Ervene Leona Nothwehr

Ervene Leona Nothwehr, 96, of Sedalia, Missouri, entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at E.W. Thompson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sedalia. She was born on October 1, 1929, in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Francis Muller and Elsie Anne Sunderman Muller, who preceded her in death.

Ervene was baptized as an infant at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Yorktown, Iowa, and was confirmed there at the age of 13. She graduated from Clarinda High School in Clarinda, Iowa, in May of 1947.

On June 6, 1948, in Yorktown, Iowa, Ervene was united in marriage to Rolland R. Nothwehr at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Together, they began their married life on a farm near Yorktown, where they lived for 12 years before Rolland entered the seminary in Springfield, Illinois, to become a Lutheran pastor. Rolland preceded her in death on January 20, 2003.

After Rolland completed his seminary education in 1964, they moved to Crestview, Florida, where he served Our Savior Lutheran Church for three years. He later received a call to Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Missouri. After five years there, the Lord called them to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and five years later, they were called to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia, Missouri.

Throughout her life, Ervene faithfully served alongside her husband in ministry. She was active in each church they served, assisting with secretarial duties, teaching Sunday School, leading fourth and fifth grade confirmation classes, helping with Vacation Bible School, serving in LWML offices, singing in the choir, and taking part in many other church activities.

Ervene also served as a Girl Scout leader and enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. She and Rolland owned and operated a clothing store in Sedalia for more than 20 years, where she especially enjoyed organizing and presenting style shows. She also volunteered for many years at the Bothwell Hospital gift shop.

Ervene and Rolland shared a love for travel and enjoyed many wonderful vacations together. They visited all 48 continental states, as well as Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. Upon Rolland's retirement, Our Savior Lutheran Church gifted them a trip to Europe, where they toured Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Norway, and enjoyed a cruise along the Rhine River. Later in life, Ervene also traveled to Alaska with a friend.

Ervene is survived by three children, Danny Dean Nothwehr and his wife, Debra, of Greenfield, Indiana, Randall Francis Nothwehr and his wife, Michele, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Renee Lorraine Curtis and her husband, David, of La Monte, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jason Nothwehr and his wife, Amber, Brian Curtis and his wife, Stephanie, Jeffrey Nothwehr and his wife, Jennifer, Jessica Hollingsworth and her husband, Isaac, and Troy Curtis and his wife, Andrea; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ervene was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Sheffield.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, with Pastor Andrew Tessone officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Highland Sacred Gardens in Sedalia, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Nothwehr, Troy Curtis, Brian Curtis, Jason Nothwehr, Alexander Curtis, and James Curtis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Savior Lutheran Church Radio Ministry.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.