The Widow Maker

Born and raised in congregation of mostly German immigrants, where services and Holy Communion were conducted in German, Fred Drotleff worshipped with those who came to the United States after World War II. He learned much from the members.  Yet, in his heart, he wasn’t feeling a spiritual connection.  

When Fred and his wife, Mary, were looking to join a new congregation, a family member invited the couple to visit Shepherd of the Valley.  Shepherd of the Valley is a small congregation in a pleasant little village in a rural community.   Fred and Mary did visit, and they were so pleased with the many people who made a special point of talking with them and making them feel welcome.   And it didn’t take long before Fred was asked to run for a council position and was elected to serve.

A Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician for over 40 years, Fred worked at the City of Canton as a diesel mechanic for almost 29 of those years.  And he is educated in Home Inspection.  When the church needed someone to head the Property Committee, he accepted this responsibility, too.   The job came with a budget of a meager $500 a year!  It would be tough to maintain the property and make repairs with such a small budget.  But Fred rallied a group of volunteers from the small congregation, and they managed to make repairs that had been left for far too long.
 
Fred and his volunteers were making strides when another important repair presented a challenge.  Fred was shocked to learn that he had serious heart problem known as “the widow maker” and it would require immediate surgery. Fred felt the love and support of his congregation during his surgery and recovery.   During his recovery Fred wrote a note to the pastor saying, “I will go where he guides me or instructs me. I have not figured out what his master plan for me is, but I pray every night that he will let me see another day and ask God to give me many more. I am so grateful and thankful that God gave me another chance at life, and he opened my eyes that I needed to get help with my heart.  I went down a dark road, but God illuminated the path for me while holding my hand leading me to get help!”

Due to his health, Fred is now retired from his job with the City of Canton.  But, at Shepherd of the Valley, he continues his work. Some has to be delegated but he is always there to research solutions to whatever project needs a helping hand. Fred really likes his little church family.  He hopes to see it grow. Your gift to the Synod helps Lutherans like Fred Drotleff to serve in small congregations and find that spiritual connection.