Condolence: A big part of my M.Div. seminary experience (1975-1979) was to be Ralph's student assistant for one-and-one-half years. In addition, I got to give guitar lessons to Cyndi and Paul!

I remember my frozen ears when he and I took a trip to Minneapolis in January to do research on the Lutheran Book of Worship.

We were so pleased that Ralph could come and baptize our younger daughter when we were in Warren, Illinois. Ralph and Jan always kept in touch through the years, and we were pleased to host them in our homes in both Nebraska and Colorado. Thank you, Quere family, and especially Ralph, for your support and love and faithfulness through the years.

Condolence: Ralph Quere had a passion for the Gospel, a commitment to the Confessions, and a concern for Lutheran evangelism. In the 48 years I have known him since we both arrived at the seminary in 1969, he as a professor and I as a student, he has been a teacher, counselor, mentor, co-worker, handball opponent, and friend.

We will remember him with thanksgiving for who he was and what he stood for. To Paul, Jim and Jenni we send our love and sympathy for we remember you well since we had many good times at your home.

We are sorry that we are not able to attend the funeral. God's peace to you at this time.

Condolence: Paul, Jim, and Jenni,

Judy and I are sorely disappointed that we could not be present today with you and others as your father is remembered before God.

At our local congregation Gloria Dei, this was Commitment Sunday as the climax to five weeks for the "Rebuilding + Renewing" Capital Campaign process in light the devastating damage done by fire to our building over two years ago. Judy has been directly involved as a member of the steering committee and had responsibilities to fulfill. We will write more later to remember our friend and colleague over the many years. I just shared the obituary with our seminary classmates.

Peace be with you all.

Jim

Condolence: I am privileged to have been Dr. Quere's student and to have had him preach at my ordination. He was a great teacher and a great man. His welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven must have been quite an affair, and I like to imagine him talking theology with all those people about whose theology he taught us.

I'm grateful to have known him.

Condolence: I was a student of Ralph's from 1983 to 87. During J-Term of 1987 I did data entry for him on a book he was writing at the time. Dr. Quere was at the same time a professor and teacher, and a friend and colleague. I had conversations with him that I would never have imagined having with my college professors. He embodied the "Life Together" we had at WTS. One day in Church History class Ralph must have observed that we were losing focus near the end of the class period and he declared, "If you don't remember anything from this class remember this: John Chrysostom died in 407." I will never forget.

Condolence: We send our sympathy to the entire Quere family. It's fun remembering the years we both lived on Ruann Drive and how the kids all grew up together. Cindy, Paul and Jim all babysat for our boys. Perhaps there are a few more jokes and "highjinks" in the neighborhood that we'll learn about in the future. Our memories include your active role at St. Peter's. Ralph's ready smile and willingness to help are among our memories. He led a long, faith-filled life and certainly touched the lives of many, many of his students. Sending our love and prayers to all of you.

Condolence: Ralph was friend, mentor, father figure, racquetball partner, co-scholar, and dialogue partner to and with me ever since we met in 1973. I was changing the oil on my car in the Wartburg parking lot and this skinny, bald guy walked up to me and said, “Hi, I’m Ralph.” Little did I know then that my life had just been impacted forever.

In my writing and speaking career I often spoke of the power of “Triple A Adults” in the lives of young people. Triple A adults are AUTHENTIC, AVAILABLE, and AFFIRMING. Ralph was the template for that bit of scholarly teaching. I use to say of him: “his hips and his lips go in the same direction.” What he said he did and what he did he said. There was a consistency of faithfulness, moral life, scholarly insight, friendship, and behavior that is rare.

I have literally hundreds of stories and memories rushing through my head, but I’ll share only one. About five months after Cindy passed away I was working with a group of senior high students at Wartburg. It was a summer outreach program to potential seminarians. Ralph was hanging out and supporting the effort. I asked him whether he would talk to the kids in the chapel about his faith and journey in light of Cindy’s passing. It would not be easy for him. He said he would. So imagine this scene…a group of high school kids full of attitude and energy sitting in a chapel at a seminary listening to a bald, skinny Reformation professor wearing a plaid shirt. I know it sounds like a recipe for “uncool” and “awkward”. But the opposite took place. Those kids were absolutely fixed and spellbound by him. His authentic witness, affirming style, and willingness to be available in his broken humanity held them motionless. We all knew we were on Holy Ground at that moment. Those kids heard the Good News of God’s love in Jesus in a way they had never imagined possible. I see that moment so clearly in my mind and will treasure it forever.

Last night I was lying in bed recalling all my Ralph Quere moments. And the image I fell asleep holding is this one. Somewhere, somehow Ralph and Jan are sitting with Cindy and holding Johnny and Davey in their arms. They are all at peace and together. That is my hope.

Condolence: In 1971 this Texan felt at home with Dr. Quere. After Greek, he was my 'connection' to getting acquainted with new students in the Fall semester. Not because of that alone but I felt at home with him and some of us would go to St. Donatus on Sundays. Later years my wife and I returned to WTS for vacation trips and got to greet him again. Years and distance did not remove my interest and connection with WTS and now, even in death, Dr. Quere is with us through many fond memories. May God comfort his family and friends. We can't do anything about death but God does. God's love, through Christ, takes death to bring eternal life. It is our comfort and peace.

Condolence: Dr. Quere was my advisor while I was at Wartburg 1977 to 1981. I have fond memories of him, wife Janice and "Rags" the three legged dog.
Condolences to you on your loss. May you feel the power of the Holy Spirit enfolding you as mourn. As we will hear in worship one week from Sunday: "He is not here, he has risen, He has risen indeed!"
Blessings to you as remember with tears and laughter your father.

Pastor Dale Svensen