Dr. Arthur Ittermann, 106, of Chattanooga went home to be with his Lord, Friday, October 31, 2014.
Missions! Bring up anything that has to do with missions and you will understand the heart of Dr. Arthur Ittermann. From seeing the lives of his parents engaged in ministry, he learned early the importance of touching the lives of many types of people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At the age of 16, Arthur Ittermann enrolled in Rochester Seminary in Rochester, New York. During this time he also studied voice at Eastman School of Music where he was invited to travel as soloist with a choir touring Europe. A real struggle took place. Did God want him in music or in the pastorate? After a time of earnest prayer, he surrendered to become a full-time pastor. Having given him a fine voice, God was gracious and provided many opportunities for him to sing, so that talent was not buried.
His first pastorate was a church in Chicago. While there he met and married his Canadian bride, Lilah Violet Fleck, who became his faithful companion for 73 years. Three daughters were born to them, Loreen, Jocelyn and Gwendolyn. As were their parents before them, all who became active in full-time Christian work.
Dr. Ittermann’s other pastorates included a large church in South Dakota, where he guided its members through a church split by motivating them to become involved in missions, reaching far beyond what they might have imagined. In addition to pastoring other churches in North Dakota and Iowa, he often was asked to hold evangelistic services elsewhere or to speak at conferences in the areas of prophecy and missions.
Many years were spent as a professor at Tennessee Temple University where he was dearly loved by students preparing for ministry at home and abroad. They applauded him for his practical insights into real life. Long after graduating, many of those students kept in touch with him and were encouraged by him to be faithful to the end.
Arthur Ittermann enjoyed three visits to Moldova where on one he celebrated his 99th birthday! The nationals loved him and hung on his every word as he spoke in the churches, held seminars and interacted with them personally.
Doctor Ittermann is survived by his three daughters: Jocelyn Stone married to Kenneth Stone of Springdale, Ar., two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Gwen Lopez, five step-children, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and Loreen Ittermann and her many spiritual children in countries all over the world.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Reverend Dave Marcum and Dr. Steve Euler officiating. Interment will follow in the Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Moldova Jewish Missions, Titus International, 1515 McBrien Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.