They Will Be Missed!

Early last week we learned that a long-time elder at our church had gone to sleep on Sunday evening and died during the night. "Doc" was quite a character at our church. His sense of humor was legendary, and he always had a smile for everyone. Doc was a wonderful man whose life reflected his trust in his Savior and knew Lutheran theology in and out and any other way you cared to look at it. His loving service to our church will be missed. He even had served as an usher and as a communion assistant last Sunday. Doc is enjoying the heavenly feast now. It's also comforting for us to think of him being reunited with his precious Evie, whom he's been missing since her death in November 2006.

We also said good-bye to charter members of our church today at a reception following the Divine Service. Edna and Dick have been such loving examples to all of us for their trustful faith in Christ as their Savior. The countless hours of service that they gave so lovingly in so many capacities continued right up until the last couple of years when health concerns prevented them from giving more.

Edna and I last served together on our parish's Board of Education the year that our parish had to close the day school. Those were difficult times and her wisdom and discernment in those matters was invaluable. Edna and I became very close then.

Their devotion to each other is equally impressive.

Dick and Edna were active, involved members who always yearned to learn more. They were at every Bible study they could make and contributed so much to those studies.

They will be missed. We are glad they will be near one of their daughters and their grandchildren. I pray that their transition goes well and that they settle in nicely and quickly.