Anita (Schmidt) Miller; sons: Matthew, Aaron; daughters: Gretchen Pennington, Heather Zelikov. Memorial Service: Dec. 17, 2021, Dalhart, Texas.
MITCHELL, ROBERT EUGENE REV., June 9, 1949, Mineola, N.Y., to Dec. 11, 2021, Missoula, Mont.; son of John and Adele (Sengstacken) Mitchell; colloquy 1995. Served 1995-2007, 2010-2019. Ministries/Parishes: Bozeman, Deer Lodge, Mont.; Montana District Circuit Visitor 2004-2007. Retired 2019. Survivors: Michele (Bonder) Mitchell; son: Matthew; daughters: Genelle, Kathryn Woods, Keren. Funeral: January 2, 2022, Deer Lodge, Mont.: Interment: Jan. 2, 2022, Missoula, Mont.
MOORE THOMAS L. REV., Aug. 3, 1931, Brooklyn, N.Y., to Dec. 4, 2021, Oviedo, Fla.; son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Buck) Moore; graduated Springfield Seminary 1970. Served 1970-1972. Ministry/Parish: Garber, Okla. Retired 1993. Funeral: Jan. 8, 2022. Oviedo, Fla.
NELSON, RICHARD A. REV., Nov. 16, 1925, Crookston, S.D., to Dec. 20, 2021, Weatherford, Texas; son of Roy and Hannah (Hulst) Nelson; graduated Springfield Seminary 1954. Served 1954-1991. Ministries/Parishes: Britton, S.D.; Adair, Iowa; Okawville, Ill.; Port Hope, Nunica, Mich.; Hutchinson, Kan.; Weatherford, Texas; Texas District Circuit Visitor 1988-1991. Retired 1991. Survivors: sons: Frank, John, Paul, Mark; daughter: Mary. Funeral: Dec. 23, 2021, Weatherfod, Texas; Interment: Dec. 23, 2021, Granbury, Texas.
PANNIER, CLARENCE WILMER REV., Sept. 22, 1922, Granton, Wis., to Dec. 4, 2021, Davenport, Iowa; son of William and Clara (Eberhardt) Pannier; graduated Springfield Seminary 1962. Served 1962-1987. Ministries/Parishes: Charter Oak, Ida Grove, Urbandale, Sac City, Davenport, Iowa; Iowa East District Circuit Visitor 1986. Retired 1987. Preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl. Survivors: Marian (Winter) Pannier; sons: Gary, Randy, Steven, Philip; daughter: Dianne Marti. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 9, 2021, Davenport, Iowa.
PAULING, RUCLARE DAVID REV., Jan. 10, 1936, Cherokee, Iowa, to Nov. 22, 2021, Vacaville, Calif.; son of Rev. Clarence and Ruth (Johnson) Pauling; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1961. Served 1961-1983, 2010-2017. Ministries/Parishes: Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Ft. Renton, Geraldine, Mont.; Warrenville, Plainfield, Ill.; Fairbault, Minn.; Fairfield, Davis, Calif. Retired 2017. Survivors: Patricia (Nicolet) Pauling who has since passed away in January 2022; sons: Jeffrey, Matthew; daughters: Jennifer Featherstone, Rebecca. Memorial Service: Feb. 26, 2022, Vacaville, Calif.
PINGEL, JAMES ALLEN RICHARD REV. DR., Oct. 31, 1939, Shawano, Wis., to Nov. 19, 2021, Sun Prairie, Wis.; son of Clarence and Hildegarde (Buhrandt) Pingel; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1965. Served 1965-2005. Ministries/Parishes: Madison, Ohio; Edgerton, Sun Prairie, Wis. Retired 2005. Survivors: Alva (Herman) Pingel; sons: James, David, Mark; daughter: Lea Murray. Funeral: Nov. 22, 2021, Sun Prairie, Wis.; Interment: Nov. 23, 2021, Sun Prairie, Wis.
POPPE, LEONARD BRUCE REV., Oct. 23, 1959, Corpus Christi, Texas, to Aug. 15, 2021, Lincoln, Mo.; son of Clarence and Lucile (Bethke) Poppe; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1987. Served 1987-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Columbus, Miss.; Lincoln, Mo.; Missouri District Circuit Visitor 2003-2009. Survivors: Karin (Hafermann) Poppe; son: Brian; daughter: Jennifer Loveday. Funeral and Interment: Aug. 26, 2021, Lincoln, Mo.
