Inge Yochum

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of one of the greatest human beings the world has ever known, Inge Yochum. Born in Sigmaringen, Germany on November 30th, 1947 to Ottmar and Theresia Geiselhart. The oldest of three children, sister Gisela and brother Helmut, Inge was brought up in the small town of Juningen, Germany, where she lived with her family atop the town train station.  Inge’s family roots were that of humble farmers and carpenters. Her mom had a garden next to the Bahnhof (train station), and though her family had very little, her childhood was full of rich tradition and story.  From walks through the Black Forest and festivals in neighboring towns, to their Christmas tree complete with real candles lit, her small-town upbringing would change forever as a life changing opportunity was presented to her at the age of 16.  Extended family living in the United States invited her to join them to study in America. She bid her family farewell and boarded a boat bound for the states.

Though she finished high-school in Germany, she enrolled at Bishop DeBourg high-school in St. Louis, MO to sharpen her English-speaking skills. Following high school, Inge worked at Wittie hardware store doing print layout and design for their magazines.  It was in this season of life where she encountered what would be her truest love, Terry, through a blind date set up by mutual friends on August 1st, 1967. They were inseparable the next 30 days prior to Terry’s leaving for college in Chicago. They dated for two years before getting engaged [scan0139] and married two years later on June 4th, 1972, at Central 7th Adventist Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

Their life’s adventure took them to Australia where she bore her first two children, Kimberley and Philip; Alicia joined the family later when they returned to the states.  Inge raised her three children with great care and compassion while tirelessly supporting Terry as he provided for the family. That support required being by his side through trials and tribulations they would face in his career, and in their home.  Inge was heavily involved in the design of Terry’s radiology textbook, “Essentials of Skeletal Radiology.” Her red pen touched his writing projects throughout his career. She was the chief editor Terry’s published autobiography.  She was adept in English syntax, a skill which extended to all her children’s English papers and projects.  She won an award for an essay she wrote about what it means to become an American citizen upon entering the United States.

Inge grew up a Catholic in Germany. She professed Jesus to be her LORD and Savior.  While Terry was in chiropractic school, Inge would spend time studying the Bible with Terry’s father, Kenneth, for several years gaining new insights on unanswered questions she had regarding the religious practices of her youth. It was through this time spent where she learned a new way to approach her relationship with God.  She and Terry attended an all-Italian 7th day Adventist church in Chicago where they were both baptized.  The church adopted them into their family as they served the church through singing in the choir.

Upon moving to Denver, they attended a Nazarene church. She pursed a relationship with the LORD through quiet and steadfast prayer and regular attendance in church actively serving in many ways. She took care of the planters that were in the front of the church, attended Bible study groups and sponsored many children through World Vision. She instilled the importance of a relationship with Jesus to her children and encouraged all those around her by the example of humility and kindness she exuded with incredible ease.

Early in life, Inge made all her clothes. She even made some clothing items for Terry. She also made Halloween costumes the kids wore growing up. Inge had an eye for design. She drew the design for each costume Philip and Alicia wore during their award-winning dance routines.  Her attention to detail required some 2,000 rhinestones to be individually hand glued on a single dress.  Every project, everything she touched, was a display of beauty and excellence.

Inge was an accomplished artist. Prior to motherhood, she produced incredibly detailed paintings in oil and other mediums.  With children under foot, she sacrificed painting for the privilege of raising her three works of living art. Once her children were grown, she rekindled her relationship with the canvas and produced beautiful pastel works that hang in her home today.  She mused about how when she had the brush or pencil in her hand, the whole world seemed to fade away, cares and all.  It was truly a sanctuary of peace for her.

Inge’s love for the plants was evident in every garden bed and pot surrounding her home.  Stunning arrays of flowers each year, planted with care and vision.  She loved to grow garden vegetables from rhubarb to kohlrobi (German turnip). German elderberry and raspberry bushes, an Italian plum tree, tomatoes and various herbs were also parts of her garden. She loved to plant and grow things.

She carried a steadfast and calm demeanor. Quick to listen, patient to speak, and full of wisdom.  Terry would say, “She was my compass.” She impacted his life by her gentle persuasive manner of keeping him on the straight and narrow path of goodness.

Perhaps one of Inge’s favorite and successful activities was being in the kitchen.  Her artistry was continually evident as she prepared nightly family dinners with the flare of a true German chef as well as crafting incredible cakes and delicious desserts. There is a good chance many of you reading this have enjoyed a meal or a baked good; perhaps a pumpkin loaf or two from her kitchen.  She loved creating something out of nothing or something out of what she had at her fingertips, a mark of the gourmet chef.  Visiting her home meant being present with her in her creative space, which was centered around the kitchen. Cooking, a necessity, baking was her deep love. It was her way of creating happiness. Her baking artistry brought inner joy to her and delicious treats to everyone around her.  Being in her kitchen was her therapy, her happy place.

Inge had a rather large collection of cookbooks and magazines. You could often find her sitting on the couch looking though recipes with her neighbor, Sharon, or daughter, Alicia. Many times, she would find something new and decide she would give it a try, something different. She never feared experimenting with a new recipe. She rarely failed to create something delicious. Inge was a consummate host for countless gourmet meals for family, friends and business dinners. You could often find her humming along to classical music, particularly Viennese waltzes, in the kitchen. They were some of her musical favorites. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. No one left her table wanting, for she filled tummies and hearts.

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Her bold character was that of kindness and compassion, which quickly became evident to all who encountered her. Many times, nurses would leave her room saying, “She is just the sweetest.” She had an angelic personality. She was devoted to her children and to Terry in all his endeavors.  In every lecture, he spoke of her. When he traveled, she was often by his side. She was internationally recognized.  He described her as his companion and truest love. Her generosity knew no bounds. If she knew you needed something she would find a way to help; a true example of Christ for all.

Inge was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, and true friend. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held on December 16, 2022 at The Crossing Church of the Nazarene 3501 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031 at 3pm with a traditional German cake and coffee reception to follow.