FEBRUARY 02, 2011 – Re: CONGRATULATIONS

From: Tim Mueller
To: NDILIBWINO@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 4:48 PM
Subject: Re: CONGRATULATIONS

Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma, for sharing in my joy and thankfulness.

I humbly receive this degree with faith that it is only through the grace of our Lord that anything is possible. I pray that He might use me to the best of my abilities to give Him thanks and glory.

I look forward to the celebration of which I hear you both, our Lord willing, will be present for!

With much love,

Tim

FEBRUARY – 2011 – “PEBBLES FROM THE ROC” – FROM ST. MARK’S MESSENGER

On New Year’s Eve, a special event took place at our Recreation & Outreach Center (ROC) for Youth. Janine Petrie, a ROC volunteer organized the event. Pastor Mueller had all the teens walk with him around the block and in the cold. It was quite a sight. In the meantime, Janine and Peter Lehmann (another ROC volunteer) brought into THE ROC a delicious surprise banquet of food for the teens. Pastor Mueller then explained the lesson to the teens and how the walk, which involved some complaining, represented our lives and how we need to trust God in life. Instead of grumbling and complaining as we go through the “cold” or trials in life, we want to remember the love God has shown us in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and the “delicious banquet” in heaven that is waiting for us. New Year’s Eve, at THE ROC, was a wonderful celebration of God’s “banquet” of grace and eternal life in Christ. Next month this article will share yet another picturesque lesson taught on that same night. We thank our volunteers for such good ideas as they share the Gospel of Christ with the teens. Anyone is invited to offer such ideas and help to Pastor Mueller that can be used in the future. You can read about more blessings at THE ROC in the ROC Annual Report. Look for the report in your church annual report or request one from Pastor Mueller by calling (206-9581 or 261-4444) or e-mailing (wttnroc@sbcglobal.net).

FEBRUARY, 2011 – NEWS FROM ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL, SPARTA, WI.
PRINCIPAL/TEACHER TIMOTHY MUELLER

Timothy Mueller is our grandson. He is the Principal/Teacher of St. John’s Lutheran School (www.stjohnsparta.org). There are so many Christ-centered articles in the “News From Your School”. The last one is titled:

“Mr. Mueller & Mrs. Minzlaff – Seventh and Eighth Grades

Teamwork is a concept that is promoted in the upper grade classrooms. The students are given requirements in their academics, classroom responsibilities (hanging up the flag, daily cleaning the lunchroom, feeding the animals, watering the plants, etc.), and after school activities to work together. Collaboration is modeled daily for them as Mr. Mueller, Mrs. Minzlaff’s team-teach these students. Mrs. Wehrs is also a wonderful example of a cooperative effort since she provides instruction in music. Parents are also a vital part of this team! As a faculty and staff, our purpose is to assist parents in bringing their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. We thank God for the blessings of a strong team! A couple of side notes…all of the 8th graders have now visited Luther High School and/or Sparta High School. We pray for God’s guidance as they, with their parents, decide where to continue their schooling next year. And our class guinea pig had 3 little guinea piggies just a short time ago (this brought much excitement to the classroom!)

FEBRUARY, 2011 – NEWS FROM CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL, EAGLE RIVER, WI. –
PRINCIPAL/TEACBER CHRISTOPHER MUELLER

Christ Lutheran’s “News From Your School” is also very interesting. We look forward to reading it too. The first article of the news made us very happy. It said:

“Third Quarter Mission – Reaching Youth

The school’s third quarter mission offerings will be directed toward the ROC. It is the Recreation & Outreach Center for youth located in Watertown, Wisconsin. Established eight years ago the center reaches children between grades 7 and 12 through Bible study, Christian encouragement, and fun activities. The four-area WELS churches in Watertown support the ROC, but other sources are greatly appreciated for remodeling and general operating needs. The center has a full time director, Pastor Tim Mueller, as well as many adult volunteers. God has used this center to touch young lives in awesome ways. We pray that our offerings be used to continue this important work.”

Chris Mueller (our grandson and brother of Timothy) is the Principal/Teacher of Christ Lutheran School (www.ChristEagleRiver.org). He and all at Christ Lutheran School and Church are dear to our hearts. Thank you, Christ Lutheran, for your gift to the ROC, which is also dear to our hearts.

FEBRUARY 3, 2011 – GARY MARON FUNERAL AT ST. MARK’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH

Gary Maron was 86 years old. He actually went to his eternal heavenly home on January 27th, but the funeral was postponed from February 2nd because of a MASSIVE BLIZZARD on February 1st (11-13 inches of snow and drifts of 4-8 feet in height). He was older than me, but also attended St. Mark’s School. One of my best friends was his sister, “Ruthie”, who was in my class all through parochial school. One time we walked from St. Mark’s all the way to their farm home which was at least three miles. When we got there I remember that we baked a chocolate cake. Ah, such precious memories!

We visited Gary at the Watertown Golden Living Center. There on his lap was a Green Bay Packer blanket which the teens at the ROC (Recreation & Outreach Center) had made under the direction of Jenny, Sue and Tim’s daughter. They had made quite a few of the blankets for the residents of Golden Living for Christmas. When we visited at the ROC before Christmas, we saw them making them. Jenny had gotten all the materials, cut them into the desired pieces, and the teens had cut all around the sides and tied the sides together. They are great gifts and keep the people warm.

FEBRUARY 5, 2011 – BABY SHOWER FOR MEGAN MUELLER

Jenny Poston, Julie Pasch, and Holly Mueller held a baby shower for Megan Mueller’s baby which is expected to arrive the beginning of April. It was held at Jenny’s home at 405 Dewey Avenue, Watertown, Wisconsin. Part of the celebration was a “diaper cake”. Each lady was asked to bring “a little unwrapped baby item (pacifier, rattle, toy, etc.) to add some flair to the diaper cake for Megan”. Also, we were asked to “bring baby pictures of ourselves to assist in the enjoyment of some fun games”. I brought a wooden owl which I (Cookie’s Crafts) had made on my scroll saw and painted. It looked cute on the cake with all the other things the ladies brought. Besides the beautifully decorated cake on the table, there was loads of delicious food.

As for the baby picture, I only have one which was taken with my cousins (Alice Ebert and Louis Kuckkan), when we were sitting on the grass in the bright sun. We were about six months old and I was frowning. But I did take the picture to the shower, and there was lots of fun guessing who everyone was with all the baby pictures (numbered) of the ladies displayed on a board. We were to guess which baby picture matched the ladies, and can you believe it, one lady actually guessed who everyone was except for one picture. There were other fun games, and Megan received wonderful gifts for her new baby from all of her relatives and friends who were there.

FEBRUARY 5, 2011 – JOSHUA POSTON IS 8 YEARS OLD

How can Joshua be 8 years old already? It hardly seems possible! Again we had a happy and blessed time. His birthday cake was beautifully decorated with a huge 8 candle and “transformers”. He received many wonderful gifts, and as always, there was plenty to eat.

FEBRUARY 6, 2011 – GREEN BAY PACKERS BECOME SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS

The Green Bay Packers won the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Packers’ 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Super Bowl XLV football game Sunday in Arlington, Texas. Green Bay quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, was named the most valuable player of the game.

FEBRUARY 8, 2011 – ANOTHER FUNERAL – MR. HERBERT MUELLER, JEFFERSON, WI.

We had known Mr. Mueller, his wife, Alma (Adascheck), and his family for many years. They were members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jefferson, WI, where Dick’s father had been pastor for over 20 years. One of their children, Richard (Dickie) had been my first grade student when I taught first grade there in 1952-53. We also knew his sister, Kathryn (Banbury) – Kathryn had been instrumental in retrieving two very large religious pictures of Jesus which Dick’s mother had donated to St. John’s in memory of her husband. They had hung in the narthex of the church, but were no longer used after remodeling. Kathryn brought them to us, and we took them to Medford, WI where our son, Tim, was pastor of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church at that time. We were pleased that they are now being used in Immanuel (hanging near the two pastors’ offices). Dick’s father was also pastor of Immanuel from 1941-1948.

We attended Mr. Mueller’s funeral. There were many people there because he was very well known. We also stayed for the very delicious hot meal. And what a great blessing it was for me to see and talk to “Dickie” after almost 60 years!!!!!

FEBRUARY 10, 2011 – THE ROC RECEIVES A $1,000. DONATION

The Watertown Daily Times published an article and a great picture of Tim, Director/Pastor of the ROC (Recreation & Outreach Center for teens) receiving a $1,000 donation from Jim Redfield, President of the Wethonkitha Men’s Club to be used for the ROC building and remodeling project. We are thankful for that donation.

FEBRUARY 12, 2011 – OUR SISTER, HELEN KELLBERG, IS CALLED HOME TO HEAVEN

Dick’s only sister and my dear sister-in-law, Helen, went to live forever with Jesus, Carl, her husband, and other loved ones on the 12th of February. She had surgery on her back on Tuesday, the 8th because she was in a lot of pain. She was in surgery for about four hours. Carla, her daughter called and said that everything had gone well, so we were relieved. She went home on Saturday and called us shortly after she arrived there. She said she was feeling well; also that she wouldn’t be going to church the next morning. We told her that we were thankful that the operation was over and she was feeling good.

After church the family stopped to check on her. They found her lying on the floor and knew that God had called her home to Himself in heaven. They tried to call us, but couldn’t reach us, so called some of our children. Stephanie, our daughter, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, did reach us and I answered the phone. Steph’s voice was breaking as she told me that “Aunt Helen had gone to heaven”. I couldn’t believe it even though I know that “our times are in His hands”. Steph also talked to Dick and told him. It was shocking for both of us.

We are saddened because we loved Helen deeply. She was like a sister to me, and we talked to her almost every week. We will miss her. She will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with her beloved husband, Carl. We know she is happier in her heavenly home, so EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE SAD BREAKING NEWS, IT IS HAPPY BREAKING NEWS. AS DICK AND I HAVE ON OUR GRAVESTONE – “HEAVEN IS OUR HOME”

Dick and I would like to thank all of you who sent such beautiful letters, cards, e-mails, and gave us very comforting words. I especially want to thank my two sisters, Doloris Funair (Lotty), who lives in Cathedral City, California, and Janet (Jannie), and her husband, Dave DeVries, for keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.

FEBRUARY – 2011 – VALENTINES

It was such a wonderful blessing when our son, Tim (Pastor/Director of the ROC) presented me with a valentine. It is a rosebud made out of two chocolate candy kisses, one pink and one silver, end to end, and attached to a long green-covered wire stem with silk leaves attached. Thank you, Tim! Sue and Tim’s daughter, Jenny Poston, the “After School Program Coordinator”, had the teens at the ROC make the rosebuds for their moms or to whomever they wanted to give them. What a cute idea! Jenny is very talented.

One evening Jenny and Jonah, their 5-year old son, came to our door and presented both Dick and me with rosebud valentines and a wonderful valentine card signed by all four boys (Joshua, Jonah, Conner, Tyler) and colored by Jonah. They made us very happy with all of their loving kindness.

FEBRUARY 14, 2011 – SUBJECT; RANDOM PICTURES

Dear All:

Mom picked these out. These are not from slides. She wants you to have them for Valentines Day – as a token of our love for you.

Two pictures speak for themselves – Cairo, Egypt (Pyramids and Sphinx) and Athens, Greece (Parthenon on the Acropolis). One (the tour boat) was taken in Copenhagen, Denmark – one in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy – one was taken in Oslo, Norway (Frogner Park – one in London, England – and one on our way to Petaluma, California in 1972 for Debbie and Glen’s wedding. We did get around (you are all on the picture of the wagon. Can you find yourselves?)

