Bethel Magazine Fall 2019

April 10, 1952. He and Eileen then returned to Chicago. Otto remained in the Air Force Reserve until April 10, 1955. For many years, Otto and Eileen owned and operated Toepke’s Bakery in Franklin Park, Ill., until they sold it in 1980, but he continued to do wedding cakes until he retired in 1997. Shortly after retirement, he and Eileen moved to Granger, Ind., where they were members of Grace Baptist Church. Otto took up baking again in 1998 in food service at Bethel College, where he prepared deserts for students, faculty and staff and became affectionately known as “the donut man.” Otto was a man of great strength, strong in his faith, strong in his love and caring for his family. He was also kind and friendly. It was often said that he never met a stranger, always enjoying a conversation with everyone that he met.

family. Together they found themselves coaching and supporting their children in soccer. Ron Pletcher ‘65 , age 76, of Edwardsburg,Mich., passed away June 1, 2019. He was born Feb. 9, 1943, in Springfield, Mo. Ron went to Bethel College and later Michigan State, where he received his master’s degree. He worked for Niles Community Schools, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal for a total of 34 years. In 1984, Ron was honored as the Michigan Teacher of the Year. On June 1, 1963, Ron married Carole Ferry at a ceremony at Coulter’s Chapel Church of God. The union brought four children. Carole sadly passed in 1997. On March 28, 1998, Ron married Sharon Sheeley, who also had four children. Ron happily accepted them as his own. Ron enjoyed being in the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, gardening, and camping. He was very involved in church activities at Coulter’s Chapel Church of God, and lived to serve others, volunteering with the Peace Corps and frequently taking mission trips to Haiti. He also did missions work with the Children’s International Lifeline. Ron truly loved spending time with his family and is fondly remembered for always supporting his grandchildren in whatever activities they participated. Lowell Craig Priser ’89 , age 52, of Lakeville, Ind., passed away on Aug. 15, 2019. He was born on Jan. 1, 1967 in Fort Wayne, Ind. On Aug. 13, 1988 in Lapaz, he was united

in marriage to Donna Jean (Smith) Priser. Lowell loved coaching his boys in sports and life, enjoyed camping and outdoor activities, woodworking, storytelling, and anything that involved his family and precious pups. B. Charlene Sherry ‘54 , age 86, passed away March 5, 2019. She was born in Elkhart, Ind., on Sept. 5, 1932, to Quinton and M. Mae Everest. She married Dale A. Sherry in South Bend, Ind., at Gospel Center Church on June 6, 1952. Charlene graduated from John Adams High School, South Bend, and Bethel College, Mishawaka, with a B.A. in Piano Performance. She received an M.A. in Counseling from Liberty University. Her husband, a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, served churches as a pastor or supporting positions in youth, music, or associate capacity. During these years,

Charlene assisted as a clinician in Yamaha Teachers Clinics, helping piano teachers learn ways to use digital keyboards in teaching piano and conducting keyboard ensembles. She and her husband were co-workers of “The Music School” in Granger, Ind. (1997-2006). There, she and her associate taught music and piano to children age 18 months to adults. In recent years, Charlene was the organist for Hubbard Hill Chapel services. Otto W. Toepke, age 90, peacefully passed from this world into eternity to be with the Lord on Aug. 3, 2019. Otto was born in Elmwood Park on Oct. 12, 1928. He is survived by Eileen, his wife of 69 years, and his two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After graduating from high school in 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army. Otto served in the Airborne division as part of the United States’ occupation force in Japan until his discharge on April 13, 1948, and then enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and returned to Chicago, Ill., where he worked with his father in the family’s bakery. There he

Charlene taught public school and private piano lessons. She also served the churches often as pianist, organist, choral director, or Sunday school teacher. She accompanied her husband for 15 years in their traveling music ministries. Charlene was a member of SBAMTA (piano teachers association) serving as President for two terms (five years), and taught piano for more than 65 years. For several summers,

met Eileen Florence Bruksch and was married on July 5, 1950. Only a few months after they married, Otto was again called to active duty and served in California until

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FALL 2019