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In Memoriam

James Ilten

1932-2024 | Christ Seminary – Seminex Class of 1975

James Bruce Ilten, age 92, died January 30, 2024, in Lombard, IL. James attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, receiving his BA in 1954, MDiv in 1957, and STM in 1962. James also did graduate work at the University of Iowa and Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary. He completed his residence and course requirements in the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis doctoral program during the summers of 1967-1972. Pastor Ilten’s basic training by the Interim Ministry Network was from October 1996 to February 1997.

From 1958 to 1960, Pastor Ilten served as an instructor in religion at Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL. He was ordained into the holy ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Danbury, CT, on November 6th, 1960. Pastor Ilten organized Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, CT, beginning in September 1960, and became their first pastor, serving that congregation until November of 1968. From 1968 to 1978, he served as pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Michael, Chicago, IL. He served the Northern Illinois District as an International Interim Pastor from 1998-2003, assisting congregations at Waukegan, Burlington, and Bartlett. During his years in Lombard, Pastor Jim helped organize CROP hunger walks, prayer vigils, retreats, and ministry to college students at DeVry and Natl. College of Chiropractic. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and four granddaughters.

Bruce Johnston

1931-2024 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1955

Bruce Douglas Johnston, age 92, died January 26, 2024, in Galesburg, IL. He decided to pursue the call to ordained ministry at Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL, and graduated in 1955. He received a DMin from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago in 1976. His first call was as the first pastor of the newly established Ascension Lutheran Church in Deer Park, Long Island, NY, in August 1955. After four years, he accepted the call to inner-city Bethel Lutheran Church in Chicago’s racially diverse Englewood community. While he retired from active ministry in 1997, he led seminars for the ELCA and served as a trained interim pastor in eight Chicagoland congregations through 2003. He is survived by his children and four grandchildren.

Roger Gieschen

1928-2024 | Central Lutheran Theological Seminary Class of 1958

Roger James Gieschen, age 95, died January 23, 2024, in Lenexa, KS. Pastor Gieschen received his undergraduate degree from Midland University and his theological degree from Central Lutheran Theological Seminary in Fremont, NE. He received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was a Lutheran Pastor serving congregations in Oklahoma and Kansas. His first call was to establish a new congregation in Oklahoma City. This prepared him for various responsibilities in the parish and synodical judicatory. His second call was to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS. A third call came to serve as mission director for the Central States Synod of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). He was elected Bishop of this Synod in 1978 and served until 1988. He continued to serve in the new church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) wherever he was needed. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and brothers.

Leonard Dale

1949-2024 | Christ Seminary – Seminex Class of 1971

Leonard A Dale, Jr., age 74, died January 22, 2024, in Olathe, Ks. Len was a proud graduate of Concordia Sr. College in 1971. He completed field work at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ferguson, MO, and accepted his first call to be an assistant pastor and youth pastor. Len attended Seminary in Exile in St. Louis, MO. Len went on to earn his MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. In June 1971, Len and Anne married and shared life for over five decades. His second call was to ministry in Fergus Falls, MN, for a dual service to Hope Lutheran Church as pastor and the State Hospital as Chaplain and alcohol and drug counselor. 

As Regional Mission Director, he worked within the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Central States Synod. Len transitioned into Associate to the Bishop of the Central States Synod for stewardship and missions. Len continued to play and participate in many events, including the National Youth Gatherings of the ELCA and Youth Encounter Servanthood Service events in Kansas City. Len served on the planning committee of Wittenberg English Ministries (WEM) and served two terms in Germany in ministry with the program. Len became part of the Citizen’s Review Board of Olathe. Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS, was his home congregation, where he was ministered to and volunteered to serve others. Following retirement, he continued to invest in the growth of the church. Len served as Interim pastor in Spring Hill, KS. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and granddaughters.

Wolf Knappe

1926-2024 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1949

Rev. Dr. Wolf Knappe, age 97, died January 9, 2024, in Wauwatosa, WI. He was drafted as Luftwaffenhelfer (Air Force Helper) in 1943. Afterward, Wolf started his seminary training at the University of Erlangen in the Fall. He graduated from the Seminary in 1948, receiving a scholarship to do graduate work in the United States. He earned an STM from the Chicago Lutheran Seminary, located in Maywood, IL 1949. He returned to Germany and was ordained 1949 at St. Anna Lutheran Church in Augsburg, Germany. He served Epiphany Lutheran Church in Munich for two years and then received a call to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Wine Hill, IL.

Then, he followed a call to be a mission developer in Belleville, IL, where he organized St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in 1957. Wolf followed calls to Lyons-Pell Lake, WI (a dual parish) in 1957, Chicago (St. Paul) in 1961, Philadelphia (Tabor) in 1970, and Brookfield, IL (Faith) in 1986. In 1977, he received a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He retired from Brookfield in 1991. In retirement, he was interim pastor at Tabor (Chicago), Holy Trinity (Berkeley, IL), and St. Peter & St. Paul (Blue Island, IL). He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and loving family.

Henrietta Milner

1952-2024 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1981

Henrietta Jean Milner, age 71, died January 2, 2024, in Cortland, IL. Henrietta (“Pastor Hank”) graduated from Concordia University in Moorehead, MN, in 1975 and later earned her MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1981. On May 24, 1981, she was ordained at Luther Memorial Church in Madison, WI. Her first call was to Trinity Lutheran Church in Jeromesville, OH, from 1981 to 1983. She then joined the Urban Residency program at St John’s Lutheran Church in the South Bronx, NY, from 1986 to 1987. Henrietta’s third call was as an Assisting Minister at All Saints Lutheran Church in Palatine, IL, from 1989 to 1991. She then served at First Lutheran Church in Lee, IL, from 1991-1998, before her final call to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Falls, IL, from 1998-2015. Even after retiring, she continued sharing her wisdom through pulpit supply preaching and teaching Diakonia classes. Her passion for her faith extended beyond her career, as she actively participated in several bible studies and was a dedicated member of Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore, IL, during her retirement. She is survived by her two children and three grandchildren.

Paul Fant

1939-2024 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1965

Rev. Paul Daniel Fant, age 84, died January 1, 2024, in Miamisburg, Ohio. He graduated from Augustana College with a BA in American and European History (1962) and from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Theology (1965). He interned in Long Beach, CA (1965) and was ordained in June 1965. He served as pastor at several churches across the country. He was devoted to his parishioners and was called to serve the Lord. He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and brother.

James Scherer

1926-2023 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1952

James A. Scherer, age 97, died on December 20, 2023, in North Riverside, IL. James was a Lutheran missionary, church historian, and specialist in Christian missions who, over several decades, made notable contributions to the academic study of missiology. James received his MDiv from Union Seminary in 1952. He also spent one year 1951-1952 at the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary in Maywood, IL, simultaneously serving as intern pastor at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN. After graduation, James and his wife, Frances, were commissioned as Lutheran missionaries in 1952 and served in Tokyo until 1956, when he was called to return to Chicago as the Dean of the newly created Lutheran School of Missions on the Maywood campus of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, a position he held for eleven years. 

1967 LSTC joined several other seminaries and moved from Maywood, IL, to Hyde Park, Chicago. In preparation for this, James returned to Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University for doctoral studies, taking his Th.D. in 1968. A Professor of World Mission and Church History at LSTC, Scherer developed expertise in related fields such as ecumenism and world religions and frequently participated in ecumenical missionary conferences. From 1977-84, he was chair of the International Commission on Church Cooperation of the Lutheran World Federation, based in Geneva, Switzerland. He served on several U.S. Lutheran mission boards and ecumenical committees for missionary training. Mr. Scherer is survived by his second wife, Liene; his son; his daughter; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his first wife of 60 years, Frances.

