OBITS

This week: William A. Smith

SEPTEMBER 2010

William A. Smith, professor emeritus of pastoral care, Luther Seminary.

AUGUST 2010

Leland Bernell Larson, 85, of Austin, Minn., where he was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. “Lee will be remembered for his willingness to volunteer, his love for his family and the ability to repair anything.”

Annah Helen-Mae Magdzas, unborn, Superior, Wis. Funeral at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cloquet, Minn. A victim of domestic violence — killed by her father, Matthew, 23, an Army National Guard veteran.

April Magdzas, 26, Superior Wis. Funeral at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cloquet, Minn. A victim of domestic violence — killed by her husband, Matthew, 23, an Army National Guard veteran.

Lila Magdzas, 1, Superior, Wis. Funeral at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cloquet, Minn. A victim of domestic violence — killed by her father, Matthew, 23, an Army National Guard veteran.

Billy “Peanut” Murphy, 47, of Bronx, N.Y., who died as a result of violence. He was ministered by Epiphany Lutheran Church. “By all accounts, Murphy was a nice guy who struggled mightily with alcohol and stubbornly refused any public assistance aside from the kindness of friends and the congregation at Epiphany Lutheran.”

Vivian M. Nord, 79, of Zumbrota, Minn. “She enjoyed china painting, golfing, traveling, sports, flower gardening, birdwatching and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Zonia Paulsen, 95, of Fort Collins, Colo. Funeral service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brush. “She enjoyed cooking, gardening, crocheting, and playing the piano. In years past, she and her husband especially enjoyed traveling together in their motor home.”

Gordon Nelson, 74, of Minneapolis, Minn., a former sociologist at Augsburg College. He “very into observing society and what makes it tick.”

The Rev. David Simonson, 80, a Lutheran missionary from Minnesota. “In his more than a half century of missionary service for the Lutheran Church Dave Simonson’s hard-barked personality and the goals and visions he refused to abandon uplifted the lives of generations of East Africans and made him a larger-than-life figure in Africa’s tumultuous 20th Century”

Ruth Theone Schultheiss, 88, of Fort Collins, Colo. “Ruth was known for her deep faith, warm smile, adventurous spirit, and her Christmas cinnamon and pecan rolls.”

Edward Charles Soistman, 91, of Winter Park, Fla. He was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.  “Soistman was on his way to one of his helping missions, officials said, when his vehicle was struck. Soistman was a lay minister at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winter Park, where he’d served the sick, lonely and hurting for 35 years.”

JULY 2010

Jay Bean, 48, a former All-American wrestler at Wartburg College.

Dr. Johannes Lukas de Vries, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Namibia. “He became the first indigenous president of the Rhenish Mission Church”

The Rev. Leland Elhard, 78, a former professor of Trinity Lutheran Seminary. He was a professor of pastoral theology and systematic theology for 36 years.

Dr. Richard Forman, 82, professor emeritus of mathematics, Augustana College (S.D.).

Pastor Norman R. Gauch, 61, Bethel Lutheran Church, Jamestown, N.Y. “He enjoyed playing the guitar, banjo and piano. He loved being a member of the Temple III Trio and leading the contemporary service at church.”

First Lt. Christopher Goeke, 23, of St. Paul, Minn. Killed in Afghanistan. Funeral at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville. “Johnson died with three other soldiers from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Zabul Province.”

Lloyd Gunderson, 78, a former classics professor at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. He relished the challenge presented by the subject, and students responded in a positive way.”

Rena Mack, 58, of DuPage County, Ill.. She served as director of communications and leadership development for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Naperville.”She was a very constructively positive individual and always wanted to make sure what she was doing was really helping people.”

The Rev. James Wesley McDorman of Boardman, Ohio. “He was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in 1965 and recently celebrated his 45th anniversary of his ordination.”

Denise Merhi, 62, of Northampton, Pa. “Denise was murdered, along with her grandfather and father. Her former boyfriend has been arrested. Please remember victims of violence.”

Rod Nilsestuen, 62, former Agriculture Secretary. Funeral at Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison, Wis.

Gardebring Ogren, 63, a former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice. “She had a rich record of public service in Minnesota.”

Renee Rhodes, 21, a student at Roanoke College. “She was a member of the track team, astronomy club and equestrian club. She also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.”

The Rev. Andrew Rogness, 62, of  St. Paul, Minn., area. “He was a person who loved life and was full of life.”

