IN MEMORIAM (August 2026)
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
ALMS, MAURICE HAROLD REV. DR., July 6, 1945, Chester, Ill., to Jan. 23, 2026, Belleville, Ill.; son of Harold and Edith (Lehmberg) Alms; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1972. Served 1972-2008, 2013-2018. Ministries/Parishes: Columbus, Ind.; Brunswick, Ga.; Golconda, Livingston, Ill. Retired 2018. Preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer Robinson. Survivors: Linda (Penton) Alms; sons: Seth, Zachariah, Dustin, Alexander, Sasha; daughters: Natasha Cheatham, Heather Thomas, Misha Leitschuh. Funeral: Jan. 31, 2026, St. Louis, Mo.; Interment: Jan. 31, 2026, Wine Hill, Ill.
BAILEY, ROBERT GIVENS REV., June 27, 1940, Chamberlain, S.D., to May 3, 2026, Albert Lea, Minn.; son of Givens and Sylvia (Fotheringham) Bailey; graduated Springfield Seminary 1969. Served 1969-2003. Ministries/Parishes: Carlisle, Storm Lake, Iowa City, Iowa; Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Spring Lake Park, Minn.; Rapid City, S.D. South Dakota District Circuit Visitor 1994-1997. Minnesota South District Circuit Visitor 2009. Minnesota South District Secretary. Retired 2003. Survivors: Donna (Stewart) Bailey; sons: Raymond, Ronald; daughters: Lorraine, Rebecca Ogilvie. Funeral: May 20, 2026, Albert Lea, Minn.; Interment: May 20, 2026, Preston, Minn.
BOLLHAGEN, JAMES GILBERT REV. DR., March 30, 1945, Milwaukee, Wis.; to Feb. 26, 2026, St. Cloud, Fla.; son of Gilbert and Dorothy (Rohleder) Bollhagen; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1971. Served 1971-2014. Ministries/Parishes: Gaylord, New Ulm, Minn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Troy, Ill.; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Summerville, S.C.; St. Cloud, Fla. Retired 2014. Survivors: Carla (Albers) Bollhagen; son: Rev. Karl; daughters: Gretchen Hollman, Heidi Brammeier. Funeral and Interment: March 7, 2026, St. Cloud, Fla.
BOSTELMANN, WALLACE LEE ROY REV., Jan. 15, 1933, Chester, Neb., to April 11, 2026, Holly Springs, Miss.; SMP Certified 2019. Served 2019-2026. Ministry/Parish: Holly Springs, Miss. Survivors: Jacquelyn (Yurkovitch) Bostelmann; sons: Orlyn, Clay; daughters: Tammy Meinel, Heidi Sever, Keri Dupré, Stacey Benton. Memorial Service: April 18, 2026, Collierville, Tenn.
BRADY, CHARLES NOEL REV., April 23, 1941, Glendale, Calif., to April 10, 2026, South Gate, Calif.; son of Augustus and Helen (Smith) Brady; colloquy Ft. Wayne Seminary 1978. Served 1978-2007, 2008-2014, 2017-2020. Ministries/Parishes: South Gate, Bellflower, El Segundo, Calif. Pacific Southwest District Circuit Visitor 2009-2013. Retired 2020. Survivors: Sandra (Ojeda) Brady; sons: Aaron, Samuel, Andrew; daughter: Stephanie. Funeral: May 23, 2026, South Gate, Calif.; Interment: Riverside, Calif.
BRUBAKER, JAMES ALLAN REV., Dec. 9, 1942, Glendale, Calif., to Nov. 6, 2025, Olympia, Wash.; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1976. Served 1976-2012. Ministries/Parishes: Newburgh, Ind.; Purdy, Wash.; Juneau, Alaska; Anaheim, Buena Park, Calif. Indiana District Circuit Visitor 1978-1981. Retired 2012. Survivors: Lois (Shadbolt) Brubaker; sons: Christopher, Timothy, Jonathan; daughter: Rebecca. Funeral and Interment: Dec. 3, 2025, Bremerton, Wash.
COFFMAN, GEORGE MICHAEL REV., Aug. 15, 1945, Selma, Ala., to March 19, 2026, Seneca, S.C.; son of Michael and Gertrude (Cassity) Coffman; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1988. Served 1988-2007. Ministries/Parishes: Jackson, Miss.; Crestview, Fla.; Seneca, S.C. Retired 2007. Survivors: Mary (Gibson) Coffman; son: Michael. Funeral: May 23, 2026, Seneca, S.D.