With much love,

Dad and Mom <><

“God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 5:5

FEBRUARY 18, 2011 – DICK’S COUSIN, JEANETTE LAESCH, IS ALSO LIVING WITH JESUS

We received an e-mail from Dick’s cousin, Roger, that his wife, Jeanette, after 14 days in a Milwaukee hospital and 46 days in Zilber Family Hospice, at approximately 3:00 P.M. this afternoon, quietly breathed her last breath and joined our Lord and Savior in heaven. Her sudden peaceful death ended her suffering and ours.” Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

FEBRUARY 19, 2011 – MAD CITY MODEL RAILROAD SHOW AND SALE

Our youngest son, Steve, and his wife, Melody, invited us to go with them to the model railroad show at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall in Madison, Wisconsin. We were really excited about going. Dick’s father had four brothers who worked for the Milwaukee Road years ago. They lived in St. Paul, Minnesota. So Dick loves trains, and so does Steve.

Steve parked in the parking lot, and we walked to the building where we saw many people entering. As we entered, the first thing I thought was, “It really smells in here – like manure. Why would it smell like that at a train show?” After talking with a worker there, she told me that there was a circus show in that building, and I probably smelled the elephants!”

So we walked to another building not very far away. We entered the Alliant Energy Center, the same building where we had gone with Sue and Tim to the Antique Roadshow. There were “miningi” (Chinyanja – many) train setups. I took some pictures which will go into one of my albums. We had lots of fun looking at all the model train exhibits. There was one exhibit which really interested us. There were so many action figures – people, cars, animals, etc. There was a little Superman coming out of a telephone booth and going back in, a man popping out of a manhole, a fire inside of a house with firemen trying to put it out and carrying someone out on a stretcher, children on a merry-go-round, swings, etc. We were especially happy to see that there were two churches in that exhibit. The Baraboo Circus World Museum exhibit also had a church. We were at the show about two and a half hours.

Steve then drove to a Madison Red Lobster restaurant, but there would have been a 45-minute wait, so we left. There was a rally that same day at the Capitol building with thousands of people protesting against a proposal that seeks to ease Wisconsin’s budget woes by cutting the pay, benefits, and collective bargaining rights of many government workers. We left Madison, and found “Ba-Bas”, a supper club in Sun Prairie. It is a wonderful place, and the prime rib was delicious!

Steve and Melody took us home then. We had told them that going out with them was a very welcome break. Dick has been going through thousands of slide pictures which he took through the many years of his ministry, in the United States and in Africa. Steve wanted to see the “converter” (a Christmas present from Sue, Tim, and family) which converts slides into digital pictures on the computer. We were sorry to see them leave. Thank you, Melody and Steve, for the fun time and great meal we had with you.

FEBRUARY 22, 2011 – MOM MUELLER’S (IRENE) CHILDHOOD HOMES

Mother – Frances Erna Bertha (Koplin) Kuckkan – born June 3, 1914. She was a twin. Her sister’s name was Louise Emma (Koplin) Schlender. They were born on the “Rusch” farm, Hustisford Road, north of Watertown, WI. “Ma” was confirmed March 29, 1929. She was one of three children.

Father – Henry John Kuckkan – born August 14, 1904, on the Carl Kuckkan farm, N9556 Oak Hill Road, Watertown, WI. It is east of Watertown, past Oak Hill Cemetery. “Pa” (Heinrich Johannes Franz Kuckkan) was confirmed on Palm Sunday, March 24, 1918. He was one of twelve children.

Ma and Pa were married on December 21, 1929. They stayed on the Kuckkan farm a little while. Then they lived on the Herman Koplin (Ma’s father) farm, N913 North 2nd Street (on top of the hill above the Watertown Country Club, 1340 North Water Street) for two weeks.

Irene Louise (Kuckkan) Mueller was born on April 17, 1930, in the then St. Mary’s Hospital, Watertown, WI. She and her parents then lived at 425 E. Water Street. Ervin Buchert, a ham radio operator, later lived in that house. Irene’s husband, Dick, was in contact with him during the time (1957-1972) he, Irene, and family lived in Zambia (N. Rhodesia) and Malawi (Nyasaland), Africa, doing mission work.

The little family then moved to a stone house on North 2nd Street. While they lived there, Beatrice Ann (Nehls) Kuckkan was born on April 27, 1931. In later years we heard that it had burned down.

They moved to the “Zwieg” farm, Ashippun, WI. where Pa worked as a hired man. They lived in the lower level of the house. Irene and Beatrice’s sister, Doloris (Lotty) Frances (Funair) was born on December 8, 1933.

Then they moved back to North 2nd Street, Watertown, WI (Caine’s house). It was a very cold house (heat only in the kitchen and dining room from wood stoves. Irene remembers cuddling in bed with her sister, Beatie, to keep warm). The house is gone now because Highway 16 was built on that spot. While they lived there, Henry John Kuckkan, Jr. was born on September 23, 1935.

The family moved back to the Carl Kuckkan farm. Pa’s brothers and sisters tried to sell Pa and Ma’s cows which her father had given to them, but they stopped them by going to court.

After that they moved to the end of North Prospect Street, Watertown. They rented it from a man by the name of “Christian”.

Then they moved into town and lived on Emerald Street (off of North 4th Street – 2nd house on the left).

From there they moved to Cady Street (across from the city hall/police/fire station) and lived in the middle house (3 houses). At that time beautiful Memorial Park was across the street from the house, and Irene, her sisters, and brother played there. There was a bandstand, statue of a child holding a bird (now at the Octagon House), lovely trees, flowers, bushes, etc. There were band concerts there, and later Irene (played the clarinet) and Dick (played the tuba), when they were at Northwestern Prep/College (now Luther Prep) participated in playing in band concerts at Memorial Park. Memorial Park is now located between South 3rd and 4th Streets.

They again moved to 911 North 4th Street while Irene attended Northwestern Prep and where she met her future husband, Richard William Mueller, Jr. and where Dick came to court Irene. While the family lived there, her little brother, Henry John Kuckkan, Jr. became sick with rheumatic fever in 1941 and went to live with Jesus on March 31, 1942. He was 6-1/2 years old. His funeral was at St. Mark’s Lutheran church. He had started first grade at the parochial school, so all the children sang “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb”. He was a beautiful, loving boy. Irene’s sister, Janet Lee, was born in the Watertown hospital on April 19, 1948, while they lived on North 4th Street. She is eighteen years younger than Irene.

Ma inherited $10,000 when her father, Herman, went to his heavenly home, so she and Pa built a house at 1419 Prospect Street, Watertown, Wisconsin. By that time Irene and her sisters had “flown the nest”, so “Jannie” was the only child living at that address. Not too long ago she told Irene and Dick that she wondered, as a little girl, what she had done wrong because everyone had left. She had done nothing wrong, but Irene had gone to Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN to study to be a teacher and Doloris had joined the WAVES (Navy). On June 7, 1953, Irene and Dick were married, but moved to Crivitz, WI, his first ministry in doing God’s work. Beatrice and her husband, Donald Nehls, built and lived in a house next to Ma, Pa, and Jannie, so Jannie did have them. As Dick always says, “The Lord provides.”

NOTE – Not too long ago someone asked me, “Why did you move so often?” We were kids and for us “home is where the heart is”. We respected our parent’s wishes, and were thankful for the roofs over our heads I know it was after the Great Depression and times were still hard for many people. It was God’s plan that my parents moved so often. He prepared me! He knew what the future would bring for me – that I would marry a future pastor/missionary; that in my life my husband, children, and I would move around in Africa and the United States, spreading His Word as He has commanded all of us to do in Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. What a great privilege!!!!!

Submitted by Irene Louise (Kuckkan) Mueller, wife of Missionary/Pastor Richard William Mueller, Jr., 1520 Lakeside Terrace, Watertown, WI 53094 Telephone: 920-206-0046

FEBRUARY 23, 2011 – WANDA MUELLER ARRIVES FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Wanda (Sterwald) Mueller, our daughter-in-law, had called us from Orlando, Florida, where she and our son, Dick, live, to tell us that her mother, Norma (a playmate of my sisters and me when we were children), was in the Watertown Regional Medical Center because of her heart. She also said that she was arriving in Watertown on Wednesday, the 23rd, via Air Trans, in Milwaukee. After she arrived here, she called and said that her mother had to have an operation at St. Mary’s in Madison. When we called the Sterwald home, we found out that Norma had six stents put into her heart. Wanda came to visit with us on Saturday and said that her mother would have to have another operation later on. Norma, her husband, Wanda, and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Wanda left today, Monday, February 28th, for Orlando. We were glad to see her and have a visit with her. I called Norma on the phone, and she said that she is very bruised. She is bruised because she coded on the table and they had to bring her back. She also said that she may have to go to University Hospital in Madison for an operation in which they will put a pig’s valve into her heart. She said she is scared, but we know that we are not alone when we are lying on that operation table. God is right there with us holding our hands.

After Wanda got back to Orlando, she had to go to Winter Park Hospital in Orlando. She had a gastrointestinal infection and was in the hospital for three days. She said that they found out at the hospital that she “was taking the wrong blood pressure medication”. She is home from the hospital and is feeling well. We thank God for keeping her safe in His loving care.

While talking to Wanda on the phone she told us that her and Dick’s son, Chris, 26 years old, is now working for “Signature Flight” in Orlando. He has a computer job and is doing well. She also told us that Mitch (son of our daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Jeff, who live in Cheyenne, Wyoming), 21 years old, has a job instructing at Twin Rivers Golf Club and is also doing well. He lived with Wanda, Dick, and Chris for a while, but now has his own apartment in Orlando. Both Chris and Mitch are not married. We wish them God’s richest blessings.

FEBRUARY 24, 2011 – THANK YOU FROM THE ROC

Dick and I received a beautiful thank you letter from the ROC (Tim) for our gifts in memory of our sister, Helen Kellberg, and cousin, Jeanette Laesch. The letterhead stationery is very eye-catching, and inside the letter there are two great colored pictures of teens who come to the ROC. Our thoughts and prayers are with our son, Tim (Pastor/Director of the ROC), all the teens (many unchurched), and all the volunteers and friends of the ROC (web page – www.thewttnroc.com).

FEBRUARY 23, 26, 27, 2011 – FROM ST.MARK’S BULLETIN

Our Watertown Recreation & Outreach Center (THE ROC) for Youth is looking for your help. We are looking for someone to do this year’s ROC financial Audit. Also, Ruth Uttech has asked if anyone would be willing to co-chair the ROC Rummage Sale, which will be held July 21, 22, and 23. We are hoping and praying that, among the many who support and care about THE ROC, there will be some who will be willing to help out in these areas. Please call Pastor Mueller at 920-206-9581 or e-mail him at wttnroc@sbcglobal.net if you are able to help. Thanks so much.

