Sharon As interviewed by Cyndy

Interviewing Sharon was a true pleasure as she has so many wonderful memories of Ascension. It seemed like we talked for hours, and I felt such happiness and joy when I left her home. We laughed so much, and I was just amazed by all of the wonderful things she told me about our church. I had a smile on my face the entire day just thinking about all of the things I had learned about our church family.

Family Members who joined Ascension were Fred Jr., Sharon , Steve (Son) and Cyndi (Daughter). They attended St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Cheney Kansas before coming to Ascension because of the location. They were tired of driving so far and wanted to be involved with younger families. When they bought their first home in Westlink, it was on Valleyview just north of Central. On the SW Corner of that intersection was a sign that read “Future Home of Mo. Synod Lutheran Church”, Location Changed!

The Wichita Eagle ran a story about Fred when he was elected to serve as president of its 11-member church council in 1963. The following year Fred was elected to serve a second term. The article also mentioned that Fred was a charter member of the three-year old Missouri Synod congregation, which had grown from 129 to 218 communicant members and from 238 to 412 souls. Now we have 2,178 members, WOW!

Sharon has so many fond memories of Ascension; but her fondest memories were getting acquainted with the many young families. She enjoyed being an active part of the programs as Ascension grew; teaching first and second grade Sunday school, singing in our small (but good!) choir. Fred Jr. drove the tractor from their farm at Colwich Road and Maple Street to mow and work Ascension’s acreage. Fred was ticketed for burning off weeds in order to work the ground! He didn’t have a burn permit.

The biggest change that Sharon has seen in Ascension’s History is the facility and the number of members. She has seen Ascension grow so much since becoming a charter member. “Getting to know all of the members is not as easy as it was in the beginning.”

Sharon has watched West Wichita grow in leaps and bounds since 1960. They used to drive to West Street just to go to the grocery store; when Dillon’s came, they were so excited. Sharon said that seeing the growth in businesses, the number of homes being built, new streets being paved and especially the traffic were the things that have stood out for her.

Sharon shared that being able to teach and direct the Tyler Pre-School for 35 years was a way for her to be able to share the love of Jesus with our 2000 Children & their families. It has been a great outreach in the community and continues to be a great way to share His Story with neighborhood families.

Sharon shared with me her family story:
Daughter, Cyndi married at Ascension on October 3, 1981 by Pastor John Pool.
First husband, Fred Jr.’s, funeral at Ascension was March 6, 1990 by Pastor Jim Wenzl.
Sharon married Bill on April 26, 1997 at Ascension by Pastor Keith Kohlmeier.
Bill’s funeral was on June 28, 2008 at Ascension by Pastor Scott Goltl.
A little side story from Sharon: A fellow worker made the comment to her dad that "all 3 of his daughters married Lutherans" & her dad gave the reply back that "some of us get our punishment on earth!" They were raised Methodist!!!!!!

Sharon, thanks so much for sharing your memories with all of us. It was a true joy to interview you and learn so much about Ascension’s nearly 50-year History. We are grateful to you and your family for helping us to carry on the mission.