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Leave a Lasting Legacy

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Leave a Lasting Legacy

Professional services and expertise to help families prepare and preserve the life story of a loved

Leave a Lasting Legacy offers the professional services and expertise of Craig Bode, as personal and family historian, to help families discover, share and preserve the life story of their aging loved ones so that it can continue to impact the lives of their family for generations to come. He is assisted by his wife of 35 years, Mary Bode, who is a talented photographer and photo editor. Together,

they would love to help you preserve and protect one of your family's most precious treasures ... the living legacy of a loved one. The services of Leave a Lasting Legacy will ensure that the life story of your loved one will not be taken to the grave with them, but be beautifully told and carefully preserved for future generations to build upon. Author, Eugene Peterson puts it so well: "Those who experience God’s grace have an obligation to pass on what they know. It is not necessary that each new Christian start from scratch learning the way of faith by trial and error. God’s people have a history, an accumulation of experience useful for instruction and inspiration. Only the person who ignores history is condemned to repeat it."

03/15/2024

Some things can't be done halfway. It is a bad idea to halfway cross a busy street. It had better be all or nothing. Love is like that. You cannot love halfway. Jesus makes it clear and simple: "This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:17—NIV) It is essential that you learn how to love. Why? Because love is all or nothing. If you don't love others you are hating them. The world, our families, our churches and communities don't need our neglect or indifference, they need our love! If we don't remain in Christ's love (John 15:9) and "love each other" our lives will remain barren, fruitless, ineffective. Jesus makes it clear: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5—NIV)

03/11/2024

Focus on the future of your family today and determine to leave them with a lasting legacy. God's Word supplies you with a strategy for designing, building and furnishing a home that will last. "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." (Proverbs 24:3-4—NIV) Follow God's design and allow Him to outfit your house with timeless treasures from the warehouse of His love for you, centered around His gift of a Savior in His Son, Jesus Christ. What an amazing alternative to continuing to clutter your lives and litter your home with the junk and knickknacks on sale online or "in a store near you." The best things in life for you and your family are indeed free ... but they are never cheap! God's provisions are always priceless and can be counted on to outlive this life.

05/08/2021

✢ Eugene F. Gawryszewski ✢
(April 28, 1927-May 2, 2021)

Eugene Gawryszewski was born on April 28, 1927 in Buffalo, New York to Felix and Stella Gawryszewski, taking his place in their home along with older sister, Mary Ann. He was brought to the Lord in baptism, beginning a lifelong walk with his Savior Jesus Christ. His education was interrupted by a brief enlistment in the Army Air Corps at the end of the second World War before resuming his notable work career.

Gene found love and a faithful wife and companion of 59 year when he reconnected with childhood acquaintance, Edna Meyer, in the same neighborhood where they both grew up. They were married on September 16, 1950 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Buffalo, where with Edna's encouragement Gene reignited his commitment to Christ and His Church. Together Gene and Edna would faithfully grow in their faith and partnership in Christ and serve God together among His people for the many years that God gave them together. God blessed their union with three children, a daughter, Donna, a son, Robert and a daughter, Sandra, building together a family that would continue to grow, thrive and be enjoyed. Gene's commitment to provide for his family led him to regularly work two jobs, operating his roofing company with his cousin and also working as a machinist with several companies including Chevrolet, Twin Industries and General Motors.

Gene pledged lifelong faithfulness to Christ and continued to lead his family in the faith when he was confirmed and became a member at Gethsemane on March 30, 1966, a responsibility and role that he fulfilled with devotion throughout his life, especially giving his energies and expertise to maintaining the church's facilities. He also enjoyed the fellowship of the Men's Club and supporting with his skills the outdoor ministries of Camp Pioneer.

After retiring, Gene and Edna moved their home to Spanish Lakes Fairways in Fort Pierce in 1991 and joined the fellowship of Trinity Lutheran Church. They quickly became treasured members of both communities and friends to many over the years. Edna's love for music was especially welcomed and enjoyed and with her encouragement and direction Gene joined his voice to the Spanish Lakes Chorus, the Yankee Clippers Barber Shop Singers and Trinity's Choir.

After Edna was diagnosed with leukemia, she and Gene drew much strength from their faith in Christ and love for each other and together fought her health problems until the Lord called her home to heaven on March 16, 2009. Gene confronted the loss of his beloved Edna with the same faith they shared throughout their many years together, and was aided greatly in that challenge by the love and support of his many family and friends, even as he continued to bless them with his love and friendship.