Arthur Solberg

1925-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1956

Arthur Martinius Solberg, age 98, died December 12, 2023, in Minneapolis, MN. 1945, Art moved to Minneapolis to enroll in The Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI). Art attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN, and Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL. From 1947 to 1955, he served as a student pastor for several churches in Central Minnesota in Rock Island and Moline, IL. He graduated from seminary with a Master’s Degree in Theology and was ordained in the Augustana Synod in June 1956. Art’s parishes included Zion and First Lutheran Churches of Trade Lake and Grantsburg, WI (1956-1960); Grace and Emmanuel Lutheran Churches of Sandstone and Dell Grove, MN (1960-1967); French River Lutheran of Duluth, MN (1967-1979); Calvary Lutheran Church of Rush Point, Stanchfield, MN (1979-1990). Art retired in 1990, and he and Hazel moved to Apple Valley, MN. Art served as a guest preacher at several South Metro congregations and nursing homes for the first five years of his retirement. Survived by son, daughters, grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Robert Anderson

1932-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1959

Robert L. Anderson, age 91, died on December 9, 2023, in Davenport, IA. Bob was a U.S. Army Veteran. He graduated from Burlington High School, received his BA at Augustana College, a Seminary degree from Augustana College, a Degree from Union Seminary at Columbia University for Advanced Study, and a Doctorate of Law at Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS. Bob was a Parish Pastor at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in West Chicago, IL, a Professor and Administrator at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and Deere & Co. as a manager of Public Policy and Government Relations. He also served as a legislative aid for U.S. Representative Tom Railsback, worked for the Lutheran Church of America in the area of social justice, and worked at Deere & Co. in the law department, specializing in political and legislative activities. Bob is survived by his wife, Bobbie, son, granddaughters, and sister. He was preceded by his son, Michael.

Philip Leaf

1934-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1960

Philip Gerald “Jerry” Leaf, age 89, died on December 6, 2023, in McPherson, KS. Like his father and grandfather, Jerry attended Augustana Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL, to become an ordained pastor in the Augustana Synod Lutheran Church. Jerry married Barb in 1957 at Barb’s home congregation, First Lutheran Church, in Kansas City. Jerry was ordained in 1960, and from there, Jerry and Barb raised a family and faithfully served Lutheran congregations in Central City, NE (1960-64), Vandalia, IL (1964-69), and Rockford, IL (1969-76). 

In 1976, Jerry continued his work as an ordained church minister and as a director of development for Bethphage Mission in Axtell, NE. During this time, he was one of the founding members of ALDE (Association of Lutheran Development Directors). Then, in 1981, Jerry and Barb moved to Austin, TX, where Jerry served as executive director of the Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest. From there, they moved to Chicago in 1988, where Jerry became a vice president of development with the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Following semi-retirement in 1992, Jerry and Barb moved back to Axtell, NE, where Jerry did interim work with the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA. Jerry and Barb then moved to Lindsborg, KS, in 1995, and, although claiming to be fully retired, Jerry continued his work for the church as pulpit supply and interim pastor while also serving on the boards of both the ELCA Foundation and the Augustana Heritage Association. Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara, two children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Robert Walker

1929-2023 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1954

Rev. Dr. Robert G. Walker, age 94, died on December 6, 2023, in Burlington, NC. Bob received his Bachelor’s Degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University, his MDiv from The Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, another Master’s degree from and doctoral work at Florida State University, and he did a sabbatical at Cambridge University in England. Bob’s first two calls after seminary were to mission churches in Florida. He was the first Chaplain at Lenoir-Rhyne University and went on to become the Southeastern Regional Director of Lutheran Campus Ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. During that time, he was also a spokesperson for the ERA. When Bob retired in 1993, he and Cecelia moved to Galax, VA, and he began his second career as the pastor of the Lutheran/Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. During that time, he began serving as a spokesperson for Food for the Poor, which serves the needs of people experiencing poverty in the Caribbean. Bob is survived by his wife, Cecelia, daughter, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Melvin Miritz

1926-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1978

Melvin A. Miritz, age 97, died on November 30, 2023, in Racine, WI. Melvin was united in marriage to Linda W. Winter in 1947. Together, they served Lutheran Parishes: First English in Ohio, IL; St. Johns in Johnson Creek, WI; Redeemer in Racine, WI; and Resurrection in Racine, WI. He is survived by his son, daughter, three granddaughters, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, in October 2023.

Esther Shir

1947-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1974

Esther Neshamah Shir, age 76, died on November 28, 2023, in Albuquerque, NM. Esther was born in Indianapolis in 1947 as Kris Warmoth. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a Master of Theological Studies from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. 1980, she earned an MA in Library Science from the University of Chicago. In 1983, she and her partner Diana Hartmann moved to Albuquerque, where Esther became a librarian at the University of New Mexico Medical Center, at the University of Albuquerque, and at the University of New Mexico Valencia Campus, where she served as the Library Director for 23 years. Esther is survived by Diana’s children. She was preceded in death by Diana.

Philip Kylander

1935-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1961

Rev. Philip H. Kylander, Jr, age 88, died on November 20, 2023, in West Newton, MA. Pastor Kylander grew up in Hartford, CT, was very active at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, and was a “Son of Emanuel.” He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford and then went to Divinity School at Augustana Theological Seminary. Pastor Kylander was a minister in the Lutheran Church for over sixty years and was Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for many years.

Carl Fisher

1933-2023 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1967

Rev. Dr. Carl M. Fisher, age 90, died November 17, 2023, in Matthews, NC. He received an MDiv from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC, and a Master of Sacred Theology degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred on him by Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1973. Fisher was ordained on June 8, 1958, by the Lutheran Synod of North Carolina and served for 40 years in ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, Concord, NC; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Ipoh, Malaysia; the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Savannah, GA, and Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, Matthews, NC. Fisher served as a missionary in Malaysia and Singapore for 15 years.

His career also included three administrative positions, one as Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore for eight years and as Director for the Office on Mission, Service, and Development of Lutheran World Ministries — the U.S.A. National Committee for the Lutheran World Federation in the 1980s. In the 1970s, he served on the Lutheran World Federation, Department of Studies staff as a coordinator for Asia and Africa on the Self-Studies on Stewardship and Church Economy. Fisher was active in many community organizations throughout his life, including nine years on the Board of Trustees of Lenoir-Rhyne University and President of the Alumni Association of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He is survived by his wife, Miriam Eleazer Fisher, children, and grandchildren.

Carl Braaten

1929-2023 | Faculty at Lutheran School of Theology 1983-2003

Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten, age 94, died October 28, 2023. Carl Braaten was an esteemed American Lutheran theologian and minister who contributed significantly to Lutheran theology and ecumenism. A graduate of St. Olaf College and Luther Seminary, he furthered his education at Heidelberg University and Harvard Divinity School under the guidance of Paul Tillich. Ordained in 1958, Braaten served in a Minneapolis parish and taught at Luther Seminary before joining the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1962. He co-founded the influential journal Dialog and later established the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology and its corresponding journal, Pro Ecclesia, with Robert Jenson. An author of seminal works such as “Principles of Lutheran Theology” and “Mother Church,” Braaten’s passion for restoring Lutheranism’s catholic roots and fostering Christian unity marked his distinguished career. Remembered as Professor Emeritus at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Braaten’s legacy endures in his numerous publications and the lasting impact of his theological scholarship.

Robert Langseth

1933-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1958

Rev. Robert Vern Langseth, age 90, died on October 17, 2023, in Calumet, MI. ‘Pastor Bob’ graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN. He received his Bachelor of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Robert married Deloris Tweten in June 1954. ‘Pastor Bob’ was the Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church from 1965 until his retirement in 1998. He is preceded in death by two of his children, Ronda and Kirk. He is survived by his wife, children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Josephine Thorsen

1928-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1982

Josephine E. Thorsen (Esposito), age 95, died on October 16, 2023, in Green Bay, WI. In September 1949, Josephine married Edward Thorsen. Josephine achieved an MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology. She spent several years as a hospital chaplain and loved helping those needing spiritual guidance. Josephine is preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her daughter and grandchildren.

