Proclamation
Whereas, it is with special pleasure that the family and friends of Ethmer Erisman pause to recognize Ethmer’s life.
Whereas, Wilber Ethmer Erisman was born November 10, 1924 in Fairview, MO to Wilber and Ova Erisman.
Whereas, Ethmer was first called to ministry in 1942 at the age of 18 to the Shoal Creek Church of the Brethren in Fairview and ordained to ministry two years later at 20 by the same church.
Whereas, Ethmer was the first in his family to attend college, graduating in 1946 from McPherson College in McPherson, KS, later helping three of his siblings also attend McPherson College. He also sent his children and several grandchildren to McPherson College.
Whereas, Ethmer continued his advocacy for his alma mater by serving its Board of Trustees for ten years.
Whereas, in 2021, McPherson College recognized Ethmer with its Citation of Merit Award presented to the college’s most distinguished alumni for lifetime service to their profession, community, church, and the college with values they developed as students at the college.
Whereas, Ethmer, in 1949, graduated from Bethany Theological College, in Chicago, IL with his masters of divinity degree.
Whereas, Ethmer met his wife Kathryn Valencourt of 66 years while studying at Bethany and they married in a double wedding ceremony with Kathyrn’s sister Mildred and Mildred’s husband Melvin.
Whereas, Ethmer and Kathryn were blessed with three children (David Erisman, Anne Erisman May and Gail Erisman Valeta), eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Whereas, Ethmer actively served for 75 years as a full-time and/or part-time pastor at Shoal Creek COB in Fairview, MO; Farrenburg/Broadwater COB near Madrid, MO; Carthage (MO) COB; Des Moines Valley COB near Ankeny, IA; Warrensburg (MO) COB; Mineral Creek COB in Leeton, MO and Kingsville (MO) Disciples of Christ Church.
Whereas, Ethmer was an educator for 16 years, serving as the principal and teacher for 7th and 8th grade in LaForge, MO; teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade near Grandy, MO; teaching 7th and 8th grade in Chilhowee, MO and instructing students briefly in Kingsville, MO.
Whereas, Ethmer truly knows how to connect with people, which was recently exemplified when a new acquaintance had trouble pronouncing his name. He simply said, “Just call me ‘friend’!”
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the friends and family of Wilber Ethmer Erisman, join together in extending our most heartfelt congratulations with gratitude and love upon the momentous occasion of Ethmer Erisman’s 100th birthday.
Offered by:
Warrensburg Church of the Brethren
November 10. 2024