To the family of Hildegard Preker -- loving mother and proud grandmother:
We are Dan and Marcia Davis, Simon first host family in Iola, Kansas, USA. Simon was with us from his arrival until he moved to his second host family, the Coffield's, on December 1. We were happy to open our home and our hearts to Simon and he soon became part of our family, the Rotary Club of Iola family, and the Iola High School family - especially the band family!
Dan is pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Iola, and we were very happy to have Simon worship with us while understanding his deep Catholic faith and making sure he also worshiped there as well. Siman also joined and played in the bell choir at the Presbyterian Church. The day his Oma died he was playing in the bell choir for the Iola Christmas Vesper service at the church. I'd like to think she the best heavenly seat in our sanctuary to hear her Simon play the bells as well as sing in community choir and he even sang a solo as he opened the singing of Stille Nacth in German.
It was after that concert once we got home that we saw Eva's email about Hildegard's death, Marcia and I called the Coffield's and told them and let them know we'd be over to give the sad news to Simon.
Please know that all of the Presbyterians in Iola, Kansas were keeping Hildegard and all of you in our prayers as we heard of her fall, surgery, set back and stay in a care home. We, as we are sure all of you, were praying for what we believed was the best for Oma while also faithfully praying The Lord's Prayer (your Our Father) where we say with all hope and faith that we seek not our will, but that God's will be done.
Please accept our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers as you say goodbye Hildegard even as God is welcoming her from life to life everlasting. Fill that empty place in your lives and hearts with thoughts and memories of your mom and Oma. When Simon gets back to Germany in July 2025, we know one thing for sure. When you look again at his face in person and behold the playful smile in his eyes and on his face, you will be looking at the smiling eyes and face of his beloved Oma. I know this because when I looked at the picture of her, a few years younger, posted on this memorial page, I saw where Simon got his playful countenance!
Prayers and Love from Kansas,
Dan and Marcia Davis
