Marjorie Ann (Nee Kuhlmann) Theimer

Born to the Rev. Prof. G. A. Kuhlmann and Dorothy (nee Meyer) in Winfield, KS, her early memories were formed around the campus life of St. John's College and the parish life of Trinity Lutheran Church (baptized 3/8/30; confirmed '44). Marjorie gained a perspective that transcended the small midwestern town of her youth through interactions with visiting missionaries, as well as the musical interests of her mother and the literary interests of her father. But she never lost the small-town value for lasting relationships in tight community.

In 1947 Marjorie met her future husband, "Sonny" (a.k.a. Paul W. Theimer, Jr.) at Camp Lutherhoma, which at that time was run by Walther League. Their relationship was able to continue that fall when Paul enrolled as a college freshman at St. John's while she was a senior in the Academy. When Paul decided to change course and go to Oklahoma A&M (OSU), Marjorie eventually chose him over continued education in St. Louis preparing for a possible nursing career. Her father performed the wedding ceremony at Trinity, Winfield on August 26, 1951. A year later she found herself travelling back and forth between Norman, OK and Winfield to care for her mother and siblings as Dorothy suffered from terminal cancer. Amidst many military moves, Marjorie moved back home for a time with her two young sons while Paul served as an Army helicopter pilot in Korea.

Afterward the family moved in succession to Odessa, TX, Carlsbad, NM, Big Springs, TX, Henderson, TX, Dallas, TX and finally Mom put her foot down--in Mineral Wells, TX, thanks to Southern Airways and Fort Wolters. They raised the family there from 1967 to 1983. Marjorie worked for many of those years in the school system. She and Paul were stalwart members of St. Mark Lutheran Church. After Paul decided to go to seminary they moved to St. Louis, and then to Mart, TX for Paul's internship and brief pastorate. She lived as a widow in Oklahoma City where she helped mutually care for some relatives and many fellow members of Zion and Messiah. She was a steadfast prayer warrior, much to the appreciation of those on her lists. Eventually some health conditions brought her to live temporarily in some of her sons' homes and finally into a nursing home. A severe stroke had compromised her movement and speech, but she coped with a dignity and grace inspired by the presence of Christ Jesus in her, with whom she had cultivated a deep and rich relationship through years of devotion and service under His forgiveness and provision. Those who were closest to her in the final years were blessed by the moments of glorious joy that radiated from her face, a joy that, for her, is no longer fleeting.

Marjorie was predeceased by her husband Paul, her sister Ruth and brother David. She is survived by her brother, Robert and Eloise Kuhlmann (Fate, TX), sister-in-law Ruanne Kuhlmann (Houston, TX), brother-in-law Conrad (Detroit Lakes, MN), her five sons: Tom (Sachse, TX), Roger and Cheryl (Louisville, NE), Keith and Sherri (Monrovia, CA), Doyle and Jeanine (Kingwood, TX), Philip and Anna (Lakeside, CA), fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, seven nephews and her favorite niece.

Funeral Services will be August 16 at Messiah Lutheran Church, OKC; 9:00 a.m. viewing and visitation, 10:30 a.m. funeral service.
Memorial donations may be made to the scholarship fund of St. John's College Alumni Association, PO Box 3761502 E. 6th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156; or to Camp Lutherhoma, PO Box 1672, Tahlequah, OK 74465 www.lutherhoma.com.