May-June 2006

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Births

Jack Cameron Buntrock, born Nov. 12. He is the first child of Nathan and Jeannine (Engle) Buntrock, of Rochester, MN.

Haziel Corona, born Feb. 9. His parents are Aris and Ysidro Corona, of Fullerton, CA. They now have one son and two daughters.
Where’s the coupon baby?

There is no coupon baby in this issue — there isn’t even a coupon. We love the baby pictures you send us, but we don’t have space to print them. We will put them on our website, however, as you can see right here.

When you send us a birth announcement, give us the baby’s name, the birth date, whether the baby is male or female, the parents’ names (including the mother’s maiden name), and the number of sons and daughters now in the family. You may send announcements and digital photos electronically to michael.morrison@wcg.org – or you may mail them to Michael Morrison, P.O. Box 5005, Glendora, CA 91740. If you want a photo returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

For other announcements, you can write in your own style, but please be aware that we may have to shorten the article considerably for our print publication. Longer write-ups and pictures can be seen on the website.

Lara Grace Eckholm, born Feb. 6. She is the third daughter of Gilbert and Tami Ekholm, of Colorado Springs, CO.

Isabelle Grace Koenig, born March 4. She is the first child of Martin and Sarah (Holmes) Koenig, of Schaumburg, IL.

Seth Ellis LaRavia, born Oct. 17, 2005. He is the third son of Jeff and Becky (Woods) LaRavia, of Arcadia, CA.

Landyn Kyle Pope, born July 29, 2005. He is the first child of Kyle and Shannon (Thompson) Pope, of Louisa, KY, and grandchild of Russell and Lois Thompson.

Achievements

Worley Berisford, age 90. The New Life in Christ congregation held a surprise cake and ice cream party for Worley Berisford on Feb. 18 to celebrate his 90th birthday on Feb. 9. Mr. Berisford, a long-time member, retired after teaching school for 40 years, but he has continued to tutor students in the school system for the past 26 years. He and his wife, Ginny, have been married 65 years. He continues to serve the congregation as an active lay sermon speaker and worship leader. The congregation was pleased to honor him for his many years of service as well as to celebrate his 90 years of life. His warmth, wisdom and faithfulness to Christ and the church continue to be an inspiration to all.

Denise Butler, of Hudsonville, MI, earned a Masters of Education in Reading and Language Arts on December 10 from Grand Valley State University. She teaches reading strategies to third- and fourth-grade students in Comstock Park public schools. She attends the New Life in Christ WCG congregations in Muskegon and Grand Rapids.

James Larry of Milwaukee, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. James is the son of David and Janet Larry, members in the Milwaukee church, where David serves as an elder.

John McKenna, WCG Doctrinal Advisor, received an award on Sept. 1 from Azusa Pacific University, Haggard School of Theology, for teaching as an adjunct for 14 years.

Forkpah Sumo, of SonLight Christian Fellowship in Loudon, NH, was featured in article in NewAmerican News, published by Lutheran Social Services of Northern New England. He came to this country as a refugee from the fighting in Liberia and now works for the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Program, a division of Lutheran Social Services. He began as a translator, but is now a full time case worker, assisting newly arriving refugees. He has been a member of the Loudon congregation since February 2003. You may see the article at http://www.lssnorth.org/newAmericanNewsmeethestaff06.htm.

Louise Creech Price graduated cum laude from North Carolina Central University's School of Library and Information Sciences on August 2 with a Master of Library Science. The official graduation ceremony took place on December 17. She is a member of Pi Lambda Theta, an international honor society and professional association in education. She is secretary/treasurer for the Nash-Rocky Mount chapter of the International Reading Association. She has worked as a teacher and Media Specialist with North Carolina public schools and lives in Nashville, NC, with her husband, Walter, and daughter, Lindsey. Louise is the daughter of Frances and Louis Creech of Snow Hill. She and her mother are members of the WCG in Wilson, NC, where Louise is a youth worker and webmaster for the church.

Engagements

Ray and Nancy Fisk, of Big Sandy, TX, are proud to announce the engagement of their son, Lowell E. Fisk, to Anna Dyakova, of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Anna is an international trade attorney; Lowell is a CAD systems analyst for Dennis Scott Architect PLLC, of Tyler, TX. A June wedding is planned in Tyler.

Elizabeth Ann Miller and Jamin David Mills will be united in marriage July 23. Elizabeth is the daughter of Bill and Kathy Miller of Everett, WA; Jamin is the son of David and Cheryl Mills of Marysville, WA. To view their webpage, visit www.jaminandelizabeth.com, or email them at hyperdrivemiller@hotmail.com.