Thomas Holcombe

1933-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1959

Rev. Thomas E. Holcombe, age 90, died October 8, 2023, in Omaha, NE. Tom graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis in 1955. While at Augsburg, he met a fellow student, the former Jean C. Pearson. They were married in June 1956 in Minneapolis, after his first year at Augustana Lutheran Seminary in Rock Island, IL. He served his internship at Salem Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, CT, and a year later, he was ordained in 1959. Over 39 years, he served four parishes in Nebraska: Bethany (Lyons)/Immanuel (Rosalie); Grace (Central City)/Fridhem (Hordville); First St. Paul’s (Hastings); and Augustana (Genoa). Tom is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his daughter, son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Donald Carlson

1931-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1957

Donald Edward Carlson, age 92, died on September 17th, 2023, in Roseville, MN. Donald was well known for his abilities as a tenor soloist. He graduated from Augustana College and Seminary and was ordained in 1956 in Illinois. Preceded in death by wife, Virgina Jean. Survived by children, a stepdaughter, and five grandchildren.

Dean Swenson

1934-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1960

Rev. Dean Linnell Swenson, age 89, died on September 6, 2023, in Bloomington, MN. Dean graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1955 (BA) and Augustana Theological Seminary, Rock Island, IL, in 1960 (MDiv). He was ordained into the ministry at the 1960 General Convention of the 100th Anniversary of the Augustana Synod, the Swedish Augustana Lutheran Church. Dean also studied at the Lutheran Bible Institute (1955-1956), where he met Elaine Thorson. They were married in December 1959. Dean then studied at the Maywood School of Missions, graduating in May 1961. In June 1961, Dean and Elaine were commissioned by the Augustana Board of World Missions as missionaries to Tanganyika, East Africa (later renamed Tanzania). In Tanzania, they first served at Isanzu and later at Ihanja, where Dean was the Director of the Ihanja Bible School. Dean and Elaine had four children, including baby Susan, who died in infancy and is buried in Tanzania.

Dean and Elaine worked as partners in ministry in every church and setting where Dean served as the pastor. After returning from service in Tanzania, Dean pioneered a unique role as a pastor, developing a multi-church, cooperative ministry on the Canadian prairie of Saskatchewan among the congregations in the five small towns of Langenburg, Churchbridge, Esterhazy, Marchwell, and Spry Hill. They then served at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt, MN (1969-1972), Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Two Harbors, MN (1973-1987), and finally in Ocala, FL, where Dean served as a Mission Developer to establish and build, and pastor Joy Lutheran Church (1987-1999). Dean is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Zachary Johnson

1984-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 2012

Rev. Zachary “Zach” Johnson, age 39, died unexpectedly on September 1, 2023, in Santa Clarita, CA. He was a 2002 graduate of Lake Mills High School, a 2007 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, and a 2012 graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Zach married Kristin (Sletten) in May 2006. On July 15, 2012, Zach was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at Zion Lutheran Church, Dysart, IA. He was blessed to serve as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Evansville, MN; St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, IA; and Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church, Pasadena, CA. He was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his wife, daughters, parents, and siblings.

Gerald Goodrich

1936-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1964

Gerald Goodrich, age 86, died on September 1, 2023, in Hartland, WI. Gerald attended Columbia Co. Teachers College, Columbus, after which he taught elementary school for two years. He then graduated from UW-Oshkosh and, in turn, Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL, and Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, IL. Gerald met June Whirry at Columbus, who would become his wife in July 1961. They were blessed with two children, who survive him, along with his sister-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by June in 2012.

Gerald was ordained as a pastor of the Lutheran Church on May 20, 1964. He served congregations in Wisconsin in Monona, Kenosha, Waterloo, and Fond du Lac. Following residency in a Clinical Pastoral Education program at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, he became a chaplain for Shorehaven Homes in Oconomowoc. Following retirement, he served as an interim pastor for churches in Ashippun, Slinger, and Delafield. He also was a substitute organist/musician for several WI area churches, primarily at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Merton from 2012 to 2019.

John Moren

1929-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1962

John Edward More, age 94, died on August 28, 2023, in Davis, CA. John graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1950, majoring in mathematics. He married Joan Caroline Carlson in 1951. Soon after, they moved to Rock Island, IL, where he attended Augustana Theological Seminary while raising four children with Joan. John was ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church in 1962. 1963, the family moved to Roseville, where he began pastoral ministry. He then served a congregation in Inglewood. In 1973, the family moved to Davis, where he served for 22 years, retiring from ministry in 1995. He was preceded in death by his wife in May 2020. John is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ingmar Levin

1926-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1954

Rev. Ingmar Lorits Levin, age 97, died August 19, 2023, in Manistique, MI. During WWII, Pastor Ingmar was drafted into military service. After his discharge from the army, he returned to work at the family bakery. Pastor Ingmar was a 1950 graduate of Upsula College in East Orange, NJ, and Augustana Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL, graduating with an MDiv in 1954. He was ordained in the Augustana Synod in Los Angeles, CA. In August 1955, Pastor Ingmar married Betty Nelson. They were married until her death in 2003. Pastor Ingmar served at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ansonia, CT, Bethany Lutheran Church in Isabella, MI, and Zion Lutheran Church in Manistique. He retired in 1991 but continued serving as an interim pastor and supply pastor throughout the Upper Peninsula for 25 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, two sisters, and brother. He is survived by his daughter, son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carl McKenzie

1934-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1977

Rev. Dr. Carl C. McKenzie, age 88, died August 13, 2023, in Hendersonville, NC. He graduated from Wittenberg College and Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary and was ordained by the United Lutheran Church in America in 1960. He was pastor of Gethsemane, Cicero, IL (1960-1964); First Lutheran, Harvey, IL (1964-1974); and Immanuel, Chicago (1974-1998). He earned a doctorate from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and graduated from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation (Washington, D.C.). As an ecumenical officer of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, he was instrumental in the Covenant with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chicago and co-led the Jewish-Christian dialogue with Temple Emmanuel, Chicago. In retirement, he served as interim pastor at Grace Lutheran, Hendersonville (2002-2006), leading “The Magnificent Seven” team, and remained involved in ecumenical dialogue with Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Hendersonville). He is survived by his wife, Barbara, brother, and children.

Lyman Lundeen

1932-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1960

Rev. Dr. Lyman Timothy, age 92, died August 10, 2023, in Collegeville, PA. He attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, where he dated his beloved wife, Grace, for over 70 years. After college, Lyman was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers but chose to serve his country in the Navy instead. He was a Line Officer on an Aircraft Carrier during the Korean War and a Chaplain in the Naval Reserve. Lyman attained the rank of Captain. In the late 50s to early 60s, Lyman had a Parish in North Bergen, NJ, where he served as Pastor. In 1964, he simultaneously studied for his Doctorate of Theology, ThD, at Union Theological Seminary in New York and served as the Protestant chaplain at Columbia University in New York City. After that, Lyman was a professor of Theology at The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mt. Airy in Philadelphia for 20 years. He continued teaching at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington State, for ten more years. Lyman is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Steven Archer

1946-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1973

Steven Archer, age 76, died July 31, 2023, in Dearborn, MI. In 1972, Steven married his wife of 37 years, Diane, and was ordained in the ministry. As a minister, he served many Lutheran churches in the Indiana – Kentucky Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, including churches in Cromwell and Syracuse, Indiana, and Valley Station, KY. In the early 1980s, he served as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon, IN. From the late 80s until 1992, he served as pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH. From 1992 until 1998 he was the pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, OH. 1998, Steven and Diane moved to Southwest Detroit, where he served as Senior Pastor of Trinity – St Mark’s United Church of Christ until 2016. He was a staunch advocate and community activist in Southwest Detroit. In retirement, he served as a chaplain on various cruise ships – he was offered a job in the rotation after stepping up when the original chaplain fell ill during a cruise. He is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his children and grandson.

