The celebration will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1000 Willson Ave.

Blaufuss and his wife Vicki moved to Webster City in the fall of 2010, bringing with them a love of animals, faith and friendship.

But this pastor also brought his energy, sharing his leadership skills with the entire community of Webster City and Hamilton County.

He has been more than a pastor, he has been a vital community leader. He served as chairman and treasurer of the Webster City Ministerial Association for many years, he served as chairman and treasurer for Crimestoppers and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He took on leadership roles in the church conference, and has been a mentor and friend to the other ministers in the Webster City and surrounding areas.

He started an after school program for the church, leading youth through the KLAB program, (Kids Learning About the Bible). Through this program, he introduced the youth to important services in Webster City, traveling to the The Cat Hut, the Veterinarian Clinic, and The Trash Man.

He has helped serve food at the summer lunch program and for Beacon. He coordinated the Crop Walk for several years, helped pick up trash along the trails, and along the city entrance at McDonalds. He represented the church and ministerial association on a number of other committees including the Emergency Management Committee for the county.

He has led a spiritual growth program, the Shalom Circle that provides guidance to connect with God, and the soul that is within us. He started the Stephens Ministry program for the church.

And he made a difference.

If you walk the trails you will recognize him, walking his dogs regularly through the cemetery, and along the trails in Webster City. He is the man who will take an injured animal to the vet clinic, or nursing a squirrel or bird back to health.

Blaufuss announced to the church two years ago that he would be retiring in the spring of 2026.

Since then, the congregation has been searching for a new pastor, and at the prospect of going forward without a pastor in the pulpit have taken on roles to fill the church needs.

Please join the congregation in thanking him for the leadership he has brought to Webster City.