Virgil Don Heinrich (’72)
01/23/1953 – 06/01/2026
Virgil Don Heinrich, age 73, Tolstoy, N.D., died at home June 1, 2026, after a 6 months fight/struggle from cancer. Virgil, son of Adah (Brenneise) and Clemens Heinrich, was born Jan. 23, 1953, at the Hoven Hospital. He grew up on a farm eleven miles south of Bowdle with his three brothers, Keith, Jim, and Gordon and two sisters, Elaine and Trudi. His formal education consisted of a country school, Bowdle Public School, Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, Minn., Union College in Lincoln, Neb., and Hinsdale Hospital in Ill. In 1974, Virgil graduated from Hinsdale Hospital as a X-ray technician. He worked at the Bowdle Hospital and later the Hoven Hospital. He continued to farm throughout his life. On June 27, 1982, Virgil married Linda Ruether in Wausau, Wisc. The couple moved to his great grandparents’ farm south of Bowdle and had four children, Tyron, Tina, Terah, and Taya. In 2001, the family moved to Hutchinson, Minn., where the children could attend church school. Later, they moved back to the farm in S.D., in 2008 and Virgil had resided there until his death.
Virgil enjoyed farming, gardening, reading, and spending time with the family including his grandchildren. Virgil had traveled to Pohnpei, Guam, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, and Iceland. Also he enjoyed traveling with his family to the national parks. He was a member of the Bowdle SDA Church and active in ministries. He had a passion for sharing Christ. He is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons,Tyron ’07 (Hilary) and Terah (Jessica); two daughters, Tina Heinrich ’10 and Taya Heinrich; two brothers, Keith ’73 (Yvonne ’72), and Jim (Connie); two sisters, Elaine ’78 (Tommy) Babbit and Trudi ’84 (Steve) Hatch; and seven beloved grandchildren, Alyanna Beebe, Aria Beebe, Theo Heinrich, Hallie Heinrich, Esther Heinrich, Vincenzo Heinrich, and Natalie Heinrich. He is preceded in death by his mother on March 29, 2006, his father on April 24, 2006, and brother Gordon ’78 on February 15, 2020. Virgil is now resting in peaceful sleep, awaiting the great and glorious return of Jesus.
Gary VerSteeg ’76
12/25/1950 – 05/20/2026
Gary Lynn VerSteeg, age 75, passed away peacefully at home in Newton, Iowa, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Gary was born on Dec. 25, 1950, in Newton, Iowa, to Wilbur F. VerSteeg and Martha Ann (Bachman) VerSteeg. He attended Oak Park Academy for high school and later earned his bachelor’s in English from Union College in Lincoln, Neb. On Dec. 10, 1981, Gary was united in marriage to Medianita de Sagun Reyes in Tanzania. Together they shared a life of faith, service, and love, raising their daughter, Aprille, while serving internationally for many years. Gary devoted much of his life to missionary work through the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, teaching English and touching the lives of many through his kindness, patience, and dedication. Gary and Meds retired to his childhood home in Newton, where they continued their ministry and witness through their interactions with family, neighbors, friends and their local church. He had a inquisitive, curious mind and a thoughtful, gentle spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. He was a man of few, but impactful words and kind, well-considered action. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Medianita VerSteeg; his daughter, Aprille ’05 (Josh ’03) Okimi; and his brothers, Dennis VerSteeg and Richard VerSteeg, as well as many colleagues, extended or found family, and students all around the globe. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Eric Allen VerSteeg; his brothers, Ronnie VerSteeg, Michael VerSteeg, Thomas VerSteeg, and Randal VerSteeg; and his sister, Debra McClurkin.
