Family and friends gather together Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church to celebrate the life of Kaylyn Wheeler-Kaelin. Click here for service details.

God called Kaylyn to serve in many places in her lifetime. For 41 years, Kaylyn faithfully served the Lord God by serving others as a good friend, a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, colleague, neighbor and counselor, and now he’s called her back to serve him. In life, Kaylyn Wheeler-Kaelin was many things, but the word that best describes her life is GIVING.  Giving of her time.  Giving of her love.  Giving of her friendship.  Giving of her wisdom. Giving of her passion for the Ministry for Jesus Christ. Kaylyn was always there when someone needed her. And many people needed her. Her family, her church family, her children, her friends, her neighbors, her youth ministry, even strangers & acquaintances seemed to gravitate toward her to hear her wise counsel. She was the definition of a Servant Leader. That willingness to stretch herself spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally and to grow and hold a space in her heart for everyone she touched, made her one of the most special people God has ever blessed us with here on Earth.  She was taken from us suddenly, but will always be remembered by the people whose lives she touched from Kingwood to Wisconsin and beyond.

Kaylyn graduated from Lamar University, in Beaumont Texas, with a Design degree, while serving as youth volunteer at Advent Presbyterian Church. She later accepted a part time post working as liaison to First Lao Presbyterian Church USA (a Laotian Congregation whose children and teens spoke English, but the parents held on to their Laotian roots and spoke in their native tongues.) Her ministry helped both congregations relate and support each other through fellowship, Christian Education, and at times worship. Six years later, Kaylyn was called to Wisconsin to work for Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church, as a Youth Minister.  At Gloria Dei, she served God by serving others, taking mission teams all over the country and to different parts of the world.  Neenah, Wisconsin is also where she met her husband, Brian and his two children Odessa and Zandalee. Kaylyn reflects about her time in Wisconsin, “God calls us to places that we would not imagine, but eventually you realize why you were there.”

Two years ago, Kaylyn came back home to Texas, when God called her to Holy Comforter Lutheran Church in Kingwood, where she served as the Youth and Family Minister. Of her post at HCLC Kaylyn remarked, ” I look forward to every moment at HCLC, as it is a hopping place filled with great spirit, and a wonderful place for all types of families.” She was a friend and counselor to youth, helping many to find their path in life, and she became the rock for many people her church communities.  She became family.  Whether leading events at church or just spending the occasional evening sipping a glass of wine and relaxing, Kaylyn brought a special glow to a room that no one else could.  One of her last events at HCLC was a “Parents Night Out” fundraiser for kids to help youth raise money to attend the National Youth Gathering New Orleans later this year.  She took on this project with great vigor, while at the same time helping to plan several other events.

Kaylyn spent much of her time at the church but always made time for her family.  Odessa and Zandalee, lovingly called her Mom, and she cared for them, loved them and spent the hours that she wasn’t working at the church, caring for them. She and her husband Brian had a special relationship that lasted the test of time and hundreds of miles, as Brian spent much of his time on the road.  Her family is what brought her back to Texas. She is survived and dearly loved by her parents Bob & Kay Wheeler, brother Glenn and sister Susanna. Here last day was special because she was able to spend it with her sister Susanna.

Her family is what brought her back to Texas. Here is an excerpt from a biography lovingly written by her parents…“Out of the blue, came an announcement that she was going to interview with Holy Comforter Lutheran Church…she wanted to come home…a real blessing in so many ways given the current situation we find ourselves in.  Some time passed from the time she was offered the position until she came but it finally happened and she worked among you all for such a short period of time with a real passion and love for Jesus Christ.  She deeply loved this congregation and joyously shared the love and promises of Jesus with you as with the others she served. She became a force for youth and family.” Click here for more on Kaylyn from a parents perspective.

We will celebrate the life of Kaylyn Wheeler-Kaelin in a special funeral service Saturday, March 14th, 2009 at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 1901 Woodland Hills Drive in Kingwood.  This celebration will take place at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following in Luther Hall at the church.  There will then be a committal service for Kaylyn at 2:00 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial at 13401 Eastex Freeway.  There will also be a visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brookside on Friday, March 13th.

Kaylyn, may you help the Lord in Heaven as you helped so many here on Earth.  We love you, miss you, and will always remember you.