Legacy of Faith – Lorenz and Margaret

Lorenz and Margaret

Lorenz Rusert was a hardworking, practical man. He was always willing to help others who were in need. He was humble, generous, and a wonderful example of Christian love. Whether it was someone studying to be a pastor or teacher who needed help with tuition, or a local congregation or school that had a building project, or a desire to support WELS mission work, Lorenz was the guy who would help. His love for his Savior was obvious.

His passion for mission work went back to when the family moved to Minnesota. The first Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) national convention was held at their home church and Lorenz’s wife Margaret was a founding member of that first action team. The family still holds a deep love for LWMS and enjoys going to the annual convention where they meet all kinds of people and learn about mission work happening all over the United States and around the world. That love for mission work led to gifts that support a variety of WELS ministries such as Home Missions and the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, World Missions, the education center in Vietnam, Mission Journeys, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary scholarships, and more.

Lorenz and Margaret’s sons, Roger and Jerry, along with their wives

Lorenz thought about what his money could do after he was in Heaven and talked about it with his sons. He understood the importance of legacy gifts. Son Jerry encourages, “So many people are uncomfortable and don’t want to talk about what happens with their money when they die.” But working with their dad while he was alive helped the sons ask great questions and understand his wishes; his intentions were very clear. They set up the trust following his desires and now sons Roger and Jerry, along with their wives, manage the family trust. They take out a certain percentage each year and give it to the church to help spread the gospel in local communities and around the globe. “He will always be an amazing man in our eyes and in our hearts; he had such foresight for mission work for his whole life,” says daughter-in-law Judy.

Lorenz was a living example of how to serve God and share the love of Jesus through WELS mission work. His family continues to serve the church in many ways. They put their faith in action and share these earthly blessings entrusted to them. Now Lorenz’s legacy of giving lives on through his children. The family encourages others to think about how they could use their earthly blessings and put a plan in place. Consider what your legacy of faith could accomplish. “What good can you do with your money? What better than bringing someone to God,” says son Roger.

To learn more about leaving a legacy of faith to support mission work in a way that works for you and your family, explore the many options offered through WELS Foundation or WELS Church Extension Fund at wels.net/give.