David E. Scott, 70, mayor of Lewisburg, Ohio, where he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. “He truly cared and was truly dedicated to the village of Lewisburg”

Devin Erik Spriggs, 18, of Great Falls, Mont., died of accidental drowning. Memorial service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. “He truly loved acting and was looking forward to studying at the University of Montana.”

Thomas Tiou, a historian, academic, vice-chancellor and diplomat from Botswana. He was a former council member of the Lutheran World Federation. “He was a consummate negotiator, a modest man who accomplished a great deal, a democrat, a man of integrity who stood up for the rights of others.”

JUNE 2010

Pastor Oliver J. Beach, 83, of Mansfield, Ohio. “He loved working on his computer and researching genealogy.”

Charles Wilbert Crisp, 66, a chemist from Baltimore, Md., where he was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing and boating, and was a member and past commodore of the Neptune Yacht Club.

Pastor Donald L. Deines, 65, of Austin, Minn. “Don loved being a pastor, especially the people part of ministry, and the preaching.”

Lucas Dennis, 1, of Perry Township, Ohio. “The Cincinnati Reds lost one of their youngest fans.”

Jim Gaffney, Sr., 75, of Commack N.Y. Funeral to be at Christ Lutheran Church in East Northport, N.Y. “He was the regular exercise rider of champion thoroughbreds Secretariat and Riva Ridge.”

Pamela M. Jolicoeur, 64, president of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. “She was a visionary leader whose warmth and generous spirit was a joy to be around.” Memorial service plans. Condolences site.

Pastor William F. Lange, Jr., 74, founding pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas.

Arthur Link, 96, of Bismarck, N.D., the state’s government from 1973-1980; a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. “He was a North Dakotan through and through.”

The Rev. Bonnie L. Seitz of Red Lion, Pa. “She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Cornell, a master’s degree in religious education from the Lutheran seminary in Gettysburg. She also held a master of divinity degree and was ordained in 1979.”

Pat White, 71, of Lincolnton, N.C., where she was a member of Daniels Lutheran Church. “Please pray for her heartbroken family, friends and congregation.”

May 2010

J. Larry Cocklin, 69, of Dillsburg, Pa., where he was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. “He was a second generation funeral director.”

The Rev. John Newpher, 90, of Ambler, Pa., a longtime parish pastor and a former president of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. “As a preacher, he always had strong content and was well prepared.”

The Rev. Luther Bengtson, 88, of Seattle, Wash. Funeral to be held May 29 at Grace Lutheran Church in La Grange, Ill., where he was an associate pastor for 35 years. “Everyone in the church knew him for his infectious, positive personality.”

Clement Allen Boullion, 62, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., where he was a member of First Lutheran Church. “He was born and raised on a farm and, as an adult, raised pigs … He will be greatly missed.”

Nancy Dimick, 82, of Northfield, Minn., where she was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. “Nancy married her high school sweetheart, taught high school English and directed plays. Her favorite play was ‘I Remember Mama.’”

Nicholas Hagen, 19, of Cresco, Iowa. Funeral to be held at First Lutheran Church. “Nick was always a selfless person. His smile was constantly warming lives.”

Margreta Hawbaker, 96, of Malta, Ill. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Lee, Ill. “Margreta was a farm wife, mother, homemaker and managed the Malta School Cafeteria for a number of years.”

Dennis Koula, 68, and Merna Koula, 65, of Barre, Wis. Funeral to be at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Salem.

Pastor Robert Lesher, a retired ELCA pastor who last served First Lutheran Church in Louisville, Ky. “Bob was born before the Great Depression, ordained in 1952 and retired in 1987.”

Milan Clarence Mandsager, 76, of Nora Springs, Iowa. Funeral to be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hardy, Iowa.

Robert W. Minick, 85, of Port Clinton, Ohio. Funeral was held at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, Ohio. “He was an avid boater and golfer. He also loved to read.”

The Rev. Bertrand Petrick, 91, of Northfield, Minn. “His interests included fishing, hunting, oil painting, piano, organ, cooking and taking care of his backyard.”

Devin W. Resh, 19, of Webster City, Iowa. Funeral at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. “Devin loved hanging out with friends, listening to music, singing, playing guitar, bowling, fishing, drawing, writing poems and playing cards.”

Abby Vermeire, 24, of Bettendorf, Iowa. Funeral at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Davenport. “She was to be married in July. But last week she and her fiance hit by a semi while driving on I-80.”

Pastor Richard G. Whonsetler of Louisville, Ky. “Upon his retirement from ministry, he and his wife started a pet sitting service in Louisville.”