Wedding

On Sept. 24, 2005, at 5:51 p.m. Anoria Brooke Wunder became the bride of Nathan Kyle Zuehlke. The ceremony took place at the Mankato Civic Center in Mankato, MN, in the presence of 300 guests. Anoria's parents are Colin and Jill Wunder of Howard, SD. Nathan's parents are Vern and Cindy Zuehlke of Pemberton, MN. Grandparents are John and Virginia Wunder of Howard, and Wallace and Bernice Taylor of Mankato. Anoria's great-grandmother is Alice Buttenob of Howard.
As the ceremony began, the parents and grandparents were ushered in by Colin Ross II, brother of the bride, as the pianist, Eunice Ries, played "Air On the G String" by Bach. Nathan and Anoria entered as Mrs. Ries played "Canon in D" by Pachelbel. Then Jennifer Affeldt sang "A Mother's Prayer," by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager. John Wunder, Anoria's grandfather, opened with prayer and performed the wedding ceremony.

Anoria's sister and best friend, Jonea Wunder, was Maid of Honor; Matron of Honor was Karine Blazovich. Bridesmaids were Shayna Rohl, Jamie Russel, and Nicole Oachs, and Junior Bridesmaid was Arianne Adoreé, Anoria's youngest sister.

Tim Zuehlke, Nathan's brother, was Best Man. His attendants were Hank Devlaeminck, Mike Hagan, Sean Johnson, Taylor Thule and Tanner Taylor, the Junior Groomsman. Ringbearers were Jacob Hagan, god-son of the couple and Scottie Petersen, cousin of the bride.

The couple live at 1510 Woodland Ave, Mankato, MN. Anoria has accepted a position at the State Regional Treatment Center in St. Peter, MN, as a Behavioral Analyst, and Nathan is employed in the HVAC Industry at Nicollet, MN.

Anniversaries

Bud and Rae Neller celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family on May 1, 2005, in Las Vegas, NV. Among the attendees were two sons and their wives (Jeff and Brynda Neller, and Greg and Tammy Neller), a daughter and her husband (Pennie and Tony Brewer), and eight grandchildren. Bud and Rae became members in 1963 in San Diego and now attend the church in Reno, NV.

Tom and Pam Smith celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on March 21. They have four children: Tonya in Texas, Brandon in Kansas, and Carrie and Katie in Pittsburgh, where the Smiths will soon move. Tom pastors the East Suburban Community Church in Pittsburgh, the Living Hope Church in Mt. Pleasant, and a house church in Indiana, PA. He has been employed by the church for the past 35 years.

Obituaries

Vernon F. Baker, 69, a deacon of the Waco, TX, congregation, died April 9, 2006. Vernon had enjoyed good health most of his life and was active in his normal church duties up to two weeks before his death. He was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and died eight days later. Vernon and his wife, Marilyn (Callison), were baptized in 1965 in Danville, IL. They moved to Texas in 1972 and Vernon was made a deacon in 1974. He (along with Marilyn) served the Waco congregation with amazing dedication for over 32 years. At his memorial service, dozens of people (many who had been out of direct contact for 10 to 15 years) paid their respects and shared stories of Vernon’s impact on their lives. Vernon is survived by his wife, Marilyn, one son, Brian and his wife, Rachael, and a granddaughter, Sophie.

Minnie Fay Caldwell, 93, of Tulsa, OK, oldest member of the Tulsa church, died Feb. 22 from congestive heart failure. She was preceded in death by her two sons, and is survived by two daughters in Oklahoma. She had many extended family members, spanning five generations! She has been a member of the church in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, OK, and Wichita, KS, since 1962. Over the years, she came to know hundreds of members, and has friends all over the U.S. A number of young people have shared her home when they needed a place to stay. She remained strong in her faith and love for Jesus Christ, despite numerous hardships in her life. Her steadfastness is a beautiful example to all.

Charles H. Denny, 75, of Syracuse, NY, died Sept. 29, 2005, from pulmonary fibrosis, after many months of declining health. He was a WCG member since 1961, then a deacon, and an elder since 1971. He was often remembered as the single man who, with his four young children, attended the New York City church for seven years before there was a WCG congregation in upstate New York. His children were his greatest treasures, and three survive: John and wife Marie, Mark and wife Beth, and Emma Jane and husband Anis Cotran. His daughter Charla died Sept. 17, 2005; her husband Kevin Pelow survives. Charles married Marilynn Rice of Tampa, FL, June 12, 1977. She and his stepchildren survive: Joy Tromblee, Kay and her husband Bill Hodge, Paul and her husband John Carithers, and Greg Rice. His blended family was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated servant known for his faith, wisdom and prayer. His hero was his Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest joy was serving in the Syracuse congregation, where he devoted his time to mentoring others and visiting the sick and elderly. He endeared himself to many with his gift of encouragement. Randy Bloom, former pastor, spoke of him as the "Barnabas" of the congregation. He is greatly missed by his family and his brothers and sisters in the faith, but the impact and legacy of his love of God and his Savior live on.

