In 2004, I was working on some old Asmus pictures that weren't identified and then I heard about Harold Asmus as being one of the last of the older generations living, so I called and set up an appointment with Harold and Darlene. I'm sure we had crossed paths before but I don't recall having ever talked with them before. So I drove down to their farm and showed them the pictures I had. Harold was able to help with some IDs but wasn't old enough for the other ones. Then I asked what they had for pictures and brought a few of them home to scan. Then in 2005 the Trinity Lutheran Church moving project in Lincoln Township, which was near their farm, began, so I got to see Darlene more after that since she was actively helping to raise money and promote the move...sadly, Harold had passed away earlier that year so he never got to see it moved. I searched my database for pictures of Darlene but don't have much, except for some I took of her during the church project. I'll be showing some of the nearly 2800 pictures I took of that project here in Darlene's tribute...that church/congregation was a big part of Harold's and her life.

When my mother, Dorothy Kusel, was in the Manning Hospital in December of 2021, Darlene came in for some health reasons.
I hadn't seen her since 2006 during the move of the Trinity Church.
I walked into her room and when she saw me she smiled - I asked her, do you remember me and she said SURE!
I mentioned to her that my mother and also my sister played for some church services, funerals, and weddings at Trinity and she said she remembered mother.
We visited for a while and then I left her room...she was released several days later and I never saw her again, but I was so glad to have visited with her one last time...one of the last of the Greatest Generation who was still living.
Her memory was amazing, but like anyone in their 90s, their legs get weaker so it is hard for them to get around.
Dave Kusel

One of the last regular church services held before the move...
During the winter the services were held in the basement, which was easier to heat, with the upstairs area not heated.

April 2, 2006 service


Note: Darlene Asmus in picture


7:14 a.m.


After the service, discussion was held on how to proceed with getting the church moved to the Manning Heritage Park.
Black arrow pointing to Darlene Asmus


Some rules that everyone should follow, everywhere.

Final church services at Trinity


May 7, 2005 - Darlene Asmus Welcoming people during the last church service before the congregation disbanded.

May 7, 2006 final services of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lincoln Township, Audubon County

Pastor Bradley Ketchum


May 7, 2005 9:17 a.m. service


9:40 a.m.


10:00 a.m.


10:16 a.m.


10:34 a.m.


luncheon 11:34 a.m.


After the final church service the decommissioning service of the Trinity congregation, Missouri Synod was held in the afternoon.

11:21 a.m. Carlo Massarella preparing for the concluding ceremonies on the church balcony.


12:02 p.m.


3:27 p.m.


3:33 p.m.


3:35 p.m.


"It is finished" 3:40 p.m.

Kenneth Grimm, Darlene Asmus, Ruth Hansen, Robert Hansen, Viola Ostebee, Russell Bruhn, Connie Ahrendsen, Larry Ahrendsen
Pastors in back: David Anthony, Brian Leicht, Daniel Vogel, Bradley Ketchum
David & Brian from St. Paul in Carroll, Daniel from Zion in Manning, Bradley from Audubon


Robert & Ruth (Kanning) family

Verna (David) White - Emil David, Lois (David) Jensen - Alfred David, Ardith (David) Lage - Clarence David, Carlene (David) Deist - Clarence David

Verna is the granddaughter of Henry & Rosa (Kusel) Friedrichsen