It was announced in church Sunday that our former senior Pastor, Luther O. Strommen, died Saturday, September 29, 2012, in Minneapolis. There was a collective gasp and whispering, although many probably already knew. Our current pastor and a son of a member who had been in his youth group in the 70s had visited him on Friday.
Because we began attending UALC in 1974 and were confirmed on Palm Sunday 1976, I don’t know exactly the dates of his tenure, but he was the second pastor of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church and began his ministry in 1970. He retired in 1984. Our current senior pastor, Paul Ulring ,was called in 1973 as an assistant and he is due to retire (he had a pastorate in Illinois from 1979-1987) . I don’t know how many members there were when we joined—maybe 1500—but Luther made two house calls while we were still visitors. We had our new member class (adult confirmation) in his home. I was still a stay-at-home mom in those days and remember attending a morning Bible study led by him in the church lounge. He confirmed our daughter in 1984. My husband used to kid him about his three point sermons, Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord.
Pastor Strommen must have thousands of spiritual children, and a very large biological family. His wife Helen survives as well as children and grandchildren. One of his 6 children still lives in Columbus, or did a few years ago when I last saw her. Today he is in that very happy place rejoicing with all the saints around Jesus.
The upper photo is from 1987, lower from 2001.
April 29, 1984 Confirmation Day Reception
Obituary: Strommen, Rev. Luther O. age 95, of Mpls. and Sun City AZ, died peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved wife and children. Luther was born in Rugby ND, on Feb. 15, 1917, to Rev. Peter & Nellie Strommen. He graduated from Augsburg College and Luther Seminary. Luther served the Lord all of his life. He was senior pastor at 3 congregations for over 42 years: First Lutheran Church in Ellensburg WA, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford IL, and Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Columbus OH. Dad's love for his Lord and for family and friends continually inspired him. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Louise (nee Larson); by his 6 children: Mary Ellen (Mel) Liebers, Christine Strommen, Jeanine (Mark) Nesvig, Todd Strommen, Paul (Jude) Strommen, and Lisa (David) Smith; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; brother, Merton (Irene) Strommen; sister-in-law, Gladys Strommen; many nieces and nephews. Preceding Luther in death were his parents and 2 brothers, Abner (Marge) and Clair. Visitation 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, Washburn- McReavy Edina Chapel, W. 50th St. & Vernon Ave. at Hwy. 100. Funeral service 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7520 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley. Private interment Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Augsburg College or Lutheran World Relief. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
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2 comments:
Do you remember Pastor Strommen's sermon about the little boy who disobeyed his father and accidentally broke his father's treasured watch? I heard it about 40-45 years ago and still think about it daily. The little boy took the watch he was not supposed to touch and in showing it to his friends he dropped it, and a car ran over it. He confessed to his father, and asked for forgiveness. His father forgave him, and told him to remember not to disobey again. The little boy was so remorseful that he kept coming back and asking his father again and again for foregiveness. After three times, the father turned to his son and said "Now I am truly hurt and very angry with you. I forgave you and you have shown me that you don't trust my words by asking me over and over again for foregiveness. Learn to trust me before you come to me again"
I now attend Bethel Lutheran Church in Safety Harbor, Fl but will always have fond memories of Our Saviors and of Pastor Strommen.
Peggy Bernard (Silvius)
Thanks for sharing your memory. He was a special guy.
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