RABE, WALTER GAIL REV., May 11, 1933, Elmhurst, Ill., to Nov. 21, 2021, Elmhurst, Ill.; son of Walter and Renata Rabe; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1958. Served 1958-1997. Ministries/Parishes: Schaller, Pa.; St. Joseph, Mo.; Crystal Lake, Addison, Glencoe, Ill. Retired 1997. Preceded in death by his wife Carol (Diechmann) Rabe. Survivors: sons: Mark, Brian, Deane. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 27, 2021, Elmhurst, Ill.
RAKOS, GEORGE ALBERT REV., June 21, 1940, Tacoma, Wash., to Dec. 20, 2021, Anchorage, Alaska; son of Albert and Georgia Rakos; colloquy 2006. Served 2006-2015. Ministries/Parishes: Soldotna, Alaska; Northwest District Circuit Visitor 2014-2021. Retired 2015. Survivors: Carolyn (Theiss) Rakos; daughters: Jahna Pollock, Karen. Funeral: Dec. 30, 2021, Anchorage, Alaska; Interment: Anchorage, Alaska.
SCHMIDT, DON LEE REV., Sept. 5, 1949, Ft. Collins, Colo., to Jan. 12, 2022, Memphis, Tenn.; son of Robert Schmidt; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1977. Served 1977-2022. Ministries/Parishes: Bertrand, Neb.; Slayton, Minn.; Cookeville, Memphis, Tenn.; Minnesota South District Circuit Visitor 1989-1991. Survivors: Marilee (Schneider) Schmidt; sons: Samuel, Andrew; daughters: Rebekah, Rachel. Funeral: Jan. 22, 2022, Memphis, Tenn.
SCHUDLICH, GERALD EMIL REV., Jan. 29, 1932, Manistee, Mich., to Oct. 27, 2021, Manistee, Mich.; son of Emil and Henrietta (Kolk) Schudlich; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1959. Served 1959-1994. Ministries/Parishes: DuBois, Punxsutawney, Pa.; Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Kingsley, Mich. Retired 1994. Survivors: Pearl (Hanebutt) Schudlich; son: Joel; daughters: Rebecca, Rachel Schlueter. Celebration of Life: Nov. 9, 2021, Manistee, Mich.
SCHUELEIN, VIRGIL L. REV., Feb. 16, 1933, Enid, Okla., to Dec. 3, 2021, San Antonio, Texas; son of Chester and Martha (Holtzen) Schuelein; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1958. Served 1958-1983. Ministries/Parishes: Menard, Brady, Texas; U.S. Airforce Military Chaplain; Franktown, Silverthorne, Colo.; Rocky Mountain District Circuit Visitor 1991-1994. Retired 1998. Survivors: sons: Chet, Scott, daughter: Virginia. Memorial Service: Jan. 8, 2022, Castle Rock, Colo.
SIEDSCHLAG, JOHN A. SR. REV., March 2, 1939, Rhinelander, Wis., to Jan. 11, 2022, Watertown, Wis.; so of Arthur and Anna Siedschlag; colloquy 1982. Served 1982-2009. Ministries/Parishes: Brussels, Ill.; Clyman, Land O’ Lakes, Necedah, New Miner, Webster, Wis.; South Wisconsin District Circuit Visitor 1988-1991; North Wisconsin District Circuit Visitor 1998-1999. Retired 2009. Survivors: Virginia (Cornell) Siedschlag; son: John Jr.; daughters: Lisabeth Risley, Carolyn Taylor, Joi-Lynn Rens. Funeral: Jan. 22, 2022, Watertown, Wis.; Interment: Door County, Wis.
SIMS, MARCUS P. REV., Aug. 25, 1958, Philadelphia, Pa., to Dec. 19, 2021; son of Marcus and Celia Sims; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1987. Served 1987-2002, 2015-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Chicago, Ill.; Detroit, Mich.; Philadelphia, Pa. Survivor: Jeannette Sims. Funeral: December 27, 2021, Philadelphia, Pa.; Interment: Dec. 27, 2021, West Chester, Pa.
THUR, GARY R. REV., Feb. 26, 1945, Clark County, Wis., to Nov. 30, 2021, Phoenix, Ariz.; son of Ernest and Freda (Hefty) Thur; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1971. Served 1971-2014. Ministries/Parishes: Height of Land, Frazee, Ponsford, Toad Lake, Clear Lake, Minn.; Drayton Plains, Rochester, Mich.; Farmington, N.M.; Rocky Mountain District Circuit Visitor 1990-1993. Retired 2014. Survivors: Dianna (Galletta) Thur; sons; Kelly, Barrett; daughter: Heidi. Celebration of Life: Dec. 5, 2021.
