Harold A. Iben

Harold Alfred Iben was called by God to his eternal home on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at the age of 95. Born July 7, 1918 to the Rev. Theodore and Marie Iben in Litchfield, Illinois, he was the last of 4 children. Baptized into the Christian faith on July 21, 1918, he publicly affirmed his faith in Christ in the Rite of Confirmation on March 29, 1931 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, East St. Louis, Illinois. On August 15, 1942, he married Helen Luepke shortly before being ordained as a Lutheran pastor. In his early ministry he specialized in organizing and establishing new congregations. He was the founding pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton, Michigan in 1942, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Muskegon, Michigan in 1946, and Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri in 1956. Later he served as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Walla Walla, Washington, and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Twin Falls, Idaho, before moving to Portland where he served for eleven years in geriatric ministry in hospitals and nursing homes. He retired in 1983 and continued his service to God as vacancy pastor in many churches in and around the Portland area.

Harold will be remembered for his deep faith, his commitment to the Church, his devotion to the welfare of his family, and his love for people. His beloved wife, Helen, preceded him in death. He is survived by his children Sharon (Erwin) Wichner, Carolyn (Jim) Shore, Douglas (Carole) Iben, Cynthia Keepers, and Sylvia Luepke-Iben; by nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. A service of praise to God for Harold’s life and his redemption in Christ will be held on Wednesday, January 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, 11100 NE Skidmore Street, Portland, 97220. Harold’s family is grateful for all of the love and support that has been extended to them. They request that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be given to LCMS World Relief and Human Care or Faithful Savior Ministries.