Archie Dexter, 95, died in his sleep at the home of his daughter, Ilene Kuhlmann, in El Monte, CA, on Jan. 6. Interment was at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, CA. Archie was born Nov. 19, 1910, at Dawson, ND. He is survived by his sister Hazel Carruth, niece Teresa Edwards, nephew Michael Edwards, son Allen, daughter Ilene (and her husband, Max), four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Kenneth C. Herrmann, 82, died on March 23 in Richardson, TX, due to complications from the flu. He was one of the early students of Ambassador College in Pasadena. In 1953 he became a member of the faculty, becoming registrar, head of the admissions committee and a teacher of German, astronomy and geology at the Pasadena Campus till 1972. Mr. Herrmann was the editor of the Ambassador college yearbook The Envoy in the early years of the college and was also a pioneering programmer for the early punch-card addressing system used by the then Radio Church of God to send out the magazines and other correspondence. In 1972 Mr. Herrmann was transferred to the Big Sandy area. He contributed to various teaching needs until he retired in 1991.
He was born on a dairy farm in a German-speaking community near Colby, WI, in 1924. His parents were children of German immigrants and he spoke German as a child. Mr. Herrmann first heard the World Tomorrow program while he was working as a farmhand in Nebraska. He drove to Pasadena in 1948 thinking that, if Mr. Armstrong was telling the truth, "it would be worthwhile to go out and check this man out." He ended up enrolling in Ambassador as the only new student to arrive in time for the second year of the college until he was joined by Raymond and Marion McNair. One of his earliest memories of Mr. Armstrong was being taken grocery shopping by Mr. Armstrong when he first arrived in Pasadena.

In 1952 Mr. Herrmann married an Ambassador student from the Little Rock area of Arkansas -- D. Elise Bernard, who died in 1997. He later moved to Richardson, TX, where he he was a member of the Grace Family WCG congregation.

Mr. Herrmann wrote many articles for the church's magazines, including articles on the days of creation, birthdays, and the Hebrew calendar. His 1967 M.A. thesis was titled "Calendar and Eclipse Interrelationships." His interests, besides astronomy and geology, included mathematics, linguistics, ancient history, and genealogy. He enjoyed camping, hiking and hard physical work--a reflection of his farm background. He was known as an interesting conversationalist who enjoyed teasing people with ideas in order to get them to think outside the box. His employees remember him as a good boss and an easy man to work for.

He is survived by three siblings in Wisconsin and five children: Susan and Brenda, who live in Ohio, Karl, Peggy and Edith and their spouses who live in Texas, three grandsons, a granddaughter and great-grandson.

Nancy Lelevier, 76, of Baden, PA, died April 8 in Las Cruces, NM. She had been a WCG member for 33 years, served as deaconess, and was a member of the Las Cruces New Hope Fellowship pastoral team from February 2004 to October 2005. She was born on November 20, 1929, to George Westley Erhart and Mary Irene Imbler. She was married in the Rose Garden at Ambassador College on October 7, 1984 to Lambert Lelevier. They were married 22 years. She worked as a chef at Ambassador for 12 years. Then later she helped her husband manage and operate a senior-citizen apartment complex. Nancy is survived by her husband Lambert, sons Patrick Williamson, Timothy George William and Christopher DeBarros, daughters Mary Bess Schlitt and Rose Curtis and her husband Dennis. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael Schlitt and his wife Mary, Gabriel Schlitt, Sarah Williamson and two other granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, David G.S. Ehrhart and William James Ehrhart. Nancy was an excellent wife, loving mother, grandmother and friend.

Lois Iris Lennon, 86, of Tyler, TX, died April 10, 2006. She was born Oct. 9, 1919 in Big Sandy, TX. She was a homemaker and member of the WCG in Big Sandy. She was preceded in death by husband, Audree Lennon, and son DeLane Lennon. Survivors include children Cecil Carl Lennon, of Dallas; Travis Lennon, Merle Lennon and Gatha Culpepper, all of Tyler; Sadonia Schwoerer, of Aransas Pass; Charles Lennon, of Blessing, TX; and Theressa Roberts, Benbrook, TX; and sisters, Lillie Dee Patterson, Dallas, and Annie Lee Auguston, California. Pallbearers were Daniel Lennon, Marty Lennon, Arny Lennon, James Reeves, Jeremy Reeves, Chris Lennon, Randy Lennon, Thad Davidson and Brandon Lennon.

