Pastor Wangerin

Pastor Walter M. Wangerin passed away in his sleep on December 30th, 2007.

He and his wife, Virginia, have been welcome members of our congregation for years.

They made a moving and special gift to our church several years ago which reflects Pastor Wangerin's lifelong motto, "Remember your baptism." Next time I'm at church during the day, I'll take a photo to share with you.

Instead of sharing with you the various ways that Pastor Wangerin served his ordination vows, I'd like to share some personal remembrances with you.

First, he and Virginia were always together and their loving devotion to each other was touching.

Wanting to be connected to the church and its members, they both were part of the prayer circle until health prevented it. But even then, somehow they found out the prayer concerns and Pastor Wangerin had the habit of wearing a trail in the carpet while he paced and prayed. This impressive habit and his utter reliance upon prayer was of great inspiration to the rest of our congregation.

When they were able, their attendance at our church was filled with joy. They were not ones to complain or talk of their ailments or how time robbed them of the things they used to do. Instead, they joyfully and purposefully sought out the youth and asked them questions about what was going on in their lives. They patiently listened and asked more questions showing that they were engaged in what was being discussed and cared.

Pastor Wangerin was the author of various books (as is his son, Walt Jr.). We have used Pastor Wangerin's books throughout our homeschooling to teach the catechism to our children and to ground them firmly in their faith. I remember the time when we first shared this with Pastor Wangerin and his response was one of genuine surprise. Of course, with his usual humility, he wanted to credit the Lord for it. The Lord used Pastor Wangerin to bless us, and we are very grateful for that.

Pastor Wangerin's funeral service was yesterday, and as we partook of the Lord's supper today at church, I thought that Pastor Wangerin is now enjoying the feast with Jesus and that one day we will too. I am so glad to have known him and for the wonderful example he was to all of us.

Please remember Virginia and his six living children and many grandchildren in your prayers.