CORMENY, RANDALL DAVID REV., Nov. 20, 1956, Midwest City, Okla., to April 27, 2026, Battle Creek, Iowa; son of Robert and Reba (Smith) Cormeny; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1994. Served 1994-2007, 2008-2026. Ministries/Parishes: Ulm, Ark.; Lacona, Melcher-Dallas, Battle Creek, Iowa. Survivors: Linda (Rowland) Cormeny; sons: Robert, David; daughter: Christina. Funeral and Interment: May 16, 2026, Battle Creek, Iowa.
DAHL, JACK EDWARD REV., Nov. 9, 1939, Madelia, Minn., to May 4, 2026, Waseca, Minn.; son of Jack and Velma (Brewer) Dahl; colloquy Ft. Wayne Seminary 1985. Served 1985-2006. Ministries/Parishes: Arcadia, Iowa; New Germany, Madelia, Minn. Minnesota South District Circuit Visitor 2002-2009. Retired 2006. Survivors: Barbara (Radintz) Dahl; sons: Luke, Andrew, John; daughter: Elisabeth. Funeral: May 9, 2026, Janesville, Minn.; Interment: May 11, 2026, Corcoran, Minn.
DENKE, GLENN ROBERT REV., Nov. 23, 1949, Rapid City, S.D., to April 10, 2026, Winner, S.D.; son of Robert and Tillila (Eisenbraun) Denke; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1982. Served 1982-1987, 1988-2015. Ministries/Parishes: Bridgeport, Neb.; Reinbeck, Iowa; Norris, Midland, S.D. South Dakota District Circuit Visitor 2003-2009. Retired 2015. Funeral: April 17, 2026, Winner, S.D.; Interment: April 18, 2026, Wall, S.D.
DORN, VERNON H. REV., Aug. 9, 1942, St. Paul, Minn., to May 3, 2026, Coon Rapids, Minn.; son of Victor and Cleo (Parsons) Dorn; graduated Springfield Seminary 1969. Served 1969-1996, 1998-2004. Ministries/Parishes: Worthington, Wood Lake, Pine City, Milaca, Minn.; Denison, Iowa; Saginaw, Mich. Michigan District Circuit Visitor 1982-1985. Minnesota North District Circuit Visitor 1987-1988, 1994-1996. Retired 2004. Survivors: Wanda (Mosbacher) Dorn; sons: Andrew, Matthew; daughters: Amy Dorn-Fernandez, Tammy Mellin. Celebration of Life: May 22, 2026, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; Interment: May 22, 2026.
GANAS, SCOTT U. REV., Feb. 22, 1954, Chardon, Ohio, to Nov. 23, 2025, Azusa, Calif.; colloquy 2005. Served 2005-2024. Ministries/Parishes: Sun City, Temple City, Calif. Retired 2024. Survivors: Monica (Carroll) Ganas; son: Nick; daughter: Erin Gaw. Funeral: Dec. 12, 2025, Covina, Calif.
GUSTKE, GEORGE MEYER REV., May 28, 1933, Parkersburg, W.V., to March 23, 2026, Oklahoma City, Okla.; son of Walter and Freda (Meyer) Gustke; graduated Springfield Seminary 1960. Served 1960-1970, 1997-2006. Ministries/Parishes: Watonga, Okla.; Maryville, Wash.; Eldon, Osage Beach, Mo.; Rutland, Vt. Retired 2006. Preceded in death by his wife Julia (Perryman) Gustke. Survivors: sons: Mark, George; daughters: Mary Davis, Megan. Funeral: March 28, 2026, Bethany, Okla.; Interment: March 28, 2026, Watonga, Okla.
HALLMAN, GERHARDT FRANKLIN REV., March 15, 1938, Weyauwega, Wis., to Jan. 24, 2026, New Richland, Minn.; son of Arthur and Lydia (Gettendorf) Hallman; colloquy 1981. Served 1981-1999, 2012-2013. Ministries/Parishes: Rensselaer, Evanston, Ind.; Owensboro, Ky. Indiana District Circuit Visitor 1988-1990. Retired 2013. Preceded in death by his wife Beverly (Arms) Hallman and his children Kimberly and Gary. Survivors: sons: Matthew, Daryl; daughters: Laura, Kathy Hipsher. Funerals: Jan. 29, 2026, Albert Lea, Minn.; Feb. 2, 2026, Logansport, Ind.
