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Submitted: 2/21/22 • Approved: 3/4/22 • Last Updated: 3/7/22 • R1421953-G1421952-S3
October 29, 1923 - May 21, 2020
*Obituary
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Saturday, May 24, 2020
BELLA VISTA — Lillian Marie Pingel, age 96, died May 21, 2020, at Circle of Life Hospice after suffering a stroke May 15. In her strong faith, she knew that "this mortal life must put on immortality," (I Cor 15:53), and she both lived and looked forward to the resurrection life that is hers in Jesus Christ.
She was born Oct. 29, 1923, in Frohna, Mo., the eldest daughter of Ernst and Martha (Vogel) Kramer, and second of six children in a Missouri Synod Lutheran, dairy farming family.
Lillian moved to St. Louis during the Great Depression to work to help support the farm, and during World War II met Melvin E. Pingel, who was studying for ordained ministry at Concordia Lutheran Seminary. They married in 1945 and Lillian faithfully supported Melvin's ministry in calls to Emporium, Pa., Hamburg, N.Y., Mt. Pocono, Pa. and Pittsburgh, Pa., raising four children before retiring to Bella Vista, Ark, in 1987.
Lillian remained active in congregational life at both Faith Lutheran, Bentonville, and Bella Vista Lutheran. She taught, sang in choir, and served in many ministries that allowed her to use her skills in sewing and cooking. She served for many decades in both the LWML and Braille Bible ministries of both churches.
Like her Kramer siblings, she was athletic and loved the outdoors, taking pleasure in flower and vegetable gardening. Visiting family, attending family events, and delighting in her grandchildren were at the heart of much joy in her life.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 44 years, Melvin, brother Herb (Wilma) and sisters Doris Bergman (Ralph), Marie Wirth (Walter) and Betty Meyer (Art).
She is survived by son Mark Pingel (Connie); daughter Susan Duvall; son James Pingel (Mairi); son Paul Pingel (Jill);
grandchildren Sarah DiPasquale and Johanna Pingel, Michael and Joseph Duvall, Alex and Eric Pingel, Lily and Hannah Pingel; great-grandchildren Emma and Matthew DiPasquale; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as brother Roy (Ramona).
A private graveside interment will be held May 23, 2020, at Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Hass officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those who wish to offer a memorial gift may do so to Bela Vista Lutheran Church or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.
Contributed on 2/21/22 by wfields55
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Record #: 1421953