April 2010

Alice Burton, 75, professor emeritus of biology, St. Olaf College. “She was the college’s first female full professor in biology.”

Kory Dahlvig, 29, a deputy sheriff with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department in Wisconsin. Dalhvig was killed in the line of duty when his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver. “He was not only a good officer but an all-around awesome person.”

The Rev. Roy J. Enquist, ecumenist, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. “Dr. Enquist was a widely published author and commentator, who wrote about theological education, theology and public policy, human sexuality, reconciliation and apartheid.” For information, go here and here.

Neelan G. Ferrington, 88, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., where he was a member of First Lutheran Church. “He enjoyed old-time music, car racing, hunting, fishing, traveling and being with friends and family.”

Pastor Darlene E. Grega, 55, the first female pastor and first ELCA pastor at Chapel of the Resurrecton, Valparaiso University. “She was a tireless advocate for international students, GLBT students and people on the margins.” Also here and here.

Douglas J. Klages, 46, of Spokane, Wash. Homicide victim. Memorial to be at Christ Lutheran Church. “He loved to cook and started working in restaurants as a teenager.”

Philip Knautz, 86, emeritus professor of music, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn. “He was known to a generation of student singers as ‘Mr. K’”

Dorothy Julia Oehlert, 88, of Sycamore, Ill., where she was a member of Salem Lutheran Church. “Dorothy earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Northern Illinois University, and taught grade school in DeKalb County for 30 years.

The Rev. Joel O. Rustad, of Fergus Falls, Minn. “During his time in South Africa, he wrote about an Easter worship experience. He spoke of hearing the singing in English, German, Norwegian and Zulu – a mountain top experience.”

David Thompson, 57, of Clarion, Iowa, where he was a member of First Lutheran Church. “He was working on a school construction site when a concrete block wall fell on him.”

March 2010


Emma H. Bartels, 94, of Syracuse, Neb., where she was a member of Luther Memorial Church. “She enjoyed her card clubs, baking, canning, needlework, gardening and bowling. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren as much as she could.”

Lyle Junior Bevolden, 81, of Hogeland, Mont., where he was a member of American Lutheran Church. “He was a lifelong farmer and rancher.”

Phyllis I. Damschroder, 90, of Elmore, Ohio, where she was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. “She enjoyed square dancing and was a member of several local square dancing clubs.”

William J. Hogan, 71, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeport, Pa. “Bill was an avid gardener. He enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, swimming and fishing.”

Howard Hong, 97, a professor emeritus of philosophy and Kierkegaard scholar at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. “He retired from the faculty in 1978 and will best be remembered for founding, along with his late wife Edna Hatlestad Hong, the Howard and Edna Hong Soren Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf.”

Dr. Arthur Huseboe, 78, of Sioux Falls, S.D., where he was a member of First Lutheran Church. “He was executive director of the Center for Western Studies at Augustana College for 20 years”

Pastor Norman Richard Jole, 80, of Wautoma, Wis, where he was a member of Hope Lutheran Church. During his ministry, he served Wisconsin churches in four communities: Cuba City, Edgerton, Wautoma and Milwaukee.

Fordham Lee Poffenbarger, 4, of Middletown, Md.

The Rev. Erich Spieker, 69, of Laurinburg, N.C., a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines, N.C. “He was an engineer who worked in the shipping industry and in nuclear power plant before serving as a volunteer in Papua New Guinea through Lutheran Brotherhood.

Myles Stenshoel, 86, professor emeritus of political science at Augsburg College. “Self-described as a ‘conservative radical,’ he felt a deep commitment to Christianity that focused on individual commitment and social action.”

Neal Thorpe, who taught biology at Augsburg College for 22 years. “Neal’s passions included directing sacred choral music, teaching, mentoring, beekeeping, gardening, traveling. He was an avid pilot.” More information.

Murial G. Torgerson, 89, of Adams, Minn., where she was a member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church. “She helped develop the Adams swimming pool and the country club. She was a supporter of the Word Alone Network, UNICEF, the Republican Party and the Boy Scouts of America.”


February 2010

Martha A. Blosser, 90, formerly of New Waterford, Ohio, where she had been a member of Zion Lutheran Church. “Over the years, Martha and her late husband, Rudolph, worked together in the wholesale egg business, at Blosser’s Service Station, at the New Waterford Furniture Company and at the Vittle Village Convenience Store.”

