Calvin Synod Herald, 2009 (110. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2009-09-01 / 9-10. szám
12 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD tn memóriám Rev. Kálmán Csia was called home by his Lord on June 5, 2009. He was bom into a family of 10 brothers and sisters on June 26, 1911 to Gabriella and Peter Csia on a farm in the Carpathian Mountains of Etéd, Hungary (modem-day Romania). Gifted as an excellent speaker, Rev. Csia responded to God’s Call and followed his father and grandfather into the Christian ministry. He graduated from the Kolozsvár Theological Seminary in 1936; his first parish was in Macskás. Subsequently, he served in Barssó, Mezőszengyel, Magyarmacskás, Székelyszentistván Dombóvár and Pér. In April of 1944 the family emigrated to Austria ahead of the Russian army, and he served amongst the refugees both there and in Germany until September of 1949. Though well educated, with a degree in divinity and the knowledge of five languages, he had to learn English in America. The family arrived in Kalamazoo September, 1949, where he and his wife Zsuzsanna worked in factories in addition to serving as pastor of the congregation until 1952. He subsequently served in Milwaukee (1952-1957) and East Chicago Indiana (1957-1961). While in East Chicago, he did graduate work at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Rev. Csia and his wife were known for their hospitality to the many refugees others whom he welcomed in their home. In 1961 he became director of the “Bethlen Home for the Aged”, and retired in 1976. It was during his tenure at the Bethlen Home that the “Old People’s Home” was transformed into a modem “Nursing Home” facility. He and Zsuzsanna were both loved by the residents of the nursing home and the children living in the Bethlen Home Children’s Department: his love for others was felt by young and old alike - Christ’s love permeated his life. Rev. Csia and his wife retired in 1976 to their cottage on Donnell Lake, Michigan, near Kalamazoo. They welcomed guests and hosted parties regularly. They remained active in the Kalamazoo congregation, and Rev. Csia was frequently called to preach in Kalamazoo and nearby congregations. Rev. Csia was buried by Bishop Koloman Ludwig and Rev. Joseph Posta on June 13, 2009, beside his wife (who died in 1995) in Kalamazoo. He is survived by his son Kálmán Jr. and his wife Becky. The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away: Blessed be the name of the Lord! Rt. Rev. Koloman Karl Ludwig, Bishop Julius Albert Pongracz January 22,1932 - August 13, 2009 Julius “Juice” Pongracz, 77, of Lorain passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Community Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family following a year-long battle with renal cancer. A lifelong resident of Lorain, he was bom January 22, 1932, the eighth child of the late Antal and Pricilla (nee Kalassay) Pongracz. He graduated from Clearview High School in 1950 and then served in the U. S. Army where he was stationed in Alaska. Upon completion of his military service, he accepted employment at the Lorain National Tube where he continued to work in many different departments. He retired as an expeditor in the Rolling Mills after thirty-nine years of service. Julius was a very devoted member of the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church and served in many leadership roles including General Chairman Emeritus of the Consistory. In addition he was President of the Men’s Brotherhood a member of the Sick Benefit Society as well as the Chancel Choir and the Koinonia Softball Team. He also coached the Men’s Basketball Team and served asYouth Fellowship Advisor. Julius also took an active leadership role in the Calvin Synod of the United Church of Christ, serving on many committees and representing the bilingual churches at the National Conferences. Bom of immigrant parents, Julius worked diligently to share his Hungarian culture by participating in the Hungarian Council, the Hungarian American Citizens Club and the Spotlight Nationality Committees when the Hungarian Community was recognized in 1972 and 1999forthe Lorain International Festival. As a result of his participation, he was honored as “Hungarian Man of the Year” at the annual “Nite in Budapest.” During his retirement years, the job of supportive father and grandfather was his top priority. He took great pride and joy in attending the concerts, scouting events, and sports activities of his daughters and grandchildren. Julius is survived by his wife of almost fifty-four years, Donna (nee Poirier), daughters Jill Pongracz Murrell, and Susie (Larry) Fortner, grandchildren Rebekka and Zach Murrell, Sara Fortner and William (Kelly) Fortner, brother Louis (Carol) Pongracz, sisters Wilma (Joseph) Deliman, Serena (Bennie) Molnár and Helen (Andrew) Dennis and many nieces and nephews. A prayer service was conducted by the Rev. Peter Toth on August 17,2009 and the funeral service took place on August 18, 2009 with internment at the Ridge Hill Memorial Park. A memorial contribution may be made to the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church, 1691 East 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio. May his memory remain blessed - emléke legyen áldott. Susie Fortner Rev. Kálmán Csia June 26,1911 - June 5, 2009