Vivian L. Mullenix, 98, passed away at home in Highland, CA, on March 13. She was born Apr. 20, 1907, in Moores Creek, KY. She was a homemaker for 68 years and a 36-year member of the WCG, the last 34 years in the San Bernardino congregation. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Carl, three brothers and four sisters. Vivian is survived by her son Ronald, daughter Sharon, and numerous nieces and nephews. Vivian was so loved that many called her "mom or "Grandma." She will be so missed. Vivian is memorialized on the Internet at www.mem.com. You can view the memorial and write a tribute as part of the memorial.

Joanne Quam, 63, of Ramsey, MN, passed away suddenly at her home on March 21. She is survived by her husband, Ed; sons Ed Jr. (wife: Pam), Martin (Teresa) and their children, Zachary and Bryce; one daughter, Peggy Ford; five brothers, Dwayne Hesse, Vincent (Gloria) Hesse, John (Peggy) Hesse, her twin brother, Joseph (Betty) Hesse, Jerry (Connie) Hesse, and brother-in-law, Andy (Norma) Holen. Joanne and her husband Ed have been long-time members of the Champlin, MN congregation.

Waldo (Ray) Reed, 68, of Palmer, AK, died unexpectedly on Oct. 13, 2004. He was born April 20, 1936 in Randolph County, IN, to Bonnie Pearl and N. Ray Reed. He graduated from Roll High School in 1954 as valedictorian. He attended Taylor University in Upland, IN, and general trade schools. He fulfilled several of his dreams to get a solo pilot’s license and a homestead in Alaska. He was a member of the WCG for 38 years. His talent for God was helping with the sound system. He loved God and was a man of integrity. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He retired from Alascom and GCI as a data engineer. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Doris, and four children: Naomi (with her husband, Wayne Childers, and four children), James (and his wife, Jodi, and one child), Rhoda (and her husband, Glen, and four children), and Mark (and his wife Jerusha). He is also survived by two sisters, Iraida Leitch and Sondar Farr, and a brother, Vern Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Naomi Reed and Bonnie Kay James.

Lance Smith, 96, of DeWitt, AR, died March 12. He was born Aug. 12, 1909, in Keith, TX, to George Harley and Pearl Jones Smith. While serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, he received the Purple Heart. He was a retired truck driver. A member of the WCG for over 30 years, Lance attended the Christian Fellowship Center at Pine Bluff, AR, where he was fondly known as "Pop" to the congregation. His desire to attend services and be with his church family was a great inspiration. Survivors are a sister-in-law, Willene Benthal and brother-in-law, Estel Trussell, both of DeWitt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jocie Trussell Smith. Graveside services were held March 13, 2006, at the DeWitt Cemetery.

Janet P. Williams, 86, of Culpeper, VA, died Feb. 1. She was preceded in death by her husband, Welford R. Williams. She is survived by two children: William E. Williams, of Culpeper, and Debra F. Thomas, of Warrenton, VA, four grandsons and one granddaughter.

Paul Joseph Zapf, 63, of Gwinnett, GA, died Feb. 5. He was born in Festus, MO on June 8, 1942 to Albert and Barbara Zapf. They began attending the Radio Church of God in 1957, attended festivals in Big Sandy, TX, and became longtime members of the WCG in St. Louis. Paul was the youngest student to enter Ambassador College upon graduation from high school at age 16. He began the annual selling of concessions by students during the Rose Parade to help fund student activities and field trips. After graduation from Ambassador College, Paul served as a minister and pastor for the WCG and later the Associated Church of God in Pennsylvania. Paul died suddenly of an apparent heart attack in his sleep. He is survived by five children, Aletha Zapf Buckley, Katrina Zapf-McMillan, Elizabeth Triplett, Derek Zapf, Carita Zapf, six grandchildren, ex-wife Patsy McHale, and sister Sarah Sneider. He loved his service to the ministry, loved his family, was a man of many talents with a creative mind, and was a gifted inventor. He loved people, enjoyed boating, motorcycling, bicycling, cars and the outdoors. He was a humble man, and he will be most remembered for his compassion for others and his will to achieve and never give up.

