Gloria E. Boetel, 83 of Valparaiso passed away Monday, February 20, 2023. She was born May 17, 1939 in Pierce, Nebraska to the late Gerhard and Dolores (Strelow) Kolterman. Gloria graduated from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska and later finished with a Master’s from Valparaiso University in early childhood development. She was committed to Christ through teaching young children, Gloria taught for a year at Immanuel School in Grand Forks, ND, 3 years at Immanuel School in Junction City, KS, and 25 years at Immanuel Lutheran School in Valparaiso, where she started their kindergarten program. An active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church, she served in the choir and the Altar Guild. Gloria also enjoyed meeting with her friends at their weekly small group Bible study.
On August 12, 1962 in Pierce, NE, Gloria married Robert Carl Boetel who preceded her in death in 2020. She is survived by her children, Brian (Eileen) Boetel, Yvette (Todd) Leffew, and Megan (William) Pendleton; grandchildren, Drew and Bret Boetel, Rashele, Schery, Bryce, and Trey Leffew, and Shea, and Parker Pendelton; and brothers, Paul (Trish), Don (Jane), and Harley (Karen) Kolterman.
An Informal Gathering will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 from 3:00-4:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church 1700 N. Monticello Park Dr., Valparaiso with a Home-Going Service beginning at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
“Bring the little children unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” This was the lifetime pursuit of Gloria to usher little children to know and love Jesus. Gloria put the “kind” in kindergarten! We cherish the memory of our “sister in Christ” and thank God for our “partnership in the Gospel” with His faithful servants Bob and Gloria. “Gloria in excelsis Deo=Glory to God in the highest, because Gloria’s with God in the highest. Peace, comfort, and hope, to Megan, Yvette, and Brian. -Phil and Karen Bickel.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. Be consoled that she has been reunited with your dad and is resting easy in the arms of Jesus. With much love - Mary & Bruce Petnel
I’m so sorry to hear about Gloria…. A beautiful soul. Prayers to all of you as you say goodbye. Gods Blessings! -Marlene Boetel Olmstead
Lorna and Pastor Don rejoice in Gloria’s life as a servant and sister of Jesus. We enjoyed her friendship and our times around tables of God’s gifts of food and drink. She now rejoices in the eternal grace ofher Lord and ours. -Don and Lorna Williams
Brian, Yvette and Megan, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Sincerely, -Suzi (Bostic) Agee
