Omaha Alumni Updates

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1940s
Anabel Marie (Larsen) Sabacky, a 1947 graduate of OBI, went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2012, at age 90. She was born in Minden, Nebraska, and graduated to Glory from the Bethany Home in Minden where she had been living since 2008. She graduated from high school in 1939 and taught in rural schools for five years. She attended OBI and later worked there as the book keeper where she endeared herself to many students. She also served with the Rural Bible Crusade and the Open Door Mission. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Omaha for 50 years. In 1963 she married Stanley Sabacky. He died in 1990. We extend our sympathy to her family, and we rejoice in the completion of her earthly service for Christ.

1950s

Donald Mueller ('58) entered the Lord's presence on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. He was 77  years old.  He pastored five churches in his pastoral ministry, the last one being in Bancroft, Iowa, where he served from 1976 to 2006. At the time of his Homegoing he was living in a nursing home in Bancroft. We extend our sympathy to his wife, Bernadine ('57), and the rest of his family. Pastor Mueller served the Lord faithfully for many years and now is enjoying the blessing of the Lord's presence. 

Marceline Rieser (ex. '53) went to be with the Lord on March 1, 2013. Marceline worked as a nurse before her retirement. She was living in Des Moines, Iowa, at the time of her Homegoing. We realize that many of those who attended OBI are now with the Lord. We rejoice with them in their "abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and SaviorJesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:11).

Faith Dark, a member of the OBI class of 1954, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. Faith and her husband Harold ('51) served for many years as missionaries in the Central African Republic. After retirement, they served the Lord in their church in Pennsylvania. Two of their three children, Dan and Pauline, also attended Faith. Philippians 1:21 is certainly a fitting verse for Faith Dark. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." The Faith Alumni Association extends its sympathies to the Dark family.

1960s
Joy Nettleton ('67) went to be with the Lord on March 8, 2013, after a 15-month battle with cancer. She was living in Lakeland, Florida, at the time. Joy was one the the six daughters of David and Ruth Nettleton, our president from 1965 to 1980. We extend our condolences to the Nettleton and Osterhout family. (4/13)

Gene Swim ('61) entered into Heaven on March 14, 2013. At the time he was living in Topeka, Kansas. Gene pastored several churches in the Midwest and before his retirement was the pastor for 30 years of Faith Baptist Church in Topeka. His wife, Shirley (ex. '57) passed away on September 4, 2012. We offer our sympathy to the Swim family. (4/13)

Gary Gonnerman ('67) recently retired as the pastor of St. Ansgar Baptist Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa, becuse of health reasons. He had pastored that church for nearly 29 years and spent a total of 45 years as a pastor. Gary writes, "We plan to continue to live in St. Ansgar, worship at the church, and continue to minister in whatever way will be helpful to the new pastor. I also plan on doing pulpit supply when possible. We love the Iowa Fellowship and look forward to continued fellowship with you." We wish Gary a pleasant, fruitful retirement.(3/13)

Charles Butrin, former dean of students and professor of Bible at OBBC and FBBC, went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2012, at the age of 93. He was living at the time in North Manchester, Indiana, near one of his daughters. His wife, Virignia, passed away in 2009. Mr. Butrin served from 1956 to 1968, the first year the school was in Ankeny. Mr. Butrin was a vital part of this institution for so many years and was fondly remembered by hundreds of students. We thank the Lord for his life and service for Christ.

Janice Brockel ('62) went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2012. After graduating from OBBC, she pursued a teaching degree and taught for 32 years in Omaha public schools. We extend our sympathies to her family. Visit the funeral home's website for more information.

Shirley Swim (ex. '57), wife of Gene Swim ('61), went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2012. She was a faithful helpmeet to her husband, Gene, as he pastored churches in the Midwest for 30 years. We extend our condolences to Gene and his family.