Richard Hoffmann

1936-2023 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1975

Rev. Richard “Dick” Hoffmann, age 87, died July 31, 2023, in Stevens Point, WI. Following high school, Dick attended Concordia College in Milwaukee, WI, and Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, IN. He then attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, for three years, followed by an internship at Milwaukee Avenue Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from the Seminary and was ordained in 1962. That same year, he married Faith Elisabeth Piepkorn. In June 1962, Dick was commissioned as Chaplain (2 Lt) in the US Army, serving in the Army Reserve both in the Nebraska National Guard and the Missouri National Guard until being honorably discharged. Dick served as pastor of Lutheran congregations in Malcolm and Pleasant Dale, NE; North St. Louis, MO; Belton and Raymore, MO and two congregations in St. Louis County, MO as vacancy pastor. He remained a pastor, retired and in good standing, in the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is preceded in death by his wife and survived by his children and one granddaughter.

Frederick Larner

1932-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1958

Rev. Frederick E. Larner, age 90, died July 26, 2023, in Galesburg, IL. After graduating from Knox College, he attended and graduated from Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL. Rev. Larner was a minister in the Lutheran Church, where he served in Tower, MN, for 38 years and in Sterling, IL, for a few years before returning to Galesburg in the late 1990s. In Galesburg, he served as the associate pastor of First Lutheran Church.

Dean Sudman

1932-2023 | Central Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1958

Mr. Dean Edward Sudman, age 91, died July 25, 2023, in McKinney, TX. Dean married Barbara Wonacott in May 1957 in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Central Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1958. Dean is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lawrence Baietti

1935-2023 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1962

Lawrence Thomas Baietti, age 87, died July 18, 2023, in Fort Collins, CO. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Valparaiso University and MDiv at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church in 1962, he served congregations in Southern and Northern Illinois, the US Virgin Islands, and Altadena, CA. Following retirement in 1998, he served as Interim Pastor to congregations in North Carolina and again in the US Virgin Islands. Pastor Baietti was preceded in death by an infant son. Surviving is his wife of 61 years, JoAnn, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ward Cornett

1948-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1979

Rev. Ward (“Skip”) L. Cornett III, age 75, died July 2, 2023, in Delaware, OH. He was a faithful pastor of the ELCA, committed to issues of Church and Society, social justice, interfaith relations, global affairs, and peace initiatives. Skip spent one year at Marshall University before enlisting in the Coast Guard, serving as a Boatswain’s Mate 3. After discharge, Skip graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and then went to seminary (first Gettysburg Seminary and then Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago). He served parishes in Stevensville, MI; Cranberry Twp., PA; Gaithersburg, MD; and Gahanna, OH, before joining Trinity Lutheran Seminary as Director of Continuing Education. During that time, he earned the STM degree at Trinity. He also served in numerous interim pastor roles, the last at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Delaware, OH. He is survived by his daughter, Lt. Andrea Cornett, USN, and his wife of 42 years, Becky Sutherland Cornett.

Luther Linquist

1935-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1961

Luther Leon Linquist, age 87, died June 19, 2023, in Kalispell, MT. He attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and Augustana Seminary. His internship (1958-59) was at Elim Lutheran Church on the south side of Chicago. He and Kay Spong met at Camp Augustana and were married in 1960. Leon was ordained as a pastor in the Augustana Lutheran Church in June 1961. He served the Augustana congregation in Edmonton, Alberta, the Bethesda congregation in Kenora, Ontario, and the Epiphany congregation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was pastor-in-residence at the Lutheran Seminary in Saskatoon for eight months in 1999. He served Finnish Lutheran congregations in Covington and Trout Creek, Michigan, before his retirement in 2006. He is survived by his wife and children.

John Santoro

1945-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1977

Rev. Dr. John Joseph Santoro, age 77, died June 12, 2023, in Fullerton, CA. Following his college graduation in 1967, he was commissioned to the United States Air Force, where he served five years in Korea stateside and abroad. While in the service, John married his college sweetheart, Linda Marie Decker, in April of 1968 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. After his honorable discharge, he completed his MBA, attended the Chicago Lutheran School of Theology, and became an ordained minister in 1977. John went on to achieve his doctorate and served churches in Buena Park, Burbank, Lancaster, and Valparaiso until his retirement in 2013. He is survived by his wife and extended family.

Eric Gustavson

1944-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1971

Eric J. Gustavson Jr., age 78, died May 27, 2023, in Plymouth, MN. Eric graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College (1966) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (1971). He went on to serve the Lutheran parishes of Swanburg/Crosslake (1971-1975); Elim, Duluth (1975-1985); St. John’s, Mound, MN (1985-2003); Mt. Olivet, Minneapolis, MN (2003-2007). He served as a board member of the Lutheran Camp Board, Lutheran Social Services, and Trustee Gustavus Adolphus College. He is preceded in death by a son. He is survived by his wife, Deidra (Moehring) Gustavson, children, and grandchildren.

Kara Baylor

1970-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 2000

Rev. Kara Frances Baylor, age 52, died May 25, 2023, in Caledonia, WI. Kara earned her bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Decorah, IA, and an MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. She was ordained in 2000 and began her ministry at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church that same year. While at Mount Pleasant Lutheran, Kara developed as a preacher and teacher. After fourteen years at Mount Pleasant Lutheran, she accepted the position to lead the Center for Faith and Spirituality at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. As a campus pastor, she walked side by side with students as their faith and beliefs waxed and waned, but she continued to offer hope, light, and guidance to their lives with love. She was introduced to Trenton at a Christmas party in 2001 and married in 2003. Together they had two children. She is survived by her father, her husband, daughters, and brothers.

Jack Berry

1927-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1977

Rev. Dr. Jack Wilson Berry, age 95, died May 16, 2023, in Freemont, NE. The Rev. Dr. Jack Berry graduated from Patrick Henry High School and entered the Marine Corps, serving in 1945 and 1946. Upon being discharged with the rank of Corporal, he enrolled in Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a BA degree in 1949. In 1949, he married LeVerne Westlin, and they moved to Moline, IL, where he attended Augustana Lutheran Seminary. He completed a year of internship at First Lutheran Church in Brockton, MA. He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree and was ordained in 1953. He received an MDiv in 1972 and a DMin in 1977 from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. 

The first church he served was Bethlehem Lutheran in East Hampton, CT. He then served at Calvary Lutheran on the southwest side of Chicago, Gloria Dei Lutheran, and Downers Grove, both in Illinois. In 1971, he began his 20-year ministry as Senior Pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont and retired in 1991. In retirement, he served 20 congregations on an interim basis without a pastor in and around Omaha and Eastern Nebraska. Dr. Berry served in many capacities in the Lutheran church and the communities where they lived. Rev. Berry is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his children, granddaughter, great-granddaughters, twin sister, and step-grandchildren.

Frederick Schumacher

1939-2023 | Central Lutheran Theological Seminary Class of 1964

Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Schumacher, age 84, died May 14, 2023, in Manchester, NJ. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where he met his wife, Joyce Elaine Morris, whom he married in June 1961. After graduating, Frederick J. Schumacher pursued a theological path, obtaining a master’s degree from Central Lutheran Theological Seminary and a second Master of Theology from the New York Theological Seminary. He furthered his education by attaining a DMin from Princeton Theological Seminary. Ordained into the Lutheran Ministry on June 3, 1964, at First Lutheran Church, Jamestown, NY, he was soon called to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in White Plains, NY, where he initially served as Assistant Pastor and Director of Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and Evangelism. In 1966, he became the pastor of the congregation, a role he fulfilled for 40 years before retiring in 2004. 

