Noreta Helen Schuelke

                                                                 OBITUARY

Noreta Helen Schuelke

June 10, 1938 – October 28, 2024

Noreta Helen (Petersen) Schuelke was born on June 10, 1938, in York, Nebraska, to Theodor Petersen and Helen (Scheele) Petersen. She was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Utica, Nebraska on July 10, 1938. Her baptismal verse was Mark 10:14,  “Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not; for such is the kingdom of  God.” (KJV) While still an infant her parents moved to Fremont County, Wyoming, where son Wilmer was born. Later they moved to Pavillion, Wyoming. The Petersen family became friends with Alwin and Martha Schuelke and along with the Schuelke's was active in starting Trinity Lutheran Church in Riverton, Wyoming. Later  the Petersen’s moved from Pavillion to Lander Wyoming where they were active in Bethel Lutheran Church  where Noreta confirmed her baptismal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord on April 6, 1952.

Noreta was an excellent student, active in church activities and Walther League. Her junior year in high school she and young John Schuelke dated and became engaged. In 1956 she graduated as Salutatorian from Lander High School. September 9th of 1956 she and John were married. They made their home in Laramie, Wyoming, where Noreta worked in a Law office while John finished his degree at the University of Wyoming. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1957 where John worked for Colorado Interstate Corporation. They lived there until 1970. John and Noreta were founding members of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church. Their son, Alvin, born in 1957, was the first baby baptized there. In 1958 identical twins Mary and Sheryl were born. In 1960 their family was completed by the arrival of Brian. Throughout their years in Colorado Springs Noreta was active in every aspect of parish life. Sunday mornings she made breakfast for the family and for other children that they took along to Sunday School and Church. The family took camping vacations to places all over the West and other parts of the United States.

In 1970 John took a position as Vice President of  Marsh Instrument Company and the family moved to Deerfield, Illinois. Once again, they were active in their local Lutheran Congregation. Noreta, the consummate homemaker, beautifully decorated all the homes they lived in. She was an excellent cook and hostess, seamstress, made crafts of all kinds and welcomed many guests into their home throughout their 68 years of marriage.

In 1971 John accepted the position of Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Noreta and John hosted dinners for the Board, welcomed missionaries, all while keeping up with four teenagers. They were able to travel around the globe to visit Mission sites in many countries. They also joined St. Matthew Lutheran Church in intercity St. Louis, engaging with the community in important and meaningful ways.

Noreta had a vision for outreach to the children surrounding St. Matthew. For many years she had a weekly outreach program with Bible Study, crafts, and snacks. Her love for children and sharing Jesus was her motivation. She loved the children, and they loved her! The program had a great impact and was in line with her baptismal verse, Mark 10:14. (This was also John’s baptismal verse)

In 1999 John and Noreta retired to Woodland Park where they lived these past 25 years. Their log home was, once again, a welcoming place for visitors and when wildfire decimated Lutheran Valley Ranch, they had a whole house full of displaced camp counselors having meals with them. Noreta continued to help and minister to people including to Ruth whom she saw walking down the street with a baby in one arm while helping a toddler walk with the other arm. She gave them a ride home and Ruth began helping at Faith Lutheran.  

 Noreta made every holiday special with wonderful meals, cookies, and desserts. There were always gifts for the grandchildren and she never forgot a birthday. In their daily devotions and prayers  she and John always remembered their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

About 9 years ago Noreta began her struggle with dementia and she and John transferred from Faith Lutheran Church in Woodland Park to Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Monument where in these last years they worshipped by accessing the live streaming of their services. Pastor Moreno served Noreta her last Communion on October 17 and he visited her at Forest Ridge Nursing Home in Woodland Park several days before her death on October 28. 

During the last four years Mary (Dawa Bhutin), a missionary from India and Nepal living in Colorado Springs assisted Noreta with house work and caring for her. Beginning in April of this year Mary moved in with Noreta and John as the prime care giver. Her Mission work includes ministering to homeless children, arranging for foster parents, providing clothes and a food bank while always sharing the Gospel.

Noreta is survived by her husband of 68 years, John, her children Alvin Schuelke, Mary (Bob) Benke, Sheryl Simpers, and Brian (Pam) Schuelke as well as 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Memorials in memory of Noreta can be made to Mary's (Dawa’s) Nepal Mission Work which is a 501©3 corporation and is tax deductible.

     Dawas Ministries
     4164 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. #431
      Colorado Springs, COLORADO 80918 

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