HOLST, ROBERT A. REV. DR., Oct. 1, 1936, Austin, Minn., to May 12, 2026, St. Paul, Minn.; son of Arthur and Lucinda Holst; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1962. Served 1962-1969, 1970-2011. Ministries/Parishes: Papua, NEW GUINEA; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Irvine, Calif.; St. Paul, Minn. Retired 2011. Survivors: Lynne (Grabowski) Holst; sons: Mark, Thomas; daughter: Ruth. Funeral: May 16, 2026, St. Paul, Minn.; Interment: May 18, 2026, Brownsdale, Minn.
KASTENS, DENNIS ALLEN REV. DR., May 10, 1939, Ludell, Kan., to March 30, 2026, St. Louis, Mo.; son of Harry and Paula (Neuhart) Kastens; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1965. Served 1965-2020. Ministries/Parishes: Hilo, Aiea, Hawaii; Collinsville, Ill.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; St. Louis, Mo. Southern Illinois District Second Vice-President 1988-1990, Southern Illinois District First Vice-President 1991-1992. Retired 2020. Survivors: Alice (Nobe) Kastens; sons: John, Mark. Funeral and Interment: April 8, 2026, St. Louis, Mo.
KING, DELRICH OLIVER REV., Jan. 14, 1936, St. Louis, Mo., to May 12, 2026, Glendale, Ariz.; son of Irwin and Bertha (Gerdes) King; colloquy 1999. Served 1999-2007. Ministries/Parishes: Alice, Laredo, Texas. Texas District Circuit Visitor 2003-2007. Retired 2007. Preceded in death by his wife Carolyn (Hoehle) King. Survivors: Diane (Bolick) King; son: Rev. James; daughters: Robin Johnson, Kristine Meyers. Funeral: June 2, 2026, Phoenix, Ariz.
LEHMKUHL, WILLIAM KURT PAUL REV., June 9, 1943, Oelwein, Iowa, to March 11, 2026, Northfield, Minn.; son of Elmer and Coralene (Varney) Lehmkuhl; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1971. Served 1971-1978, 1981-2018. Ministries/Parishes: Spencer, Huron, Vermillion, S.D.; Arlington, Minn. Minnesota South District Circuit Visitor 2003-2009. Retired 2018. Survivors: Janice (Moon) Lehmkuhl; sons: Michael, John. Memorial Service: April 17, 2026, Northfield, Minn.
MARTEN, WILLIAM G. REV., June 28, 1936, Effingham, Ill., to Dec. 1, 2025, Sioux Falls, S.D.; son of Elmer and Esther (Moll) Marten; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1961. Served 1961-1988, 1989-1997. Ministries/Parishes: Castle Rock, Denver, Colo.; Taylorville, Ill.; Roswell, N.M.; Lake Park, Harris, Iowa; Clearfield, Hamill, Winner, S.D. South Dakota District Circuit Visitor 1995. Retired 1997. Survivors: Sharon (Schroeder) Marten; sons: Phillip, Timothy; daughter: P. Ruth.
MATZKE, BRUCE R. REV., June 19, 1946, Mankato, Minn., to March 14, 2026, Brentwood Calif.; son of Raymond and Henrietta (Pape) Matzke; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1990. Served 1990-2007. Ministries/Parishes: Denver, Northglenn, Colo. Rocky Mountain District Circuit Visitor 1992-2000. Retired 2007. Survivors: Barbara (Pavey) Matzke; sons: Robb, Jason; daughters: Shauna, Jill. Funeral: March 19, 2026.
MCCRACKEN, GARRY A. REV., Sept. 1, 1960, St. Louis, Mo., to March 20, 2026, Affton, Mo.; son of Homer and Leona (Hall) McCracken; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1998. Served 1998-2026. Ministries/Parishes: Lebanon, Ill.; Troy, Mo. Southern Illinois District Circuit Visitor 2003-2004, 2006-2009. Missouri District Circuit Visitor 2009. Preceded in death by his son Matthew. Survivors: Dawn (Harit) McCracken; daughter: Rebecca Sanft. Funeral: March 26, 2026, Affton, Mo.; Interment: March 26, 2026, St. Louis, Mo.