MARCH – 2011 – “PEBBLES FROM THE ROC’ IN THE ST. MARK’S MESSENGER

At our Bible/Talk Time on New Year’s Eve at our Watertown Recreation & Outreach Center (ROC) for Youth, more truths of God’s Word were shared as gold forks with red ribbons and white strings adorned the Christmas tree in front of them. The gold fork was to remind them of heaven. The red ribbon was to remind them of Jesus’ blood sacrifice, and the white string was to remind them of how we are pure in God’s sight through Jesus sacrifice on the tree. Written on the forks were the words "the best is yet to come". The story was told of a young boy who had cancer but was not afraid to die as he trusted his Savior. The young boy requested to be buried with a fork because at the family gatherings and church potlucks he was always told to save his fork for dessert. The fork became a symbol of heaven which is “the best that is yet to come” for all who believe. Due to God’s blessing and your generous help and support, such truths from God’s Word are able to be shared with so many teens who did not believe in their Savior. Also, we look forward to the day when our building will be completely paid off. You may help by sending your generous and kind gifts (make checks out to THE ROC marked BUILDING FUND) to 213 N. 3rd St., Watertown, WI 53094. One item also on our wish list is the recovering of one of our pool tables. The cost is about $250. Thank you so much for any help you can give.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 2, 2011 – OUR GRANDSON, CHRIS MUELLER, BREAKS HIS FIBULA (LEG BONE) NEAR THE ANKLE

We received an e-mail on March 3rd letting us know that he had fallen on the ice and broken his fibula (a leg bone near his ankle). His father, Tim, told us that he has a temporary cast on it, and on Monday the permanent cast will be put on. We were very sorry to hear that, but he and we KNOW that God will heal his ankle. Tim told us that Chris lives upstairs so that will make it difficult for him. There are many kind people (including Mr. Duane Polack – the retired former principal and a relative of mine through the Kuckkan ancestry – and his wife, Brigitte, in the Christ Lutheran congregation in Eagle River, WI who will help take good care of him.

NOTE: Sue and Tim, Chris’ parents, went up to Eagle River Monday after an operation to bring Chris to their home here in Watertown. Four screws, a plate, and a pin had to be put into the lower part of his leg. Tuesday night he was in terrible pain, and Sue and Tim were up all night giving him pain pills and calling the doctor who advised them to cut off the cast to alleviate some of the pain. We visited Chris last night and we hope cheered him up a bit. He is very dear to us, and we pray that his leg will heal quickly.

MARCH 8, 2011 – VIOLIN SOLO BY JOSHUA POSTON AT RECITAL

We were invited to Maranatha String Prep School, Watertown, Wisconsin, to hear Joshua, one of our great-grandsons playing a solo on his violin. The name of the piece he played is “Song of the Wind” – a Folk Song. Dick found the song on his computer before the recital and I said, “I know that melody.” The words I remember are:

“Mr. Fox, I saw you stealing, steal a goose and run, steal a goose and run,
Come right back or you’ll be feeling the old hunter’s gun,
Come right back or you’ll be feeling the old hunter’s gun.”

I don’t think those are the words to “Song of the Wind”, but those are the words I learned somewhere along the way, probably at St. Mark’s parochial school. Anyway, Joshua got up there in front of the audience and played wonderfully. I took pictures of him which are in Album #92. We heard him play a violin solo last year, and he has come a long way since then.

MARCH 9, 2011 – HELEN’S (DICK’S SISTER) HEARING AIDS ARRIVE

Before Helen was carried by God’s holy angels to heaven on February 12th of this year, she told us on the phone from Renton, Washington, that she had lost her hearing aids at her grandson, Andrew’s, wedding. She couldn’t find them, so got new hearing aids. After she had left us, her family told us that they were going to send her hearing aids to Dick. They knew that Helen would have wanted her brother to have them. So they arrived on March 9th. Helen had purchased them at Cosco, and our daughter, Debbie, told us that there is one in Grafton, Wisconsin, so she will arrange a day when we can go with her there and have the hearing aids fitted for Dick’s ears. What a blessing that will be! Sometimes I repeat sentences two or even three times before he hears what I say.

MARCH 11-12, 2011 – 22ND ANNUAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AT LUTHER PREP

The Christ Lutheran School Cardinals, basketball team from Eagle River, Wisconsin, came to participate in the basketball tournament at Luther Prep. Chris Mueller, our grandson, who is Coach of the basketball team and also Principal/Teacher at Christ Lutheran, was already here in Watertown because of his broken leg. Courageous Chris, on crutches, came to the tournament to be with his team. Teams came from all over the United States. His team did so well. The most exciting one we saw was the last game when they played Aurora, Illinois. The teams tied near the end, and a Cardinal girl threw a free throw before the buzzer went off, and the Cardinals won the game!!!! It was so exciting!

We were pleasantly surprised when we met Carole, Dave Roberts, their son, Mike, his wife, Amy, and family. Carole, Dave, and family, had been Lord And Savior, Crystal Lake, IL members when Dick was pastor there. They live in St. Charles, IL and their daughter, Emily, played on the Eau Claire, WI team. It was great to see all of them. Carole and Dave told us that Dave now has prostate cancer. They are in our thoughts and prayers. While we were talking to them, a woman came up to us, looked us full in the face and asked if we were Pastor and Mrs. Mueller. The woman was Lois (Marquardt) Casper. Her grandparents, very generous Mr. August Marquardt, and his wife, Louise, had donated the wonderful piece of land on which Lord And Savior Church was built. Lois and Judy are the daughters of their son, Marvin. What a surprise it was to see her! And another surprise – another woman came up to us and said she was Tricia, daughter of Mr. Jerald and Vera (Lord And Savior’s first teacher) Anderson, a wonderful family and also members of Lord and Savior. Tricia’s child played on the Lord And Savior team in the tournament. The Lord keeps pouring out His blessings upon us one after another, and we thank Him from the bottom of our hearts.

MARCH 11, 2011 – QUAKE IN JAPAN SPAWNS TSUNAMI

A ferocious tsunami spawned by one of the largest earthquakes (8.9) on record slammed Japan’s eastern coast today, killing hundreds of people as it swept away ships, cars, and homes while widespread fires burned out of control. “The earthquake has caused major damage in broad areas in northern Japan” Prime Minister Naoto Kan said at a news conference. We keep the people in Japan in our prayers.

MARCH 12, 2011 – WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARTICLE – TAKING IT TO THE STREET

There was a lot of excitement in Madison, Wisconsin, which was called CAPITOL CHAOS . There was an article and pictures in the Watertown Daily Times of people protesting. The headline above one picture said: “Taking it to the Street” – People opposing a state bill that takes away most of the public employees’ collective bargaining rights gathered, carried signs, and marched over the Main Street bridge in Watertown Friday afternoon. Gov. Scott Walker signed the controversial bill Friday that was passed by the legislature earlier this week. The passage of the bill followed more than three weeks of protests that drew thousands of people to the Capitol and to other rallies around the state.

MARCH 13, 2011 – ANOTHER BLESSED DAY! JONAH POSTON SINGS AT ST. JOHN’S – A GREAT VISIT WITH DEBBIE AND GLEN WILSON – THE OWLS AT ST. MARK’S

Debbie, our daughter who lives in Colgate, WI., and her husband, Glen, came on Sunday morning to be with us and attend the church worship service at St. John’s Lutheran Church to hear Kindergartener Jonah Poston, son of Jenny and Kevin, and one of our great grandsons, sing:

JESUS, I’M SORRY

Jesus, I’m sorry For the things I’ve done wrong.
Help me to do right, Help me to be strong.
Make my heart clean, Please forgive my sins
And from my heart shine out, Shine out and shine within.
And from my heart shine out, Shine out and shine within.

There were only about eight Kindergarten children up there. They also acted out the words. Jonah looked so cute, and all in the family were very impressed.

Sue and Tim had invited us to their home to celebrate Jenny and Kevin’s birthdays (Jenny’s is March 21, 1980, and Kevin’s March 24, 1980). After the service they also invited Debbie and Glen. Debbie had said they wanted to take us out for lunch, so we did go to Perkins Restaurant. Sadly, we cannot be in two places at once. Perkins was packed, but all of us enjoyed a delicious breakfast and a great visit together.

We visited for about two hours in Perkins restaurant. We introduced Augie, the Manager and chef of Augie’s Elite Cuisine Cooking Show, and his wife, Kim, to them. We visited in our home for awhile and then they left. Thank you so much for coming, Debbie and Glen.

Off we (carrying our potluck food) hurried to the OWLS, a St. Mark’s organization. Many older people attend and we enjoy their company. Professor James Thrams, a schoolmate of mine at St. Mark’s parochial school, schoolmates of both Dick and me at Northwestern (now Luther Prep), and professor of some of our children, lectured on: “Sequel in the Lutheran Reformation: “A Century of the Wars of Religion”. After the lecture, the OWLS had their business meeting and then we all partook of a very delicious potluck dinner. I asked “Jim” if he has a computer in his head. He did teach at Northwestern for thirty years, so I guess that helps him to be a walking encyclopedia.

When I invited one woman at St. Mark’s to the OWLS, she told me that the letters stand for: “Old Worn out Lutheran Seniors”. She and her husband are older than we are!!!! OWLS really stands for: “Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors”. I like that better.

MARCH 19, 2011 – AN INVITATION TO A BABY SHOWER FOR CHRISTINA GOLOMB

The relatives and friends of Christina (Weiland) Golomb had a baby shower for her at the Americ Inn, 3300 East Main Street, Merrill, WI. I was honored to receive the invitation, but sad that I could not attend.

MARCH 20, 2011 – “BEKAH” – REBECCA FAUGSTAD IS PROTECTED BY GOD’S ANGELS

On this day we received an e-mail letter from our grandson, Chris Mueller (Principal/Teacher at Christ Lutheran School, Eagle River, WI.) The letter said: “Dear Family, God sent His guardian angels this morning to watch over Bekah as she was traveling. Bekah was here in Eagle River and stayed at one of my teacher’s houses. She was on her way to get me for church this morning when her car slid off the road and hit some small trees. The car is totaled, but she came out with barely a bump. We thank God that she is safe!!!! God has plans for the both of us.”  

Check out the attached picture – a little funny how she has a wrecked car and I have a wrecked ankle.

Love ya, Chris

MARCH 21, 2011 – A GIFT FROM A VERY KIND LADY

For many years I have been writing to a wonderful lady by the name of “Hilda Kretzmann”. She and her husband, Ted, were missionaries in Africa at the same time we were missionaries there. Matthew, Sue and Tim’s youngest son, God willing, plans to attend the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin, to study to be a pastor like his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and Hilda’s husband, Ted (he went to his heavenly home quite a few years ago). Matthew and his wife, Holly, are graduating from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, on May 14, 2011.

Knowing Hilda so well as we do, I asked in a letter I wrote on March 21st: “Do you help students in need attend the Seminary, Hilda?” On March 23rd I received a reply in which she said: “I would be pleased to start now to help the young man”. She enclosed a very generous check for Matt’s education. Matt, Holly, Matt’s parents, and we were surprised and overjoyed that our loving Lord moved Hilda’s heart to help pay for his tuition at the Seminary.

On April 11th Hilda wrote another letter in which she wrote: “Dear Dick and Irene, Thanks for your nice letter. You know if my little boy had lived (she told us a long time ago that he choked on a cherry stone when he was two years old and the angels carried him to heaven), I would have spent that on him. Just happy that I could help some other young man. I know education is very expensive, and when you have a number of young people, it is hard to meet all the needs that go with growing up. And why should that just lay around in the bank? I am just happy that I can help out a bit. It has given me great pleasure to be of some help. The Lord blessed me, so I should share.” Let us all feel the way she does – overjoyed and happy when God blesses our siblings, neighbors, friends, and everyone else in our lives. All of us being human, sometimes that “green-eyed monster” rears up its ugly head. I think that is the devil trying to tempt us, but as Jesus said to him in Matthew 4:10: “Away from me, Satan”!

Hilda is 96 years alone and still lives in her home in Rocky Ford, Colorado. She lives with her cat, Jade. She has a wonderful sense of humor. She also said in her letter: “Now I just have the cat, and he does not cost much. He has all the education that comes naturally to a cat. He is a good cat and lots of company when you are all alone. His name is Jade because he has beautiful green eyes. My neighbor across the street came for a visit today for some unknown reason. I am so lazy. My house needs attention, but I just let it go. I guess I am old! It is always nice to hear from you. I send my love, Hilda.” How we wish we could visit her. We did visit her in when we went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for Frontier Days in 2006, and had a wonderful blessed time with her! Rocky Ford, Colorado, is east of Denver. Please keep her in your prayers.