Richard Hillert, 87, a retired professor at Concordia Lutheran University in River Forest, Ill. Funeral is 7 p.m. March 1 at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest. “He is best known for composing the first setting of ‘This is the Feast’ in the Lutheran Book of Worship.”

Joan Thompson Howell, 93, a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Stafford, Va. “She loved her friends, sewing, chocolate, playing bridge and her cats. Joan was also an avid family historian.”

Amy Johanson, 83, of Dows, Iowa, where she was a member of First Lutheran Church. “She graduated from nursing school at the University of Iowa in 1943, and worked as a nurse for four years before moving to farm. She was active in her church – a former congregational president.”

Andy Neleson, 38, of Green Bay, Wis., a reporter and photographer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “He was at work in the newsroom when a blood vessel burst in his brain. He was an organ donor when he died 2 1/2 days later.” Video ♥ Story ♥ His photo portfolio ♥ Caring Bridge

William “Bill” Treptow, 76, of Green Bay, Wis., where he was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. “Bill enjoyed bowling, softball and working crossword puzzles”

The Rev. Robert Wilch, 86, of Hartland, Wis. “He was a voice for social justice while service as bishop of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Synod of the Lutheran Church of America.”

Edward Christopher Wolf, 77, Wheeling, W.V., where he was a member of Edgwood Evangelical Lutheran Church. “He was director of music at his church for 40 years.”

Andrea Barbara Zimmerman, 20, of Stillwater, Minn., where she was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

JANUARY 2010

Pastor David Lewis Blackwelder, 73, of Milford, Delaware. “For 25 years, David supervised pastoral and counseling students.”

Michael Blankenship, 31 of Galion, Ohio. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in North Robinson, Ohio. “He enjoyed computers and riding motorcycles.”

Thomas “Tommy Bodine, 74 of Seguin, Texas. He was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Maxwell, Texas. “Tommy was an avid angler and hunter. He was both a Spurs fan and a Cowboys fan, and a member of the barbershop singers group, ‘Hill Country Chorus.”

Stanley L. Benner, 83, of Quakertown, Pa. “He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Perkasie. “An avid landscaper, he loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and going on trips with his family.”

Elizabeth M. Danker, 88, of Arlington, Va. She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Arlington. “In 1994, she received the Confessors of Christ Award from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago for her work in support of the church.” Online guest book

Ruth Edwards, 92, of Bemidji, Minn., where she was a member of First Lutheran Church. “She had been a registered nurse with a caring heart. Her family, friends, church and profession were all top priorities for her. She loved it when people dropped by to chat over a cup of coffee.”

Donald Goerke, 83, of Palmyra, N.J., where he was a member of Bethany Lutheran. “He was dubbed the ‘Daddy-O of SpaghettiOs’ for creating the pasta produce while a Campbell Soup executive.”

Mildred Virginia Hein, 93, of Severna Park, Md., where she was a member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. “She served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Bible Society. She enjoyed singing, reading, quilting and making candy.”

Al Heinz, 87, of Mason City, Iowa, and Weslaco, Texas. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City. “He began the KGLO radio and television farm department in 1947, and spent many years reporting on markets, farm news and farm-related weather.”

Paul F. Kinsey, 83, of Wisconsin.  In retirement, Paul enjoyed using his early interest in architecture as a Mission Builder of the ELCA. “Together, with his wife Helen, they helped build four mission start congregations: Triumphant Cross, Dothan, Alabama; Messiah, Huntsville, Alabama; All Saints, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; Shepherd of the Hills, Birmingham, Alabama.”

Philip Edwin Niemeyer, 70, of Rochester, Minn., where he was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. “He loved the Mississippi River — the eagles, the waterfowl, the tugboats. He played guitar and banjo, but antique autos provided his greatest hobby.”

Beulah Reimherr, 89, of Rockville, Md., a former English teacher and civil rights advocate. “She and her husband, Otto, participated in the 1963 March on Washington when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.”

Dewey Roger Tommerdahl, 73, of Fergus Falls, Minn., where he was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church. “Dewey enjoyed gardening, traveling and following college football. He loved life. He was good to children.”

Richard Tupper, 77, of Farmington, Mich., where he was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. “He was the former mayor of Farmington and recently led a food drive for need families. He was known for his tireless community service.”

Ronald Wolfe, 66, of Auburn, Ohio. He was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran, Bainbridge, Ohio. “He taught at Hebrew Academy of Cleveland. Some students called him ‘rabbi’ though he was a Lutheran.”