MILLS, PETER EVERETT REV., July 27, 1945, Kentfield, Calif., to May 23, 2026, Akron, Ohio; son of Peter and Dorothy (Peterson) Mills; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 1996. Served 1996-1999, 2001-2022. Ministries/Parishes: Lamesa, Texas; Akron, Ohio. Retired 2022. Preceded in death by his wife Jean (Nieman) Mills. Survivors: sons: Joseph, Andrew; daughters: Abigail, Lisa Klingensmith, Hannah. Funeral: May 29, 2026, Cleveland, Ohio; Interment: June 2, 2026, Twinsburg, Ohio.
MOZEIK, MARK A. REV., Oct. 9, 1952, Pittsburgh, Pa., to Nov. 22, 2025, Meade, Kan.; son of Carl and Marie (Sloss) Mozeik; graduated Ft. Wayne Seminary 2011. Served 2011-2026. Ministries/Parishes: Apache, Lawton, Blackwell, Newkirk, Okla.; Meade, Kan. Survivors: Barbara (Grguras) Mozeik; daughter: Andrea Holub. Funeral and Interment: Nov. 29, 2025, Meade, Kan.
NORDQUIST, WALLACE DEAN REV., April 10, 1938, St. Paul, Minn., to May 29, 2025; son of Carl and Eloise Nordquist; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1964. Served 1964-1976, 1982-2000. Ministries/Parishes: Leola, Long Lake, Ipswich, S.D.; Morrison, Stegler, Ill. Northern Illinois District Circuit Visitor 1986. Retired 2000. Survivors: Sylvia (Bucher) Nordquist; son: Jonathan; daughter Kathryn Killker.
OKAMOTO, TOSHIO REV., Dec. 3, 1931, Chicago, Ill., to March 27, 2026, W. Chester, Ohio; son of Konosuke and Eque (Tomita) Okamoto; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1956. Served 1956-2000. Ministries/Parishes: Los Angeles, Calif.; Inkster, Muskegon, DeWitt, Mich. Michigan District Circuit Visitor 1986-1988. Michigan District Second Vice-President 1989-1991. Michigan District First Vice-President 1992-2000 Retired 2000. Preceded in death by his wife Sachiko Okamoto. Survivors: son: Joel; daughters: Martha, Rebecca. Funeral: March 31, 2026, Hamilton, Ohio.
PIERCE, JAMES RUSSELL REV., July 10, 1944, Stamford, Conn., to March 15, 2026, N. Charleston, S.C.; son of Russell and Helene (Lietke) Pierce; graduated St. Louis Seminary 1970. Served 1971-2006. Ministries/Parishes: Farmington, Minn.; Wilson, N.C.; Howell, N.J. Southeastern District Circuit Visitor 1981-1982. New Jersey District Circuit Visitor 2000-2008. Retired 2006. Survivors: Linda (Hicks) Pierce; son: Kevin; daughter: Anne Morabito. Funeral: March 21, 2026, Summerville, S.C.
POULOS JR., GEORGE EVANGELOS REV., April 17, 1957, Washington, D.C., to March 2, 2026, Davie, Fla.; son of George Sr. and Nina (Bacaling) Poulos; colloquy 1997. Served 1997-2001, 2004-2026. Ministries/Parishes: Culter Ridge, N. Miami, Davie, Fla. Survivors: Virginia (Gravlin) Poulos; sons: James, Thomas, Daniel; daughter: Nina. Funeral: March 10, 2026, Davies, Fla.; Interment: March 11, 2026, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
RAMSEY II, JOHN CURRY REV., Oct. 2, 1950, Elkins, W.V., to April 10, 2026, Destrehan, La.; son of John and Margaret (Wolfe) Ramsey graduated St. Louis Seminary 2012. Served 2012-2017, 2019-2026. Ministries/Parishes: Grafton, Ohio; Metairie, La. Survivors: Carol (Schiefer) Ramsey; daughters: Melody Costello, Gail, JoAnne Winters. Celebration of Life: April 27, 2026, Metairie, La.; Interment: Medina, Ohio.
