60th Anniversary of Ordination
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church will celebrate 60 years of ministry for Rev. Donald Veitengruber Sunday, October 13 during the 9:30 am worship service and a reception afterward. Pastor Veitengruber and his wife, Deanna (“Dee”), moved to Greenville in 2001 after his retirement and joined Mount Calvary, becoming beloved members of the congregation. Although “retired” they still play an active role in the congregation and in the community! Rev. Veitengruber always wanted to be a pastor, following the example of an uncle, so he attended Lutheran schools in Wisconsin, the Senior College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He served a year of vicarage in Caracas, Venezuela, where he polished his Spanish language skills, which still serve him today as he tutors area Spanish-speaking students and others in literacy. Returning from vicarage and completing another year at Concordia, he graduated from the seminary in May,
1963 — and the very next day, June 1st, he and Dee were married, so Sunday’s event celebrates both his ministry and their marriage! He continued his studies another year to obtain his Master’s degree. Rev. Veitengruber was ordained and installed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Eldon, Missouri July 12, 1964 and served there until 1968 when he was called to serve St. Peter Lutheran Church in Caseyville, Illinois, near East St. Louis. He pastored there for 14 years until 1982 when he was called to St. John Lutheran Church in Port Sanilac, Michigan. In all communities where they lived, Dee has been involved in thrift stores, food pantries and other ministries in the church and area, while also caring for their family. Don pastored in Port Sanilac for 18 years until he retired in 2000. While there he was a member of the Port Sanilac Lions Club where he served as president and zone chairman. Since retiring here to Greenville in 2001, he continues to be active with the local Lions Club. He served his country, as well as his Lord, by providing spiritual support as a Chaplain in the Illinois National Guard for several years and then transferred to the Army Reserves serving in Illinois, Missouri and Michigan in various units. Commissioned while a seminary student, he retired in 1991 after 32 years of commissioned service, and is a member of the Reserve Officer Association. Here at Mount Calvary, Pastor Don has been the weekly Lifelight Bible Class leader for many years. The class numbers about 30 folks, including several from other churches and denominations. He also enjoys gardening and is often found at church trimming bushes or pulling weeds.
Dee has always been supportive of all of Dons activities, while herself being active in Lutheran Women in Mission and MOST ministries, travelling abroad to many places with eyeglass or Vacation Bible School missions. She has also served on the board and as a volunteer at the Greenville Ecumenical Food Mission for many years. At Mount Calvary she is active in planning and carrying out a variety of activities to enrich our church life. Dee has served as the church organist for many years and her musical talents at the organ, keyboard and with our Praise Team are much appreciated though she is looking forward to a time when she can take a bit of a rest from them. Mount Calvary is so blessed to have Pastor Don and Dee Veitengruber in our midst for 23 years and counting and we praise God and thank them for all the love and inspiration they give to us. The public is invited to join in the celebration Sunday. Mount Calvary is located at 908 West Oak Street in Greenville, near the hospital
