Rev. Herbert F.
Lichtenberg
- Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church S66 W14325 Janesville Rd. Muskego, WI 53150 from 9:30am – 11:00am with a service at 11:00am. Burial to follow at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Herbert F. Lichtenberg
(1931 – 2024)
Pastor Herbert F. Lichtenberg, due to the grace and mercy of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, was called into the glory of everlasting life on March 2, 2024, at the age of 93 years, 1 month and 3 days.
Herbert F. Lichtenberg was born on January 28, 1931, in Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, the son of Theodore and wife, Selma (Gerwing) Lichtenberg. He was baptized on February 22, 1931, and confirmed on June 11th 1944. He received his schooling at Woodland Road Public School, Northwestern Preparatory School, Northwestern College, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin. Herbert spent his vicar year at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. While in Appleton, he met and fell in love with Esther Klemp. Esther and Herbert were married on June 9, 1956.
Herbert was ordained and served as pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hastings, Nebraska from 1956 to 1963. In 1963, Herbert accepted a call to Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska where he served as Pastor until 1970. In 1970, Herbert accepted a call to St. John’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he served until his retirement in 1996.
On retiring from the ministry, Herbert and Esther moved 3 doors down from the St. John’s parsonage until they moved to Greendale, Wisconsin and became members of St. Paul’s Muskego. During his retirement years he found joy in numerous capacities: preaching at area congregations, visiting shut-ins, and also serving as a chaplain at a military base in Germany. He continued to be involved with numerous boards and synod conventions until 2023.
Survivors include his wife: Esther; four children: Susan Dibb of Jackson, WI; Karen Mathes and husband, James of Coloma, WI; Herbert Lichtenberg Jr. and wife, Michelle of Waterford, WI; Mary Venus and husband, Thomas of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; 6 grandchildren: Michael (Kerri) Dibb; Jennifer (Mark) Venz; Kayla (Bill) McCulley; Kyle (Lauren) Preston; Brandon Lichtenberg; Justin Lichtenberg; 6 Step-grandchildren; Tracy (Ryan) Halter; Troy (Brittany) Venus; Tiffany (Andrew) Gullickson; Timothy (Emily) Venus; Amber Wesley; Jennifer Mathes; 10 great grandchildren: Samuel Moore; Alexander Moore; Christopher Moore; Noah Gruetzmacher, Sophia Gruetzmacher, Maxton Dibb; Naomi Preston; Anika Preston; Evelyn McCulley; Anneliese McCulley; 15 step-great grandchildren; brother Frederick Lichtenberg. Numerous other relatives and friends also survive.
Preceded in death by his parents: Theodore and Selma Lichtenberg; Brothers: Harold Lichtenberg and his wife Ann; Theodore Lichtenberg Jr. and his wife Alice; Sister: Dorothy Maas and her husband Elroy; Sister-in-law: Judy Lichtenberg; Four infant Children: Rachel, Peter, Paul and David; One Grandson Preston; Son-in-law Kenneth Dibb.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 9:30 until 11:00 with the celebration service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s S66 W14325 W Janesville Road, Muskego, WI with the Rev. David Kuehl officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Church Extension Fund (WELS), Wisconsin Lutheran High School or St. Paul’s Muskego.
Special thanks to the Doctors and entire staff at Vitas Ruth’s Hospice House for their genuine care and compassion as well as the staff at Elizabeth Residence.
Confirmation by Pastor and He also officiated my wedding!
My sincere condolences to the family as Pastor will be greatly missed by all that knew Him!!
Esther & family- Sincerest sympathy at Herb’s passing to eternal life and glory. Our retirement service was the last I saw you two., nearly 9 years ago. Always enjoyed visits, bowling, etc. with him. Memories go back to his coming for meals with my parents when he vicared at FVL and stayed with the Kuehl’s, a block away from our house. When talking with him at my last call, it sounded as though life was getting harder. He’s free, but, by God’s will, you go on. May He give you peace, hope, strength and joy in looking forward to eternal life and glory with Christ our Savior. In Christ, Dan Falck
Confirmed Kathy, married Wayne and Kathy, baptized both of our children and confirmed them both. So much time shared at St John’s Church and School. Deepest Sympathy to all of Pastors family. He is home with our Father.
Married us 51 years ago and baptized our first child at St Johns.
I got confirmed by Pastor Lichtenberg. He was a kind and wonderful, God-fearing man who will be missed.
Dear Pastor Lichtenberg was my confirmation Pastor, with Pastor Schultz in 1975. What a wonderful servant of Christ. Preached at our wedding and was a dear friend of our family. His Esther was a daily visitor to my brother when hospitalized in a coma. We send our love and prayers to his family. Well done, good and faithful servant. 💖✝️
Pastor Lichtenberg performed the ceremony when my wife and I were married in 1988. He was a no nonsense guy which we both appreciated
Dear Esther, family and friends, I want to express my sympathy to you as well as my extreme joy for your family member, now at his Savior’s side. How sad we are for us. How happy we are for him! The battle is over. The victory is won! I served with Pastor Lichtenberg for sixteen years. He approached every challenge and each endeavor head on with unmitigated vigor. I had the privilege of serving on the St.John Milwaukee’s “boat” with many other fishermen and fisherwomen. Our fishing license permit/call was to seek an unlimited “catch” of men, women and children. What a wonderful way to spend one’s, life’s work! Such a rewarding undertaking. Pastor is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. Your dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather is now safe with Jesus forever. We rejoice with you in the triumph he has received. May the Spirit fill your souls with the comfort, cheer and confidence of the empty tomb. Pastor Lichtenberg was an instrument of the Holy Spirit. He touched countless hearts with his Christian witness in word and deed.. Jesus keep you in His loving arms. H.J.Meyer
A memorial to the Church Extension Fund (WELS) has been given in his honor.
My heart is saddened that the world has lost another good person, but rejoices that he is home in heaven. I wish I could be there to share memories. I thank God for him in my life and my son’s. The lessons of God that we learned from him have stayed with us.
I thank God for making him part of my life.
Patti Nylen (Gunkel)
Over the years I’ve often thought of Pastor Lichtenberg and his influence on his flock. He was such a kind man and devoted pastor. Being part of one of his confirmation classes at St. Johns was an wonderful experience. He has now received his rich reward in heaven, and many of us are fortunate to have known him.
I’m sorry for you loss but we know he is home the Lord and will meet again. Pastor Lichtenberg confirmed me at St. John’s. Over the years I had a number of conversations with him that were helpful and meaningful to me. His ministry was a blessing for which I have always been thankful.
Our Condolences to the family, Aunt Selma was my Mother , Erna wedde’s sister.