SCHAFER, EDMUND ERICH, REV., March 8, 1939, Milwaukee, Wis., to April 10, 2026, Milwaukee, Wis.; son of Karl and Anna (Bottger) Schafer; colloquy Ft. Wayne Seminary 1988. Served 1988-1995,1997-2007. Ministries/Parishes: Logan, Iowa; Marianna, Fla. Retired 2007. Funeral and Interment: April 17, 2026, Milwaukee, Wis.
SPALLEK, PETER JAMES REV., March 5, 1952, Chicago, Ill., to March 15, 2026, Mesa, Ariz.; son of Walter and Norma Spallek; graduated St. Louis Seminary 2007. Served 2007-2016. Ministries/Parishes: Page, Ariz.; Kanab, Utah. Rocky Mountain District Circuit Visitor 2012-2016. Retired 2016. Preceded in death by his wife Maria Spallek. Survivors: son: Michael; daughter: Jennifer Gacon. Funeral: April 11, 2026, Mesa, Ariz.; Interment: April 13, 2026, Glendale, Ariz.
STORTEBOOM, FREDRICK ALLEN REV., Nov. 7, 1935, Kalamazoo, Mich., to Nov. 27, 2025, Portland, Ore.; son of Martin and Jenny (Triezenberg) Storteboom; colloquy 1982. Served 1982-2009, 2010-2018. Ministries/Parishes: Lewiston, Grangeville, Idaho; Rogue River, Sheridan, Ore.; Seaview, Wash. Retired 2018. Preceded in death by his wife Virginia (Lee) Storteboom. Survivors: daughters: Charlotte Wiseman, Nancy. Memorial Service: Dec. 13, 2025, Sheridan, Ore.
COMMISSIONED
BARNEY, MARY LOUISE (BARRETTA) DEAC., July 19, 1945, Chicago, Ill., to March 27, 2026, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; daughter of Michael and Ida (Frantzreb) Barretta; colloquy River Forest 2001. Served 2002-2007. School/Ministry: Aurora, Ill. Retired 2011. Survivors: sons: Peter, Joe; daughter: Tina Jones. Funeral and Interment: April 1, 2026, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
BENNING, EVELYN MARIE (SCHULENBURG), Nov. 20, 1942, Tipton, Ind., to May 18, 2026, Plainfield, Ind.; daughter of Orville and Esther (Beck) Schulenburg; graduated River Forest 1963. Served 1992-2008. School/Ministry: Indianapolis, Ind. Retired 2008. Survivors: Carl Benning; sons: Dale, Tim; daughters: Lenice Bailey, Michelle Owens. Funeral: May 23, 2026, Plainfield, Ind.
BLATT, JANICE MARLENE (LANG), Dec. 8, 1940, Le Mars, Iowa, to April 16, 2026, Naperville, Ill.; daughter of Edward and Viola Lang; graduated Seward 1962. Served 2003. School/Ministry: Chicago, Ill. Retired 2003. Survivors: Richard Blatt; son: Steven; daughter: Cheryl Patrick. Funeral: April 24, 2026, Lisle, Ill.
CONOVER, BARRY F., July 28, 1943, Bethlehem, Pa., to Nov. 4, 2025, Hayesville, N.C.; son of Robert and Josephine (Kresge) Conover; graduated Mequon 2003. Served 2006-2008. School/Ministry: Franklin, N.C. Retired 2020. Survivors: Jackie Conover; sons: John, Jim Toteno; daughter: Linda Forstoffer. Celebration of Life: Hayesville, N.C.
DEAN, KAREN ANN (WERTH), July 25, 1946, Oconomowoc, Wis., to May 4, 2025, Macomb, Mich.; daughter of Herbert and Lillian (Radtke) Werth; colloquy Ann Arbor 2000. Served 2000-2006. School/Ministry: Macomb, Mich. Retired 2011. Survivors: daughter: Carolynn Mosey. Funeral: May 17, 2025, Macomb, Mich.
