CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Henry F. Treptow, 74, former executive director of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) Board of Pensions and retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died June 13 in Kerrville, Texas.
Before he was executive director of the Board of Pensions, Treptow was personnel officer of the ALC Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1976. Treptow assumed the role of executive director of the Board of Pensions and served until the ELCA was formed in 1987, when he retired. During his tenure the Board of Pensions became a place where "personal connections with people" were stressed, said Beth Storaasli, then-chair of the board.
"He was so committed. The beneficiaries loved him," said Storaasli.
Treptow was born April 7, 1928, in Halletsville, Texas. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Texas Lutheran College, Seguin, Texas, in 1949, and a bachelor of divinity degree from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, in 1953. Texas Lutheran College became Texas Lutheran University in 1996, one of 28 ELCA colleges and universities, and Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary merged with Hamma Divinity School in 1974 to become Trinity Lutheran Seminary, one of eight ELCA seminaries.
Treptow served as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Posey, Texas; Grace Lutheran Church, Slaton, Texas; and Bethany Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Texas. During December 1963 while at Bethany Lutheran, Treptow gave an "Official State Visit Service" for President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, cabinet members of the United States government and members of the West German government.
Treptow was a member of the Alumni Association of Texas Lutheran College from 1960 to 1968 and served as president from 1962 to 1966. He was also a member of the Board of Regents of Texas Lutheran College from 1966 to 1971, congregational fund drive chairman for Lutheran General Hospital, San Antonio, from 1964 to 1965 and an ALC representative to the Lutheran Housing Coalition, New York, from 1972 to 1976.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, a son, Chris, and daughters, Carol and Connie. He was preceded in death by a son, Carl.
Funeral services were held June 17 in Halletsville, Texas. A memorial service was held June 18 in Kerrville, Texas. -- -- -- EDITORS: Memorial donations can be sent to the Treptow Scholarship Fund, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court Street, Seguin, Texas, 78155-5999.
*Amy Wineinger is a junior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. This
summer she is an intern with ELCA News and Media Production.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