	Jack Cameron Buntrock, born Nov. 12. He is the first child of Nathan and Jeannine (Engle) Buntrock, of Rochester, MN.
	Haziel Corona, born Feb. 9. His parents are Aris and Ysidro Corona, of Fullerton, CA. They now have one son and two daughters.	Where’s the coupon baby? There is no coupon baby in this issue — there isn’t even a coupon. We love the baby pictures you send us, but we don’t have space to print them. We will put them on our website, however, as you can see right here. When you send us a birth announcement, give us the baby’s name, the birth date, whether the baby is male or female, the parents’ names (including the mother’s maiden name), and the number of sons and daughters now in the family. You may send announcements and digital photos electronically to michael.morrison@wcg.org – or you may mail them to Michael Morrison, P.O. Box 5005, Glendora, CA 91740. If you want a photo returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For other announcements, you can write in your own style, but please be aware that we may have to shorten the article considerably for our print publication. Longer write-ups and pictures can be seen on the website.
	Lara Grace Eckholm, born Feb. 6. She is the third daughter of Gilbert and Tami Ekholm, of Colorado Springs, CO.
	Isabelle Grace Koenig, born March 4. She is the first child of Martin and Sarah (Holmes) Koenig, of Schaumburg, IL.
	Seth Ellis LaRavia, born Oct. 17, 2005. He is the third son of Jeff and Becky (Woods) LaRavia, of Arcadia, CA.
	Landyn Kyle Pope, born July 29, 2005. He is the first child of Kyle and Shannon (Thompson) Pope, of Louisa, KY, and grandchild of Russell and Lois Thompson.
Achievements
	Worley Berisford, age 90. The New Life in Christ congregation held a surprise cake and ice cream party for Worley Berisford on Feb. 18 to celebrate his 90th birthday on Feb. 9. Mr. Berisford, a long-time member, retired after teaching school for 40 years, but he has continued to tutor students in the school system for the past 26 years. He and his wife, Ginny, have been married 65 years. He continues to serve the congregation as an active lay sermon speaker and worship leader. The congregation was pleased to honor him for his many years of service as well as to celebrate his 90 years of life. His warmth, wisdom and faithfulness to Christ and the church continue to be an inspiration to all.
	Denise Butler, of Hudsonville, MI, earned a Masters of Education in Reading and Language Arts on December 10 from Grand Valley State University. She teaches reading strategies to third- and fourth-grade students in Comstock Park public schools. She attends the New Life in Christ WCG congregations in Muskegon and Grand Rapids.
	James Larry of Milwaukee, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. James is the son of David and Janet Larry, members in the Milwaukee church, where David serves as an elder.
	John McKenna, WCG Doctrinal Advisor, received an award on Sept. 1 from Azusa Pacific University, Haggard School of Theology, for teaching as an adjunct for 14 years.
	Forkpah Sumo, of SonLight Christian Fellowship in Loudon, NH, was featured in article in NewAmerican News, published by Lutheran Social Services of Northern New England. He came to this country as a refugee from the fighting in Liberia and now works for the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Program, a division of Lutheran Social Services. He began as a translator, but is now a full time case worker, assisting newly arriving refugees. He has been a member of the Loudon congregation since February 2003. You may see the article at http://www.lssnorth.org/newAmericanNewsmeethestaff06.htm.
	Louise Creech Price graduated cum laude from North Carolina Central University's School of Library and Information Sciences on August 2 with a Master of Library Science. The official graduation ceremony took place on December 17. She is a member of Pi Lambda Theta, an international honor society and professional association in education. She is secretary/treasurer for the Nash-Rocky Mount chapter of the International Reading Association. She has worked as a teacher and Media Specialist with North Carolina public schools and lives in Nashville, NC, with her husband, Walter, and daughter, Lindsey. Louise is the daughter of Frances and Louis Creech of Snow Hill. She and her mother are members of the WCG in Wilson, NC, where Louise is a youth worker and webmaster for the church.
Engagements
	Ray and Nancy Fisk, of Big Sandy, TX, are proud to announce the engagement of their son, Lowell E. Fisk, to Anna Dyakova, of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Anna is an international trade attorney; Lowell is a CAD systems analyst for Dennis Scott Architect PLLC, of Tyler, TX. A June wedding is planned in Tyler.