1997 he co-founded the Society of the Holy Trinity, an international order of Evangelical Catholic Lutheran Pastors. Reverend Schumacher significantly contributed to the Lutheran community as the Executive Director of the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau (ALPB) for 23 years. The ALPB, an independent, inter-Lutheran organization, publishes the Lutheran Forum, the “Forum Letter,” and numerous books. He is preceded in death by a son. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, two children, and grandchildren.

David Imhoff

1946-2023 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1973

Pastor David Imhoff, age 76, died May 13, 2023, in Jacksonville, FL. David received his MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and his Honorary Doctorate from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, where he met his wife of 52 years, Jeanne. In February 1973, David was ordained to the ministry at his home church in Louisville, KY. He served for 50 years at churches in Virginia (St. Matthias Lutheran), Ohio (Glenwood Lutheran in Toledo & First Lutheran in Springfield), and Florida (St. Matthews Lutheran & Ft. Caroline Presbyterian in Jacksonville, Grace Lutheran in Miami Springs, and Lord of Life Lutheran in St. Simons Island, GA). He was Campus Minister for 5 Universities in Richmond, VA. David and Jeanne cared for 450 foster kids and had seven children, along with nine grandchildren.

Larry Foster

1937-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1969

Larry Lynn Foster, age 85, died May 7, 2023, in Shelby, MI. Larry played baseball for Michigan State University for two years before signing a professional contract with the Detroit Tigers, followed by a 7-year career in professional baseball. Off-season, he pursued higher education at Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree before entering the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and attaining an MDiv. He was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, followed by pastorates at Grace Lutheran, Lansing, and Lebanon Lutheran, Whitehall in Michigan. He earned a doctorate in ministry from Western Theological Seminary along with years of study with Dr. Edwin Friedman and Murray Bowen, family systems professionals. Larry was also a certified marriage and family therapist and pastoral counselor.

He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve. During the Berlin Crisis, he was called to be combat-ready and sent to Fort Lewis, WA, where he met his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Lee, in her senior year at Pacific Lutheran University. They were married In Oct. 1962. After 24 years of parish life, he began a 30-year effort with clergy leadership, leading seminars and consultations across the country, including, most recently, the ELCA Systems Academy, a Comprehensive application of reflective thinking and learning. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and grandchildren.

Ivar Holmquist

1926-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1955

Reverend Ivar R. Holmquist, age 96, died April 25, 2023, in Rockville, MD. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army’s 95th Infantry Division, recognized as a “liberating unit” by the U.S. Holocaust Museum. After the war, he earned degrees from Augsburg College, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and Johns Hopkins University. Rev. Holmquist was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 1955 and served as pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rutland, VT, and Augustana Lutheran Church in Baltimore. Subsequently, he worked as Assistant to the Bishop of the Maryland Synod and then as Regional Director of the Division for Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He later worked as a fundraiser and financial planner. Rev. Holmquist was preceded in death by his first wife, Ardis Granquist Holmquist, their daughter, Kathryn A. Holmquist, and his second wife, Carol Lois Chester. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

Ernest Ryden

1931-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1959

Rev. Ernest Ryden, age 92, died April 21, 2023, in Osterville, MA. Rev. Ryden attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Following college graduation, Ryden fulfilled his draft deferment obligation by joining the U.S. Navy. He served as Quartermaster and was assigned to the bridge of the U.S.S. Adirondack, stationed in Norfolk when he met his wife, Lois Beck. In 1953, after completing his two years of military service, Ryden enrolled in Augustana Theological Seminary. After pastorships at Lutheran churches in Portland, OR; Alberta, Canada; and Orange, MA, Rev. Ryden accepted a call to St. James Lutheran Church in Barrington, RI, where he served for 29 years until his retirement in 1995. Ryden also served as Communications Director of the RI State Council of Churches from 1970-1995, hosting the biweekly Sunday morning local television program “The Week Starts Here” at the local NBC affiliate. Rev. Ryden is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Ronald Yarnell

1960-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 2002

Ronald Yarnell, age 62, died April 17, 2023, in Johnston, IA. Ron received a BA in History from Dowling College. Following God’s call to ministry, he attended Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA. He married Katharine in 1992 and served his pastoral internship at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City. His first call was to Faith Lutheran Church in Osborne, KS, where he was ordained in 1995. In 2002, he received his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Ron then served many multi-point interim ministry positions throughout Iowa, starting in 2005. He served Lutheran, Presbyterian, and United Methodist congregations. He was a novice of the Order of Lutheran Franciscans and served the Des Moines Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol as a major, earning the Crisis Service ribbon. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Thomas Christell

1951-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1983

Rev. Thomas B. Christell, Jr., age 71, died April 14, 2023, in Springfield, IL. He married Patricia Chelgren in June 1973. Tom retired from Grace Lutheran Church after 29 years of service. Before serving at Grace, he spent seven years at St. Peter’s Church in Arenzville. The Grace Lutheran Food Pantry was always a particular part of his ministry. In his time at Grace, Tom expanded the food pantry to one of Springfield’s largest. Tom participated in Confirmation Camp for all 36 years of his ministry. While providing oversight of the Central Southern Illinois Synod Lutheran Youth Organization, he organized and operated many youth conventions and gatherings. Pastor Tom was an integral part of the Leadership Lab program for decades. After serving several years as the Advanced Level of Leadership Lab coordinator, Tom became the Co-Director in 2000. He was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Charles Christell. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Marcia Kline

1952-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1991

Rev. Marcia Kathleen Houtman Kline, age 70, died March 23, 2023, in Bishop, TX. She graduated from South Dakota State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Marcia then taught in several positions at colleges in Illinois and Iowa before entering seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, graduating with an MDiv in 1991. Upon receiving a call from the American Lutheran Church in Castlewood, SD, Marcia was ordained in February 1993.

Following her engagement and marriage to The Rev. Kevin H. Kline in April of 1995, she relocated and served the Kimball Protestant Parish, which comprised Immanuel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, and Kimball United Methodist Churches. In 2002, she received a call to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX. In 2008, Marcia left parish ministry to do advanced work in CPE to become a hospital chaplain. For the remainder of her ministry, Marcia worked as a chaplain at various healthcare centers in the Corpus Christi area. In those years and beyond her retirement in 2014, she also served under contract with the congregations of St. Paul, Tynan, Grace, and Mathis. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her sister.

Paul Lutze

1944-2023| Christ Seminary – Seminex Class Of 1970

Paul Otto Lutze, age 78, died on February 18, 2023, in Vero Beach, FL. He attended Concordia College in Milwaukee, WI, Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, graduating in 1970. He was ordained in 1970 and served parishes in Foxboro, MA, Seaford, NY, and Vernon, CT, before joining the staff of Bishop Lavern Franzen in Tampa, FL, where he was an Assistant to the Bishop until 1999. From 1999 through 2004, he served at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH, then returned to Florida to again work as an Assistant to the Bishop until his retirement in 2013. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and shared his talents as a soloist, choir director, and participant in numerous ways throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, two children, five grandchildren, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mark Bangert

1938-2023 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1969

Mark P Bangert, age 84, died February 12, 2023, in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, and was ordained in 1965. He served congregations in Illinois and Missouri and taught at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, and Christ Seminary-Seminex before joining the faculty at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in 1983. He earned his MA and PhD from the University of Minnesota. Mark was the John H. Tietjen emeritus professor of pastoral theology: worship and music at LSTC, where he taught courses in worship and music and served as dean of the chapel and director of the LSTC Chorus. In addition, he was parish choir director, Bach Choir Artistic Director, and scholar in residence at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Luke, Chicago. He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter. He is survived by his wife, Kristi, children and stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Donald Miesner

1933-2023 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1974

Rev. Dr. Donald R. Miesner, age 90, died January 22, 2023, in Ballwin, MO. Don earned two bachelor’s degrees from St. Paul Concordia, MO. He earned three master’s degrees: Master of Divinity and Theology from Concordia Seminary, Missouri, and Master of Arts in Education from Washington University. He received a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

He spent over 41 years at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, as a professor, department head, DELTO Coordinator, and Atlantic District Vice President, and three years as the Principal for Concordia Prep School. He taught Religion, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek, and specialized in the New Testament. He was an adjunct preacher for 12 years at his home church, The Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville. He was also the senior pastor at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Harlem, New York, for three years. After his retirement, Don went on as an adjunct professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 2001-2008, and served as an elder of St. John’s Church Ellisville, MO (now called Pathway). He is survived by his wife, Willie, daughters, and grandchildren.

