Tribute

Born April 5, 1920 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Pastor Edward R. and Hilda E. (Fuhr) Pflueger, Florence went home to be with her Lord on February 23, 2013.

She moved with her parents at a young age and lived in the Columbia City area of South Seattle, where her father was pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1938. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1940. During her time there she was a member of the PLU Choir of the West directed by Gunnar Malmin. She completed her education studying library science at the University of Washington, graduating in 1942. During her time in the Puget Sound area she played bass violin with the Seattle City Orchestra.

During World War II she worked in an office in the Smith Tower in Seattle. After a brief marriage to Louis R. Strache she moved to Odessa in 1949 with her young son Stephen. She worked for Smith’s Cafe and then Michealson’s Variety Store.

She met Leo Stout and they were married January 1, 1953 at Christ Lutheran Church, where her father was pastor. Out of this union her second son Jeffrey was born. Florence was secretary for the superintendent of Odessa Schools from 1960 to 1974. Because of her great love of music, Florence also taught piano and organ to numerous students for many years.

Florence was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, playing the organ for all types of services for over 50 years. She also directed both children’s and adult choirs for many years. She was a charter member of the Odessa Hospital Auxilliary. She was active in the start of Deutches Fest in 1970, eventually as coordinator of the German bake sale and was involved with starting the Odessa Historical Society. She was a long-time docent of the Odessa Historisches Museum along with Dr. John Gahringer. She had a very keen interest in outdoor photography, especially wildflowers and old abandoned farm buildings. She was involved with the camera clubs in both Odessa and Wenatchee.

Her second husband Leo preceded her in death in 2000. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ruth and her brother Paul. She married long time friend Dr. John Gahringer in November 2003. Florence is survived by her husband John of Odessa, son Stephen (Barbara) Stout of Goldendale, Wash., son Jeffrey (Jone) Stout of Pasco, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Memorials in her memory may be given to Odessa Historisches Museum or the Odessa Hospital Auxilliary.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church in Odessa.

Strate Funeral Home of Davenport is in charge of arrangements.