Finally Home
Yes, Don is finally at home with his Heavenly Father. He had a rather peaceful homegoing this evening around 9:30. Several family and friends were with me. While we were already missing him we were all celebrating with him. I know I felt that he was the lucky one. Don had remarked in recent weeks that he had a curiosity about what it must be like to step into heaven. I can only imagine what joy there must be to meet the Savior face to face and fall down in worship.
I was so glad both children had been here with the grandchildren and seen him when he was somewhat responsive. They will have wonderful memories of going to ball games or the zoo, or the library with him, sitting on his lap to read a book or watch a favorite video. We will all remember his humor and insight into difficult problems. I’ve loved his down to earth manner, yet tender care of me.
We will all appreciate your prayers in the days ahead and will probably post one last blog letting you know of the plans for a Memorial Service. We will celebrate Don’s life together. Thank you to so many who have written notes on the blog, as well as e-mail and regular mail encouraging us and reminding us of the Lord’s promise to be with us always. He has been all that we’ve needed bringing comfort and strength. It’s wonderful to have the hope of eternal life with Him and the hope of seeing Don again some day.
Thank you, again, for all your love and prayers. Caroline
Dear Caroline and family;
“Finally home” is truly a celebration for Don. Now, we will be praying for you and your family. Your road has the “sting of death”, but just for a short time.
We will be thinking of you and praying that God continue to be so very near each and every day. May HIS presence uphold and undergird you each moment.
Ralph and Norma
Ralph and Norma
February 24, 2010 at 12:16 am
We will miss you, Uncle Don. So many memories of meeting for dinner in Ft. Wayne or Bluffton! So many memories of laughs, jokes and wonderful conversation. What a glorious morning you must be having in Paradise, gazing on our Saviour’s face!!! We will continue to uphold you, Aunt Caroline, as you walk into the future. May the Lord be your comfort and strength.
Marcia VanGelder
February 24, 2010 at 8:42 am
I just skimmed over Uncle Don’s blog from his first entry last March. Over and over again he expressed his confidence in God’s hand in his life – both here on earth and in heaven. After Aunt Coyla’s death he wrote: “I have such a curiosity about what it is like to make that transition from this world to the next, but I will have to wait my turn like all of us.” His wait is over! We love you, Aunt Caroline, and are lifting you up in prayer.
David & Diana
February 24, 2010 at 9:44 am
Many prayers and well wishes to you and your family. Your strength is a testimony to all of us.
Brett
February 24, 2010 at 10:46 am
Marie and I rejoice for Don’s entry to heaven. We were joined in marriage by him and were privileged to learn from him as pastor. Our prayers will go with the family.
Brent
February 24, 2010 at 10:55 am
Dear Caroline,
We were saddened to hear of Don’s passing. You two were the primary reason we joined HHBC. I suppose his work on this earth is completed, and of all the people I know, I am sure he has heard the words “Well done my good and faithful servant”! We will rejoice in his reward. We will pray for you to receive strength and peace in this time of mourning. Take heart, for your reunion will come in God’s good time, and then eternity shall be yours.
Jenny and Andy Pruitt
Andrew Pruitt
February 24, 2010 at 11:52 am
Caroline and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You know, far far better than I, what a good man he was. The Lord used him greatly on this earth and now He will do so onto eternity.
My prayers are that He will bring you great memories and great comfort in the upcoming days, months, and years. May He hold you close to Himself.
John and Sharon Schutt
John and Sharon Schutt
February 24, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Finally home!!! What excitement that must of been. I can see my wife taking him all over heaven to show him his new mansion and introduce him to some of the saints in the past. May God’s peace surround you Caroline as you start the journey alone. We will meet again!!!
Gerald I. Gerig
February 24, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please pass along my sympathies to Denise. We lost my Dad, Kent Magnusson, just last May. I praise God that with the sorrow comes so much joy that they are with our Heavenly Father, where they want to be.
Susan (Magnusson) Hooker
February 24, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I am looking forward to the celebration of Uncle Don’s life and his new freedom. We’ll miss him, but I’ve been thanking God all day for the big role Uncle Don has played in my life. I think I can speak for all of my cousins on that point. Love to Aunt Caroline, Doug, Denise, and all the rest.
Allen
February 24, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Dear Caroline,
The Psalmist wrote; “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this; Your promise preserves my life.” Ps 119:49-50. May the Lord give a promise each new day as a source of comfort draw upon as often as you need. With prayers form the friends at Calvary Memorial Church, Pastor Howard Duncan; Assoc Pastor of Caring Ministries
Howard
February 24, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Dear Caroline and family,
Irene Hieber forwarded to us the message of Don’s passing. We remember both of you – your kindnesses to us when we visited Ann Arbor, meeting in your home, and your godly influence in the life of HHBC. Thank you!
The Lord be with you.
In His love,
George and Mary Huttar
George & Mary Huttar
February 24, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I have fond memories of Pastor Gerig’s ministry and preaching as I grew up at Calvary; and of painting his house (the parsonage) on Wisconsin Ave when I was a teen. Don’s years of ministry have, and will continue, to bear fruit over the years ahead. We sorrow for you in your loss, while we rejoice with Don in his homegoing and receiving his great reward from our Savior!
Don Childs
February 25, 2010 at 11:46 am
We send our smypathy and prayers to you and your family. We have fond memories of your time at Calvary and pray God will give you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Because Jesus cares, Paul and Phyllis
Paul and Phyllis Lavenau
February 26, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Dear Caroline, My condolence on the homegoing of your husband. Pastor Gerig was such a blessing to me at the time of my divorce in 1985, God certainly used him
in so many ways at Calvary. Our prayers are with you and your family. Beth Childs Diesel
Beth Diesel
February 28, 2010 at 3:24 pm