Steven Larson

1941-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1983

Steven George Larson, age 82, died January 21, 2023, in Austin, TX. Steve attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Paul, MN, then earned a doctorate in theology at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. During the 1970s and early 80s, after Steve was ordained as a Lutheran minister, he found his calling on the streets of Fort Worth, where he founded Fort Worth Urban Ministries. This innovative program offered crisis assistance. Steve met his wife, Renee Morris Larson while serving in Fort Worth. In 1983, they moved to Berkeley, CA, where Steve presided over a Lutheran congregation for eight years. In 1991, Steve and Renee returned to Texas, where for over thirty years, Steve served as a marriage and family therapist in Austin; for part of that time, he also ministered to individuals incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Bastrop. His goal was to help these men see that, despite challenging circumstances, each held immeasurable goodness.

Joanne Adrian

1945-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1987

Rev. Joanne D. Adrian, age 77, died January 21, 2023, in Rockford, IL. She graduated with an MDiv from Augustana College and the Lutheran School of Theology. Ordained in 1988, Pastor Adrian enjoyed a ministry career for over 35 years (just as the ELCA was beginning) in both Iowa and Illinois. Many of her appointments were intentional interim assignments. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was on the Multi-Cultural Committee, and a former member of St. Peters Lutheran in New York City. She is survived by her sister, niece, nephew, and great-nieces and nephews.

James Harbaugh

1954-2023 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1981

Rev. James F. Harbaugh, Age 68, died January 19, 2023, in Roseville, MN. He was a faithful ELCA pastor serving Indiana, Manitoba, Illinois, and Iowa congregations. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, brother, and sister.

Robert Wegehoft

1939-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1966

Rev. Robert R. “Bob” Wegehoft, age 84, died January 14, 2023, in Lancaster, PA. He received a Master of Sacred Music degree at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and his divinity degree at the Lutheran School of Theology, Rock Island, IL. He was ordained at Rockefeller Chapel on the University of Chicago campus. He was a Lutheran pastor for almost 56 years, serving at Faith Lutheran Church in Moline, IL. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Romeoville, IL; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arenzville, IL; St. Mark Ev. Lutheran Church in Davenport, IA; Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clinton, IA.; and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Strasburg, PA. He also served as interim pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Mt. Wolf, PA, and Hill Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA.

In May 2017, he returned to St. Michael’s, Strasburg, as interim pastor. He was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lancaster. Bob sang in the Seminary Choir and gave an organ recital before each concert on tour, also directing the choir for a year before moving from the Rock Island area. He played for numerous events, served on church synod and conference committees, sang with the Ephrata Cloister Choir on a Germany tour, and he, Irene, and their children gave many musical programs for church and civic groups and at nursing homes. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Albert Weidlich

1939-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1954

Albert William Weidlich, age 94, died January 13, 2023, in Decatur, IA. Albert served God and others for nearly 70 years as a Lutheran minister and was known to many as Pastor Al. He served churches in Michigan and Illinois, was Pastor Emeritus of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Decatur, and after retirement, served as visitation pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington and as an interim pastor in churches throughout central Illinois. He also put his faith into action and shared his compassion as a fire chaplain, volunteer firefighter, Decatur Human Relations Commission member, and Lt. Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. He is survived by his loving children and their spouses, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Warren Thummel

1932-2023 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1958

Rev. Warren L. Thummel, age 90, died January 8, 2023, in Mundelein, IL. He graduated from Augustana College, a 1958 Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary graduate in Maywood, IL, and served as Pastor at several Lutheran Churches in the Chicagoland area. Warren’s life was shaped by his many passions, including music, choir, travel, languages, and nature, and his love for camping + woodlore, diving, canoeing, cycling, and storied conversation. He was a genuine ally and defender of all people’s equality, dignity, and rights, answering Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1965 at significant personal risk. Pastor Warren Thummel is survived by his loving wife, two children, two grandchildren, and four sisters.

Gerald Nelson

1935-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1961

Rev. Gerald W. “Jerry” Nelson, age 88, died January 6, 2023, in Moose Lake, MN. He graduated from Concordia College (Moorhead) and enrolled at Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL. He interned for a year at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT. He was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in Seattle, WA in 1961. His first call was to Zion Lutheran in Waterbury, CT. During his time, he was active in the civil rights movement in Selma, AL. 1966, Jerry accepted a call to Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church in St. Clair Shores, MI. In 1974, he received a call as Sr. Pastor of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL, and served until his retirement in 1997. Throughout his ministry, his passion was for outreach and enabling people of all ages to grow in faith and service. In retirement, he served as chairperson of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and chairperson of the Naperville Home for the Elderly. He served as Pastor in Residence at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, a wonderful month spent on-campus teaching and counseling future church pastors. He is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and a new great-grandson.

Roger Sasse

1942-2023 | Central Lutheran Theological Seminary Class of 1967

Pastor Roger L. Sasse, age 81, died on January 5, 2023, in Lincoln, NE. Upon graduation, he accepted a split call as the first Assistant Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Kearney. He was given the opportunity to begin a Lutheran Campus Ministry at Kearney State College. In 1979, he went to Indiana University as Campus Pastor. 1982, he moved to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to serve the campus ministry. In 1988, he went to the Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries camping ministry at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Ashland, NE, where he served as Executive Director until his ”formal” retirement in 2007.

Upon retirement in 2007, he went to work for the Nebraska Synod Capital Campaign and the Nebraska Lutheran Campus Ministry Board, serving as its volunteer Executive Director. Subsequently, he served as Assistant to Jon Fredricks, the new Executive Director, until his (second) retirement from retirement in March of 2019. He is survived by his wife, Jan, six children, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

John Peterson

1935-2023 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1963

Pastor John Alden Peterson, age 87, died January 4, 2023, in Buffalo, MN. While serving in the Marines, John was befriended by a Chaplain who encouraged him to enter the Ministry. After serving in the Marines, John attended and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN, where he met the love of his life, Lynda Lou Hedbom-Peterson. John and Lynda were married in June 1959 and served God together through nearly 60 years of marriage. John and Lynda moved to Rock Island, IL, where he completed his Seminary education, graduating from Augustana Lutheran Seminary with an MDiv. John served as a Pastor in Michigan, Texas, Carlton, Brooklyn Center, Cokato, Dassel, and Litchfield, MN. John is survived and missed by his children, grandchildren, brothers, and their families.

Lisa Goodwin

1959-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1987

Rev. Lisa Goodwin, age 63, died January 4, 2023, in Bloomington, IL. She graduated Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981. She then earned her master’s degree at The Lutheran School of Theology in 1987. Lisa was ordained as a pastor of the Lutheran Church in 1987. She has served as a pastor in Iowa, Virginia, and Illinois, most recently at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hartsburg, IL. Lisa enjoyed reading, history, archeology, and travel during her downtime. Lisa is survived by her husband, sister, nephews, and great-niece.

