We farewell

Graham Behrendorff (1955) 19/10/35 – 31/08/21

Graham’s grandfather, Carl Behrendorff, had been on the board which established St Peters Lutheran College. This fact was shared proudly among his family. Graham’s mother was keen for her sons to be educated at a high standard Christian boarding school so, Graham was pleased to be able to attend St Peters in 1950 for his Scholarship year.

However, Graham never got to sit the scholarship exam, leaving the College early to help out on the family farm.

Throughout his life, Graham lived out his Christian faith in words and deeds. His frequent saying was, “We are blessed!”. When the family were young, he would read aloud from the Bible. Even in his last years, Graham would read a few chapters each night.

Graham loved his nine grandchildren and said that he was so happy to know that all of them were worshipping in church each Sunday.

Graham loved to help and serve other people. He was a good listener, and people would tell him their life stories.

Bishop Janadabing Apo (1960) 1935 - 9/12/21

Jana (pictured above) was one of the first three Papua New Guinean Lutheran students sponsored by the Lutheran Church of PNG to study at St Peters. What a cultural and social shock it must have been for this 20-year-old, enrolled in Grade 7 (Sub-Scholarship) with twenty-two 12-and 13-yearolds, and sharing boarding life with a group of boys so much younger than he was.

Jana and fellow PNG students became popular additions to the New Guinea cohort of Mission children at St Peters, and like all PNG students were obliged to spend their term holidays with host Lutheran families. Jana recalled being taught the intricacies of farming during these breaks from school.

Having completed Sub-Junior (Year 9), Jana returned to PNG, completing his teacher training at Bumayong in 1958. He became a teacher and later a Headmaster. In 1966 he was called to train as a pastor and in 1968 he married Elaine.

Jana worked in PNG up to his retirement in 1990. Retirement, however, was not a notion that Jana willingly embraced. He continued serving the church and in total was a Lutheran pastor for 50 years.

An inspiring man of God, Jana’s gentle charm was evident as he caught up with wantoks and old friends and shared his message of how best to make a change in people’s lives, following God’s word.

Catherine Frerichs (1963) 21/08/45 – 28/01/22

Catherine Elisabeth Frerichs passed away peacefully on 28 January, 2022 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her brothers, Paul and Jonathan, and Connie Medema, a friend and nurse, were at her bedside. Friends and family have filled her room in recent weeks. She breathed her last at 4:37 am, in Clark Home, the assisted living facility where she has been living since October. The cause of her death was cancer.

Dianne Bliesner 25/07/48 - 20/09/21

Her dedication and 27 years of service in Lutheran schools is remembered by the many staff, parents and students of whom Diane's life touched. Whilst at St Peters, Diane was secretary to Head of College, Dr Carson Dron, where she was given a lot of responsibility and variety, and the job was never dull!

After working at St Peters for 18 months, Diane became engaged to Dennis Bliesner and they were married on the 28 December, 1968 in the St Peters College Chapel. Their wedding day was beautiful, and Diane often wished that she could repeat this special day.

Many people have such fond memories of Diane and their time with her. She worked tirelessly and selflessly serving God and her family. A trip to visit her family earlier this year bought about a shock diagnosis of cancer. Diane had mere months to live, which soon became weeks and then days. Diane has left a legacy of faith, hope, and love.

Devoted wife of Dennis Bliesner (deceased) much loved mother and mother-in-law and house/camp mother to many Lutheran school students.