	Elizabeth Ann Miller and Jamin David Mills will be united in marriage July 23. Elizabeth is the daughter of Bill and Kathy Miller of Everett, WA; Jamin is the son of David and Cheryl Mills of Marysville, WA. To view their webpage, visit www.jaminandelizabeth.com, or email them at hyperdrivemiller@hotmail.com.
	Wedding
	On Sept. 24, 2005, at 5:51 p.m. Anoria Brooke Wunder became the bride of Nathan Kyle Zuehlke. The ceremony took place at the Mankato Civic Center in Mankato, MN, in the presence of 300 guests. Anoria's parents are Colin and Jill Wunder of Howard, SD. Nathan's parents are Vern and Cindy Zuehlke of Pemberton, MN. Grandparents are John and Virginia Wunder of Howard, and Wallace and Bernice Taylor of Mankato. Anoria's great-grandmother is Alice Buttenob of Howard. As the ceremony began, the parents and grandparents were ushered in by Colin Ross II, brother of the bride, as the pianist, Eunice Ries, played "Air On the G String" by Bach. Nathan and Anoria entered as Mrs. Ries played "Canon in D" by Pachelbel. Then Jennifer Affeldt sang "A Mother's Prayer," by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager. John Wunder, Anoria's grandfather, opened with prayer and performed the wedding ceremony. Anoria's sister and best friend, Jonea Wunder, was Maid of Honor; Matron of Honor was Karine Blazovich. Bridesmaids were Shayna Rohl, Jamie Russel, and Nicole Oachs, and Junior Bridesmaid was Arianne Adoreé, Anoria's youngest sister. Tim Zuehlke, Nathan's brother, was Best Man. His attendants were Hank Devlaeminck, Mike Hagan, Sean Johnson, Taylor Thule and Tanner Taylor, the Junior Groomsman. Ringbearers were Jacob Hagan, god-son of the couple and Scottie Petersen, cousin of the bride. The couple live at 1510 Woodland Ave, Mankato, MN. Anoria has accepted a position at the State Regional Treatment Center in St. Peter, MN, as a Behavioral Analyst, and Nathan is employed in the HVAC Industry at Nicollet, MN.
	Anniversaries
	Bud and Rae Neller celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family on May 1, 2005, in Las Vegas, NV. Among the attendees were two sons and their wives (Jeff and Brynda Neller, and Greg and Tammy Neller), a daughter and her husband (Pennie and Tony Brewer), and eight grandchildren. Bud and Rae became members in 1963 in San Diego and now attend the church in Reno, NV.
	Tom and Pam Smith celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on March 21. They have four children: Tonya in Texas, Brandon in Kansas, and Carrie and Katie in Pittsburgh, where the Smiths will soon move. Tom pastors the East Suburban Community Church in Pittsburgh, the Living Hope Church in Mt. Pleasant, and a house church in Indiana, PA. He has been employed by the church for the past 35 years.
Obituaries
	Vernon F. Baker, 69, a deacon of the Waco, TX, congregation, died April 9, 2006. Vernon had enjoyed good health most of his life and was active in his normal church duties up to two weeks before his death. He was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and died eight days later. Vernon and his wife, Marilyn (Callison), were baptized in 1965 in Danville, IL. They moved to Texas in 1972 and Vernon was made a deacon in 1974. He (along with Marilyn) served the Waco congregation with amazing dedication for over 32 years. At his memorial service, dozens of people (many who had been out of direct contact for 10 to 15 years) paid their respects and shared stories of Vernon’s impact on their lives. Vernon is survived by his wife, Marilyn, one son, Brian and his wife, Rachael, and a granddaughter, Sophie.
	Minnie Fay Caldwell, 93, of Tulsa, OK, oldest member of the Tulsa church, died Feb. 22 from congestive heart failure. She was preceded in death by her two sons, and is survived by two daughters in Oklahoma. She had many extended family members, spanning five generations! She has been a member of the church in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, OK, and Wichita, KS, since 1962. Over the years, she came to know hundreds of members, and has friends all over the U.S. A number of young people have shared her home when they needed a place to stay. She remained strong in her faith and love for Jesus Christ, despite numerous hardships in her life. Her steadfastness is a beautiful example to all.