MARCH 22, 2011 – FUN AT AUGIE’S ELITE CUISINE LIVE COOKING SHOW

Dick and I hadn’t been able to attend regularly at Augie’s cooking show on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. because there were funerals we attended almost every week. Anyway, we went on this day. We were a little late, so when we got there, there were about 40 or 50 people there already. Many of the people were from a Senior Center in Johnson Creek, WI. We usually sat in the front row, but it looked quite crowded up there, so we sat in back after Brandon Heine, the producer of the show, set up some folding chairs for us.

Augie and Kim (Magestro) own and manage Perkins Restaurant here in Watertown. They came in after us, pushing their trolley with all the ingredients, pots, pans, etc.; almost everything needed for the show. As we were sitting there, Brandon, the producer of the show, came to us and said there were two seats up front where we could sit. Okay —— we went, but only one was left. Before we knew it, we were directed to sit up on the platform at Augie’s chef’s table, where there were two out of four seats left. Wow! What a surprise! And what fun we had! The drawing of names was held. Dick’s name was drawn for an $8.00 gift certificate to use at Perkins for food, and mine (Cookie) was drawn for four delicious Perkins muffins!

Before I go on, I would like to mention that Augie had a quite noticeable left black eye. He told everyone that he is a boxer and is in boxing matches so that he can compete in a championship boxing tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. He seemed quite keyed up, and all through the cooking show he was quite comical. During the show a lime dropped onto the floor and rolled under the platform where we were sitting – gone, gone, gone! A bowl broke when he went to a rack to get a tongs. But the tongs were not there, and Kim, his wife, didn’t have it when he asked her. While cooking he sampled a bit of habenero (very hot Mexican pepper) which he thought was garlic, so quickly reached for Dick’s glass of water. Also, an electrical cord had to be brought to him so that he could use a blender. Remember, this is a live TV show! It was hilarious! Someone commented that maybe he got hit too hard in the head when he got the black eye. It was all in fun, and we had a great time!!!!!

Augie cooked Dominican Style Roast Pork With Habanera Mashed Potatoes And Roasted Brussels Sprouts In Sherry Bacon. I hadn’t eaten Brussels Sprouts since we went on our mission trips to visit our Lutheran Christians in Kitwe, Zambia, where we were served them in a hotel. I loved them! After everything was cooked, Augie put generous portions of all of the food on four plates and served his guests at the Chef’s table. The food was absolutely delicious! The guests in the audience were all served by Kim the same kinds of food which Augie had cooked.

WHAT A TOTALLY UNEXPECTED BLESSED DAY WE HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!    

MARCH 25 – APRIL 2, 2011 – JENNY AND KEVIN POSTON GO ON A CRUISE

Jenny and Kevin asked us to babysit Joshua, Jonah, Conner, and Tyler a couple of hours until Sue, Jenny’s Mom, came home from work at Harry & David in Johnson Creek. We had a good time with the kids – watched a cute English movie by the name of “Nanny McPhee”. When Sue came home she asked us to stay for supper. She makes the most delicious lasagna I have ever eaten. For dessert we had Harry & David chocolates which she had brought from work. Sue and Tim are babysitting the kids until Tuesday and then the Postons, Kevin’s parents, will babysit them until Jenny and Kevin come back from their cruise.

MARCH 25-30, 2011 – SISTERS DEBBIE WILSON, SUE WEILAND, AND STEPHANIE HEITSCH TOGETHER IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Every year our daughters, Debbie, Sue, and Stephanie get together when Stephanie goes on a business trip in connection with her job as Injury Prevention Coordinator for Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Wyoming. This year the conference is in Phoenix, Arizona, so that’s where the sisters are together. What a blessing it is for them!!!! We talked to our daughter, Sue, and she said that she and Debbie, and Steph, when she didn’t attend meetings, just relaxed at the pool together     every day. Wonderful! Our children are so blessed that they have had the privilege and to travel with Dick and me to many wondrous places in this world which God has created for us. They all work very hard at their work, participate in their churches, and are loving parents to their families. We are richly blessed!!!

MARCH 26, 2011 – ARTICLE FROM “ANNIE’S MAILBOX” – WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
Story is about grandfather’s birthday –

It Was Grandfather’s Birthday – by Rudy Joe Mano –

“It was Grandfather’s birthday. He was 79. He got up early, shaved, showered, and combed his hair, and put on his Sunday best so he would look nice when they came.
He skipped his daily walk to the town café where he had coffee with his cronies. He wanted to be home when they came.
He put his porch chair on the sidewalk so he could get a better view of the street when they drove up to help celebrate his birthday.
At noon, he got tired but decided to forgo his nap so he could be there when they came.
Most of the rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called.
He has five married children, 13 grand children, and three great-grandchildren. One son and a daughter live within 10 miles of his place. They hadn’t visited him for a long time.
But today was his birthday and they were sure to come.
At suppertime, he left the cake untouched so they could cut it and have dessert with him.
After supper he sat on the porch waiting.
At 8:30 he went to his room to prepare for bed. Before retiring, he left a note on the door that read:
“Be sure to wake me when you come.”
It was Grandfather’s birthday. He was 79.”

How sad! We thank God that our families remember our birthdays!!!!!

HUSBAND, DAD, GRANDPA, GREAT GRANDPA HARD AT WORK CONVERTING SLIDES

As we mentioned in the December 25, 2010, MOM”S MEMOIRS, we received a “converter” from Sue, Tim, and family for Christmas. Since then my dear husband has been converting his thousands of slides to digital which are now on his computer for our families, relatives, friends, AND US! Those precious slides have been moving around with us, in Africa and the United States, and also have been in storage in various places where we have been for many years. Now they are being taken off our closet shelf and put on the computer for all to see. We thank God from the bottom of our hearts for this wonderful blessing!!!! Our family is having a great time seeing themselves from longer ago.

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE
(APRIL-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Cor. 12:27) At a recent Bible/talk Time, which is held every evening at THE ROC, the teens were learning how each believer is part of the body of Christ due to God’s grace. The teens also learned how each believer has wonderful gifts and talents from God to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives. Along with the subject of the body of Christ, the teens learned how that body of Christ is also compared to Christ’s bride whom God loves dearly. What a pleasant surprise when one teen added, “Let’s all listen carefully to God’s Word to show respect and love for God but also respect and thankfulness for all our fellow believers who have put so much of their time, talents and treasures into providing THE ROC.” The teen was amazed by the power of God giving faith to people to do so much from their hearts without wanting anything in return. Giving is also seen in our ROC board members who are this year: St. John’s – Don Bartz (Vice President) & Arlyn Boll; St. Luke’s – Pete Westermeyer (President) & Rich Witte; St. Mark’s – Harold Peckham (Secretary) & Todd Morris; Trinity – Bret Loescher (Treasurer) & Don Frank. Thank you all for your willing help and service.
FUTURE 2011 ROC EVENTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Saturday, June 11th – Pick N’ Save Brat Fry
Sunday, June 26th – ROC Golf Outing
Thurs., Fri., Sat., July 21,22,23 – ROC Rummage Sale
Fri., Sat., August 19+20 – Glenn’s Market Brat Stand

APRIL, 2011 – STEPH SENT PICTURE OF SAMI JO IN “THE TALON”

Dick and I were so pleased when we got an envelope from Cheyenne, Wyoming. When we opened it, there was a magazine called “THE TALON” which is from Laramie County Community College (Volume 19, 2011) where Sami Jo is a student. In the inside what do we see but a full-page picture of our beautiful granddaughter, Sami Jo Heitsch, on a horse carrying the American flag!!! Above them are the words, RIDING HIGH. Next to the picture are the words: LCCC Equine Studies Program. Of course, we soon went to Walmart to get a frame which would fit the picture. It is now hanging on our living room wall with a poster Jeff, Sami Jo’s father gave us when we were there for the July 21-30, 2006, CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS – 110TH ANNUAL Daddy of ‘em ALL! There is a picture of a cowboy riding a bull on the poster too. Also on our wall are horse-shoes which were taken off the Heitsch horses by a farrier when we were there — and a picture of all six of our children, Debbie, Dick, Tim, Sue, Steph, and Steve when we were there for the Cheyenne Frontier Days. We had such a blessed, great, time!!!!

(Steph wrote a very welcome nice e-mail letter to us on April 11th, but one of the things she wrote is: “The sad news is that the horse died about 2 weeks later. It got into some feed, overate, and died. It was a friend of Sami’s horse, and so that was pretty sad, but they have a great picture to remember it by.”)

Also included in the envelope was an article which had appeared in the November 2, 2010, issue of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. The title is EAST HIGH FFA TEAM WINS NATIONAL EVENT. Sami Jo took part in the debate about sheep ranchers’ grazing land rights verses grouse breeding grounds endangerment. Sami Jo got $1,000 for doing so well in the debate. We are proud of you, granddaughter!

APRIL 1, 2011 – APRIL FOOLS DAY

Our son, Tim, came to visit us in our home. During his visit, he said, “Do you know that Megan and Timmy had their baby? I got all excited, and said, “What? When?”, and looked at him expectantly. He said, “April Fool!!!!”. I am so gullible! I should have known that he was joshing me. He’s always been a big tease. So there wasn’t a baby yet.

APRIL 2, 2011 – ST. MARK’S SCHOOL CAPITAL FUND APPEAL

Members of St. Mark’s were divided into groups and invited to come at different times to hear and read of the needs in order to support the Gospel work at St. Mark’s School. Members were asked to make a commitment of what funds they were able to give. Psalm 145:4 says: “One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts.”

APRIL 3, 2011 – ENGAGEMENT OF REBECCA FAUGSTAD AND CHRIS MUELLER

We received a wonderful telephone call from our grandson, Chris Mueller, telling us that he and Bekah are engaged. I had asked him to tell me when the engagement would happen, and he did! Thank you, Chris! On April 3rd he wrote to the family saying:

Subject: Joyful News

“Dear loved ones,

As many of you know, last summer I started dating a wonderful Christian woman, Rebekah. It’s amazing how God brought us together, as Bekah worked with my sister Julie, was Addie’s daycare teacher, and went to college with my sister-in-law Megan. In this short time God has blessed our relationship and we are now engaged to be married! As we move forward with wedding planning and our lives coming together, Christ will remain at the center. We look forward to sharing this wonderful day with all of you very soon.

Lots of love,
Chris and Bekah

P.S. Just a little heads up, we are planning to get married Friday, July 8th, in Mankato, MN….and that would be THIS July.”

Congratulations and God’s richest blessings, Bekah and Chris! We are so happy for you!

APRIL – 2011 – AN INVITATION FROM LAURA WEILAND

We received a very nice handwritten note and invitation from Laura the beginning of April to come to Northland Lutheran High School, Mosinee, WI on April 18, 2011, for their very first Grandparents Day. She wrote that “it would be awesome for us to meet her teachers and all of her friends”. When we received the invitation I was not feeling well. When I got out of bed in the morning, my left side below the waist was in excruciating pain (is it Sciatica, old age or both?), and wondered if I could even go to the grocery store. So we were very sad that we had to decline the invitation. Since then I have been taking Advil pain medication and using Thera-Gesic cream (Paul Harvey recommended it for aches and pains on the radio years ago). Thankfully, it helps!