Raymond Kleinhaus

1918-2023 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1972

John Dragelin

1930-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1954

John Dragelin, age 92, died December 31, 2022, in Northfield, MN. John graduated from Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, in 195 and went to Augustana Lutheran Seminary in Rock Island, IL, graduating with his MDiv in 1954. He continued his education at Fairfield University, CT, and Iona College, NY. On April 30, 1955, John married Marion Carlson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Attleboro, MA. They made their home in New Hampshire for five years, where he was pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord. John accepted a call to a mission church, Ascension Lutheran, in Deer Park, NY. He remained at Ascension for 33 years, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and other beloved family members.

Edwin Anderson

1929-2022 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1978

Rev. Dr. Edwin Charles Anderson, age 93, died December 23, 2022, in Mount Olivet, MN. He was a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and served parishes in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Joan Voxland, children, and granddaughter.

John Freed

1927-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1954

Rev. John Jack Freed, age 95, died December 20, 2022, in West Bloomfield, MI. Rev. Freed was the founder and former minister of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in West Bloomfield and was active in many other aspects of the West Bloomfield Community. Jack is survived by his children, his second wife, Joan Thralow, his grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Alan Lindberg

1934-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1960

Rev. Alan Robert Lindberg, age 88, died December 16, 2022, in Fort Atkinson, WI. He married Jane Doris Anderson in December 1956 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Joliet, Illinois. Alan graduated from Augustana College and Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL, with an MDiv in 1960. He was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran faith soon after. He earned several other master’s degrees in the humanities during his lifetime. He served Christ and his congregations joyfully and enthusiastically for 40 years in communities including Mandan, ND, Madison, Neenah, Fort Atkinson, West Milwaukee, and Slinger, WI. For many years, he hosted Face to Face, a WTMJ-TV talk show in Milwaukee, focusing on religious and humanitarian issues. He served as ships’ chaplain in his retirement years, taking him to many places – including South America. He is survived by his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, nephew, and niece.

Ernst Rex

1951-2022 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1978

Ernst Leroy Rex, age 71, died December 4, 2022, in DeKalb, IL. After graduating and earning his associate’s degree from Concordia Milwaukee, he earned his BA in classical studies from Indiana University. He would then attend Seminex in St. Louis, MO, where he earned his MDiv and met his future wife, Doris Steinbach. They were married in June 1975. He began his ministry as an intern at Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL. He was ordained on November 18, 1979, at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, where he served until 1982. The family then moved to Jacksonville, IL, where he served Faith Lutheran Church until 1987. The family then moved to Lily Lake, where he served at Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake for 27 years up to retirement. Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Doris (Steinbach) Rex, his children, grandchildren, and other family members.

Lowell Anderson

1922-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1966

Lowell Anderson, age 82, died Tuesday, November 29, 2022, in Owatonna, MN. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College and Augustana Seminary. He married Eleanor Johnson in Chicago in August 1964. Lowell was ordained into the ministry of the Augustana Lutheran Synod (later becoming the ELCA) in May of 1966. During his 53 years as a pastor, he served parishes in Michigan (Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Farmington Hills) and Indiana (LaGrange, Bloomington, Crown Point, Evansville, Crawfordsville, and Wallace). Lowell is survived by his wife, Eleanor Anderson, sons, sister, and granddaughters.

Jerry Crow

1942-2022 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1978

Jerry Dale Crow, age 80, died November 25, 2022, in Windom, MN. Jerry graduated from South Dakota State University in 1966. After a service of eight years with the Iowa Department of Social Services, Jerry attended Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where he earned an MDiv in June of 1978. Jerry met Darlene Henselin of Caroline, WI, and they two were married at Augustana Lutheran Church in Chicago in September of 1975. Jerry was ordained into the Holy Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Lutheran Church of America on June 25, 1978, and served parishes at Albia and Ely, IA. Darlene and Jerry moved to Oshkosh, WI, in 1983. He returned to social work in 1986 at the Wood County Department of Social Services in Marshfield, WI. While employed there, Jerry completed a year of graduate work in social work and earned certification.

Jerry retired from Wood County in December of 1997, when he returned to active ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; after moving to Rochester, MN, Jerry served Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, MN, until retiring in 2002. Jerry moved to Akron, where he ran a Bed and Breakfast Inn and served as interim pastor at Trinity in Akron, Hudson, SD, and St. John, east of Akron. After moving to Sioux City in 2009, Jerry served as a supply priest at Calvary Episcopal Church. Jerry was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Windom. Jerry is survived by his daughter, grandson, and other family members.

Jon Ellefson

1935-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1966

Jon R. Ellefson, age 87, died November 18, 2022, in Rosemount, MN. He is survived by his wife, Maila Ellefson, daughters, step-children, grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many other loving family and friends.

Daniel Zielske

1936-2022 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1961

Rev. Daniel Ezekiel Zielske, age 86, died October 30, 2022, in Morristown, MN. Dan graduated from Concordia College, Saint Paul, where he met Joan Boeder – they were married in August 1960. Dan graduated from seminary in Saint Louis and served congregations in Greenwood and Green Bay, WI; Des Plaines, IL; and Saint Paul, MN. In the eighties, Dan became an ELCA pastor, faithfully served many Lutheran churches as an interim pastor, and continued serving into retirement. Dan and Joan were proud foster parents for close to twenty adolescent girls, many of whom still call them “Dad and Mom.” Pastor Dan always had a heart for service and made his faith active in love in countless ways. He is survived by his wife, Joan, five children, 18 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Eimo Hinrichs

1930-2022 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1972

Eimo E. Hinrichs, age 91, died October 24, 2022. He graduated from Wartburg College in 1952. He continued his education with a year at UC Berkley and earned his MDiv at Wartburg Seminary in 1957. 1972, he completed an MST at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He married Patrica Ann Sim in June 1958. They first made their home in St Donatus, IA, the location of his first parish. After accepting a position at Peoria State Hospital as a psychiatric chaplain, the family moved to Bartonville, IL, in 1962. While working as a chaplain, Reverend Eimo served most ELCA congregations in the Central Illinois region as either a fill-in or interim minister, including Bethel Lutheran. He retired from Zeller Zone Center as a Chaplain in 1997. Eimo was an active member of the community. He was a frequent newspaper letter writer, especially during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He and Pat also created a group for survivors of suicide that continues today. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Stephen Swanson

1945-2022 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1971

Rev. Stephen H. Swanson, age 77, died October 20, 2022, in Lombard, IL. Pastor Swanson graduated from Bethany College in Kansas and Peace Corps service in Micronesia; Steve also graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Following ordination, Pastor Swanson was first called to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cairo, IL, where he became involved with the civil rights movement, and he was later called to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Chicago, where he helped move the church forward in its welcome of LGBTQIA+ persons. His next call would take him to Denver, CO, where he served as pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Chaplain to the Colorado House of Representatives. The call to be closer to family, including his several grandchildren, brought him back to the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, where he served at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park before retiring from full-time ministry in 2016 and serving as an intentional interim pastor in recent years. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, his children, and their grandchildren.

Jerome Bengtson

1934-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1960

Jerome Allen Bengtson, age 88, died October 12, 2022, in Racine, WI. Jerry graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. He finished his education at Augustana Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL, where he earned his MDiv in 1958. Jerry was a Pastor for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for 33 years. He had parishes in Mitchell, SD; Rockford, IL; Madison, WI; and Racine, WI. Jerry and Sonja were married in June of 1992. Some of his favorite moments in life were those he got to spend with his family. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sonja, four children, and ten grandchildren.

