“Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken;
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to Him, I leave it all.”
--Trinity Hymnal #94, “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”
On October 13, 2018, after almost 91 years, Werner George Mietling finished his race. Having dedicated his life to loving and serving his Lord, his dear family, and countless others he pastored, he happily surrendered his earthly life to his heavenly Home. It was not a sacrifice; he was ready for Glory! Ready to meet his Savior and be reunited with the love his life, Jean.
Werner was born on January 18, 1928, in Wilkes Barra, Pennsylvania to German immigrants Lucy Luft and George Werner Mietling. Werner was raised in both the United States and in Germany. As a young adult, he served in the United States Army and later graduated from Columbia Bible College where he met his “Jeannie with the light brown hair” who became his beloved wife. Werner graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary and earned his Master of Divinity. He and Jean started a family and had their first child, Samuel Werner, when they were in the United States. During language school in Costa Rica, they welcomed their first daughter, Susan Jean. Margie Ruth was born once they were missionaries in Chile, South America. They were a truly international family, serving as career missionaries for over 12 years. Werner ministered to the Chileans at National Presbyterian Church of La Calera and was also the President of Seminario Juan Calvino.
When Werner and Jean left the mission field, Werner spent the next nine years pastoring Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church, fittingly located on Beethoven Avenue, Lexington, North Carolina. Those were rich years for the entire Mietling family, with lifelong friendships formed. Werner then joined World Presbyterian Missions in Wilmington, Delaware for several years before returning to the pastorate at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida. After several years, they moved to Dyersburg, Tennessee where Werner pastored First Presbyterian Church and eventually retired from the ministry. Each pastorate was a labor of love because Werner and Jean received so much love and care in return for their work in the Lord’s service. They were blessed with so many dear friendships. Werner and Jean moved to Marietta, Georgia to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They faithfully attended East Cobb Presbyterian Church and spent their last years being blessed by such a loving and giving church family.
Werner was no ordinary man; he was truly a Renaissance man. A lover of classical music and hymns, he played first violin in many orchestras, including the Cobb Symphony Orchestra. He passionately loved music and instilled this love in his children and grandchildren. He was a gifted artist and woodworker, building 10 violins and one viola. Werner was also an accomplished athlete. He proudly followed the footsteps of his marathon running son, completing 10 marathons and later bicycling into his late 70’s.
Werner is survived by his children Dr. Samuel Mietling (Rebecca), Susan Mietling, and Margie Eget. He was blessed with grandchildren Laura Schultz (Matthew), Andrew Mietling (Kelly), Taylor, Matthew, Meredith, and Carter Eget. He was great grandfather to Sophia, Lachlan, Quentin, and Ingrid Schultz and Evelyn Mietling. Werner is also survived by his sister Jean “Jay” Poffenbaugh and his brother Richard Mietling (Bonnie).
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. A little plaque in the shape of a cross, firmly nailed to the house right beside the doorbell proudly proclaimed Werner and Jean’s life’s desire—to serve the Lord and to leave a legacy of faith. Well done, good and faithful servant…. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23.
A celebration of Werner’s life will be held at East Cobb Presbyterian Church, 4616 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 973-4114 at 12:00 with visitation with the family starting at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: East Cobb Presbyterian Church at www.ecpca.org.
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