APRIL 2, 2011 – A LETTER FROM OUR DAUGHTER, SUE WEILAND

Subject: Events

Hi all,
Events in the Weiland Household

James received his (CCNA) which means as he put it; The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – certification is required by most companies in order to be a network technician with them. It’s also a stepping stone for more advanced certs. Congrats, Jimmy!
Brian obtains his master’s degree in clinical psychology (is that right, Brian?) in August of 2011. Woot, woot!
Christina is “hoping” to have that little girl, Gracie Elizabeth, before Mom’s projected date of April 12th. Ha, ha! Mike will “prayerfully” be confirmed in the WELS faith on April 17, 2011, …..You go, Mike, we’re very proud of you!
Laura once again obtained a Blue Ribbon and Merit (which means she qualifies for State…..see you in Milwaukee in August of 2011!) award for her solo performance of Concrete Angel by Martina McBride at the 4H Music Festival. She also obtained an almost perfect score in the high school regional forensic meet for her reading of prose piece “The last rung on the ladder.” She’ll be going on to State in Madison the end of April. Laura is also playing a “crazy” lady in Northland Lutheran’s play of Curious Savage …one of the lead roles next weekend. Yippee!!
That’s it for now……….send me your family events……….PLEASE!!
Love you, Sue

APRIL 6, 2011 – MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S, WATERTOWN, WI.

We were very pleased that we heard our great-grandson, Joshua Poston, glorifying God through his musical talents by playing violin for the first time in church. He accompanied his second grade class in the song “The Lamb”, and Kevin, his father, played piano with him. He did an excellent job, and it was just beautiful!

APRIL 8, 2011 – MEGAN AND TIMMY’S BABY BOY, TIMOTHY PETER MUELLER III, IS BORN – he was born at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center, LaCrosse, WI. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 22 “ long. He was born at 2:30 a.m. and looks like his father, Timothy Peter Mueller, II.

From Tim, Jr.’s (the father) letter:

“Both Megan and Timothy are healthy and beautiful! God is good!

Timothy will be made a child of our Heavenly Father through baptism next Sunday, April 17, during the 10:30 am service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI. We will also have some time after for food, fun, and fellowship with details to be determined. All are welcome, but certainly not expected. (If you do plan to attend, please let us know prior so we can plan accordingly.)

We also want you to know that our new address is: 1100 Jane Drive, Sparta, WI. 5 4656

Our Savior’s blessings to you all! Tim, Megan, and Timmy”

Our son, Tim, and his wife, Sue, made a trip up to Sparta, WI before the baby was born. They hoped they would be there when their grandchild would be born, but it didn’t happen. The information above in bold print is what they told us on the phone when the little boy was actually born – everything except his name. I asked them what the name of the baby is, if it is “Timothy Peter Mueller”. They wouldn’t tell me what the name is – that I had to find out from Megan and Timmy.

We were so happy to hear the news from them — and from Timmy and Megan when we called them — and also from the e-mail letter they sent everyone. They also included a great picture of the two of them with their very handsome Timmy. Can you imagine my surprise when I heard that I had guessed the name right? Call it Great-Grandma intuition. Little Timmy is our 23rd great grandchild, and is the first Mueller Great-Grandchild! We are thankful to our loving God for His great blessing!

APRIL 8, 2011 – HELEN’S HEARING AIDS ARRIVE IN WATERTOWN

We had another blessing happen on April 8th. Helen’s family in the state of Washington sent her hearing aids to their Uncle Dick who is also hearing impaired. Helen had lost her hearing aids, and had gotten new ones. We are thankful that her family thought of Dick who really needs them.

APRIL 10, 2011 – OUR SON, TIM, PREACHED AT ST. LUKE’S (WELS) WATERTOWN, WI.

Tim preached to a full church of people, and it was a very God-pleasing sermon. The Text was: John 11:21-27, and the Theme: COMFORT FROM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. He mentioned some of his blessed experiences with teens at the ROC (Recreation and Outreach Center). May God continue to bless the ROC and its mission.

APRIL 11, 2011 – CHRIS’ ANKLE IS BETTER – THANK GOD!

In an e-mail letter from Chris, it says: “I went and saw my surgeon today and he says my ankle is better. I had an infection in part of the incision from my ankle surgery, but it is under control and I shouldn’t have to have any other surgery to clean it out. I just need to clean it out a couple times a day to keep the infection out, and within a couple weeks it should all be healed up. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers.
Love ya,
Chris”

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011 – TORNADO HITS MERRILL, WISCONSIN – WE THANK GOD FOR KEEPING ALL OF OUR LOVED ONES SAFE

All,
Merrill got hit really hard last night. The Lord watched over our family…. Jim and I were in Wausau at Northland’s play with Laura cleaning up when the sirens went off. We were safe in the gymnasium but very concerned for Christina and Mike coz they left for Merrill before us. We asked them to come back to Northland but they were concerned for their dog so they actually were traveling right ahead of the storm.
When they got to Merrill, they just had enough time to get their dog from the apartment and get over to our place and get down in the basement. In Mike’s words, “The tornado was right over your house!” Over is right coz as it turned out it touched down a few times a little west of our house, rose back up again over our house and the east part of Merrill only to touch down again a couple miles north of us.
When we got back to Merrill later after it was all over, our new members from California’s four car garage was absolutely totaled but their house wasn’t touched leaving them safe. We had to return their twin girls who we were giving a ride home from the play so we saw the damage. The fire trucks were there with the gas company already in order to turn off the gas leak they got from their propane gas tank being thrown into the field. What a mess! They had already shut down the rest of county road K north of them for several houses being damaged.
Not knowing what we were going to find at home, we returned. Other than branches and trees fallen, our house, church, camper, etc. were all unharmed. Mike and Christina had already returned to their apartment just fine. We had no electricity all night but it was kinda nice being in a quiet living room for a change!
Our electricity came on in the middle of the night……got Laura up to get the bus. Merrill schools were closed coz no electricity, flooding, damage, etc. Jim has spent the whole day so far helping people with their damaged property and flooding. So sad, but most everyone is being helped and has insurance.
So how was your day! Love Sue

APRIL 12, 2011 – A LETTER FROM OUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, SUE MUELLER

Because of my excruciating pain when I get out of bed every morning, we were in doubt whether we would be able to go the Baptism of Timothy Peter Mueller III in Sparta, WI. We were very surprised when we received an e-mail letter from Sue, Timmy’s grandma. It said:

“Hi Dad & Mom, I just need to beg you one more time to please reconsider coming with us to baby Timothy’s Baptism on Sunday. It would mean so very much to all of us, but especially to your son, Tim. We had prayed that God would bless this family with a Mueller boy to carry on the family name in your lifetime, and in His gracious goodness He did just that in little Timothy! What a blessing also, Mom, that you had hoped that he would be born on your birthday, and now he will be born again into God’s family on your birthday! Tim will be baptizing him, and it would mean so much to him if you were there to witness it and be part of a very special 4 generation picture on that day. Please come with us! We love you so very much and it just wouldn’t be the same without you there. Love, Sue”

APRIL 12, 2011 – JOSHUA POSTON PLAYS VIOLIN AT “SPRING SERENADE”

Joshua played violin with the “Twinklers”. They played “ANTS” and also played together another time. They did so well, and Joshua did receive a medal. Keep up the good work, Joshua! There was a delicious potluck after the program.

APRIL 14, 2011 – JOSHUA IN SCHOOL PLAY AT ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL

We went to see Joshua in the play “Go, Go Jonah”. He was a shipmate, chorus member, and had a small solo. Kevin, his father, played a large part as a main director. Chairs were reserved in the front for us “old” people so that we did not have to climb up on the bleachers, which we really appreciated. In the words of the program: “Missions … Obedience …Unconditional Love … The Truth of Scripture … The Sovereignty of God .. These are just some of the lessons contained in the story of Jonah, all of which are just as applicable today as they were in Jonah’s time. Go, Go Jonah! captures these lessons in clever songs and humorous dialogue.” All of the pupils, pastors, teachers, directors, etc. worked very hard to make for a very enjoyable and enlightening evening!

APRIL 14, 2011 – CHRISTINA AND MIKE’S BABY GIRL IS BORN! SHE IS “GRACE ELIZABETH GOLOMB”, AND IS OUR 24TH GREAT-GRANDCHILD! She was born at Wausau, WI., Medical Center. We are thankful for the awesome blessing of having two great-grandchildren, Timmy and Grace, born within one week!!!

Our daughter, Sue Weiland, the proud grandmother, wrote:

Hi all!

Well, after a very long labor (takes after her mother!), little Gracie was born at 12:15 am, April 14th….Grace Elizabeth is 7 lbs.1 oz. and is 20 in. long. She looks exactly like Christina when she was born! Both mom, baby – and hubby are doing well!

Looks like Gracie will be made a child of God on Easter Sunday! We’ll let you know……Love, Sue

Gracie is our 24th great grandchild! How blessed we are!!!! And how thankful we are!!!! We can have a four-generation picture taken of baby Timmy, Tim, Jr., Tim, Sr., and Great Grandpa Dick – AND we can have a four-generation picture taken of baby Grace, Christina, Sue, and Great-Grandma Irene!!!! We anxiously look forward to holding both of these precious gifts from God. We thank Him for His UNBELIEVABLE bountiful blessings!!!! WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!

APRIL 17, 2011 – CONFIRMATION OF MICHAEL GOLOMB

Christina’s husband, Michael Golomb, God willing, will be confirmed in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Merrill, WI, where our Sue’s husband, James Weiland, is the pastor. This is another great blessing from our loving Lord.

APRIL 17, 2011 – THE BAPTISM OF “TIMOTHY PETER MUELLER III” ON MY BIRTHDAY

It is impossible for Dick and me to be in two or more places at one time (even though we would like to be), but we did make the trip with Sue and Tim, Sr. to be at the Baptism of our great-grandson. Little Timmy was baptized by his grandfather, Tim, Sr. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI. Our 23rd great-grandchild was baptized on my 81st birthday! As noted in the bulletin:

“BAPTIZED into God’s family is Timothy Peter Mueller III, son of Principal Timothy and Megan Mueller. Timothy’s grandfather, Pastor Timothy Mueller (1) will be administering the Sacrament. Chris Mueller (brother) and Melissa Hahm (Megan’s sister) will serve as sponsors. We rejoice with the Muellers that through Holy Baptism the King of glory has entered yet another heart, bringing forgiveness, peace, and new life to this child now placed under his gracious rule.”

After the Baptism, all of us ate a delicious meal which all the relatives of little Timmy had prepared. Then we went to see Megan, Tim, Jr., and Timmy’s home which we had not seen before. It is very beautiful, and we are happy for them. Upon our arrival there, everyone sang “Happy Birthday and God’s Blessings” to me, and presented me with a divine cake covered with coconut, which I love! Thank you, Megan, Tim, Jr., and Timmy for everything! I am so thankful that little Timmy and I share a very special day! I thank God for helping me (kind people have suggested that I do certain exercises to help my sciatica) so that Dick and I could make the trip to Sparta. Thank you, Joanne and Jerry Brandt, for taking us back to Watertown!

APRIL 17, 2011 – THANK YOU, EVERYONE

God bless all of you for remembering my Palm Sunday birthday with your kind thoughtfulness in sending me beautiful cards, e-mails, telephone calls, gift cards, birthday dinner, transportation, etc. I was even sent a bougainvillea (we had them in Africa and Texas) plant from Karen and Bob Swigart who are members of Lord And Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, Illinois, where Dick was pastor from 1975-1986. There was no card with the plant, so we did not know from whom it came. Then I received an e-mail from Karen saying that they had sent the plant because she and I are “birthday twins”. What a wonderful surprise! I thank everyone from the very bottom of my heart! And thank you, God, for my long life so that I can still be here in my earthly home with all of our loved ones!

