Founded in 1858 with just 14 residents and a mission to establish a Lutheran church in Omaha, Kountze Memorial has grown and evolved to become a beacon of hope, love, and service to the community. The church’s early beginnings paved the way for a series of community partnerships, allowing for the establishment of numerous satellite churches and Sunday School Missions throughout Omaha. True to its mission of spreading Christ’s love, the church has continually sought innovative ways to reach out to the community. Alongside regular traditional Lutheran worship, Kountze Memorial offers services, including a weekly food pantry, a free healing medical clinic, and counseling services through Lutheran Family Services Counseling, all of which reflect the church’s unwavering commitment to serve and care for those in need and in search of Christ’s love. With its rich history of faithful ministry and dedication to service, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church looks forward to continuing to grow into Christ’s calling and serving its neighbors with love and compassion.
Cool Timeline
1985
1985
1985 | Endowment Fund
A $250,000 gift establishes a fund for the purpose of outreach and later provides money for college scholarships and capital improvements. Today, our Endowment fund totals over $6 million.
1986
1986
1986 | Rev. Lawrence W. Wick
Rev. Wick (1986-1997) is called to be the 13th Senior Pastor of Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church. Wick is a graduate of Wartburg College, the Lutheran School of Theology – Chicago, and Purdue University.
1987
1987
1987 | Wick’s Tenure
For the first time, high school girls were invited to serve in the Order of Saint John. Under Rev. Wick, the lower parking lot was purchased and developed at a cost of $325,000.