DEMAIO, VIRGINIA CLAIRE (FULGHUM), Feb. 13, 1956, Hampton, Va., to Sept. 12, 2025, Calverton, Md.; daughter of Eugene Jr. and Patricia (Brenniman) Fulguhm; graduated Bronxville 1978. Served 1978-1989, 1992-2018. Schools/Ministries: Landover Hills, Glen Burnie, Md. Retired 2018. Preceded in death by her husband Louis DeMaio. Survivors: son: James; daughters: Claire Germann, Emily Strachan. Memorial Service: Sept. 20, 2025, Landover Hills, Md.
GEORGE, PATRICIA S. (STARCK), Feb. 21, 1943, Jacksonville, Fla., to Sept. 7, 2025, Salem, Ore.; colloquy Irvine 1987. Served 1989-2005. Schools/Ministries: San Francisco, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn. Retired 2005. Survivors: son: Joshua; daughter: Hannah.
GOEKE, DAVID LYNN, Aug. 1, 1948, Austin, Texas, to April 29, 2026, San Antonio, Texas; son of Albert and Helen (Horn) Goeke; graduated Seward 1970. Served 1970-1994. Schools/Ministries: San Antonio, Houston, Odessa, Texas. Retired 2021. Survivors: sons: Aaron, Timothy, Paul. Celebration of Life: May 11, 2026, San Antonio, Texas; Interment: May 12, 2026, Pflugerville, Texas.
GOLDGRABE, ARTHUR DEE, Oct. 15, 1934, Lincoln, Kan., to Aug. 15, 2025, Kennewick, Wash.; graduated Seward 1957. Served 1957-1989, 1990-1999. Schools/Ministries: Tacoma, Kennewick, Wash.; Brentwood, Mo.; Corvallis, Ore.; Paso Robles, Calif. Retired 1999. Survivors: Mary (Brockmann) Goldgrabe; sons: Curt, Daniel; daughter: Julie. Memorial Service: Aug. 30, 2025, Kennewick, Wash.; Interment: Kennewick, Wash.
GUTHMAN, DELORES JOAN (MAU), May 18, 1948, Des Plaines, Ill., to Feb. 19, 2026, Owen, Wis.; daughter of Willard and Mary (Krizan) Mau; graduated St. Paul 1970. Served 1981-2011. School/Ministry: Colby, Wis. Retired 2011. Survivors: Allen Guthman; daughters: Diana Stephens, Alison Schley, Heidi Schiszik. Memorial Service: Feb. 26, 2026, Withee, Wis.
KNUTH, FRED FERNEST, Sept. 10, 1939, St. Joseph, Mich., to April 14, 2026, St. Joseph, Mich.; son of Fernest and Martha (Gallert) Knuth; graduated Seward 1964. Served 1964-2004. Schools/Ministries: St. Joseph, Stevensville, Mich.; Chattanooga, Tenn. Retired 2022. Preceded in death by his wife Sally (Dunham) Knuth. Survivors: daughters: Joy Stemm, Rachel Rogers. Celebration of Life: April 18, 2026, Stevensville, Mich.
KREISS, PAUL THEODORE DR., May 11, 1926, Mulhouse, FRANCE, to April 15, 2026, Knoxville, Tenn.; son of Frederic and Louise (Wolff) Kreiss; graduated River Forest 1952. Served 1952-1997. Schools/Ministries: Webster, Mass.; Cape Girardeau, Mo.; River Forest, Ill. Retired 1997. Preceded in death by his wife Ruth (Froemming) Kreiss and son Tim. Survivors: sons: David, Mark, Jon, Matthew, Joel, Steve; daughters: Deborah Studtmann, Sara, Susan Hasenwinkel. Celebration of Life: April 24, 2026, Forest Park, Ill.; Interment: April 24, 2026.
KURTH, LYLE J. DR., June 21, 1933, Carroll, Iowa, to Oct. 16, 2025, St. Charles, Mo.; son of John and Anna (Sporleder) Kurth; graduated Seward 1954. Served 1954-1998. Schools/Ministries: Faribault, Minn.; Williamsburg, Iowa; Marengo, Elgin, River Forest, Ill. Retired 1998. Survivors: Phyllis (Steil) Kurth; daughters: Lee Wagner, Barbara Heimsoth, Kay Ronning. Funeral: Nov. 8, 2025, St. Charles, Mo.