Norman Ahrens ’76
07/06/1954 – 04/17/2026
Norman (Norm) Ahrens passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Norm was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on July 6, 1954, to George and Irene Ahrens. His early years were spent on the family farm near Kellogg, Iowa. He attended grade school in Grinnell before completing the 8th grade at a private elementary school in Des Moines, Iowa. Norm went on to attend Oak Park Academy in Nevada, Iowa, where he graduated in 1972. His pursuit of higher education took him to Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Neb., Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. While living in Lincoln, Norm worked in construction, specializing in concrete flatwork and roofing. It was there that he met Videll Wetenkamp ’77; they were married in May 1977 and began a beautiful 48-year journey together. In 1980, Norm and Videll moved to a farm near Tintah, Minn., to partner in farming with his father-in-law, Donald Wetenkamp. That same year, Norm discovered his second great passion: flying. After obtaining his Private Single Engine Land license in 1980, he dedicated himself to the craft, eventually earning his Commercial, Instrument, and Instructor ratings. He took great pride in mentoring new pilots and sharing the joy of flight. Norm remained a dedicated steward of the land until his retirement from farming in 2018. A man of faith and service, Norm was an active member of the Wahpeton, N.D., Seventh-day Adventist Church. He shared his technical talents by running the sound system and assisting with the general maintenance of the church. In retirement, Norm and Videll embraced the open road and the open sky, traveling extensively throughout the United States. Whether he was golfing, fishing with friends, or riding his Harley, Norm found joy in the moment and the company of those he loved. Norm will be remembered most for his quick wit, his ready smile, and his remarkably gentle spirit. He is survived by his mother, Irene; his wife, Videll; his children, Cassie (Brent) and Wayne (Jamie); five grandchildren; and four siblings, Bob, Dave, Lawrence, and Narda. He was preceded in death by his father, George Ahrens.
Kenneth Oliver (’71)
09/24/1952 – 02/24/2026
Kenneth Wayne Oliver, age 73, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Kenny lived a life defined by compassion, service, and devotion to family. Kenny spent his career as a Registered Nurse, proudly serving his community. Caring for patients in their most urgent moments was not just his job – it was a calling he embraced fully. Kenny was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Peggy Oliver (’74). Together they built a family rooted in love and faith. He was a proud and loving father to Rachel Lassel ’97 and her husband Jason, and Hanne Beldin ’02 and her husband Justin. He treasured his role as “Bapa” to his grandchildren – David ’23, Max ’23, Ila, Hudson, and Claire who brought him immeasurable joy. He is survived by his brother, Terry Oliver, and his wife Susie, along with Terry’s three daughters and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Earnest W. Oliver ’53 and Dorothy J. Oliver (’49).
Ranae Lemcke Larsen ’79
02/03/1957 – 02/24/2026
Dr. Ranae Larsen passed away Feb. 24, 2026. Dr. Larsen dedicated her life to the tiniest and most vulnerable hearts. As a pediatric cardiologist and Head of Pediatric Cardiology at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, she spent nearly three decades healing children and giving families hope when they needed it most. Dr. Larsen helped build the pediatric cardiology program at Loma Linda, recruiting and mentoring younger physicians along the way. She also served as Medical Director of the Loma Linda Heart Institute. Her colleagues recognized her exceptional diagnostic skill, and her patients’ families knew her as a calm, caring presence during the most difficult moments of their lives. The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild is committed to supporting the children hospitalized at LLU Children’s Hospital by developing programs and projects that address the critical needs of these children and their families.
Vickie Scott Osborn ’74
12/24/1951 – 02/17/2026
Vickie Scott Osborn, age 74, of Callaway, Neb., passed away February 17, 2026, at the Callaway Good Life Center. Vickie was born on Dec. 24, 1951, in Kearney, Neb., to Henry and Marjorie (Owen) Scott. Vickie grew up in the Oconto area. She attended and graduated from Platte Valley Academy in Shelton. After high school she went to Union College and earned her BSN. Vickie was united in marriage to Stephen J. Osborn on June 20, 1982, at Estes Park, Colo. During her time as a nurse, they lived in Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. They made their home in Broken Bow and Vickie became a stay-at-home Mom. Vickie enjoyed playing the piano, hiking, nature, skiing, motorcycles, gardening, canning, and baking (especially pies). She was a member of the Broken Bow Seventh-day Adventist Church. Vickie was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Marjorie Scott. Vickie is survived by her husband, Steve; sons Timothy ’09 (Brittany) and John ’11, grandchildren Noah Osborn and Hannah Osborn.
Elsie Flemmer ’70
09/29/1946 – 01/28/2026
Elsie Flemmer, born Sept. 29, 1946, passed away Jan. 28, 2026, at the age of 79. Elsie was born to Fred and Leah (Graf) Flemmer in Napoleon, N.D. She attended Napoleon High School in N.D. and Union College in Lincoln, Neb. Elsie moved to Walla Walla, Wash., from Roseville, Calif., in 2010. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Leah Flemmer; her brothers, Clarence (’55) and Elmer (’71); and her sister, Karen Flemmer. She is survived by her sisters Hilda McClure ’59, Lorraine Ferguson ’72, Gladys Barnes ’75, and Sharon Welch (’81); and by her brother Harry Flemmer ’71.
