St. Luke's Lutheran Church Montgomery,IL

08/24/2026

Linda M. Maya, 65, of Montgomery, IL passed away on August 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 11, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of John and Marilyn (Walters) Burks. Linda was raised in Chicago, IL by her loving grandparents Geraldine and Joseph Thoedore Walters who she adored. They raised her to be a loving Chrisitan.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a truly caring and generous person whose kindness touched the lives of so many. She had a special way of making everyone around her feel loved, valued, and important. Above all, Linda cherished the time she spent with her family and treasured the memories they made together.

Linda had many interests and passions throughout her life. She was a diehard Chicago Bulls fan and loved watching basketball. She also enjoyed reading and embroidery, finding joy in the simple things that brought her peace and happiness.

In her younger years, Linda worked as a hairstylist, where she especially enjoyed caring for and styling the hair of her older clients. Her compassionate nature extended beyond her work, and she genuinely loved helping older people. Her caring heart and willingness to help others were qualities that remained with her throughout her life.

Linda later worked as a teacher's aide at St. Luke's School, where she continued to make a difference in the lives of others. She also worked for many years as a courier for the Chicago Tribune, building connections and leaving her mark wherever she went.

Linda will be remembered for her loving heart, generosity, compassion, and the special way she made people feel. She touched countless lives throughout her years and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Jesus Maya; daughters, Jennifer Tapia and Maria (Ray) Connolly; grandchildren, Noah Lange, Jose Sandoval, Harrison Tapia; stepmother, Ruth Burks; and brother Jack (Norma) Burks. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and beloved dog, Stevie Rose.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steve Burks, sister Karen Small and beloved granddaughters, Hannah Marie and Eleanor Grace.

Family will be receiving guests on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538. A graveside service will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Montgomery, IL.

07/30/2026

Edelgard (Pfingst) Weingartner, age 79, of Oswego, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Edelgard, affectionately known as Edie, was born in Lünen, Germany, on December 3, 1946. Her journey to America was driven by the classic immigrant dream-to build a successful new life in a new land. She and her mother were brought to the United States by dear friends who happened to be part of the Weingartner family, a twist of fate that would shape the rest of her life. In May 1967, she married Friedrich "Fritz" Weingartner. Together, they shared 51 years of marriage and the joy of raising their two daughters, Elizabeth and Anita, in Villa Park.

Edie's favorite title was Omi, and her family was her absolute greatest joy. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she could often be found in the stands or the audience, proudly attending their games, plays, and concerts. She embraced life's adventures with open arms, whether that meant traveling around the world, taking fun trips to the casino, or simply enjoying the company of her closest friends.

To know Edie was to know her smile. It was a radiant, genuine expression that could instantly light up any room she walked into, warming the hearts of everyone around her. That same warmth and joyful spirit extended into her spiritual life. Edie was a woman of profound, unwavering faith, and her relationship with God was a cornerstone of her existence. Her smile was a regular fixture at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, where she looked forward to attending services every Sunday as long as her health permitted.

She is survived by Elizabeth (Jay) Greifenkamp of Aurora, and Anita Smagor of Yorkville; her four grandchildren, Kayla, Sydney, and Jonah Greifenkamp, and Annaliese Smagor; plus many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Friedrich Weingartner, and her son-in-law, C. David Smagor. Her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with them in heaven.

Services for Edie will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 63 Fernwood Road in Montgomery, IL. Visitation is from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and the Funeral starting at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.

06/23/2026

We are so excited to announce this partnership!

Did you hear the big news?!

When a new class of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog puppies begin instruction in August, they will learn how to become comfort dogs at Lutheran Church Charities’ new training location at St. Luke's Lutheran Church Montgomery,IL

Would you like to join them as a volunteer puppy raiser and apprentice trainer?

The K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is seeking help to provide loving, temporary homes for puppies in training and prepare them for a future in ministry and service in schools, churches, and communities. While not a pet adoption program, this opportunity helps the dogs and LCC. LCC provides all food, supplies, veterinary care, and professional training.

If you’re interested, attend an info session on Monday, July 13 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 63 Fernwood Road, Montgomery, IL, 60538, at either 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. You can learn about housing, raising a comfort dog, and an overview of training. You also can meet some of the LCC Comfort Dogs currently in training.

More information: lutheranchurchcharities.org/traink9s

05/22/2026

Join us this Sunday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday!

Come worship with us on Sunday, May 24 at 9:00 AM as we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. All are welcome!

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
63 Fernwood Road
Montgomery, IL

We look forward to celebrating with you! ❤️🕊️

05/01/2026

Join us this Sunday, May 3 at 9:00 AM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery, IL.

We’ll be reading from John 14, where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In a world full of noise and confusion, it’s a powerful reminder of where we find hope, direction, and truth.

Come as you are. All are welcome—we’d love to worship with you.

04/06/2026

In observance of Easter Monday, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church offices will be closed.

We will reopen on April 7.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter season as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

04/05/2026

He is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ—victory over sin, death, and the grave. The empty tomb is not just a moment in history; it is the promise of new life, hope, and redemption for all.

Because He lives, we are forgiven. Because He lives, we have hope. Because He lives, death is not the end.

Rejoice in the good news of Easter and the everlasting love of our risen Savior. Alleluia!

04/04/2026

He is risen!

Join us at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on April 5 at 9:00 AM as we celebrate the joy and victory of Easter. Together, we’ll rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of new life given to us through Him.

Come worship, celebrate, and experience the hope that Easter brings. All are welcome.

04/03/2026

Good Friday is a solemn reminder of the depth of Christ’s love for us—a love that led Him to the cross for the forgiveness of sins.

Join us as we gather in reverence, reflecting on His sacrifice and the weight of this holy day, knowing that even in sorrow, God’s grace is at work.

Join us for worship at 6:30 PM as we pause, remember, and hold fast to the promise found in Christ crucified.

04/02/2026

Maundy Thursday invites us into a sacred moment of remembrance and humility. On this night, we reflect on Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us, shown through His act of washing the disciples’ feet and the gift of Holy Communion.

As Lutherans, we gather at the table to receive Christ’s true presence in the bread and wine, a powerful reminder of His grace given freely for us. It is a night of quiet reverence, gratitude, and preparation as we begin the journey to the cross.

“Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

Join us as we come together in worship, reflecting on Christ’s love, service, and sacrifice.