Rev. Willis L. Bloedow

I am so grateful for Will´s loving welcome to me when I came to serve First Congregational UCC of Appleton some 17 years ago. He showed me the ropes of the Appleton faith community and was a friend and mentor for me in my ministry in Appleton. His combination of kindness, faith, humor, wisdom, honesty, and faithfulness were a blessing on me and everyone he came into contact with. All my love and prayers for Will´s family and friends as we grieve his passing and celebration his wonderful...

My husband and I moved to Appleton and met Pastor Will at 1st English in 1975, he became our pastor and our friend. My husband and Will would discuss politics in our basement, George was a child of WWII and a German emigre. Ruth introduced me to teachers in the 1st English Community and eventually helped me secure a teaching position. They helped my young family through the illness and death of my husband. Will drove me to the University Hospital in Madison to be with my husband, and assured...

I served on the OWLS Board of Trustees with Will and what a positive attitude and smile he always had. I remember the time he brought the snack and told us he was celebrating his birthday for a week or was it a month? I think of him often as one of God's blessings to all of us who knew him. My deepest sympathy. Pat Craig Waupaca County Board Supervisor on the OWLS Board

Pastor Bloedow was one of my guys, once upon a time, back then in my young days, when it really counted. The best of me now, as a 40-something, was allowed to develop because of this man. A Pastor, a kind shepherd, a friend. Well done, good and faithful servant. Thank you.