In Memoriam

Mrs. Denise Schlawin

On Saturday morning May 4, 2024, God called long-time FVL teacher Denise Schlawin home to heaven at the age of 64. She began teaching at FVL in 1983, and during her many years at FVL, Denise taught home economics, foods, sewing, art, sculpture, photography, and a math class. Denise had a passion for art and gifted hundreds of people with her artistic paintings, sculptures, and sewing projects. Denise had a heart for children and for sharing the gospel with others. She led several mission trips, including trips to the Dominican Republic and to Lusaka, Zambia. She lived her faith and had a love for her Savior that the students she chaperoned found contagious. 

Denise’s third battle with cancer ended on May 4, but she did not lose that battle. By God’s grace, it ended not in defeat but rather in the long-awaited victory that Jesus had won for her on Calvary and then promised her on the day of her baptism. As she in faith looked forward to the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, Denise wrote: “Our lives here on earth may end at any time. I have never doubted God’s plans for my life and for my salvation. Even in the darkest and hardest times, God was always there.” With that same faith, Denise chose Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God” for her funeral text.

We find great comfort in God's promise: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants" Psalm 116:15.

Merlin H. Putz was born on November 24, 1935 and was called home to his Savior’s side on Friday, May 24, 2024. Mr. Putz taught classes ranging from math, physical education, business, social studies, typing, and Old Testament at FVL from fall of 1980 until his retirement in 2001. He also served in Northwood, Iowa; Wrightstown, Wisconsin; and Crete, Illinois. He was a humble and faithful servant of his Lord, serving as a teacher, Pioneer leader, and Sunday school teacher. His love for his Savior was evident in the classroom no matter what subject he was teaching. 

We thank God for Merlin’s gospel ministry and find comfort in Jesus’ promise: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” John 11:25-26.