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A letter from the Luhrsen family was included in our church newsletter in June 2010.
“In lieu of flowers…” is a four word phrase that we didn’t pay much attention to until we had to add it to
Marlene’s obituary. The remainder of the sentence was, “Donations are sent to the American Cancer
Society, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International), or the First Presbyterian Church
of Wheaton.”
It seems that that last sentence was taken to heart. There were less than a dozen floral arrangements
received, and the donations to the two foundations were significant. We are encouraged with the funding to
help fight Marlene’s Mesothelioma, a very ugly cancer. We are also hopeful that the many contributions will
help find a cure for juvenile diabetes, the disease that plagues one of our grandchildren.
The gifts to our church, by members, relatives, and friends, were overwhelming. We found out that our
building and grounds committee had the perfect project on their wish list. They wanted to create a garden
at the entry to the sanctuary. It was to incorporate paving brick, four stone benches, and four plots of
greenery. This was just the kind of project Marlene would have loved. When we matched the donations,
the memorial garden was on its way. Marlene’s estate was also tapped to fund the church’s mission
outreach programs. We feel that every dollar we spend on our church should be matched with a gift to
some needy program.
The entrance to our church will never be the same to us. As we enter and leave church each Sunday, we
will always feel Marlene’s love and presence. “In lieu of flowers…” has a new meaning to us.
These financial gifts to the two foundations and our church were appreciated. The love and the prayers
from everyone, especially our small group was what really helped us through this difficult time. Our loving
small group provided meals every Friday night while Marlene was fighting Mesothelioma, and they hosted
the luncheon after Marlene’s memorial service.
On May 23, 2010, the Sanctuary Garden was dedicated in memory of Marlene and many others who
wanted to ensure the continued beauty of landscaping and gardens at First Pres as a legacy.
Thank you all for your prayers, many prayer cards, and gifts.
~ Paul Luhrsen and family
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