Viola

When Ascension was being started, Viola lived at 8600 West 9^th, so the church was truly in the neighborhood. The family members who joined along with Vi were her husband Max, son Max Edgar (Mackie), and daughter Carmen.

Max worked on the Board of Properties; Vi served as LWML president; they participated in Fellowship Club and were very supportive of the Walther League program in which Mackie and Carmen were active.

Vi’s comments echoed those of other older members: “The biggest changes in Ascension and West Wichita are more buildings and lots more people!” She has many fond memories and especially remembered going fishing with Pastor Kerekes.

Vi is now a resident of Life Care Center. When asked to share His story in her life, she simply said, “He’s always been there and taken care of me.”

Helen

Helen joined Ascension Lutheran Church with her husband, Bill, and daughters Kathryn and Susan. Within months of charter Sunday, Bill died and was the first recorded funeral of an Ascension church member in the “official” member records book. With Bill memorial monies, the church purchased a brass missel stand which is still in use today at the Tyler campus altar.

Helen came to work at Ascension as the parish secretary in 1963 and remained as such until her retirement in 1987. She worked with Pastors Kerekes, Steyer, Pool, and Wenzl as well as former DCE, Lyle ; Minister of Music, Ray; seven vicars and at least one vacancy pastor. Many current and former members identify Helen with the voice of the church office and in many of their church memories. Helen currently resides at the Kansas Masonic Home.

When Helen retired, she wrote the following thank you to her Ascension friends (excerpt): “AGAIN, Thank You! And may our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, continue to bless each and every one of you as WE continue in His Work here at Ascension and someday all meet together on that Glorious Day rejoicing together. THIS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT! AND WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY THAT WILL BE!

Your Friend in Christ – Helen"