Karl R. Gurgel, the tenth president of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, was called home to heaven on September 13, surrounded by his wife, Barb, (pictured with him) and other loved ones. Gurgel, who served as WELS president from 1993-2007, was 84. His funeral service will be held at St. Matthew’s, Winona, Minn., on September 25, at noon. To read more about Gurgel’s life and ministry, visit welshistoricalinstitute.org/histories/personal/president/1993-2007-gurgel.

“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).