	Charles H. Denny, 75, of Syracuse, NY, died Sept. 29, 2005, from pulmonary fibrosis, after many months of declining health. He was a WCG member since 1961, then a deacon, and an elder since 1971. He was often remembered as the single man who, with his four young children, attended the New York City church for seven years before there was a WCG congregation in upstate New York. His children were his greatest treasures, and three survive: John and wife Marie, Mark and wife Beth, and Emma Jane and husband Anis Cotran. His daughter Charla died Sept. 17, 2005; her husband Kevin Pelow survives. Charles married Marilynn Rice of Tampa, FL, June 12, 1977. She and his stepchildren survive: Joy Tromblee, Kay and her husband Bill Hodge, Paul and her husband John Carithers, and Greg Rice. His blended family was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated servant known for his faith, wisdom and prayer. His hero was his Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest joy was serving in the Syracuse congregation, where he devoted his time to mentoring others and visiting the sick and elderly. He endeared himself to many with his gift of encouragement. Randy Bloom, former pastor, spoke of him as the "Barnabas" of the congregation. He is greatly missed by his family and his brothers and sisters in the faith, but the impact and legacy of his love of God and his Savior live on.
	Archie Dexter, 95, died in his sleep at the home of his daughter, Ilene Kuhlmann, in El Monte, CA, on Jan. 6. Interment was at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, CA. Archie was born Nov. 19, 1910, at Dawson, ND. He is survived by his sister Hazel Carruth, niece Teresa Edwards, nephew Michael Edwards, son Allen, daughter Ilene (and her husband, Max), four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
	Kenneth C. Herrmann, 82, died on March 23 in Richardson, TX, due to complications from the flu. He was one of the early students of Ambassador College in Pasadena. In 1953 he became a member of the faculty, becoming registrar, head of the admissions committee and a teacher of German, astronomy and geology at the Pasadena Campus till 1972. Mr. Herrmann was the editor of the Ambassador college yearbook The Envoy in the early years of the college and was also a pioneering programmer for the early punch-card addressing system used by the then Radio Church of God to send out the magazines and other correspondence. In 1972 Mr. Herrmann was transferred to the Big Sandy area. He contributed to various teaching needs until he retired in 1991. He was born on a dairy farm in a German-speaking community near Colby, WI, in 1924. His parents were children of German immigrants and he spoke German as a child. Mr. Herrmann first heard the World Tomorrow program while he was working as a farmhand in Nebraska. He drove to Pasadena in 1948 thinking that, if Mr. Armstrong was telling the truth, "it would be worthwhile to go out and check this man out." He ended up enrolling in Ambassador as the only new student to arrive in time for the second year of the college until he was joined by Raymond and Marion McNair. One of his earliest memories of Mr. Armstrong was being taken grocery shopping by Mr. Armstrong when he first arrived in Pasadena. In 1952 Mr. Herrmann married an Ambassador student from the Little Rock area of Arkansas -- D. Elise Bernard, who died in 1997. He later moved to Richardson, TX, where he he was a member of the Grace Family WCG congregation. Mr. Herrmann wrote many articles for the church's magazines, including articles on the days of creation, birthdays, and the Hebrew calendar. His 1967 M.A. thesis was titled "Calendar and Eclipse Interrelationships." His interests, besides astronomy and geology, included mathematics, linguistics, ancient history, and genealogy. He enjoyed camping, hiking and hard physical work--a reflection of his farm background. He was known as an interesting conversationalist who enjoyed teasing people with ideas in order to get them to think outside the box. His employees remember him as a good boss and an easy man to work for. He is survived by three siblings in Wisconsin and five children: Susan and Brenda, who live in Ohio, Karl, Peggy and Edith and their spouses who live in Texas, three grandsons, a granddaughter and great-grandson.
	Nancy Lelevier, 76, of Baden, PA, died April 8 in Las Cruces, NM. She had been a WCG member for 33 years, served as deaconess, and was a member of the Las Cruces New Hope Fellowship pastoral team from February 2004 to October 2005. She was born on November 20, 1929, to George Westley Erhart and Mary Irene Imbler. She was married in the Rose Garden at Ambassador College on October 7, 1984 to Lambert Lelevier. They were married 22 years. She worked as a chef at Ambassador for 12 years. Then later she helped her husband manage and operate a senior-citizen apartment complex. Nancy is survived by her husband Lambert, sons Patrick Williamson, Timothy George William and Christopher DeBarros, daughters Mary Bess Schlitt and Rose Curtis and her husband Dennis. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael Schlitt and his wife Mary, Gabriel Schlitt, Sarah Williamson and two other granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, David G.S. Ehrhart and William James Ehrhart. Nancy was an excellent wife, loving mother, grandmother and friend.