APRIL 22, 2011 – GOOD FRIDAY TRE-ORE SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S

Our Tim was the preacher for SECTION 5 (1:40-2:05) – “The Dream of Pilate’s Wife” – based on Matthew 27:19. There were seven pastors who preached at this service. Kevin Poston, Jenny’s husband, directed the Kinderchor and the Mixed Choir. It was a blessing to be there. When we think how Jesus suffered and died for us, our sufferings on this earth are nothing compared to what He did for us to save all of us from our sins so that believers in Him will live with Him in heaven forever.

APRIL 24, 2011 – (EASTER SUNDAY) – THE BAPTISM OF “GRACE ELIZABETH GOLOMB”

Dick and I headed for Merrill on Saturday, the 23rd. The weather was absolutely fantastic! We thank God for it! We hadn’t been to visit our loved ones there since last year. When we got there, Jim cooked walleye fish (which he had caught) for us, and it was great! He and Sue gave up their bedroom and bathroom for our stay, which we so appreciated.

Easter Sunday (our Tim’s 53rd birthday – no, Tim, we did not forget, and wish we could have been with you, too) turned out to be another beautiful day. Imagine our chagrin when we found out that we were to attend a “sunrise” service at 7:00 a.m. We are late risers since retirement, but we “rose to the occasion” and were up at 5:30 a.m. And, wild horses could not keep us from attending the Baptism of our 24th great grandchild! She is a little beauty! Christ Lutheran Church was full of people! Sue and Jim sang in the choir, and Gabe, 5, Becky and Patrick’s son, sang with the children. Jim preached a very good sermon based on the text: John 20:1-8 – and the sermon theme was: “The Power of the Empty Tomb”. It was about Peter, John, and Mary – with what thoughts they came to the tomb, and with what thoughts they left the tomb.

After the service there was a delicious breakfast in the basement of the church. All of Sue and Jim’s family were there, and we were so happy to be with them. Then we all went upstairs in the church for the Baptism. Little Grace wore a very special and beautiful dress which her grandmother, Sue, had made. She was baptized by her grandfather, Jim. After the Baptism many pictures were taken (thank you, Laura, for putting a picture of Grace, Grandpa, and me on Facebook). We were happy to meet Mike’s (Grace’s father) relatives.

After the Baptism all of us went to the parsonage next door. Sue had made a delicious ham which she had marinated in a pineapple recipe from the Internet. Their children and spouses brought great food too. Patrick, Becky’s husband, made cherry and blackberry pies for dessert which we all enjoyed. We called Tim, and sang “Happy Birthday and God’s Blessings” to him for his 53rd birthday. Sue, Tim, and their family were all invited to Joanne and Jerry Brandt’s home (where we also had been invited), so we waited until later when they were back home. We all had a great time together catching up on all the news – and of course holding Gracie. When everyone started leaving for their homes, it was very sad. We remember a time like that when our children, spouses, and children would “come and go”. That is what the Bible says in Genesis 2:24 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife; and they will become one flesh.”

Laura, our youngest granddaughter, treated us to a fashion show modeling an absolutely out-of-this- world blue dress. She is growing up so fast, and is a very pretty and talented girl.

Sue and Jim took us on a tour of the section of Merrill which was hit by a tornado Monday, April 11th. We saw trees uprooted tops of roofs and trees ripped off, foundations where buildings had been. Thankfully no one was killed. A couple who belong to Christ Lutheran had their 4-car garage destroyed, but the cars inside it were not damaged. After the tornado people helped one another.

The next morning we had breakfast and took off for Wildwood (near Rhinelander, WI.) where Sue and Jim have bought a home on Warner Drive. We were amazed when we saw it! They have a perfect view of Lake Wildwood. We were astounded at the beauty of their home when we saw the outside, but just as amazed when we saw the inside. Sue and Jim have already begun to make it their own – their future retirement home. Sue has an “African Room”. Even the bedclothes have an African theme. Jim found much of the beautiful furniture in the home on Craig’s List. At noon they took us to Woodruff to a Mexican restaurant. We love Mexican food, and it was great! They ordered a huge “fried ice cream” dessert with whipped cream and a cherry on top! We ate it with 4 spoons! Wow! A couple pictures were taken to remind us of our wonderful, sunny, day in the Northwoods.

When we got back to their home, Sue righted their paddleboat, and she and I “paddled” and had a blissful ride on the Lake. Skippy, their Jack Russell dog, went with us. It was fun!!!! Sad to say, it was time to head back to Merrill where we again had a delicious supper and relaxed. It was April 25th, our son, Steve’s 44th birthday, so we called him and sang “Happy Birthday and God’s Blessings” to him. Wish we could have been with you too, Steve.

The next day we left our loved ones in Merrill. But before we left, Jim went to their freezer and loaded us down with venison – ground, sausage, and bacon. He also gave us some of the walleye fish he had caught and filleted. We welcomed all of it, and enjoy eating it. And what do we find in our car after we left the parsonage – a Kwik Trip Gas Card which Sue had put there! With the price of gas at $4.00 a gallon, that too, is most welcome! Thank you, Sue, Jim, and family for your generous and warm hospitality! Thank you, God, for the great amazing weather you provided for us on Easter Sunday and Monday – for all of the blessings you provide for all of us!

APRIL 29. 2011 – BRITAIN’S PRINCE WILLIAM MARRIES

Many people around the world watched the wedding of Prince William (son of Diana and Charles and grandson of Queen Elizabeth II), and Kate Middleton, on television. Dick and I got up at 3:00 a.m. (our time) to watch the wedding performed at Westminster Abbey in London (we have been there!). Kate’s father walked her down the aisle, and seemed very composed. Prince Harry was the best man, and Philippa Middleton the maid of honor. There were two little 3-year-old girls whose hands were held by Philippa as they walked down the aisle. There were also two older girls and two boys (pages). The queen conferred on Kate and William the royal titles of the duke and duchess of Cambridge.

The bride wore a wedding dress which reminded me of the dress I wore at our wedding. Charles’ mother, Diana’s dress was “too much”. The bride could hardly be seen – there was so much material hiding her. Also, Kate had a short veil and a train about the length which I had. Everyone marveled at her dress, although I think some thought it was not elegant enough. Dick and I also liked it that there weren’t so many groomsmen and bridesmaids. We had a best man, maid of honor, one groomsman, and one bridesmaid. “Pa” (Henry Kuckkan, my father) walked me down the very long St. Mark’s Lutheran church aisle. He did well, considering that he was not a very out-going man.

APRIL 30, 2011 – A FRIEND FROM LONG AGO PASSES AWAY

“Charlotte Jean Zastrow Madison”, a girl who was in my class (Sexta – 9th grade) at Northwestern Prep passed away at the Vilas Hospice in Milwaukee, WI. on April 30, 2011, from cancer. Her obituary appeared in the Watertown Daily Times on May 14th, 2011. Charlotte was “different” from the other girls at school. She wore very short skirts, a lot of makeup (her face was full of mascara when she walked to school in the rain), wore “bobby socks”, and had long hair with flowing ribbons from it. She was at Northwestern only a year.

There were only four girls in my class at that time. She invited us and some boys in our class to a party at her home at 1307 Dakota Street in Watertown. Dick, my future husband, was not invited, and I was paired with another boy. I wanted Dick to be there, so she asked him to come, and we walked from Northwestern Prep to Dakota Street – Dick with Gertie Schwartz, and me with Richard Krueger. While at her home we played games. One was “spin the bottle”. When the bottle pointed at you, you went out in the hall with that person. I went out in the hall with “Bill Tacke”. He reached for me and tried to kiss me. I screamed and that was the beginning and end of that kiss. Then the bottle pointed at Dick, I went out in the hall with him. That kiss was the first REAL KISS I ever got! WOW! I did not scream.

Then we were going to walk to the “brickyard”, which was near Dakota Street, where Charlotte lived. Richard Krueger said, “Get your coat, Irene”, and I said, “I’m not going with you, Krueger!” I went to the brickyard with Dick. Can you believe that Dick and I now live a stone’s throw from that brickyard, which is now Lake Victoria? It is surrounded by beautiful homes. There is a walkway built between Lake Victoria and Heiden Pond. At that time there weren’t any homes around it. Dick walked me home to 911 North 4th Street that night. and many times after from Northwestern Prep, the Classic Theater, Riverside Park, etc. The Lord surely works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

We lost track of Charlotte after she left Northwestern Prep. She was 82 years old when she died. The obituary says that “she belonged to several Lutheran churches”. We pray that one day we will see her in our heavenly home.

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE

(MAY-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC A number of big ROC EVENTS are coming. An evening is being planned when Rev. Charlie Isles will share experiences from his prison/jail work and also a couple of teens will share their experiences of being bullied. Look for more info. in your church bulletin. Also the Jerry Kastens Memorial ROC GOLF OUTING & BUFFET BANQUET will take place on Sunday, June 26th, at the Watertown Country Club (4:00 p.m. tee time). If you do not golf, please come for the buffet dinner and ROC presentation. The buffet will begin around 7:00 p.m. and the cost is $20.00. For a golfer, the total cost will be $58.00 which includes green fees, team prizes drawn, flag prizes on each hole, other prizes and the buffet. Sign up deadline for golf and meal is Monday, June 17th. Also consider donating an auction item or sponsor a hole. All proceeds go to The ROC. Any questions or any other inquires please contact Don Bartz at 920-261-1319 or debartz@charter.net.

Please mark your calendars – ROC RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE will be held July 21 – 23 (Trinity/St. Luke’s School -Western Campus). Volunteers are greatly needed. We are looking for volunteers to pick up tables, receive donations, sort and arrange tables for the sale 7/17 – 7/20, to work the sale and then for clean up on the 23rd. Every hour or two that you might be able to donate will help. Should you have any unusual or valuable items you would like to donate, please indicate these items when you drop them off for the sale. Besides selling at the sale we do have items that are sold on EBay. Please set aside your gently used, clean and workable items for this fund raiser. Sorry, but we are unable to store things ahead of time and cannot receive any chemicals, TV’s, computers, large microwaves, encyclopedias, organs, and tires for the sale. Should you have any questions, please contact Ruth Uttech – 261-6772, or Pam Erdman – 261-9674. We are also looking for a third person to split some of the work involved in getting ready and managing the sale. We will again be receiving Thrivent funding if we reach our sales goal of $6,400.00.
Other ROC Events:
Saturday, June 11th – Pick N’ Save Brat Fry: Stop by for lunch or supper
Fri., Sat., August 19+20 – Glenn’s Market Brat Stand: Stop by for lunch

MAY 5, 2011 – “MAGESTRO PUNCHING OUT A DREAM” – WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

Quoted from the Watertown Daily Times: “Augie Magestro, the owner of Perkins Restaurant and Augie’s Catering in Watertown, and a former Golden Gloves champion, spars at the fitness center Tuesday in preparation for a bout this weekend at Turner Hall in an exhibition match at the state boxing tournament”. So on Saturday, May 7th, Dick and I went to watch Augie box. The match was announced as a “draw”. We went because we enjoy his and his wife, Kim’s, Elite Cooking Show on Tuesdays, have been at the chef’s table and eaten the delicious food Augie has cooks. Also, after the show samples of every kind of food Augie has cooked are given to every guest in the audience by his wife, Kim.

Before the show, the names of the guests coming are put into an empty ice cream bucket. The names are drawn by Karen, and the guests’ names drawn may receive a Perkins pie, a dinner card, flowers, or other items which Rosie chooses to give out.

