Donor Stories

Do a Good Turn
Ann Marie Rossing - Madison, South Dakota

"My husband, David, and I believe that Christ-centered ministries have the most impact for change, and change is eternal in the lives of those who are touched. I was fortunate to attend Sioux Falls Seminary and benefited from theological and psychological training that has equipped me for God's service. I have been privileged to meet many individuals who are now transforming the lives of those they encounter because they themselves have been changed from encountering the living Christ in this place. We support Sioux Falls Seminary because we know His work is being done through the facility and all who share their gifts."

Ann Marie is employed at Sioux Falls Psycholical Services and her husband, Dr. Dave Rossing, serves as a Sioux Falls Seminary trustee.

 
First-Time Gift to Make Lasting Impression
Booker T. Washington is credited with saying, "…those who are happiest are those who do the most for others," and those closest to Edmund F. and Viola (Dallman) Ost know that this special couple lived by that philosophy. In fact, it is precisely that spirit of generosity that prompted them to establish the Edmund F. and Viola Ost Scholarship Endowment at Sioux Falls Seminary.

Raised on a working farm in North Dakota, Viola moved to Bismarck to work after graduation. When her parents' health began to fail, Viola returned to Fredonia, ND, to care for them. Shortly thereafter, she accepted a position as a postal clerk at the Fredonia Post Office where she met, fell in love with, and married the postmaster, Edmund F. Ost. This service-oriented couple continued to serve the patrons of the Fredonia post office and that community for 35 years.

After retiring, they moved to Kulm, North Dakota, in 1983. Edmund went home to be with his Lord on January 17, 2003, and Viola continues to live in the home they built for their retirement. Active members of the Kulm United Methodist Church, Viola relates that Edmund was always encouraging others to know the Lord as he did. He had the utmost respect for leaders God called to help others get to know him as their Lord and Savior. Bruce Adams, the Ost's former pastor and an alum of NABS (now Sioux Falls Seminary), describes Edmund and Viola as individuals of deep faith. Viola served as the church organist for many years, Edmund was consistently the lay delegate to the annual UMC Dakotas Conference, and both were active in Sunday School, Bible studies, and lay leadership roles within the church.

The Edmund F. and Viola Ost Scholarship will provide assistance to a full-time Sioux Falls Seminary student who is pursuing a Master of Divinity, demonstrates financial need, and has a declared desire to serve as either a missionary or pastor.

During his time on earth, Edmund was known as a master gardener, one whose garden produced beautiful roses and plush produce. Through a life lived by faith, he and Viola "planted seeds" for the Kingdom; and now, as a result of careful planning, they will continue growing the Kingdom of God by investing in equipping Christian leaders who will lead others to him.

Remembering Ray
No doubt you have heard us talk about Raymond DeNeui. The giving while living philosophy of Ray and his late wife Edie is held in high regard and admired by many. In fact, the first dollar given to the Leadership Foundation at Sioux Falls Seminary was a gift by Ray and Edie.

Our long-time seminary friend and supporter, Raymond DeNeui, passed away on October 27, 2004, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Born December 19, 1919, near Chancellor, SD, Ray began his life of service when he accepted Christ in his youth. Whether serving as an active member of his church, volunteering at the seminary for a mailing, attending President's Council events, or helping out individuals in need, Raymond impacted the lives of others.

Ted Faszer, Professor of Educational Ministries and Church Music, and his wife, Marietta, shared a special friendship with Ray. Below, Ted shares some special memories of his friend:

Ray DeNeui was deeply devoted to Christ. He expressed his faith through a life of service. While Ray was actively farming, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a youth leader at First Baptist Church of Chancellor, SD. Ray was also a friend, encourager, and mentor of pastors, seminary students, and seminary professors.

Our family became well acquainted with Ray in 1974. While pastoring there, we worked closely together as Ray chaired the parsonage building committee for First Baptist in Chancellor. Ray's first wife, Frances, died of cancer that year. Ray and I were together at Frances' bedside quoting scripture and praying while she entered her eternal home.

Ray continued to serve the Lord with his second wife, Edith Schroeder, who had previously served as a missionary to Cameroon, Africa. They met when Ray helped provide transportation during a missions conference. When Ray and Edie retired from farming, they continued active volunteer ministries. They traveled around the United States and Canada with a Cameroon Choir. They volunteered often at Sioux Falls Seminary helping with phonothons, mailings, and fundraising campaigns.

Ray and Edie often spoke of their philosophy of giving while living and generously supported the ministry of their church, Sioux Falls Seminary, the NAB Conference, Taylor University College and Seminary, and the University of Sioux Falls. They also gave abundantly of their time and wisdom in supporting the Lord's work.

Ray lovingly cared for Edie during her final stages of cancer in 2003, while he was personally battling cancer. Ray and I were together at Edie's bedside when she went to be with Christ. During the year following Edie's death, Ray suffered two heart attacks and underwent quadruple bypass surgery from which he made an amazing recovery.

Ray was actively serving Christ by running an errand for his ill brother-in-law when he was involved in an automobile accident from which he was not able to recover. Ray's influence of loving service will live on through those he touched. His ministry of supporting God's work will also continue through the endowments he established.