Marie Biesenthal, St. Louis, Missouri, died Wednesday, January 29, 2014, and is home in the arms of her Savior, Jesus. Her husband Rev. Dr. W. Leroy Biesenthal of 65 years survives her. They were blessed with two children.
Marie served in various capacities in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) for over 35 years. She served as Public Relations Committee Chairman and Public Relations Director, Mission Features Editor, 50th Anniversary Convention Chairman, and was the first Meeting Manager.
A pastor’s wife, she served the church in many ways, including The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s meeting planner and project manager of Pentecost 2000, and as hospitality chairman for the Concordia Seminary Guild.
Mrs. Biesenthal authored a portion of the LWML history book Wherever God Sends Us (edited by Marlys Taege Moberg © 2013), which tells how LWML mission grants have supported and affected missions and ministries for over 70 years. Marie also used the gifts God gave her to write Bible studies and share her faith. She loved butterflies, a symbol of "new life," and would tell her faith story when asked why she wore a butterfly on her shoulder.
A service of celebration will be held Sunday, February 2, 2 p.m., at Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 South Kirkwood, Kirkwood, Missouri, with a reception following. A memorial service will be held at Meramec Bluffs Chapel on Monday, February 3, at 10 a.m.