Even as Gene's own health began to diminish, he maintained his remarkably pleasant and positive disposition, enjoying and greatly appreciating the people God had brought into his life, all the while comforting them with his reassuring presence in their lives and with his faithful worship among God's people at Trinity. After surgery late last year Gene's recovery was slow, involving a great deal of pain and difficulty with limited progress. When he was hospitalized again this past weekend the decision was made to go into hospice care and Gene was able to die peacefully on Sunday afternoon called by his Savior to the joy of his home in heaven.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Donna Kull and her husband Andrew, his Robert Gawry and his wife Annette, his daughter Sandra Levine and her husband Joseph, his grandchildren Justin, Nicole, Kallie, Ryan, Chelsea and Cody, seven great-grandchildren and many other friends and relatives. His mortal remains will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce.

The many friendships and acquaintances Gene made over the years, with his very kind and thoughtful service to others was returned to him in abundance and always treasured and greatly appreciated by him. He will be remembered for his warm and genuine personality, his words of encouragement and his memorable laugh. His life saw many lives touched and enriched by a hard-working, yet easy-going man, who always saw both sides of any difference or dispute, choosing always to bring into sharp focus the good in the people blessed to be a part of his life. Always funny and faithfully there for his family and friends, Gene will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him ... friend of Christ and friend of ours. We hear the voice of Jesus speaking to him now in heaven:

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23—NIV)

04/18/2021

✢ Judith Kay Patterson ✢
(November 26, 1939 - March 29, 2021)

Judith Kay Patterson was born on November 26, 1939 in Gotha, Florida (Orlando) daughter of Matzen and Stella Haugaard and sister to Nancy, Andrea, Reba, Ed and Betty. She was brought to the Lord in Baptism, the first child baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Orlando, Florida, newly founded by the Haugaards and five other Christian families. Judy renewed her faith through the Rite of Confirmation at St. Paul in 1952, continuing in a lifelong commitment to Christ and service to His Church and people, surrounded and supported by her loving and caring family.

While still attending high school Judy met and fell in love with a young man, Ivan Gibson. After graduation in 1957, they married and saw their union blessed by God with a son, Coby and a daughter Kim. Together the family relocated to Alaska where Ivan worked, manufacturing airboats used in the construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. In Alaska, along with raising her family, Judy worked off and on again, eventually working her way up to become area manager for the local Transportation Department. Her supervision was welcomed and greatly appreciated by those who worked under her, as one who always served her coworkers and put the greatest priority on their needs.

After she and Ivan divorced, Judy began attending Lord of Life Lutheran Church in North Pole, Alaska, where she met Jim Patterson, after he chivalrously turned off the headlights on her car in the church parking lot. The next Sunday they sat together during worship, launching a love and friendship that grew steadily, leading them marry at Lord of Life on March 2, 1984. Their mutual love of the outdoors, as well as other common interests, combined with their shared faith in Christ gave the Pattersons a long, rich, and harmonious life together with a deep gratitude to God for bringing them together to share faith, marriage and family for 34 years

In 1996 the Pattersons moved to Sopchoppy, Florida, where they bought property and built a house on the Buckhorn Creek. Together they enjoyed traveling in their motor home and eventually relocated to Lake Placid right before the hurricanes in 2004. After Jim suffered a stroke while undergoing heart surgery in 2009, they moved to Fort Pierce in 2011 to be closer to family. There they also brought their faith and fellowship to Trinity Lutheran Church, where they became faithful members. Judy continued to faithfully care for Jim and enjoy their mutual love and commitment to Christ until his death on January 11, 2018.

Judy's advancing years saw her facing persistent back problems that involved several surgeries and ongoing pain, which along with other health issues increasingly challenged her, but always engaged her firm faith in Christ's continued faithful care. Finally on March 29 she was able to lay down the difficulties and limitations of her earthly life and fall asleep in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, who welcomed her into her eternal home in heaven. She died peacefully in the company of her son, Coby and her sister, Ann at Hospice House in Stuart.

Judy is survived by her son, Coby Gibson, her stepdaughter, Jonilee Thomas, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Moen. Her moral remains will be laid to rest along with her those of her husband Jim at Woodlawn Cemetery in Orlando.