We are thankful for all the kindnesses shown to us, and in return we went to watch Augie box. Kim was there and came over to us to say “hello”. My father, Henry Kuckkan, listened to boxing matches on the radio before TV was invented, and then watched boxing and wrestling matches (which he loved) on TV. I can still see him lying on the living room floor with a pillow propping up his head, and laughing at all the antics of the boxers and wrestlers. Dick told me that he and “Pa” once went to the Turner Hall and watched a boxing match. I don’t remember that.

MAY 8, 2011 – A HAPPY AND BLESSED MOTHER’S DAY

The first thing we did on Mother’s Day was to go to the service at St. Mark’s church. Tim (Sue had to work at Harry And David) was there with us. We heard a very meaningful sermon based on the Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 1:3-6 – and the Theme was “The Blessings of a Christian Family – 1. For this life 2. For life eternal. One of the things that guest pastor, Pastor Charles Isles, said in his sermon is that there are fewer divorces, and why? – how can you get a divorce when you’re not married? It’s so true, isn’t it.

Tim took us to Taco Bell after church. We had a delicious burrito. Then we went home until 5:30-6:00 p.m. when we were to go to Sue and Tim’s home to celebrate Mother’s Day. During the afternoon I was having a nap when there was a familiar knock at the door, and there was Tim with a beautiful red rose for me. How thoughtful! We went to their home for dinner, and Tim grilled delicious pork steaks. We also had beef noodles, mushrooms, and strawberry shortcake. Everything was great! After the meal Sue and Tim brought Joanne Brandt and me lovely Calla Lilly plants, and Jenny a hens and chicks plant. Also, they brought “Happy Mother’s Day” balloons, and very meaningful cards which brought tears to our eyes.

One thing which Tim had done, too, was put a “Jib Jab” dancing video on the computer. Dick’s and my faces were put on dancing bodies. It was hilarious! We laughed and laughed. Thank you for everything!

We are thankful that Tim, Sue, Jenny, Kevin, and four boys, Joshua, Jonah, Conner, and Tyler are also living in Watertown, but we do miss the rest of our huge family. It made us happy that I received many beautiful cards (some most welcome gift cards), telephone calls, and e-mail letters from family and friends. One of the e-mail letters came from Andrea Davel (she was a good friend of Debbie and practically lived at our home when she was growing up) who now lives in South Africa with her husband and family. It read:

“Happy Mother’s Day to my American Mom.

May you be filled with the peace of our Lord on this special day. Thank you for all you meant to me as I was growing up. You were sent from God and I will always know that.

I love you, Mom. And remember, you are in His mighty palm.
The African child,
Andrea “ xxxxxxxxxx special love to Dad and all the family xxxxxxxxxx

A big thank you to all of you for your loving kindness from the bottom of my heart. We miss you.

MAY 14, 2011 – GRADUATIONS OF TIMOTHY, MATTHEW, AND HOLLY MUELLER

On Friday, May 13th, Sue, Tim, Joanne, and Jerry Brandt met at our home at 9:00 a.m. Sue and Tim drove our truck and a Uhaul trailer which they had picked up at a place not too far from our home (they were planning to move Holly and Matt from New Ulm to Wisconsin). Dick and I followed Sue and Tim all the way to Mankato, Minnesota (where Rebecca, Chris’s fiancée, and her parents live). They went to Faugstad’s home (where Chris would be staying), but Joanne, Jerry, Dick, and I continued on our way to Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, where the graduations would be held. We went to the Inn of Seven Gables (formerly Best Western) in Sleepy Eye, MN, where Joanne and Jerry Brandt, Jenny and Kevin Poston and family, Julie and Tom and Addie Pasch, Megan and Timmy II and Timmy III Mueller, and we would be staying. Sue and Tim were planning to stay with Holly and Matt in New Ulm. Joanne, Jerry, and we ate at the Orchid Inn in Sleepy Eye. Jerry had a “hankering” for fish, but had shrimp instead. Joanne, Jerry, and Dick and I ate from the salad bar.

When we went back to the Hotel, we changed into our swimming suits and enjoyed the swimming pool and Jacuzzi. We slept well, and the next morning dressed for the Commencement Service at MLC, and had a delicious continental breakfast in the hotel dining room. The weather was very cool.

Matthew had reserved seats for us up on the stage of the auditorium. There were hundreds of people there. What a joy and blessing it was to see Matt, Holly, and Timmy all walk into the room with the other graduates, and then go up on the podium to receive their diplomas!!! After the graduation it was announced that it wasn’t quite raining yet, but it was thought that the relatives and friends could congratulate the graduates before it started raining. Well by the time Dick and I left the stage, made visits to the rest rooms, and wended our way to the exit, it had started raining and the people outside were all coming in from out in the rain! It saddened us that we were too slow in getting out there for the congratulations and picture taking.

We were all invited to a luncheon reception in the library for Tim and the other Masters’ graduates. The luncheon was very good, and there was even a cake which said, “Congratulations Masters Graduates – God’s Blessings”. Now we had a chance to take pictures of the graduates, too. It was great to see and hold Megan and Timmy II’s little baby, Timmy III. He had grown since his Baptism on Palm Sunday, April 17th (my 81st birthday).

After the luncheon Dick and I walked over to the beautiful new chapel. Matt had conducted a devotion there some months before. He and Holly were there and showed us around. How richly the WELS is blessed!!!!

We went back to the Inn of Seven Gables in Sleepy Eye to rest. We were all invited to the beautiful home of Dennis and Hilda (Poetter) Jasperson in Hanska, MN, about 21 miles from New Ulm. Hilda is the daughter of Missionary and Mrs. (a Japanese lady) Poetter. Hilda’s father was a missionary in Japan. She, her husband, our daughter, Debbie, and Debbie’s husband, Glen Wilson, were all classmates at Dr. Martin Luther Prep from 1970-1972. Hilda and Dennis have two sons and one daughter. One son and his wife are expecting a baby, and live in Cheyenne, WY, where our son-in-law, Jeffrey Heitsch, is the pastor of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church. Jeff will be baptizing their baby boy. Hilda wasn’t sure if they would be going to Wyoming for the Baptism.

We had a great time in the Jasperson’s elegant home. He is a Thrivent agent. Sadly, it was raining and it was very cool, so all of us were not able to sit out on the beautiful patio overlooking the lake where Matt and Mr. Jasperson water skied We enjoyed all the delicious food which Sue and Tim had brought, and also a tour of the home. They even had a Bowflex in the basement. We met the young man who Matt had mentored, also his parents, and some other guests. More pictures were taken.

In the evening there was a party for the graduates at the poolside of the Holiday Inn. What a grand place! Again, there was great food to eat, and also gifts were opened by the three graduates. “Bekah’s” parents were there from Mankato. Their names are Marlene and Mark Faugstad. It was great to meet them. Bekah and Chris’s wedding is planned for July 8th at Trinity Chapel in Mankato, MN.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT BY JULIE AND TOM PASCH – “No”, Julie, said, “it’s not that we are going to have a baby, but we have made an offer on a house at 1301 Newcastle Court, Watertown, Wisconsin!” Wow, what news! We don’t think Julie’s parents, Sue and Tim, even knew about it. The house is a few blocks from their home – in the same suburb. If all goes well, they will probably be moving the end of June from Stoughton, WI to Watertown. Welcome to Watertown – and St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Julie, Tom, and Addie!

The next morning, May 15th, we packed up and headed out of the hotel and on the road again. Thank you, Joanne and Jerry Brandt for taking us along with you. We appreciated so much that you did the driving, Jerry. Sue and Tim went to pack up Holly and Matt’s possessions into the truck and U-Haul. The Brandts and we arrived safely back in Watertown, and so did Sue and Tim later that day. We thank God for His tender, loving care in bringing everyone in the families safely home again.

MAY 18, 2011 – NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE ALUMNI SOCIETY GET-TOGETHER AT LIBBY MONTANA IN MEQUON, WISCONSIN

What a great privilege it was for Dick and me to go to the get-together of his and my classmates at Northwestern! Dick and his classmates graduated from the College department in 1951, 60 YEARS AGO! We sat at a table in the beautiful Libby Montana restaurant with some of his classmates, Pastors Will (Joyce) Krueger, Martin (Phyllis) Westerhaus, and Carl (Margaret) Voss. My Northwestern Prep classmates were seated at another table with their wives. They are Pastors Herbert (Esther) Lichtenberg, Paul (Elizabeth) Manthey, Paul (Grace) Kolander, and Allen (Carole) Zenker. A photographer, Sarah Malchow, asked me to pick two of my favorite classmates and stand behind them – which I did. I had my camera with me and also took pictures.

Winifred (Uetzmann) Denninger, wife of Pastor John Denninger, met us as soon as we came through the door. She and Marianne, her sister, were at Northwestern Prep. Marianne and her husband, Pastor Gerhard Cares, were not able to be there. They were both in my class, and Winnie was in my sister, Doloris’ class. It was nice to see Winnie again. She and her husband are members of Christ Ev. Lutheran Church in Eagle River, WI where our grandson, Christopher Mueller, is Principal/Teacher of the school. Pastor Bruce Margraf, our Debbie and her husband, Glen’s, pastor at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church in Sussex, WI also was there.

All of us enjoyed a delicious steak dinner. We treasure our get-together with our classmates after not seeing some of them for many years. Some of them have been carried by God’s holy angels to live with Him in their heavenly home.

MAY 21, 2011 – LUTHER PREP GRADUATION – MATT GUTZMER GRADUATES – SAW WALLY, JUDY, MATT (GRANDSON), HANNAH SCHUMANN (MATT’S GIRLFRIEND), MARK (WALLY AND JUDY’S SON), VERONICA (MARK’S WIFE), AND THEIR TWO DAUGHTERS

What a blessing it was to be at Luther Prep again! Dick and I do not have any grandkids attending there anymore (Cassie Chmielewski, our oldest great-granddaughter, told us that when she graduates from parochial school, in 2012, she plans to attend Luther Prep), but we were privileged to attend the graduation of Matt Gutzmer. His grandmother (Judy) his grandfather (Wally), and their children were very active members of Lord And Savior Ev. Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where Dick was pastor from 1975-1986. They live in East Tawakoni, Texas, but came for the graduation. It was great to catch up on “old times” with all of them. After the graduation, pictures were taken which will go into one of my many albums.

MAY 21, 2011 – STEVE GOLFS WITH TIM AND TAKES US OUT TO EAT AT APPLEBEES

After we came home from Luther Prep, we had started changing clothes when the doorbell rang. It was Steve. He and Tim quit golfing earlier because it was raining. It is always wonderful to see Steve (and Melody, too, when she is able to come). He took us out to Applebees for a delicious lunch (steak for Dick and ribs for me). Before he left, he presented me with a beautiful piece of Lapis Lazuli jewelry which he and Melody had bought for me while they were on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. It is beautiful and I love and treasure it!. Thank you, Melody and Steve!

MAY 21, 2011 – CHRISTINA’S HUSBAND, MIKE GOLOMB, GRADUATES

Sue, Christina’s Mom, had called us and told us that Mike was graduating with a welder’s license. She said that he already had a job. Congratulations, Mike! We are very happy for you, Christina, and little baby, Grace. We wish we could have been there with all of the family.

MAY 25, 2011 – ROC DIRECTORS ELECTED

A wonderful picture of our Tim, Director/Pastor of the ROC appeared in the Watertown Daily Times. Beneath the picture was an article naming all the Directors. It says:

“The directors of the Watertown Recreation Outreach Center (ROC) recently elected officers for 2011. Pictured are (back row from left) Pete Westermeyer, President; Don Bartz, Vice President; Bret Loescher, Treasurer; Don Frank, Director; and Rich Witte, Director; (front row, from left) Harold Peckham, secretary; Arlyn Boll, Director; the Rev. Tim Mueller, director; and Todd Morris, director. The center provides a safe environment for area youths in grade seven though 12. The center is located at 211 N. Third St. and opens at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.”

