Rev. Ardene A. Wuthrich

Ardene was born June 19, 1937 in Taylor, Texas to Alex and Wilhelmina (Zwernemann) Wuthrich.

He graduated from Taylor High School in 1955. Despite his Sunday School teachers’ encouragement to purse the ministry, he attended Draughon’s Business College in Austin TX. While at Draughon’s, he felt a strong call to ministry and left to attend Texas Lutheran College. He graduated from TLC in May 1960.

Ardene met his future wife, Burdine, while attending Texas Lutheran College and they were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Slaton, TX on August 14, 1960.

Ardene graduated Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio in 1964 and did his internship at St. Paul Lutheran, Sandusky, Ohio. He was ordained at Immanuel Lutheran, Taylor, Texas on June 21, 1964.

He served at St. John's Lutheran, Deanville, Texas, Elizabeth Lutheran, Caldwell, Texas, St. Stephen Lutheran, Shreveport, Louisiana, Zion Lutheran, Fredericksburg, Texas and First Lutheran, Temple, Texas. He supervised 13 interns, which was a highlight of his ministry. He retired on July 1, 2003.

Ardene was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Wilhelmina Wuthrich and his brother Alex Wuthrich, Jr.

Ardene is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Burdine; son Deneen (Lisa) Wuthrich; daughter Carleen (Chip) Springall; grandsons Marcus and Evan Wuthrich; granddaughters Jordan and Meredith Springall; great-grandson, Max Wuthrich; and sister Vernette Wuthrich.

One of his special joys was having the privilege of baptizing his children, grandchildren and great-grandson. Ardene, affectionately known as “G-Dad”, enjoyed watching his grandkids in all of their many activities and attended many soccer and volleyball games, dance recitals and music performances.

In addition to being a pastor, Ardene was a tour host (The Christian Traveler) for 40 years. He ministered to the hundreds of people he led on tours through 40+ countries and 6 continents. His favorite travel destination was Israel, which he visited 6 times. On these trips, he began collecting rocks from special places he visited.

After retirement, Ardene continued to travel, including leading 8 trips to Branson, MO. In his free time he enjoyed bird watching and gardening and was a tutor in conversational English. He also loved watching sports, especially UT football and the Temple High School Wildcats.

Even though he couldn’t read a note, he loved music and was a proud member of the Texas Lutheran Choir and many church choirs. In retirement he wrote a Polka Worship service which has been used at multiple churches.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 26, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, Temple at 2pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Lutheran Church in Temple or to the charity of your choice