A Gift to the Generations
Marlene Miloch nurtures future leaders of the Church through generosity and faith
Marlene Lynor Miloch (pronounced MY lock) was a longtime supporter of theological education and believed in nurturing future leaders of the Church.
A steadfast supporter of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Marlene has left an indelible mark on the seminary with a generous bequest of over $650,000, a remarkable estate gift directed towards the LSTC annual fund.
Critical to LSTC’s mission, the annual fund provides unrestricted operating support that enables the seminary to offer transformative educational opportunities, foster the next generation of ministers, and respond flexibly to the immediate needs of the institution.
Marlene’s bequest allows LSTC to continue shaping the Church’s future, a cause close to her heart.
Throughout her life, Marlene faithfully contributed to LSTC, donating a total of $2,600 to the seminary. Since 2008, she dedicated up to $150 each year to the annual fund. Her estate gift, however, is a profound expression of her enduring belief in the seminary’s work and solidifies her legacy of generosity.
Beyond her financial contributions, Marlene was known for her deep faith and lifelong devotion to the Church. Her sister, Patti Phillips, recalls a young Marlene who had once aspired to become a minister.
While her career ultimately took a different direction, her passion for ministry never waned. Marlene became a devoted member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois, where she was an indispensable volunteer.
Pastor Jenn Moland-Kovash, who has led All Saints since 2004, remembers Marlene as a steadfast and hardworking member of the congregation—a “first-in, last-out” kind of volunteer who gave tirelessly to her community.
“Having Marlene as a member of the congregation meant having someone who lived out their faith in lots of ways,” Pastor Moland-Kovash recalled. “From making coffee on Sunday mornings to raising ideas for ministry and partnership with the wider church.”
Marlene’s devotion to the church was not limited to physical acts of service; her spiritual existence was equally rich. Patti remembers moments they spent together in prayer and devotion. Whether in Illinois or Missouri, Marlene would always begin the day with scripture readings and deep discussions about faith. She would use a tape recorder to listen to and reflect on the scriptures, nurturing her relationship with God.
In her retirement, Marlene further demonstrated her dedication by completing the Diakonia program, a lay leadership initiative within the Metro Chicago Synod. This experience exemplified her unwavering commitment to deepening her faith and contributing to the spiritual heartbeat of her community.
In 2009, Marlene moved from Chicago to Shell Knob, Missouri. There, she continued to live out her faith, a great source of comfort and strength, during her final challenging year when she faced cancer with grace and determination.
Marlene passed away on May 12, 2024, at the age of 73, leaving behind a lifetime of love, service, and devotion.
Marlene’s abundant bequest to LSTC ensures her commitment to theological education and the formation of church leaders will endure. Her gift will provide future generations of students the spiritual and academic resources necessary to lead faith communities with stability and wisdom.
LSTC celebrates Marlene Miloch and we give thanks for her enduring generosity, her steadfast faith, and her unwavering belief in the importance of equipping leaders for the Church’s future.
Marlene’s memory lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Consider Leaving a Lasting Legacy
If you are interested in including the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in your estate plans, your bequest will help support future generations of church leaders. By leaving a gift to LSTC, you can make a meaningful impact on theological education and ensure the continuation of our mission to form faithful, compassionate ministers for years to come.
To learn more about how you can leave a bequest, or to explore other planned giving options, please contact Ariana Strahl in the the Office of Advancement at ariana.strahl@lstc.edu.