We chuckled when we looked at the picture. There is a “halo” over Tim’s head. We think it is from the flash of the camera. Strange things happen in this life.

MAY 27, 2011 – THE BAPTISM OF CRYSTAL ALANNA GENSCH

We were honored to be asked by our son, Tim (Director/Pastor of the ROC), to be sponsors for “Crystal Alanna Gensch” (a teen who comes to the ROC) who asked to be baptized. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw that Tim had covered a small round table with a white cloth trimmed with lace and on it was a bowl with water in it. Also on the screen above it was a screen with the words, “Christian Baptism, of Crytal Alanna Gensch”. Crystal’s mother, Rita, was also there. It brought tears to our eyes when Crystal was baptized. After the Baptism we signed the Baptismal certificate.

Because Crystal’s Baptism was so special, Dick and I gave a “Footprints” plaque to her. On the back of it, we attached a letter to Crystal which Dick wrote. It said:

Dear Crystal:

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:27

We were there when your name was written in the Book of Life. Your sins have been washed away. You are a child of God. You are an heir of eternal salvation.

May the Holy Spirit keep you in your Baptismal grace all the days of your life. May Jesus walk with you every step of the way to your eternal home in heaven.

Your Sponsors

Pastor Richard and Mrs. Irene Mueller

MAY 29, 2011 – SHED RAISING AND CONNER POSTON’S 4TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

We attended the church service at St. Mark’s. The sermon text was Psalm 95:1-8a. Pastor Michael Jensen’s sermon’s theme was: “Come, Let Us Sing to Jesus, the Good Shepherd”, and the parts were:

1. Let Us Worship Him as Our Shepherd King
2. Let Us Worship Him by Listening to His Word.

It was a very inspiring sermon asking all of us to listen to his voice and not harden our hearts.

Around 5:00 p.m. we went to Jenny and Kevin’s home to celebrate Conner’s 4th birthday. The floor of the shed was built, but the man from whom Kevin had gotten the shed was not able to be there, so the rest of the “shed raising”, Kevin said, had to wait until he could be there to help put the pieces together. Tim, Addie, and Tyler delighted all of us when they “danced” on the floor of the shed!

All of us had a wonderful delicious meal, sang “Happy and Blessed birthday” to Conner, and he opened some very nice gifts. His actual birthday is June 1st, but it was expedient to “kill two birds with one stone”.

MAY 30, 2011 – MEMORIAL DAY

We were invited to Sue and Tim’s. Not all of their family members were able to be there, but we were thankful to be with the ones who could be there. Dick and I had brought our swimming suits, so we sat in the Jacuzzi for awhile, and I sat and sunned myself on their beautiful deck. It was an absolutely beautiful day! Then all of us ate a scrumptious meal and sat and visited together. Little Addie and Tyler entertained us. What a joy they are! Tyler didn’t listen to me when I asked him not to pull out the little signs which said what kind of flowers his grandmother had planted in a pot, so I poured a little water on his head. He didn’t cry, but looked straight at me “eye to eye”. He has such beautiful blue eyes! Addie tried to “pick up the water” with her fingers and put it into a spray can! That was hilarious!

We had a great time, but sometimes Dick and I remember the “old days” when our family, too, was all together celebrating the holidays. But life changes. Our grownup children now have their own families, but our thoughts and prayers are always with all of them, even though we cannot be with them.

MAY 31, 2011 – LETTER FROM TIM AND MEGAN MUELLER

“Hi! Photos shot this morning during our early morning workout! Not sure how to send video or if it will go through. Enjoy! Love, Tim, Megan, and Timothy”. The pictures of Timothy III are so cute! He is already holding up his head. The one picture of him looks like he is doing “push-ups”.

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE

(JUNE-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC Most of the teens who come to THE ROC at first came as unbelievers, without any background in God’s Word. At Bible/Talk Time each night the teens, themselves, asked for a moment to share why they first came to THE ROC, why they attend now and how the ROC has helped them. Kayla, at first shy and feeling very depressed, recently shared how she came invited by her brother but soon realized how God loved her, no matter what, and gave Himself for her. Kayla now attends THE ROC mostly because of her love for her Savior God. You are invited to come to THE ROC and hear how God has changed hearts and lives.
The Jerry Kastens Memorial Golf Outing & BUFFET BANQUET will take place on Sunday, June 26th, at the Watertown Country Club with a 4:00 p.m. tee time. If you do not golf, please come for the 3 station buffet dinner and ROC presentation. The buffet will begin around 7:00 p.m. and the cost is $20.00. For a golfer, the total cost will be $58.00 which includes green fees, team prizes drawn, flag prizes on each hole, other prizes and the buffet. Sign up deadline for golf and meal is Monday, June 17th. Also consider donating an auction item or sponsor a hole. All proceeds go to The ROC. Any questions or any other inquires please contact Don Bartz at 920-261-1319 or debartz@charter.net. Also the ROC rummage/bake sale will be held July 21 – 23 (Trinity/St. Luke’s School -Western Campus). Volunteers are greatly needed. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Ruth Uttech – 261-6772, or Pam Erdman – 261-9674. We are also looking for a third person to split some of the work involved in getting ready and managing the sale.
FUTURE 2011 ROC EVENTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Saturday, June 11th – Pick N’ Save Brat Fry
Sunday, June 26th – ROC Golf Outing
Thurs., Fri., Sat., July 21,22,23 – ROC Rummage Sale
Fri., Sat., August 19+20 – Glenn’s Market Brat Stand

JUNE 1. 2011 – “SPRING SING” AT ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL

We were invited to St. John’s for “Spring Sing” which was put on by the Preschool and Kindergarten. Jonah Poston is in Kindergarten, so he took part. A lot of work was put into it, and it was very enjoyable! There were a lot of cute action songs. “I Just Wanna Be a Sheep” was sung and acted out by the Kindergarten. Jonah was a sheep, and had a sheep’s picture on his chest. Some children had goats’ pictures on their chests. All of the children sang: “I’m in the Lord’s Army” and “Armor of God” for the Finale. The songs were based on Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”. How thankful we are that the children in our families are blessed so richly in being able to attend out Christian schools so that they can be equipped to stand against the devil and his evil schemes.

After the “Spring Sing” we were all invited to the cafeteria for delicious treats and fellowship.

JUNE 1, 2011 – “BABY NEWS” FROM JAMIE AND MARK

“Dear Family and Friends,

Jamie and I wanted to let you know that we are pregnant again. God willing, we will have a healthy baby at the end of December or at the beginning of next year. We are looking forward to going through this awesome journey again together. Please keep Jamie and the baby in your prayers, and we wish we could see you soon.

Love, Mark, Jamie, Aubrey, and new baby!

How exciting! Another great grandchild! What a blessing!

JUNE 2, 2011 – PASTOR CHARLIE ISLES HAS A PRESENTATION AT THE ROC

As per the May, 3011, PEBBLES FROM THE ROC and May 18, 2011, St. Mark’s church bulletin, Pastor Isles “will share his experiences about his prison/jail work, and also some teens will share their experiences about being bullied.” Quite a few people attended the presentation, and asked questions. One of them is Marion Makowski, a wonderful elderly lady who also attends the OWLS. Three of the teens told of their sad experiences of being bullied. One of them said she started “cutting” herself and even contemplated suicide. Thank God for the ROC where they learn about the love of Jesus, so much that He suffered and died for all of us.

JUNE 5. 2011 – FROM ST. MARK’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH BULLETIN

“Anniversary: Richard and Irene Mueller will celebrate 58 years of marriage June 7th”. We thank Pastor Jensen for having a wonderful prayer for us.

JUNE 5, 2011 – ST. MARK’S SCHOOL PICNIC

Dick and I attended the 11:45 a.m. church service in St. Mark’s church and then decided to go to Riverside Park for the school picnic. When we got there, friends greeted us, and we enjoyed a hot dog/cake/fruit salad lunch. Marion Makowski (a friend we met at the OWLS) kind of attached herself to us, so we ate with her. Also we met a St. Mark’s school friend of mine – 1936-1944 – Marianne Kohloff Smith, who lives in Ellison Bay in Door County, WI. What a surprise it was to see her again! We also sat with her, her daughter, Rebecca, and her husband, Dennis Manke. The Mankes live at 1215 Oak Street, Watertown, WI. 53098. Their phone number is: 920-261-8552. Marianne had created beautiful white and gold banners which are hung at special occasions from the pillars in the church nave. Dick and I thought it would be wonderful if she could make a banner which the OWLS have been talking about. It would be hung at the Golden Living Center when the St. Mark’s pastors have their devotions there. It would read, “Come unto me, and I will give you rest – Matthew 11:28. We know it will be a blessed addition to the devotions.

JUNE 7, 2011 – A WONDERFUL BLESSED 58TH ANNIVERSARY!

Dick surprised me by reserving Augie’s Elite Cuisine’s chef’s table for Sue, Tim, and me on our anniversary which happened to be on a Tuesday, the same day as Augie’s show. The menu was: Grilled Country Style Ribs with Salsa Rojo, Toasted Herb Rice, and Honey Glazed Pea Pods and Carrots. Everything was so delicious, and our plates were piled high with food. Dick had also asked Kim, Augie’s wife, to bake a cake which would serve all of the guests at the cooking show. I had asked him beforehand what kind of cake, icing, and decorations would be on the cake. He had left it up to her. I have an aversion to blue and green icing, so we stopped at Perkins Restaurant (which Augie and Kim own), and asked the girl if she could write down what I would like. It was a chocolate cake and icing, white decoration, and red lettering. The lettering read, “Happy 58th Anniversary”. The cake was delicious, and all our friends loved it too.

We received congratulations and cards from everyone. Oscar and Margaret Hackbarth, Darcy Moyer, Grace Nitz and her husband and daughter from California, Jerry and Gloria Sydow, and Marie Dobbratz were among the people who sent us beautiful cards. Of course, Dick made one of his original cute cards for me on his computer, and I gave him a lovey-dovey card I had found. We also received many e-mails and telephone calls from our loved ones. We are blessed by our loving God for allowing us to share 58 years together!

JUNE 11, 2011 – MORE BABY NEWS!!!!

Jenny and Kevin are expecting a baby!!!! Jenny told us on the telephone! Wow!!!! Timothy Peter Mueller III is the 23rd great grandchild, Grace Elizabeth Golomb is the 24th, Jamie and Mark Wilson’s expected baby is the 25th, and Jenny and Kevin’s is the 26th!!!! We thank God for all of His blessings!

JUNE 11, 2011 – A BRIDAL SHOWER IN HONOR OF REBECCA FAUGSTAD

The bridal shower for Bekah was held at the hone of Jenny and Kevin Poston. It was great to see all the ladies who were there again – Jenny – Debbie, Nicki, Csssie, and Aubrey Wilson – Megan and Timothy Peter Mueller III – Colleen Poston – Bekah – Adela (grandmother), Marlene (mother), and Marta Faugstad (sister) – Julie Pasch, – and Ann Smits (from Waupun). There were great games, lots of delicious food, and wonderful gifts given to Bekah and Chris. Dave and Caleb came to pick up Cassie because they had to take her to a softball game in which she would participate. They had been at Luther Prep, and had great T-shirts on, so I took a wonderful close-up picture of them.

Dick picked me up after the shower, and we headed for Pick ‘N Save where the ROC teens and Tim were having a Brat Fry. They were so happy to see us, and some of them gave me a big hug. Dick had been there at noon already enjoying one of their delicious brats.