The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is pleased to announce that Natalie Cunningham has joined the District staff as the new MOScholars education assistant. Natalie brings with her several years of valuable experience as a classroom teacher and a deep passion for Lutheran education. Originally from Lockwood,...

  Jean C. Haake July 29, 1936 – April 25, 2025 Jean Haake entered into her eternal rest Friday, April 25, 2025, at the age of 88; daughter of the late Harold and Lucille Unger nee Glass; devoted wife of the late Daryl Haake; beloved mother of David (DeAnn) Haake...

  Wilfred G. Meyer Feb. 23, 1941 – April 22, 2025 Wilfred (Wil) G Meyer, age 84, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away April 22, 2025, at Mercy Hospital. Wil was born to Walter Meyer and Viola Wischmeier Feb. 3, 1941, in Lincoln, Mo. He was baptized Feb. 23, 1941, at...

  Strahan M. Larsen May 28, 1973 – Aug. 10, 2025 Strahan M. Larsen was born May 28, 1973, at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. He was the son of Rev. Steven and Heidi Larsen. He was confirmed by his father May 4, 1986, at St. Paul’s Lutheran...

  Rev. Henry V. Gerike Aug. 17, 1948 – Aug. 6, 2025 Rev. Henry V. Gerike passed away Aug. 6, 2025, at the age of 76 at the EverTrue Laclede Groves retirement community in Webster Groves, Mo. Gerike was born in Parkers Prairie, Minn., Aug. 17, 1948. He graduated from...

  Rev. Gary A. Lampe June 29, 1952 – May 19, 2025 Rev. Gary A. Lampe, affectionately known as “Padre,” passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the age of 72. Lampe was born on June 29, 1952, in Monett, Mo., to Erwin and Olga (Holle) Lampe. He was...

  Jacqueline L. Loontjer Sept. 27, 1947 – June 12, 2025 Jacqueline Louise Loontjer, 77, passed away on June 12, 2025. Jackie was born in Dodge City, Kan., in 1947 to Jack and Dorothy (Leighty) Maskus. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; and her brother,...

  Rev. Rodger Venzke Feb. 24, 1937 – April 25, 2025 Rev. Rodger Raland Venzke, 88, was called to glory on April 25, 2025, just weeks after relocating from St. Louis, Mo., to Phoenix, Ariz. He had been living with Parkinson’s Disease for several years. Born Feb. 24, 1937, on...

  Rev. Barton C. Gray Nov. 19, 1941 – May 3, 2025 Rev. Barton Carlton Gray, 83, passed away peacefully in the Lord on May 3, 2025. Born Nov. 19, 1941, in Battle Creek, Mich., Rev. Barton Carlton Gray was the son of Richard and Gertrude Gray. A lifelong servant...

  Rev. Dennis Garrels Aug. 27, 1942 – March 23, 2025 Rev. Dennis “Denny” Earl Garrels, 82, of St. Louis, Mo., passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after living with Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. Garrels was born Aug. 27, 1942, in Detroit, Mich., to Earl and Milda...