Alberta Astner Murray ’75
02/11/1954 – 11/24/2025
Alberta Astner Murray ’75 passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 71 years old. Alberta graduated from Union College in 1975. She worked and volunteered at multiple Adventist institutions, including the schools where her sons and grandkids attended. She is survived by her husband, Nick Murray ’75, her two sons, Ben ’04 and Scott ’06, her daughter-in-law Brittany, her four grandchildren; and her two sisters, Karen Astner Beaver ’69 and Janet Astner (’71). She was predeceased by her parents William and Margaret Astner, and her brother Michael Astner.
Sharon Davis Messer ’77
11/23/1953 – 10/30/2025
Sharon Marie (Davis) Messer ’77, age 71, Richardton, died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center, Bismarck with family by her side. Sharon Marie Davis was born in Medford, Ore., on Nov. 23, 1953, to George A. and Virginie C. (Caron) Davis. At twelve years old, Sharon moved to Richardton, N.D., and lived with her sister Kathleen and brother-in-law Sheldon Fisher, who raised her, alongside Vaunda, Sheleen, Craig, and Shannon. She graduated high school from Sheyanne River Academy in 1972. Sharon earned her teaching degree at Union College in Lincoln, Neb., during which time she served as a student missionary to the Marshall Islands for a year. Sharon’s passion for teaching began at a young age, when she would teach her stuffed animals and her older sister, Diana. She went on to teach and substitute for over thirty years, teaching in North Dakota, Kentucky, and California, and finishing her career in the Richardton-Taylor school district. Her favorite color then became Raider Blue. Sharon loved teaching and creating fun, hands-on projects for her students. She came to life in a classroom. She strove to make her room a safe haven for her students. She had a special place in her heart for those who struggled in any way. She provided food, snacks, and school supplies for any student or individual in need. She always had a classroom pet and was known especially for her fish tank, which is still in use by a fellow teacher. Her passion was teaching, telling stories, and reenacting history, and helping children fall in love with learning. Sharon loved her fellow teachers and students. Her door was always open at home or school to anyone who ever needed it. Sharon was very active in her church, playing piano, telling children’s stories, and teaching Sabbath School for the children’s department and the adult class, and often found preaching the sermon. She has always been missionary minded and caring for others. Sharon also had a passion for writing. She published stories and two books early in her career and was in the process of publishing two more books that she wrote in the last year, which will be available soon. She enjoyed playing piano, reading, and crocheting. She loved being at the ocean, camping in the mountains, and especially loved spending time in the Badlands. She loved being with her family, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was looking forward to more! After meeting in college, Sharon married Garry Wolf ’74, a fellow educator. They taught together in Kentucky. They later moved back to Dickinson, N.D. On July 18, 1986, Sharon married Gary Messer of Richardton. They raised six children together. They had a foster child and a number of foreign exchange students over the years. It was also the home to many college students the children brought home on weekends and long breaks. She raised six children and was also a mother figure to countless others who looked up to her. Sharon is survived by her husband, Gary; children, Marcy (Pat) Kuntz, Jamen (Becky ’13) Wolf, Heidi Strain, Tony Wolf, Genie Messer ’13, Charlotte ’14 (Reed) Merkel; grandchildren, Cade, Coal, Calli, Lydia, Samuel, Jedidiah, Drake, Logan, Lilly, Aurora, Rylee, Canyon, Lincoln; and great-grandchildren, Ella and Darley, her sister, Diana (Earl) Palmer and multiple nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Virginie Davis; sister Kathleen Fisher and brother-in-law Sheldon Fisher; and brothers, Clifford E. and George R. Sharon was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and had a strong faith and love for God. Even in her last days, she showed a selfless love for others, and one of the last things she said was a prayer for her children to stay close to Jesus.
Glen Wintermeyer ’72
12/09/1947 – 10/29/2025
Glen Wintermeyer was born Dec. 9, 1947, in Bemidji, Minn., he entered the world surrounded by pine trees, lakes, and the strong hands of his hardworking parents, Emmor and Fay Wintermeyer. His childhood was marked by the kind of small-town simplicity that builds both character and calluses. No matter where Glen lived, there was always sawdust in the air and a project underway. He loved building things—especially remodeling homes. Nearly every home the family lived in bore his craftsmanship: new cabinets, custom bookshelves, elaborate tree houses or carefully finished trim. He wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult projects, even ones he’d never done before. He’d simply figure it out and it always turned out right. Glen is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Karen Wintermeyer (’68). Together they shared a lifetime of love, laughter and service. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Jay Wintermeyer and his husband, Craig Conklin; Tad Wintermeyer and his children, Kendall, Raelynn, Weston, and Maisie; and Joy Wintermeyer and her children, Adelynn and Hudson. Glen is also survived by his dear siblings, Dena Wintermeyer ’73, Valerie Jacobs, and Robin Wintermeyer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmor and Fay Wintermeyer, and by his beloved son, Bryce, whose memory he carried tenderly throughout his life. Glen’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the homes he built, the stories he told and the love of his family who will forever cherish his steady hands, kind heart and joyful spirit.