	Lois Iris Lennon, 86, of Tyler, TX, died April 10, 2006. She was born Oct. 9, 1919 in Big Sandy, TX. She was a homemaker and member of the WCG in Big Sandy. She was preceded in death by husband, Audree Lennon, and son DeLane Lennon. Survivors include children Cecil Carl Lennon, of Dallas; Travis Lennon, Merle Lennon and Gatha Culpepper, all of Tyler; Sadonia Schwoerer, of Aransas Pass; Charles Lennon, of Blessing, TX; and Theressa Roberts, Benbrook, TX; and sisters, Lillie Dee Patterson, Dallas, and Annie Lee Auguston, California. Pallbearers were Daniel Lennon, Marty Lennon, Arny Lennon, James Reeves, Jeremy Reeves, Chris Lennon, Randy Lennon, Thad Davidson and Brandon Lennon.
	Vivian L. Mullenix, 98, passed away at home in Highland, CA, on March 13. She was born Apr. 20, 1907, in Moores Creek, KY. She was a homemaker for 68 years and a 36-year member of the WCG, the last 34 years in the San Bernardino congregation. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Carl, three brothers and four sisters. Vivian is survived by her son Ronald, daughter Sharon, and numerous nieces and nephews. Vivian was so loved that many called her "mom or "Grandma." She will be so missed. Vivian is memorialized on the Internet at www.mem.com. You can view the memorial and write a tribute as part of the memorial.
	Joanne Quam, 63, of Ramsey, MN, passed away suddenly at her home on March 21. She is survived by her husband, Ed; sons Ed Jr. (wife: Pam), Martin (Teresa) and their children, Zachary and Bryce; one daughter, Peggy Ford; five brothers, Dwayne Hesse, Vincent (Gloria) Hesse, John (Peggy) Hesse, her twin brother, Joseph (Betty) Hesse, Jerry (Connie) Hesse, and brother-in-law, Andy (Norma) Holen. Joanne and her husband Ed have been long-time members of the Champlin, MN congregation.
	Waldo (Ray) Reed, 68, of Palmer, AK, died unexpectedly on Oct. 13, 2004. He was born April 20, 1936 in Randolph County, IN, to Bonnie Pearl and N. Ray Reed. He graduated from Roll High School in 1954 as valedictorian. He attended Taylor University in Upland, IN, and general trade schools. He fulfilled several of his dreams to get a solo pilot’s license and a homestead in Alaska. He was a member of the WCG for 38 years. His talent for God was helping with the sound system. He loved God and was a man of integrity. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He retired from Alascom and GCI as a data engineer. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Doris, and four children: Naomi (with her husband, Wayne Childers, and four children), James (and his wife, Jodi, and one child), Rhoda (and her husband, Glen, and four children), and Mark (and his wife Jerusha). He is also survived by two sisters, Iraida Leitch and Sondar Farr, and a brother, Vern Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Naomi Reed and Bonnie Kay James.
	Lance Smith, 96, of DeWitt, AR, died March 12. He was born Aug. 12, 1909, in Keith, TX, to George Harley and Pearl Jones Smith. While serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, he received the Purple Heart. He was a retired truck driver. A member of the WCG for over 30 years, Lance attended the Christian Fellowship Center at Pine Bluff, AR, where he was fondly known as "Pop" to the congregation. His desire to attend services and be with his church family was a great inspiration. Survivors are a sister-in-law, Willene Benthal and brother-in-law, Estel Trussell, both of DeWitt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jocie Trussell Smith. Graveside services were held March 13, 2006, at the DeWitt Cemetery.
	Janet P. Williams, 86, of Culpeper, VA, died Feb. 1. She was preceded in death by her husband, Welford R. Williams. She is survived by two children: William E. Williams, of Culpeper, and Debra F. Thomas, of Warrenton, VA, four grandsons and one granddaughter.
	Paul Joseph Zapf, 63, of Gwinnett, GA, died Feb. 5. He was born in Festus, MO on June 8, 1942 to Albert and Barbara Zapf. They began attending the Radio Church of God in 1957, attended festivals in Big Sandy, TX, and became longtime members of the WCG in St. Louis. Paul was the youngest student to enter Ambassador College upon graduation from high school at age 16. He began the annual selling of concessions by students during the Rose Parade to help fund student activities and field trips. After graduation from Ambassador College, Paul served as a minister and pastor for the WCG and later the Associated Church of God in Pennsylvania. Paul died suddenly of an apparent heart attack in his sleep. He is survived by five children, Aletha Zapf Buckley, Katrina Zapf-McMillan, Elizabeth Triplett, Derek Zapf, Carita Zapf, six grandchildren, ex-wife Patsy McHale, and sister Sarah Sneider. He loved his service to the ministry, loved his family, was a man of many talents with a creative mind, and was a gifted inventor. He loved people, enjoyed boating, motorcycling, bicycling, cars and the outdoors. He was a humble man, and he will be most remembered for his compassion for others and his will to achieve and never give up.