Stories: President Rudolf Kurt Poecker Obituary
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| "Rudolf Kurt Poecker: "Together Again"
Rudolf Kurt Poecker, 83, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully in his sleep January 8, 2003, in Lindon, Utah.
He was born December 31, 1919, in Fraureuth, Greiz, Thueringen, Germany, to Willy Emil Poecker nd Ella Thekla Trumpold.Rudolf grew up in Fraureuth, Germany. At age 17, while a pastry chef apprentice, he met Elfriede Ehrler. It was "love at first sight." Elfriede introduced Rudolf to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into which he was baptized in 1940. They were married December 14, 1942. During World War II, he was drafted into the German army and served as a medic in the elite Alpine troops for six years. Shortly after the war, he was called to serve a 2 year Church mission in his native country. During his mission, he was instrumental in procuring vast genealogical records that had been stored in underground salt mines. During these 8 years of service for his country and church, Elfriede waited faithfully for his safe return home. In 1948, he was called as the local branch president for the Church. Religious persecution resulted in his imprisonment in 1950 by the communist government in East Germany. Through the faith and prayers of many, he was finally released after 12 weeks. Soon thereafter, Rudolf, Elfriede and their two young sons escaped to West Berlin and later relocated to Hanover, West Germany. In February 1952, they immigrated to the Americas, where they settled in Mesa, Arizona. While in Arizona, they were sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa LDS Temple, became American citizens, and were blessed with two daughters. In 1959, the family moved to Orem, Utah where their third daughter was born. Rudolf worked as the bakery manager for Allen's Super Saver store. He later worked as Manager of the Provo Deseret Industries. There he was loved by all, for he was a man without guile. He loved people. He never met a stranger.
Dad loved the Lord. On the Russian battlefield, he made a promise to the Lord that if his life was spared, his life would be dedicated to serving the Lord. Dad was a man of his word, and served diligently in every calling. His church service included: branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake patriarch, president of the Germany Duesseldorf Mission (1972-1975), first counselor in the Frankfurt Germany Temple presidency (1988-1990). Dad, you always taught us that "nothing is too good for the Lord" and "immer gerade aus" (always straight ahead). We will miss you greatly, but will see you again. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Elfriede, his parents, his sister Marianna, his brother Kurt, and a grandson David Lowe. He is survived by two sons W. Rudy (Cindy) Poecker, and Nephi (Teeny) Poecker; three daughters Susan (Phillip) Lowe, Darlen (Roger) Stubbs, and Sonja (Kent) Peterson. He is blessed with 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who love him dearly. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 13, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the Lindon 20th Ward building, 250 W. 600 South, Lindon (App. 1600 North in Orem, exit #276 off I15). Friends may call Sunday from 7-9 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home 495 South State St, Orem, and also 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church on Monday. Interment will take place in the Orem City Cemetery."
Courtesy of The Daily Herald on page A5 Jan.10, 2003 |
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