A memorial service will be held for Gloria Marlene Vesa at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Smith on May 15, 2021 at 10 AM under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport and the Rev. John Treude.
Gloria was born to Donald and Cherry Dock on July 12, 1946, in Pipestone, MN, and later was baptized and confirmed her Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper, MN. Following graduation from Jasper high School, she attended Concordia College in St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1967 as a Christian teacher. Her first teaching position was at First Lutheran School of Fort Smith, AR where she taught for over ten years. Gloria earned her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR with a special certification in special education from UA in Little Rock, AR and was employed by Fort Smith Public School for over 28 year before retiring.
Gloria married her loving husband Alex Vesa 1982 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Smith. From early on she was involved in the congregation as president of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and later was involved in charitable pursuits-Heart-to-Heart Pregnancy Center, Habitat for Humanity, Good Samaritan Clinic, and Thrivent (serving as the first president of the local chapter).
Gloria Vesa, age 74, entered eternity on December 9, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Alex of Fort Smith, sister, Cindy Mulder and husband Ardeen of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Steve Dock and wife Kathleen of Ramsey, MN.
Visitation and luncheon will follow at the church. Memorials may be made to LCMS Joint Seminary Fund, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122in lieu of flowers.
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