LAMS II, ERNEST THEODORE, 1943, Oak Park, Ill., to April 13, 2026, Brookfield, Ill.; son of Rev. Edgar and Dorcas (Gade) Lams; graduated River Forest 1965. Served 1966-2005. Schools/Ministries: Westland, Brookfield, Ill. Retired 2005. Survivors: Nancy (Mueller) Lams; sons: Todd, Erich; daughter: Natalie Lazarz. Funeral: April 21, 2026, Brookfield, Ill.; Interment: April 21, 2026, Forest Park, Ill.
LOOMANS, EUNICE PAULINE (TUSCHY), March 1, 1941, Suring, Wis., to July 10, 2025, Reedsburg, Wis.; daughter of Paul and Doris Tuschy; graduated River Forest 1963. Served 1979-1992. School/Ministry: Reedsburg, Wi. Retired 2011. Preceded in death by her husband Dale Loomans. Survivors: sons: Scott, Ted; daughter: Wendy. Funeral: July 18, 2025, Reedsburg, Wis.; Interment: July 18, 2025, Portage, Wis.
MAPPES, DORIS MARIE (AWE) DEAC., Jan. 30, 1936, Lincoln, Ill., to Jan. 5, 2026, Acworth, Ga.; daughter of Albert and Alma Awe; graduated Valparaiso 1958. Joined Emeritus 1990. Preceded in death by her husband Martin Mappes. Survivors: sons: Brian, Marty; daughter Teresa Brown. Funeral: Jan. 17, 2026, New Albany, Ind.; Interment: Jan. 20, 2026, Norman, Okla.
MORTON, BARBARA ELLEN DR., Aug. 4, 1945, Queens, N.Y., to March 7, 2026, Arlington Heights, Ill.; daughter of James and Martha Morton; graduated River Forest 1967. Served 1979-2010. Schools/Ministries: Austin, Texas; Irvine, Calif. Retired 2010. Celebration of Life: March 23, 2026, Arlington Heights, Ill.
NIELSEN, GEORGE R. DR., May 29, 1932, Aleman, Texas, to April 9, 2026, Lewisville, Texas; son of William and Emma (Moerbe) Nielsen; graduated Seward 1954. Served 1954-1997. Schools/Ministries: Houston, Texas; River Forest, Ill. Retired 1997. Preceded in death by his wife Lois (Mueller) Nielsen. Survivors: son: Erik; daughters: Laura Hubbell, Christina. Memorial Service: Stephenville, Texas.
OPEL, EDGAR L., Sept. 10, 1935, Bay City, Mich., to Jan. 2, 2026, Sandy, Utah; son of Roy and Amelia (Walter) Opel; graduated Seward 1958. Served 1958-2000. School/Ministry: Bay City, Mich. Retired 2000. Preceded in death by his wife Corrine (Hills) Opel. Survivors: sons: Paul, Kurt; daughters: Elizabeth, Susan. Memorial Service and Interment: March 14, 2026, Bay City, Mich.
PFUND, ROY EDWARD, Sept. 2, 1937, Bay City, Mich., to March 18, 2026, St. Louis, Mo.; son of Oscar and Amanda (Reutter) Pfund; graduated River Forest 1959. Served 1959-2004. Schools/Ministries: Hickory, N.C.; St. Louis, Mo. Retired 2004. Survivors: Nancy (Sanders) Pfund; sons: Steven, Thomas; daughter: Lisa Rivers. Funeral: March 24, 2026, Affton, Mo.; Interment: March 24, 2026, St. Louis, Mo.
ROCKENSUESS, LARRY HORTON. SR., Dec. 2, 1950, Wyandotte, Mich., to March 9, 2026, Trenton, Mich; son of Arthur and Dorothy Rockensuess; graduated Ann Arbor 1984. Served 1998-2001. School/Ministry: Monroe, Mich. Retired 2008. Survivors: Jane (Hicks) Rockensuess; son: Larry Jr.; daughters: Heidi Horvath, Holly, Heather. Funeral: March 16, 2026, Wyandotte, Mich.; Interment: March 16, 2026, Flat Rock, Mich.
ROUSU, AMBER LYNN (SELLIN), Nov. 25, 1977, Alexandria, Minn., to March 21, 2026, St. Cloud, Minn.; daughter of Thomas and Marilyn (Kern) Sellin.; colloquy St. Paul 2018. Served 2018-2026. School/Ministry: Alexandria, Minn. Survivors: Jeffrey Rousu; sons: Donovan, David; daughters: Marisa, Laura. Funeral and Interment: March 28, 2026, Alexandria, Minn.
