Dave’s Mother died on Saturday, July 30 at the age of 99. She was born at home in July of 1912, and she died peacefully in that same home with family present.
We celebrated her 99th birthday on Wednesday. She was able to greet us, celebrate with us (she sang along on “Happy Birthday), and hear our words of love for her.
She was and will continue to be a blessing to us as her family. Her faith, her wit which she never lost even at the end, her sly smile, and her deep sense of gratitude about life are a great legacy for us. My sisters Marie and Ruth faithfully cared for her in the home they shared. Over the last 3 weeks they had the wonderful help of a Comfort Care Team from the area. Dave is grateful to his sisters for the constant and loving care they gave.
We’ll have a funeral service for her and celebrate God’s grace in her life on Thursday afternoon at 1:30 at Elk Creek Church near Northwood, Iowa. She was baptized, confirmed and married in that church and now will be buried from it in the cemetery there. She returned to Elk Creek Church after she and Dave’s father served parishes in Iowa, South Dakota, and Illinois. He died in 1973 at the age of 62.
We will remember her as a talented musician (choir director, organist, pianist), a lover of puzzles and gadgets, but especially as a person who saw her life as richly blessed by God. We will miss her presence in our lives but claim God’s promise given through Jesus of resurrection to eternal life. May God bless her memory among us.
August 3, 2011 at 3:46 am |
I’m very sorry for your loss. Take care.
August 3, 2011 at 12:23 pm |
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s mother passing away. She sounded like a wonderful person.
August 4, 2011 at 2:17 am |
Our prayers go out to you as you celebrate her life and mourn her loss. May you feel the same love and comfort you shared with so many throughout your years of active parish ministry. God’s peace be with you.
August 4, 2011 at 9:38 pm |
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. How fortunate she was to have so many healthy and happy years. May the many cherished memories bring you comfort. Hugs from our house to yours. God Bless
August 6, 2011 at 2:28 pm |
My sincere sympathies to you and yours, Pastor Dave. I remember the times you spoke so lovingly and respectfully of your mom. Now you have special warm memories to look toward and share with your family. She must have been a very special person. God bless and may His peace be with you.
August 6, 2011 at 7:57 pm |
so sorry for your loss. Glad to hear she was able to celebrate her 99th birthday and enjoy that. My thoughts and Prayers are with you. Pam
August 8, 2011 at 6:23 pm |
My sympathies to you and your family, Pastor Dave.
You mentioned your mom with such respect and love in several of your sermons.
God’s blessings on you and your family.
August 22, 2011 at 1:37 am |
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom, our sympathy to you and your family. We hope you are able to enjoy your retirement with family. Take care,