TRINKLEIN, EDGAR A. REV., Jan. 27, 1933, Navasota, Texas, to Dec. 18, 2021, Lakeland, Fla.; son of Rev. Louis and Lillian (Krafft) Trinklein; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1957. Served 1958-1998. Ministries/Parishes: Orlando, Lakeland, Fla.; Marietta, Ga. Retired 1998. Preceded in death by his wife Carol (Dandanell) Trinklein; Survivors: son: Paul; daughters: Lynn Zeddies, Elizabeth Witter. Funeral: Jan. 8, 2022, Lakeland, Fla.
UPDEGRAVE, STEPHEN WILLIAM REV. DR., July 15, 1948, Philadelphia, Pa., to Jan. 3, 2022, Leonardtown, Md.; son of William and Sarah (Wills) Updegrave; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1989. Served 1989-2012. Ministries/Parishes: Hagerstown, Lexington Park, Md. Retired 2012. Survivors: Karen (Howe) Updegrave; sons: Matthew, Cody; daughter: Rebecca Cline. Funeral: April 14, 2022, Leonardtown, Md.; Interment: Cheltenham, Md.
WEAVER, GERRY L. REV., Aug. 30, 1945, Decatur, Ill., to Dec. 1, 2021, Strasburg, Ill.; son of Charles and Chelsea (Rabbitt) Weaver; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 2007. Served 2007-2016. Ministries/Parishes: Snyder, Howell, Crookston, Merriman, Neb.; Manito, Ill. Retired 2016. Survivors: Joyce (Freitag) Weaver; son: Rev. David. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 4, 2021, Stewardson, Ill.
WILLE, EUGENE E. REV., Feb. 14, 1933, Mt. Prospect, Ill., to Nov. 25, 2021, Belvidere, Ill.; son of Edwin and Margaret (Behrens) Wille; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1959. Served 1959-2002. Ministries/Parishes: Sulphur, La.; Belvidere, Ill. Retired 2002. Preceded in death by his wife Helen (Agassi) Wille. Survivors: daughters: Rebeka Santos, Monika Fiduccia, Julie Grigsby, Angela Genz. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 4, 2021, Belvidere, Ill.
WILLIAMS, DARL GEORG REV., Sept. 5, 1950, San Angelo, Texas, to Dec. 16, 2021, Kearney, Neb.; son of Darl and Mary (Davis) Williams; graduated Ft. Wayne 1977. Served 1977-2021. Ministries/Parishes: Alexandria, Mansura, La.; Ainsworth, Neb.; Nebraska District Circuit Visitor 1985-1988, 1991-1994. Survivors: Georgia (Hall) Williams; daughter: Rachel Hollingsead. Memorial Service and Inurnment: Dec. 21, 2021, Ainsworth, Neb.
WOLTERS, MELVIN RONALD REV., Dec. 22, 1932, Eden, Idaho, to Dec. 10, 2021, Jerome, Idaho; son of Walter and Mollie (Steinmetz) Wolters; graduated Springfield Seminary 1967. Served 1967-1997. Ministries/Parishes: Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, Canada; Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada; Canmore, Fairview, Hines Creek, Alberta, Canada. Retired 1997. Survivors: Elaine (Holtzen) Wolters; son: Michael; daughters: Carolyn Heider, Joyce Sedlmayr, Tammy Klarenbach. Funeral: Dec. 30, 2021, Jerome, Idaho; Interment: Dec. 30, 2021, Eden, Idaho.
COMMISSIONED
BAUER, DONALD W., Aug. 29, 1930, Blue Earth, Minn., to March 17, 2021, Phoenix, Ariz.; son of Donald Bauer; graduated River Forest 1954. Served 1954-1992. Schools/Ministries: Springfield, Ill.; St. Paul, Minn.; Milwaukee, West Bend, Wis.; Phoenix, Ariz. Retired 1992. Survivors: Denise (Haack) Bauer; sons: Kevin, Kurt; daughter: Sue Krieger. Funeral: March 27, 2021, Phoenix, Ariz.
BRANDT, NADINE MARIE (DEKE), Sept. 6, 1942, Omaha, Neb., to Nov. 19, 2021, St. Charles, Mo.; daughter of Rev. Arnold and Irma (Westerman) Deke; graduated Seward 1964. Served 1973-2002. Schools/Ministries: Eagan, Minn.; St. Charles, Mo. Retired 2002. Survivors: James Brandt; son: John; daughter: Lisa Dubke. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 26, 2021, St. Charles, Mo.
