East End teacher celebrated at May 1 luncheon

She’s not through teaching and hasn’t left the classroom just yet. However, that moment is rapidly approaching.
That’s why a celebration took place Sunday, May 1, in Frohna, recognizing the teaching career of Nelda Koeberl, who has spent more than four decades in the classroom in both Concordia Trinity and now United in Christ Lutheran schools.
Jason Klaus, who had Koeberl in class during the 1983-84 school year and was a 1990 graduate of Concordia Trinity Lutheran School, served as Sunday’s master of ceremonies.
“She came here and blessed us with her presence in East Perry County in 1977, and we have celebrated her every day since and will continue to do that today,” Klaus said.
“So many have been impacted by Mrs. Koeberl over the years this celebration only seemed natural,” said Liz Yokley, one of the planners for Sunday’s event. “It was great to see so many come and help with the celebration and share their stories. Personally, she was my teacher, sang at my wedding, and taught my own children. I wish continued blessings for Mrs. Koeberl in the years ahead.”
“We were blessed to share Mrs. Koeberl’s special day with her,” said Cheryl Honoree, principal of United In Christ Lutheran School in Frohna. “The turnout was exceptional. I was most amazed at how many adult former students returned to honor her. My favorite thing was seeing a member of her last class (this year) and her first class (1977) together, and realizing there was over 45 years difference in their ages. What a long and wonderful ministry Mrs. Koeberl has shared with our school, our churches and our community.”
“Every now and then in life God blesses you with a close and dear friend and I consider Nelda one,” Honoree said. “We’ve bonded over quite a few things, like our fear of snakes…we’re both morning people. I’m usually here by 6:30 (a.m.) every day. She always beats me. I’m pretty sure it’s because she wants that first parking spot.”
Honoree praised many things about Koeberl, including her sense of humor.
“I had seen her name in print but didn’t know how it was pronounced, and she said, ‘Koeberl’ (pronounced cable) just the way it’s spelled.’”
“When I think of Nelda, I think of her love for children,” she told those in attendance Sunday. “They make us laugh. They make us cry. They make us angry sometimes, but she’s always been about helping them to grow, to be better people and to help them to be useful and wonderful adults. For many of them, she did that also for their parents, which is very cool.”

Honoree has worked with Koeberl for the past 12 years.
“She’s been a blessing and an inspiration to many,” Honoree said. “A good and faithful teacher.”
During Sunday’s program, a video was shown with message from former students and colleagues.
Diane Strand, a former third and fourth grade instructor who taught in Altenburg, was one of those contributing a special greeting.
“You have served the Lord faithfully for 50 years by teaching the smallest ones of the community around you with far-reaching effects, some of which you may never know, but the Lord knows the results of all the labor and time that you have devoted to these little ones, and has blessed you for it,” Strand said. “Nelda was my mentoring angel. She showed me the ropes of setting up a dual classroom, guided me through curriculum and parent’s home visits, spring musicals, chapel time, Lutheran schools week and so many other activities, but most all, she became my friend. She was always there when I needed her most, just as she is always there for her students. We love you Mrs. Koeberl. The school will miss you but the communities that you have touched in so many ways will hold you in their hearts forever.”
Koeberl was presented gifts Sunday afternoon. Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg provided one while many contributed to make one of her dream trips come true.
Koeberl had told parents over the years that she could be bribed with St. Louis Cardinals’ tickets. While she never got tickets from parents, one of her bucket list items was to take in a game from the “green seats” at Busch Stadium.
Ashley Ponder, a United in Christ Lutheran School preschool instructor, presented Koeberl with two tickets to an upcoming Cardinals’ baseball game plus a stay at the Westin hotel in downtown St. Louis.
Several individuals shared stories of their experience as a student in Koeberl’s classroom. The event concluded with a few songs.
For one of them, Mrs. Koeberl was invited to provide accompaniment on the piano was present United in Christ Lutheran School students sang.
Nelda and her husband Bill live in Frohna.