June 22, 1921 - June 03, 2019
Doris Elaine (nee Schauer) Werfelmann (Age 97), widow of Rev. Arthur O. Werfelmann, went peacefully to be with her Lord on June 3, 2019, from her home in Spokane, WA, just 19 days short of her 98th birthday. She was born on June 22, 1921, in St. Paul, MN, to Herbert and Minna Schauer. She was active in serving her Lord all her life with her musical gifts, her strong understanding of Scripture and its doctrine, a cheerful and warm disposition, and a caring heart for anyone in need of her encouragement. She was active in her church growing up, which equipped her for her calling as a loving mother and wife of a Pastor. She attended Bethany College in Mankato, MN, and was invited by her roommate to a PK party in Wausau, WI, where she was to meet her life partner, Art Werfelmann, who was finishing his Ministerial training at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. They were married on May 22, 1943, and enjoyed 36 years together, before Art’s death in 1979. Their marriage was blessed with 8 children. Their partnership in ministry served parishes in Davenport, IA, Libby, MT, and Spokane. Doris was active in choirs, Altar guilds, Sunday Schools and Summer VBS, in her congregations, and in Zone and District LWML Mission Efforts in the Church-at-large. In 2012, Doris participated in a 5-year medical study of the Heart Institute of Sacred Heart in Spokane, that involved a new way of replacing the core valve of the heart. This procedure and follow-up under God’s blessing, allowed her to continue to enjoy an active and independent life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, a son, John Timothy, and two brothers Bertram and Herbert. She is survived by her children, Rev. Art (Kristie) of Snohomish, WA; Claudia (Keith) Randall, of Spokane; Kathy (Jim) Smith of Spokane; Rev. Ted (Margi) of Auburn; Jim (Barbara) of Spokane; Philip (Vicki) of Charmichael, CA; and Mark (Kristine) of Spokane; sister Helen Wippich in MN, along with 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran in Spokane, on Saturday, July 13, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts go to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Horizon Hospice of Spokane.