CLUVER, ELLEN (STOLE), Oct. 31, 1951, Hammond, Ind., to Aug. 3, 2021, Watseka, Ill.; daughter of Has and Borghild (Soreide) Stole; graduated Seward 1973. Served 1973-1989, 1991-2015. Schools/Ministries: Hoyleton, Burr Ridge, Sterling, Milford, Ill.; Baltimore, Md. Retired 2015. Survivors: Daniel Cluver; son: David; daughter: Jan Lavicka. Funeral and Interment: Aug. 7, 2021, Watseka, Ill.
COLANGELO, CHARLENE MAE (ELSON), Aug. 25, 1957, Trenton, N.J., to Jan. 11, 2022, Iowa City, Iowa; daughter of Ervin and Charlotte (Bozarth) Elson; colloquy 2018. Served 2018-2022. School/Ministry: Latimer, Iowa. Survivor: Carl Colangelo. Funeral: Jan. 18, 2022, Latimer, Iowa.
FIEDLER, EUGENE K., March 6, 1935, Shawneetown, Mo., to Dec. 12, 2021, Slinger, Wis.; son of Arthur and Loraine (Schlimpert) Fiedler; graduated River Forest 1958. Served 1958-2000. Schools/Ministries: Racine, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Wis. Retired 2000. Survivors: Carolyn (Wunsch) Fiedler; son: David Weise; daughter: Phyllis Mortenson. Funeral: Dec. 17, 2021, Jackson, Wis.; Interment: Dec. 17, 2021, Brookfield, Wis.
GRUETZMACHER, GENE ELLEN (LIETZ), Sept. 22, 1941, Aurora, Ill., to Aug.11, 2021, Brookfield, Wis.; daughter of Fred and Vera Lietz; graduated River Forest 1963. Served 1977-2004. Schools/Ministries: Elm Grove, Milwaukee, Wis. Retired 2004. Survivors: Paul Gruetzmacher; son: Nathan; daughters: Gisa Griffin, Heidi Bauer. Funeral: Oct. 16, 2021, Brookfield, Wis.
HEIDORN, PAUL ERNEST, Sept. 27, 1929, Blue Earth, Minn., to Nov. 3, 2021, Seward, Neb.; son of Rev. Walter and Emma (Rittmueller) Heidorn; graduated River forest 1954. Served 1954-1993. Schools/Ministries: Harbine, Utica, Neb. Retired 1993. Survivors: Caroline (Hannemann) Heidorn; sons: Mark, Timothy; daughter: Lynn. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 9, 2021, Utica, Neb.
KUHN, KATHLEEN R. (STOLTE), Nov. 14, 1943, Sibley, Iowa, to Feb. 24, 2021, Platte Center, Neb.; daughter of Fred and Hilda (Ostermann) Stolte; graduated St. Paul 1966. Served 1990-2010. School/Ministry: Columbus, Neb. Retired 2010. Preceded in death by her son Jon. Survivors: Doug Kuhn; son: Jeff; daughters: Becky Maaske, Julie McClary, Megan Preister. Funeral and Interment: March 1, 2021, Columbus, Neb.
LAZARCHIC, JULIE ANNE (GIERKE), May 4, 1971, Springfield, Ill., to Dec. 2, 2021, Lincoln, Neb.; daughter of Eugene and Linda (Hagen) Gierke; graduated Seward 1993. Served 1995-2012. Schools/Ministries: Chicago, Ill.; Seymour, Ind. Survivors: John Lazarchic; son: Caleb. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 10, 2021, Seward, Neb.
LEHMANN, ROBERT A., Oct. 13, 1932, to Nov. 24, 2021, Heessen, Germany; graduated Seward 1959. Served 1989-1995. Schools/Ministries: Englewood, Colo.; Hooper, Neb.; Alma, Mo. Retired 1995. Cremation.
MACKIE, JAMES D., July 31, 1928, Highland Park, Mich., to June 29, 2021, Seward, Neb.; son of Toivo and Pansy (Johnson) Mackie; colloquy 1981. Served 1981-1984. School/Ministry: Seward, Neb. Retired 1984. Preceded in death by his wife Christine Mackie. Survivors: sons: Rev. Roger, David, Steven; daughter: Janice Schmidt. Funeral and Interment: July 6, 2021, Seward, Neb.
