Funeral for Loretta Kochersperger

Call to Worship: Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Invocation

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Lisa

Meditation

Reflections: Matthew and Rachael

Benediction

We gather today for two purposes.  One is to glorify God, as He is the author of life.  The other is to celebrate the life of Loretta Kochersperger 

On behalf of the Central Schwenkfelder Church, deepest sympathy is extended to Ken and Lisa, Nina, Grandchildren: Matthew, Rachael and Jennifer. And Loretta’s siblings: Shirley, Rodney and Sandra.

This morning, we turn to the Scriptures to shed light on our situation.  Christians have always turned to God’s word, the Bible, to find comfort and strength, especially at a time of loss.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states,

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- A time to give birth, and a time to die… .”

This passage might give us the impression that death is something natural, just because it is expected.  After all, the Scripture attributes a time for everything under heaven.  There is a certain inevitability associated with death.  But it is never to be thought of natural in the purest sense. 

Death entered our world for a reason.  That reason is due to the presence of sin.   Romans 5:12 states,

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned… .” 

As a result of the Fall and our disobedience to God, humankind suffered the sentence of death.  All people die because all sin. We are told in Hebrews 9:27 that

“...it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment… .”

Every human being has an appointment to appear before the sovereign God of the universe and give an account for his/her  life. 

But as frightening as this situation may sound, it was for this reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth as God incarnate so many years ago.  Christ died and rose again to abolish death for those who trust in Him.  Note Christ’s words in John 11:25,

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”  

The believer possesses the sweet knowledge and anticipation of life after death, because Jesus arose from the dead.  The Christian lives in this world knowing that his real home is not of this world.  Rather God has prepared a place for him. 

So how can we access this gift of life after death?  It is not through being a good person or adhering to a moral code.  Rather, it is through the gifts of repentance and faith.  Jesus preached at the outset of His ministry throughout the villages of Galilee:

“The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel.”

Repentance is a change of heart and mind.  It means we go from your way of living to God’s way of living.  It is implied in the act of confession, when a person comes before the Lord and seeks His forgiveness for the offensive things he has done.

And there’s faith.  Faith is not just believing that there is a God.  Most people believe that there is a God.  Faith, rather, is embracing God and following Him.  Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny Himself; take up His cross and follow Me.” 

Death is a transition from one state of life to another.  The apostle Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:1:

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 

And, that when we are “…absent from the body, we are …at home with the Lord.” 

This is good news for the Christian, especially when he finds himself in a world where there is so much death. 

So there is urgency for all to repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus Christ, in order to possess heaven as their home.

We are also here to reflect upon the life of Loretta Kochersperger.

Personality and Interests

Loretta was a special lady who loved to host dinners and entertain family and friends.

Loretta had a feisty personality. She was opinionated, yet loving. Loretta had the reputation of helping anyone that needed her. She was admired for her honesty and wit. What was on her mind, came forth from her lips.

She was the Loretta Sell, raised in Spring Mount.

Loretta had many interests. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and keeping her home immaculate. So few people do that today, that we miss it.

Her children recall wonderful times of watching home movies, having dinner with friends and neighbors, and dining at local restaurants.

Loretta worked for Renninger's Supermarket on Main Street in Schwenksville. She then was employed by Perkiomen Valley High School and Middle School, working in the cafeteria to provide hot lunches for hungry students.

She also had a cleaning business for a time.

Marriage and Parenting

Loretta was married to the love of her life, Bernard, “Buck”. They were high school sweethearts and enjoyed a loving union for 49 years. Buck passed in 2007. He was only 69. Loretta lived an additional 20 years without her husband. She was a resilient woman.

As a mother, Loretta was described as exceptional. Family was the epicenter of her life.

She raised her children in the home, while Buck worked on the road and came home on the weekends. Her plate of life was full.

Her children stated: “She gave us a good life. Mom and Dad were a team. Dad was the enforcer. Mom was the good cop.

Vacation time was always special. Going to the upper peninsula of Michigan. There were trips to Ohio to experience a favorite amusement park in Sandusky. Grandkids liked to jump on the motel beds. Many great memories were made.

Buck and Loretta adored their grandkids: Matthew, Rachael, and Jennifer.

Loretta cared for them when they were ill. Many times Rachael had stomach aches at school, only to somehow be miraculously healed once back at her Mom-mom’s home.

Philosophy and Approach to Life

Personal passions of Loretta were freedom of speech, and a belief that timing is everything. She was blessed with a strong will and backbone.

She invested many things into her loved ones, like the importance of family, honored traditions, and making others feel important.

Loretta was raised in the Lutheran church and believed in helping others. She would use her cooking skills to bless others and would volunteer at her children’s school events.

Loretta would like to be remembered as a feisty, yet elegant lady. She kept herself and her home to the highest standard.

As you say goodbye to her today, may the Lord grant your His grace to trust Him for comfort and strength. Amen.

Dedication and Benediction

This service is dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of Loretta Ann Kochersperger, who was born on March 11, 1941 and passed from this life on July 15, 2025.