OTTUMWA —
Funeral services for a slain Agency woman and the child within her focused on life, not death.
“The moment Lisa was born, her father cried,” said Tracy Caldwell, mother of Lisa Techel. “He knew the love of his life had just been placed in his arms.”
Even though our faith in God can comfort us, said Pastor Ralph Kister, what should really help us feel a bit better is Lisa’s faith in God. The place where the casket stood, he said, is the place where he himself baptized Lisa two years ago.
Most people talk about their faith. Lisa, the pastor said, stood up for her faith.
The Thursday morning service at First Lutheran Church in Ottumwa drew hundreds of mourners, including family members and representatives from the law enforcement community.
Tracy Caldwell said Lisa wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father, Todd Caldwell, a sheriff’s deputy with the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office.
She attained everything she ever worked at, her mom said. The girl was a state champion bowler, graduated college with a degree in criminal justice and became a correctional officer.
“She was stubborn at times, but she was often right,” Tracy said.
And she was born to be a mom. Even as a child, when Lisa’s parents brought home a baby sister, Lisa learned to change diapers, would get up for late night feedings and watched over the little one like a mother hen.
“I’m glad God gave her to me,” Tracy said. “Having her in my life has made me a better person. I will miss her dearly.”