Theodore Lam ’71
12/07/1941 – 10/01/2025
Nationally recognized supporter of Asian American ministry and church planter Ted Lam died Oct. 1 in Tulsa. “Our family is thankful for all the outpouring of love and prayers that have sustained us (after my dad’s passing),” said Lam’s son, Jed. In 1989, Lam surrendered to ministry and completed his theological degree from Oklahoma Baptist University. He then served as the Language Mission Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) as he helped found the Tulsa International Baptist Church (TIBC). Lam also served on the Board of Directors for BGCO. After retiring as Director of Church Planting for the BGCO, Lam still served BGCO as the Outreach Team Consultant. In June 2016, Lam was elected president of the newly formed Asian American National Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He also supported various international ministries at Oklahoma City, Northwest and Oklahoma City, All Nations Church, as well as the TIBC. Anthony Jordan, who led the BGCO as Executive Director-Treasurer during Lam’s tenure at the state convention and worked closely with him as pastor of Oklahoma City, Northwest, said. “Ted Lam was a wonderful church planter, pastor and leader. He led the church planting ministry of Oklahoma Baptists with excellence. “His passion to see people of every ethnicity have the opportunity to know Jesus and worship Him in a local church resulted in some of the greatest days of church planting among Oklahoma Baptists. Ted and Jane were fully devoted followers of Christ and dear friends. He will be greatly missed.” At the news of Lam’s death, Jeremy Sin, Executive Director of the Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the US and Canada, said, “Pastor Ted was a great supporter of the ministry of the Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the US and Canada, having served in the Executive Board as a church planting ambassador for many years which. Through his leadership, many Chinese Baptist churches were planted in the last 20 years.” Ted had a sincere love for see the Kingdom of God grow in Oklahoma and the world.” Lam is survived by his wife, Jane; one son, Jed; daughter-in-law Michele and two grandsons and two granddaughters.
Daniel Rebsomen ’70
10/03/1937 – 09/05/2025
Daniel Albert Rebsomen passed away on September 5, 2025 surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on Oct. 3, 1937, in his childhood home in Casablanca, Morocco. His parents were Andre E. Rebsomen, a Frenchman who remained in Morocco after serving as an engineer in WWII, and his mother was Gaetane A Arnone, granddaughter of a Sicilian Evangelical pastor. Daniel was a third generation Adventist, so when it came to being a pastor with a love of evangelism, Daniel followed his heritage. It was thus that in 1956, he went to Collonges-sous- Saleve, France, for college and then in 1958 on to Union College, Lincoln, Neb. At Union he had to learn to speak English while pursuing his other studies and although he grew up speaking French, Arabic, Italian and a smattering of Spanish, that was the hardest thing he ever did. While attending college Daniel worked in various fields of service including health care, customer service, teaching, and ranching. On August 21, 1960, Daniel married Sandra Lee Moller (’60), a Nebraska country girl, who was studying Education at Union College. Frequently throughout his life Daniel would say, “When I married Sandra, I also married a horse,” because for 30 years he kept his promise to Sandra’s grandfather to never sell Sandra’s mare, Maygold. The world grew bigger for them, when Daniel and Sandra added four children to the family and also began their careers that would span 38 yrs across nations and continents. Throughout the years Daniel and Sandra also welcomed 10 other children to live as part of the family. Daniel was an expressive, loving man, a born leader, and confident guide to his family. He was very hard-working, things got done when he was around. He was a keen observer of people and was most frequently correct in his assessments of them or situations. As a pastor he championed the denominational beliefs and organization. His talents included singing, cooking, photography, gardening, mechanics, horseback riding, and swimming. He enjoyed doing electrical work and refinished many pieces of furniture. His mother insisted that he was the only one who could iron clothes properly. His father taught him drafting skills. His handiwork can be seen in the interior design of the Beauvallon, former Quebec City and Smoky Lake churches, as well as in his retirement home. He also spent many summers spearheading development of church camps. Daniel served the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Arkansas-Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming Conferences of the U.S. He served in the Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec Conferences of Canada. As a missionary to Africa, he served as Director of the Chad and Northern Cameroun Mission. He also taught French at the University of Nebraska and to elementary school children in his churches. He leaves to mourn: Sandra (’60), his wife of 65 yrs.; his daughter, ‘Gigi’ Brigitte Rebsomen (John de Beurs) and her daughters, Tiana Bruins (Jordan), Chantel Caughlin (Darcy), Ashley Tymchuk and son Ayden; his son, Jean-Marc (Sonja Hackenberg) and his children, Darian Rebsomen (Dani), Brant Rebsomen, Dana Rae deTar (Seth), Katrina Grise (Terrance) ; and his daughter, Jeanine Rebsomen and her children, Philipp Kremic (Amanda), Nathaniel Kremic (Kristi), Adriana Schudlo (Ryan), as well as 6 great-grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, Jean-Paul and three sisters, Genevieve ’68, Solange, and Monique ’84. Daniel was pre-deceased by a son, Andre, his parents and a brother, Andre, and sister, Denise.
