It was typically the east side door on the Wheaton Evangelical Church where we would wait. My dad, sitting in the driver’s seat, my sister Debbie beside me, and a vacant passenger seat… reserved for Grace.
My dad traveled extensively, and while he loved our church, he was never one to hang around the narthex. He was often on relational overload by the time Sunday rolled around, so mingling just wasn’t a part of the mix.
To be honest, I’m not sure that I would consider Grace to have been an extrovert; she was just vibrant, authentic, approachable, warm, sensitive… in other words, a magnet. She did her best to make it to the meticulously clean front seat that Sam had waiting for her, but there was only so much she could do. People loved her, and there was a price to pay for that love.
My father was many wonderful things, but waiting patiently outside the east door of the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church was a test for him. At a certain point he would look to the back seat and instruct me to re-enter the church building and “rescue” my mother. He was quite certain that she was aware that we were waiting for her, but her present “captivity” was something that would require outside intervention.
And so I would find her… most often surrounded; sometimes by the teen-aged girls that she taught in Sunday School (that might have been why I volunteered to go search her out), or by a young mom who was looking for advice… but she was always surrounded.
I would nudge her, just like a good sheep dog, toward the exit door; always respecting the fact that the circle around her felt blessed, and to some extent sacred. My father not withstanding, I wasn’t about to interrupt what was clearly a Holy moment.
Eventually we would press through the door at the side of the church, sometimes with individuals following us out to wrap up one last sentence.
Grace would slide, ever so gracefully, into the passenger seat… and Sam seemed content now. Not bugged, not frustrated, just whole again because Grace was beside him.
On February 5, 2002 my father passed into glory… and quite frankly he’s been waiting by the east door for Grace ever since. On March 17, 2010 the wait ended.
Dan Wolgemuth
President, YFC/USA
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great article, Dan,
and what a wonderful tribute to your mother – and your dad. You and your siblings have been blessed with incredible parents. Jeannie and I loved them deeply. With you, we look forward to “sliding into the seat” with them to be forever with one another in the presence of our Lord!
With deep thanks and prayers,
Paul Cedar
Dan,
Thanks for this eloquent, moving, and profound tribute to your Mom and Dad. What an amazing, godly woman Grace was—such a woman of prayer. And what a godly heritage you have!
We grieve with you, but we also hope together—because of Jesus.
Dave and Gail
Dan and family,
LeAnn and I send our love as we celebrate your mom’s life knowing that she is now experiencing “Life…healed..and whole”. Back in “the day” I was privileged to be serving as Campus life field director, 1970-1971 and we found myself at Sam and Grace’s home from time to time. Would you believe, I actually had the Wheaton H.S. CL club meet there a time or two. One of our favorite family pictures was taken in their yard against a section of white rail fence. Sam and Grace took the Fry family under their wing that year and we will always be grateful. I tell you, Dan, Heaven just gets sweeter and sweeter with all the investment we have in friends and family who are there! Wowzie! Have you read Randy Alcorn’s book titled Heaven? It’s a very instructive and encouraging read. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and a special hello to your brothers Bob and Ken. (I led a teen team in England with Ken). Such good memories.
Ralph and LeAnn Fry
Dear Dan, Andrew, Eric, Robert, and Josie,
The news about Grace saddened me and awakened in me a fresh awareness of the goodness and love of God. Your mom/grandmother supported my YFC ministry through prayer and a never, ever missed monthly gift from the day I entered YFC until the day God called me out of YFC. That’s 288 monthly gifts and tons of prayers! I am one of those whom she loved and affirmed well.
I know there are many like me, but when I saw Grace over the years she made me feel as though I was the most special YFC missionary that ever shared the gospel. From my early days in North Area YFC, Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church, Lake Zurich Campus Life, and a beautiful season at the national service center of YFC/USA, Grace Wolgemuth was “on my team.” And I always felt God had blessed me with a strong and faithful ministry team, in part because of Grace.
Your family has my prayers and my love.
Because of Jesus, by whose side Grace now stands with Sam,
Jenny Morgan
Dearest Wolgemuth Family,
What an example of Jesus you have been to our family for over 50 years. I remember seeing your grandparents come to visit and worship at WEFC with your MOM and DAD and our family just knew we were in the presence of Holy ones. All through these years we have seen you grow in “grace and knowledge of the Lord” and your children and grandchildren. One generation shall tell of your works to another – that is faithfulness! I was so sorry to have missed the Homegoing Celebration because of the flu and I so wanted to hear Abby sing and to hear your family sing “The 23rd Psalm” – and all of your contributions, but I will wait for the video to be posted on the website (Thank you for this wonderful communication, Randy!). My mother loved your mother – Grace. Now they are together. It is we who wait! “I am the Resurrection and the Life, he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Amen and Amen. Love to you all.
Jack and Karen
“Blessed (Sweet) are the memories of the righteous.” – Prov 10:7
To: The entire Wolgemuth family
We heard of the transition into glory of your dear mum and grandmum and we sincerely send our condolences. I have read many of the tributes about this great woman of God, all of which surely attest to “A life well spent”. Her dedication and love spoke volumes and though i never met her, i had met some members of her family – Mr. Samuel Wolgemuth, Mr. Dan Wolgemuth and Mr. Erik Wolgemuth(Grandson) who was with us for 3 months.
A mother indeed, A mother in Israel,
She had brought forth many sons and daughter unto salvation,
Her good ‘works’ live after her.
I pray that the good Lord will grant us all – who are still on this side of heaven- to emulate her and pattern our lifes after this “God’s general”.
Adieu mama,
from Bukie on behalf of Youth for Christ Nigeria