Reverend Carl Arnold SAMMETINGER

SAMMETINGER, Reverend Carl Arnold 86, of Seminole, passed away Nov. 15, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Michael and Frieda Louise (Berner/Eggers) Sammetinger; two brothers, Frederick and Paul and three sisters, Helene Bauer, Gertrude Hartman, and Esther Andersen. He is survived by Ruth Ann (Kueker) Sammetinger, his wife of 61 years; his sister, Flora Schafenacker (James) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his son, Timothy Sammetinger (Lynn); his daughters, Lisa Schillinger (James) of St. Petersburg, Kathy Schaaf (Robert) and Janice Goedecke (Gary) of Fort Myers, Lois Whitley (William) of Palm Harbor, and Miriam Bredesen (Thomas) of Three Lakes, Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren and spouses; and many nieces and nephews. Reverend Sammetinger was born in Fort Wayne, IN, attending Concordia Elementary School, Concordia High School, Concordia Junior College, all in Fort Wayne and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. His true joy in life was the planting of mission congregations for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, pastoring churches in Key West, FL; Lewiston, NY; Merritt Island, Miami and Clearwater. Even in death he continues to witness to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ through the message, scriptures, and hymns he chose for his memorial service. Carl was an athlete, playing basketball through seminary years. He later loved tennis, golf, and fishing. He and Ruth enjoyed hiking in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, and through the Pinellas county parks. Not a day went by without competitively playing cards or board games with family and friends. "Sammy" was always the prankster and had a wonderful sense of humor. A memorial service will be celebrated at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11220 Oakhurst Road, Largo on Nov. 21, 2012 at 11 am followed by private interment at Serenity Gardens. The family requests memorial donations be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Bible Translators, or Suncoast Hospice. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home, 727-323-5111