Judy's loving and comforting character and her unselfish, thoughtful and serving nature, touched the lives of many, as she welcomed, put first and served those blessed to be a part of her life and in her company and employ. Her devotion to Christ, His Church and her family and friends will be long felt in the lives of those she now leaves behind. Her death will leave us all richer and better able to face the life before us. She truly was one of God's good gifts, who will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all.

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23—NIV)

10/20/2020

✢Carole Lee Thew ✢
(July 14, 1944 - October 7, 2020)

Carole Lee Thew was born to Edward and June Stalf on July 14, 1944 in Tacoma, Washington, joined later in the Thew home by sister, Nancy and brother, Edward. She began a lifelong walk with Christ through baptism in 1944, later confirming her faith in Christ in 1956 at St. Ann Catholic Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, after the family settled in Florida in the late 1940s. Carole kept close to Christ and welcomed the steady influence of God's Word and His Church throughout her entire life, while journeying with Christ down many avenues of service in His kingdom.

Gifted with exceptional intelligence and a lifelong love for learning Carole distinguished herself both academically and professionally. After graduating from high school she received a degree in Business Management and began a successful and rewarding career in engineering as a valued employee and contractor for numerous companies, including Pratt and Whitney and AT&T and BellSouth.

While attending college Carole met and fell in love with Patrick Thew and they were married on March 13, 1964, a union that thrived on love, trust and devotion for 39 years until Patrick suffered a massive stroke and died on March 31, 2003. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Michelle and a son, Michael and Carole's great love for family grew over the years as she welcomed and greatly enjoyed and nurtured her grandsons, Mitch and Wayne, and just recently, her great-grandson, Logan.

Carole joined the fellowship of Trinity Lutheran Church in 2007 and quickly became an integral part of the life and ministry of the congregation. Her encouraging presence could be seen at almost every church function and she could always be found in the church kitchen, where she excelled in her role as Congregational Cook. Scarcely a member would remain untouched by her personal ministry of caring, comfort and concern ... gifts that were generously extended to the people in her life in countless ways. Carole served her church in a multitude of capacities, and solidly grounded her life on regular worship and consistent study of God's Word. She always brought her special insights, her questions and her direct honesty with her to the gathering of God's people, always enriching the fellowship of her church. She greatly loved and was loved by the people of Trinity.

Carole was an avid reader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and learning. She also expanded her horizon by traveling the world, often taking 2-3 trips a year. She consistently gave back to her community, but always devoted herself to her greatest joys ... her family and faith. In carrying out her many duties and commitments so competently and compassionately, Carole provided an excellent role model to her family, friends and peers, not dwelling on negatives, but always capable of seeing good in every person and the positive side of every situation, seasoning her acts of kindness with a well-maintained sense of humor.

Over the years Carole's health, but not her courageous spirit and firm faith, was compromised by numerous setbacks to her physical well-being. Recent months found Carole increasingly burdened with her health issues, struggling against persistent infections. Last month took Carole once again back into Lawnwood Hospital to face numerous tests and treatments with minimal benefit to her condition. On October 7 she was finally able to lay aside the burden of illness and disease and discover that sorely needed and much deserved rest and refreshment that heaven and her Lord Jesus Christ supplied her with. While her death brings sorrow to us, it has brought complete victory to Carole.

Carole is survived by her daughter, Michelle, her son Michael, her grandsons, Wesley (Mitch) and Wayne, her great-grandson, Logan, her sister, Nancy, her brother, Edward, and many other friends and relatives.

Carole radiated the presence and attitude of her Lord Jesus Christ in her life, and like Him, she came "to serve and not to be served." To all around her she offered love, kindness and encouragement, living out her faith in Christ with her vibrant personality and beautiful spirit and smile, always making things fun and memorable for those around her. Our memories of her are a treasured gift we take with us into the days ahead. Her refreshing influence will be long felt in the lives of those she now leaves behind. Our families, our lives, our church and indeed, our world, are better for having had Carole in them. Her lifelong example of faith and courage will serve us well until she welcomes the many she loved in this life, and who share her bond to the Lord Jesus, to the gates of glory in eternity.

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21—NIV)

[Obituary prepared by Rev. Craig H. Bode for her funeral service, October 18, 2020]

10/20/2020

✢ Paul D. Tausch ✢
(October 26, 1944-October 15, 2020)

Paul Dale Tausch was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on October 26, 1944, the son of Paul and Frances Tausch and younger sibling to brother, Peter and sister, Mary. Paul was brought to the Lord in baptism at First Methodist Church in Fort Pierce and continued his walk with Christ throughout his life. His upbringing well-prepared Paul for the responsibilities and challenges of his life and nurtured in him the strong and independent spirit and kind nature that God had supplied him with.