Jerry Nowack ’74
04/09/1948 – 02/07/2025
Jerry Nowack ’74 passed away on Feb. 7, 2025. He was born on Apr. 9, 1948 to Robert and Peggy Nowack. He attended Union College where he met his, then, future wife and graduated in 1974 with a B.A. in Theology and a Minor in Psychology. Jerry married Joanne Hamon (’72) in the summer of 1973 in Antioch, California and they were married for 52 years. Together they were a ministry team, beginning in Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Peggy Nowack. He is survived by his wife, Joann Nowack, sons Jared (Danielle) Nowack and Joshua (Courtney) Nowack; and grandchildren. He also leaves behind two brothers and two sisters (Ken, Regina, Lorrie and Mike).
Derral Reeve ’78
12/22/1954 – 01/20/2025
Derral Reeve ’78 passed away on Jan. 20, 2025, at the age of 70, in Niles, Michigan. Born on Dec. 22, 1954, Derral’s life was filled with service, adventure, and kinship. Raised in an industrious family, he was the cherished son of the late Charles Reeve and Helen Lamberton Reeve ’72. Derral spent his youth surrounded by a large and loving family, forging strong bonds with his siblings Joy Fish ’69, the late Charlene Masters, the late Donovan Reeve, Barbara Eno ’76, the late Charles Reeve, Harold Reeve, and John Reeve. After graduating from College View Academy in Lincoln, Derral continued to feed his thirst for learning at Union College, where he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education, with an emphasis on physical education and science. His academic path didn’t stop there; his dedication to education led him to study through Loma Linda University La Sierra campus, where he earned his Master’s Degree. Derral wholeheartedly dedicated his professional life to the field of education. He served as a teacher, youth director, principal, and superintendent, touching countless lives with his unwavering commitment to student growth and success. Derral was happily married to Barbara Hill ’78. Together, they raised two daughters, Johanna (Braden) Pewitt and Sanna ’09 (Alejandro ’14) Ortega.
Leslie “Les” Sturgis ’74
12/10/1951 – 10/03/2024
Leslie “Les” Paul, age 72; born Dec. 10, 1951, Jacksonville, Fla.; died Oct. 3, 2024, Forest Grove, Ore. Surviving: spouse, Cheryl ’74 (McCune); son, Matthew; daughter, Melissa Sturgis; brothers, Rex and Peter.
Margaret “Elyse” Kennedy File ’78
12/14/1954 – 08/01/2024
Margaret “Elyse” Kennedy File ’78 was born to Homer and Margaret Kennedy on Dec. 14, 1954. She died on Aug. 1, 2024. She grew up with two sisters in the home, Betty and Linda. She attended school K-12 at Orangewood Academy in Garden Grove, California, and later attended Union College as an English major. She then taught at Orangewood Academy for the High School English Department for 5 years prior to moving to Kansas. On Oct. 9, 1983 she was married to Randy File in Beloit, Kansas. They had two children: Mallory and Alex. Mallory’s son, Jaxson McGinnis joined the family in 2010. Elyse was preceded in death by her parents; her two sisters; and a niece and a nephew.
Randy Bailey (’78)
01/26/1958 – 09/01/2016
Randall ‘Randy’ Bailey was born Jan. 26, 1958 and passed away Sept. 1, 2016. Randall was a resident of Dayton, Tenn., at the time of his passing. He was married to Miriam.