Obituary of Dr. Victor B. Streufert

Dr. Victor B. Streufert, 96, of Lindsborg died March 24, 2023 at Bethany Home, Lindsborg. He was born on October 1, 1926 to the Rev. Alfred and Lydia (Brauer) Streufert in Annandale, Minnesota. Following his mother’s death during his early infancy, he was lovingly raised in Oak Park, Illinois by his uncle and aunt, Walter and Anna Berndt. He was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL and graduated from Concordia High School and Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. In 1945, he taught at a one-room school at St. John’s, Lyons Creek, near Herington, KS. In 1948, he studied and taught at St. John’s College in Winfield, KS where he also coached track. In 1952, he began teaching at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL, where he met Carolyn (Kay) Schmidt, a student from Garfield Heights, Ohio. They married on June 17, 1956. After gaining degrees from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri), Washington University (St. Louis, Missouri), and Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Illinois), he was ordained as a pastor and called to teach at Concordia College (Illinois), Bethany College (Kansas), and Concordia College (Nebraska). He also assisted with church planning for the Lutheran Council in the USA (LCUSA) and the Northern Illinois District of the Missouri Synod. He was involved in church-related statistical analyses and helped found the Center for Social Research in the Church (CenSRCH) at Concordia College, River Forest. Upon retirement in Lindsborg in 1991, he provided pulpit supply for many area congregations and assisted Bethany College with institutional research. He also led the Christmas German service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina for twenty years. Vic was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed gardening, telling jokes, finding out people’s stories, and helping Christians work together. His family was his joy. He is survived by his wife, Kay, of Lindsborg; children: Peter (Deanna) of London, ON; Jean (Mike) of Mitchell, SD; Stephen (Lisa) of Bainbridge Island, WA; and Ann (Terry) of Decorah, IA. Also thanking the Lord for his life are seven grandchildren: Kari (Dave), Erik, Catherine (Reid), Shea (Emma), Kendall, Stella, Pete; five great-grandchildren: Eva, Orin, Jacob, Soren, Collins; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Vic was preceded in death by nine siblings: Herbert (Norma), Gertrude Christensen (Hans), Edgar (Verona), Mark (Selma), Bert (Adeline), Cordelia Koepke (Edwin), Hildegarde Crane (Frank), Carl (Phyllis), and Alfred (Laurie). Visitation will be from 5-7 pm., Friday, March 31, at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg. A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg on Saturday, April 1 at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be at 2:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 702 S. 9th St., Salina. The family invites everyone to these services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, Bethany College or Bethany Home. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.