After graduating from high school and receiving some further college education, Paul responded to the call of his country and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, working as a mechanic on Minuteman missiles and continuing his service in the reserves until 1970. Upon completing his active duty, Paul returned to the area and launched a long and productive career as a printer, eventually owning and operating his own company, Tausch Enterprises. Continuing his life's path, Paul was blessed to welcome into his life and family his much-loved and treasured children: Yvette, Deana, Shawn, Shana, Jamie and Kelly.

Paul found a partner in love to share and enjoy the life and family that God had given him in Gloria Morgan and the couple was married on February 26, 1994 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Orlando, Florida, where they continued to grow in their shared Christian faith and service to Christ and His Church. His love for young people and strongly held commitment to support them in developing their lives and faith led Paul to serve the youth of the church as counselor and chaperon. In 2010 Paul and Gloria became members at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Fort Pierce, where, as active and cherished members, they found a spiritual home, friendship and partnership in the Gospel with so many of their fellow believers.

Paul was always drawn to and took advantage of the beaches and outdoor life of Florida, especially enjoying camping and other adventures with his growing family, always stretching the boundaries of life and challenging them to grow and become more independent, while always supporting them on their journeys and entertaining and educating them with his knowledge, stories and strong opinions. He made a special effort to stay informed and current on the affairs of his ever-changing world, always engaging others in diplomatic discussion and debate in his easy-going manner, choosing never to argue or get upset. His talent for being able to fix anything supplied his family and the others in his life with a ready and reliable source of assistance. His could always find relaxation and entertainment in his love for country music and western movies.

In recent years Paul began to struggle with significant health problems that began to limit life and activity. Unwavering in his faith he met these challenges with the strength of character that his God had given him, always devoted to loving and serving his family and making the most of their life together. After suffering a stroke earlier this month and undergoing emergency surgery to remove a blood clot, Paul was not able to recover the life with family that he loved but was instead allowed to hear and respond to the clear call of His Savior, Jesus Christ to come home to heaven and enter his eternal rest with Him. He died peacefully this past Thursday morning surrounded by the family he so loved and cherished. Having faithfully "fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith" Paul now enjoys the perfect home in heaven, where awaits the best family reunion ever.

Paul is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Yvette Whitley, Deana Walker, Shawn Tausch, Shana Woods, Jamie Bayne and Kelly Daniel; his eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his brother Peter and many other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Free. His mortal remains will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.

Paul's sincere faith, kind and informed friendship and impressive strength of person touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. He will always serve as an example and encouragement to persevere in the face of life's struggles. But first and foremost, it will always be as a dedicated family man, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, that Paul will most fondly be remembered as he remains in the hearts and lives of those he loved and gave himself to. We hear the voice of Jesus speaking to him now in heaven:

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21—NIV)

[Obituary prepared by Rev. Craig H. Bode for his funeral, October 17, 2020]

01/04/2019

Arthur D. Berkey (1918-1983)

Arthur D. Berkey was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 21, 1918, the son of Leonard and Lena (Bretten) Berkey. Baptized, raised and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, Art became a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1956.

On February 13, 1956 Arthur Berkey and Marie Corrao were united in holy wedlock. This union was blessed with a son, David, and a daughter, Dedrian.

Art was employed by TRW for 28 years and by Gould Inc. for 8 years until his retirement in 1973.

Art remained steadfast in his confession of Jesus Christ throughout his life, marked by regular attend at worship, frequently partaking of the Lord's Supper.

On Wednesday, December 29, 1982, Art underwent heart surgery for the second time. Complications set in and on Monday, January 3, 1983, Art departed this life in the faith, and "entered into the joy of His Master." (Matthew 25:21)

Art is survived by his wife, Marie, his son, David, his daughter, Dedrian, his mother, Lena Will, his granddaughter, Rachael Berkey, and many other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Berkey and his sister Dorothy Pucher.

Following the Funeral service this morning his body will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.

As devoted son, husband, father, and friend, Art will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all.

[Obituary written for funeral service by Rev. Craig H. Bode, Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Euclid Ohio]

11/12/2018

✢ Elmer L. Pruss ✢
(January 24, 1926-June 13, 2018)

Address

Fort Pierce, FL

Telephone

772-353-1633

Website

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