Don Rothweiler

1951-2022 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Class of 1979

Rev. Don E. Rothweiler, age 71, died October 12, 2022, in Ankeny, IA. He graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, in 1973 and the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, in 1979. He was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the LCA Illinois Synod in June of 1979 and served many churches throughout Iowa. After retiring in 2014, he served as interim pastor at St. Paul, Martensdale, IA, St. John’s, Madrid, IA, and as supply rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Des Moines, IA. Pastor Don was also a part-time stage actor, puppet creator, performer, and character voice talent. He enjoyed his work with several community and regional theaters and most especially cherished his work at the Des Moines Community Playhouse and Iowa Stage Theater Company. For seven seasons, he was also part of the Final Act Ensemble, a touring group of senior actors presenting radio shows and popular music from the 30’s and 40’s. Pastor Don is survived by his spouse, Jayme (Selland) Rothweiler, children, and granddaughter.

Don Fultz

1938-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1965

Don A. Fultz, age 84, died October 2, 2022, in Oak Park Heights, MN. After high school graduation, Don spent one year at The Lutheran Bible School Institute, four years at Gustavus Adolphus College, and four years at Augustana Seminary. Don married Eunice in March 1963. Don loved to travel, and together, they traveled worldwide. After full-time parish ministry, Don and Eunice ventured to Tanzania, Africa, for 13 years as volunteers for the newly established partnership between the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese Tanzania. Parishes served were Grace Lutheran and Mankato Lutheran Home in Mankato, MN; Bethany Elim – Ivanhoe, MN; Bethany Lutheran – Arco, MN; Holy Trinity – New Prague, MN; Faith Lutheran – Forest Lake, MN. Following his parish pastoral ministry, Don served as Coordinator of the Bega Kwa Bega Program (Iringa Diocese Tanzania) through the Saint Paul Area Synod, St. Paul, MN. Don is survived by his wife, Eunice, two children, and five grandchildren.

Richard Frederick

1940-2022 | Central Lutheran Theological Seminary Class of 1966

Dr. Richard (Dick) Paul Frederick, age 82, died September 23, 2022. Dick attended Central States Theological Seminary and was ordained a minister in the Lutheran Church. He went on to earn a DMin with a focus on New Testament Theology from Oral Roberts University. Dick served as pastor at Holy Shepherd Lutheran in Kansas City, MO, Hope Lutheran Church in Heber Springs and surrounding area, and Word of Life Lutheran in Windom, MN. He was involved in Church School Development in Bryant, AR. Dick also served as Interim Pastor at St. James Lutheran in Garden City, KS. The last church he pastored was Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, AR. While he retired from pastoring churches, he never gave up ministering to others. Dick is survived by his wife, Jeannette Franklin Frederick, his children, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

Melvin Peterson

1926-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary 1957

Melvin Theodore Peterson, age 96, died August 20, 2022, in Liberty, MO. Peterson served congregations in Iowa, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky. He also founded a ministry center in Kentucky, including a children’s Christian Education program, a food pantry, and a clothes closet. He is survived by his wife Lorena, four children, and six grandchildren.

Kenneth Bean

1939-2022 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1965

Kenneth Orson Bean, age 83, died August 2, 2022, in Webster, MA. Ken was a graduate of Concordia Seminary (1965), then served as a Mission Developer for Good Shepherd (LCMS) in London, Ontario (1965-1970), finally serving most of his ministry at Good Shepherd Westborough, MA from 1970-2005. In 1976, he left the LCMS church and was a part of the AELC from 1976-1988, when he then served on the planning committee for New England ELCA, which he joined and remained an ELCA minister throughout his life. During this time, he served as a part-time chaplain for the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Worcester (1978-2021) and several years as chairperson of the Westborough Clergy Association, among many others. Ken is survived by his wife, Patricia Bean, and four children and grandchildren.

James Hansen

1930-2022 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1959

Chaplain (Col) James E. Hansen, USA, Ret., age 91, died July 29, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hansen, children, and grandchildren.

William Cowan

1938-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1967

William (Bill) Cowan, age 83, died June 6, 2022. Upon graduating from the Lutheran School of Theology in 1967, Pastor William was ordained into the ministry at Gustavus Adolphus College. Bill served parishes in Proctor, MN (1967-1974) and Ortonville, MN (1974-1978). He was awarded a fellowship in clinical pastoral counseling at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, KS, and then became area administrator for Lutheran Social Service in Grand Island, NE. In 1986, he returned to MN to work as a counselor for Lutheran Social Service. He also had a private counseling practice. At his retirement, he was employed by Cigna Behavioral Health, managing mental health care. Bill is survived by his wife, Beverly, children, grandchildren, siblings, sister-in-law, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Orville Lind

1935-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1961

Pastor Orville Lind, age 88, died June 5, 2022, in Fernandina Beach, FL. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1957 and Augustana Lutheran Seminary in 1961, Orville Lind was ordained as a minister and started a new mission church in Monroe, CT. He pastored at Good Shepherd Lutheran for seven years before moving to Chelmsford, MA, as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he stayed for 33 years until his retirement. At Trinity Lutheran, he started many programs, mentored 17 interns, and was actively involved with Camp Calumet Lutheran, serving on the board for many years. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, he served as a volunteer supply preacher, was an adept Bible study teacher, sang in the choir, and did mission work in Honduras. He is survived by his wife, Donna Lind, children, and nine grandchildren.

Stephen Hluchy

1928-2022 | Chicago Lutheran Theology Seminary Class of 1959

Pastor Stephen Hluchy, age 94, died May 29, 2022, in Rochester, NY. After graduating, he attended Wagner College in New York City with a BA in history in 1954. He also married his wife, Olga Nahlik, in 1954. Pastor Stephen was ordained five years later, in 1959, upon graduating from Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary. For nearly a decade, he served a bilingual Slovak/English ministry to three sister parishes in Pennsylvania: Saint Matthews Lutheran Church in Mount Carmel, Holy Emmanuel Slovak Lutheran Church in Mahanoy City, and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Saint Clair. He then answered a call to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles, NY, where he served for the next twenty-five years until his retirement in 1992.

During his years in Skaneateles, he served as fire department chaplain and as a member of the Clergy Association of Skaneateles and the Narcotics Council. He was also on the committee for the Caring Coalition, which became the Hospice of Central New York. After retirement, he was a visiting minister for St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Syracuse, NY, where he cared for the elderly, sick, and homebound. Pastor Stephen was honored as Pastor Emeritus at Holy Trinity in 1995. He is survived by his sister, three daughters, grandsons, and a great-granddaughter.

Corliss Holmes

1930-2022 | Augustana Theological Seminary Class of 1958

Pastor Corliss R. Holmes, age 91, died May 26, 2022, in Woodhull, IL. He attended Augustana College and Seminary in Rock Island, IL. He was ordained as a Pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Church in 1958. He went on to serve congregations of Emmanuel, Meeting Creek, and Sharon, Clive, Alberta (1958-1961), at Immanuel in New Westminster, BC (1961-1967), and at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Calgary, from 1967 until retiring in Calgary in 1994. He is survived by his children, eight grandchildren, his sister, and sister-in-law.

Boyd Faust

1944-2022 | Christ Seminary Seminex Class of 1976

Rev. Boyd Quin Faust, age 78, died May 23, 2022, in Deanville, TX. After graduating from high school, Boyd attended the University of Notre Dame. Boyd was heavily involved as an advocate for equality in the Civil Rights Movement. As a young man, Boyd felt called to the ministry. He was ordained at Grace Lutheran Church, Teaneck, NJ, on September 11, 1976, and served congregations in Chicago, IL; Jamestown, Fordville, and Sanborn, ND; Forth Worth, Deanville, Rosenberg, and Brenham, TX, in addition to his service as a missionary in the Central African Republic from 1996-2000. Boyd is survived by his loving wife, Gabrielle Crowe, stepsons, and granddaughter.

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