Reverend Richard L. Gudgel

The Reverend Richard Gudgel, pastor emeritus, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at the age of 78.   He now awaits the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.Richard was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska on May 23, 1943 to Andrew and Marie (Jochem) Gudgel.  He was made a child of God through Holy Baptism on September 5, 1943, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, Nebraska.  On August 17, 1964, Richard married Bonita (Bonnie) Hesterberg.  God blessed them with a deep love for one another and 58 years of marriage.  Richard received his B.S in Education from Concordia Teachers College (now University) in Seward, Nebraska in 1964.  He later earned a Masters in Education degree from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri and a Master of Arts in Religion from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.  Congregations and schools served as principal and teacher and also pastor include: Immanuel Lutheran School, West Ely, Missouri; Immanuel Lutheran School, Jefferson City, Missouri; Christ Lutheran School, Juniata, Nebraska, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska; Saint John Lutheran Church, Chester, Nebraska and Zion Lutheran Church Hubbell, Nebraska; and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Utica, Nebraska. Pastor Gudgel’s love for the Lord and for the Lord’s people was seen in every aspect of his life and ministry.  His patience, kindness, joy, and optimistic spirit nourished the souls around him. Richard loved to travel with his bride (especially to see family members and "antique-ing" along the way"), play cards with family and friends, go for walks, and garden.  He especially loved his family.  Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife of 58 years, Bonnie (Hesterberg);daughter Tawn Bueltmann (Kevin) of Bigfork, MT; daughter Shelley Dartmann (Jerry) of Plattsmouth, NE; daughter Juli Reinke (Joel) of Davenport, NE; and son Michael Gudgel (Karen) of Lemont, IL.  One son, Philip Gudgel, has already gone Home to heaven and his sister, Lena Goddard. Richard also leaves eleven grandchildren, Aaron Bueltmann, Nathaniel (Brandy) Dartmann, Brianna Bueltmann, Evan (Oriana) Reinke, Carly (Austin) Siedleck, Micah Reinke, Noah Dartmann, Davis Bueltmann, Lydia Reinke, Ella Gudgel, and Jack Gudgel. In addition, four great-grandchildren will join him at the Resurrection. Richard also leaves behind four beloved siblings (Ruth Ellen Strauch, Andrew Dean Gudgel, Wayne Gudgel, and Lynnette Gibson) and many nieces and nephews. Pastor Gudgel was grateful for the love and support he received from the schools and congregations he served in Missouri and Nebraska. Above all, he was grateful for his Savior, Jesus Christ. A kind, caring, and intelligent man, Richard will be sorely missed.  We praise God for all He did through him, as he touched so many lives and shared the Good News that we can have eternal life with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Peace be with you all in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Who is the Resurrection and the Life.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

Memorials may be directed to Mission Central, 40718 Hwy. E-16, Mapleton, IA 51034 to support Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, missionary to refugees in Germany or Concordia University Nebraska Church Worker Fund (800 N. Columbia Ave. Seward, NE 68434)

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