SCHALK, LINDA SUE (HOPP), April 18, 1951, Rogers City, Mich., to May 12, 2026, Hawks, Mich.; daughter of Arthur and Emma (Mertz) Hopp; graduated Seward 1973. Served 1987-1992, 1997-2016. School/Ministry: Rogers City, Mich. Retired 2016. Survivors: Wayne Schalk; sons: Tim, Andy. Funeral and Interment: May 16, 2026, Rogers City, Mich.
SCHLIE, DAVID JOHN, Oct. 11, 1969, Albany, Ga., to March 19, 2026, Indianapolis, Ind.; son of Rev. David and Elaine Schlie; graduated Seward 1993. Served 1993-2001, 2002-2026. School/Ministries: Houston, Texas; Evansville, Ill.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Indianapolis, Ind. Survivors: Abigail (Difatta) Schlie; sons: Benjamin, Steven; daughters: Emma, Evelyn. Celebration of Life: March 28, 2026, Brookfield, Wis.; Interment: March 28, 2026.
SCHNACKENBERG, MELVIN PAUL, June 29, 1933, Chelsea, Okla., to Jan. 28, 2026, Silver Spring, Md.; son of Theodore and Matilda (Wacker) Schnackenberg; graduated River Forest 1956. Served 1956-1998. School/Ministry: Silver Spring, Md. Retired 1998. Survivors: Marge Schnackenberg; sons: Mark, Michael, Matthew; daughter: Mary Jo. Memorial Service: March 13, 2026, Silver Spring, Md.
SCHROEDER, KENNETH WILLIAM, Aug. 6, 1940, Rock Island, Ill., to May 9, 2026, Rogers City, Mich.; son of Hans and Mary Ann (Harsha) Schroeder; graduated Seward 1962. Served 1965-2009. Schools/Ministries: Chicago, Ill.; Cabot, Pa.; Mission Hills, Inglewood, Calif.; Luxemburg, Wis.; Rogers City, Mich. Retired 2009. Preceded in death by his wife Lenita Schroeder. Survivor: daughter: Teresa Tuft. Memorial Service: May 29, 2026, Rogers City, Mich.
STRESMAN, KENNETH CHARLES, Jan. 16, 1935, Pembroke, Ontario, CANADA, to April 28, 2026, Saginaw, Mich.; son of Fredrick and Ida (Bramburger) Stresman; graduated River Forest 1963. Served 1963-1997. School/Ministries: St. Clair Shores, Monroe, Mich. Retired 1997. Preceded in death by his wife Shirley (Koeppen) Stresman. Survivors: son: Kevin; daughters: Shelly Worden, Lori Farnum. Funeral and Interment: May 4, 2026, Hemlock, Mich.
WENGER, JOHN WILLIAM, April 24, 1937, Corunna, Ind., to March 9, 2026, Lake Elmo, Minn.; son of Rev. William and Berniece Wenger; colloquy St. Paul 1973. Served 1974-1999. School/Ministry: St. Paul, Minn. Retired 1999. Survivors: Pamela (Switzer) Wenger; son: Jonathan; daughter: Erika. Funeral: April 17, 2026, Woodbury, Minn.
WINSTON, VALERIE JOYCE, March 20, 1962, Detroit, Mich., to May 1, 2026, Sterling Heights, Mich.; daughter of Johnnie and Ola (Brister) Winston; graduated River Forest 1984. Served 1984-1990, 1992-2026. Schools/Ministries: Long Beach, Calif.; Chicago, Hillside, Ill.; Detroit, Royal Oak, Eastpointe, Mich. Funeral and Interment: May 6, 2026, Eastpointe, Mich.
WOOD, DALE F., July 24, 1931, Milwaukee, Wis., to Sept. 16, 2025, Oshkosh, Wis.; graduated Mequon 1985. Retired 1995. Survivor: Phyllis Wood.
YOHANNES, SARON DEAC., Asmara, ERITREA, to Feb. 17, 2026, Arlington, Va.; graduated St. Louis Seminary 2011. Served 2012-2026. School/Ministry: Arlington, Va. Funeral: Feb. 21, 2026, Arlington, Va.