NEBEL, INGRID A. (PRAHLOW), Oct. 9, 1955, St. Louis, Mo., to Aug. 26, 2021, Rochester, Minn.; daughter of Donald and Patricia (Muschinske) Prahlow; graduated River Forest 1977. Served 1977-2018. Schools/Ministries: Kalispell, Mont.; Hollywood, Plant City, Fla.; St. Louis, Florissant, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Mo. Retired 2018. Preceded in death by her husband Mark Nebel. Survivors: daughters: Jocelyn Theiss, Katherine. Funeral: Sept. 4, 2021, St. Louis, Mo.; Interment: Sept. 4, 2021, Jennings, Mo.
PALM, LORI ANN (MONTNEY), April 6, 1962, Taylor, Mich., to Jan. 9, 2022, Detroit, Mich.; daughter of Walter and Peggy (Russell) Montney; graduated Ann Arbor 1984. Served 2005-2022. School/Ministry: Flint, Mich. Survivors: Timothy Palm, son: Nicholas; daughters: Kellie, Emily Tuttle, Alana. Funeral: Jan. 17, 2022, Flint, Mich; Interment: Jan. 17, 2022, Holly, Mich.
PARKER, EVA MAE (GHASKIN), March 2, 1938, Montrose, Ala., to July 1, 2021, Mobile, Ala.; daughter of Pearly Sr. and Mattie (Smith) Ghaskin; graduated Seward 1970. Served 1973-2000. School/Ministry: Mobile, Ala. Retired 2000. Survivors: son: Herman Jr.; daughters: Brenda, Anita, Wanda. Funeral: July 10, 2021, Mobile, Ala.; Interment: July 10, 2021, Theodore, Ala.
RODENBECK, RONALD PHILIP, March 22, 1931, Ft. Wayne, Ind., to Aug. 20, 2021, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; son of Edwin and Helen (Hooper) Rodenbeck; graduated River Forest 1953. Served 1953-1993. Schools/Ministries: Joliet, Ill.; Ft. Wayne, Ind. Retired 1993. Preceded in death by his wife Lois (Warnke) Rodenbeck and daughter Carol. Survivor: son: Allen. Funeral and Interment: Aug. 28, 2021, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
SCHRECK, GERALD DENNIS, Sept. 20, 1939, Appleton, Minn., to Dec. 16, 2021, Columbia Falls, Mont.; son of Walter and Rose Schreck; graduated Mequon 1991. Served 1995-2010. School/Ministry: Kalispell, Mont. Retired 2010. Preceded in death by his wife Helen (Aklestad) Schreck. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 28, 2021, Kalispell, Mont.
STORTZ, STEVEN BRIAN, March 2, 1964, St. Louis, Mo., to Dec. 19, 2021, Omaha, Neb.; son of Melvin and Carolyn (Hopperstad) Stortz; graduated Seward 1986. Served 1986-2021. Schools/Ministries: Norfolk, Neb.; Latimer, Iowa. Survivors: Charlene (Hiatt) Stortz; sons: Brian, Matthew, Daniel; daughters: Renee St John, Bethany Slatten. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 28, 2021, Norfolk, Neb.
WEIKAL, NORMA JANE (HUTCHISON), July 17, 1947, Richmond, Va., to Jan. 5, 2022, Wichita, Kan; daughter of Forrest and Dorothy Hutchison; graduated Seward 2003. Served 2003-2013. School/Ministry: Wichita, Kan. Survivors: Alan Weikal; son: Gant; daughter: Sarah Bengtson. Memorial Service: Jan. 17, 2022, Wichita, Kan.; cremation.
WESTERFELD, JUDITH ANN (HOUREN), April 1, 1939, Chicago, Ill., to Aug. 22, 2021, Green Bay, Wis.; daughter of Howard and Melba Houren; graduated River Forest 1960. Served 1979-2009. School/Ministry: Green Bay, Wis. Retired 2009. Preceded in death by her husband Rodney Westerfeld. Survivors: sons: Scott, Joel. Memorial Service: Aug. 30, 2021, Green Bay, Wis.
ZOBEL, GLEN FRED, Jan. 12, 1938, West Point, Neb., to Sept. 21, 2021, Largo, Fla.; son of Martin and Ellen (Feyerherm) Zobel; graduated Seward 1960. Served 1982-1983. School/Ministry: Clearwater, Fla. Retired 2000. Survivors: Margaret (Riethmeier) Zobel; son: Martin; daughter: Ann Simonet. Memorial Service: Sept. 25, 2021, Clearwater, Fla.; Interment: Bancroft, Neb.
