Carl, who usually went by Don, was born in Vernon, British Columbia on January 27, 1930 to Reverend Carl and Hanna Pfotenhauer, the fifth of six children. He married Martha Johnson on August 21, 1954 and together they raised four children.
Don was ordained as a pastor in the Missouri Synod Lutheran church. In 1961 he began pastoring a Lutheran church in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. In 1964 Don and Marty experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that dramatically changed their lives. Don founded Way of the Cross church in 1969 and moved to Blaine. Through his pastoral care, Way of the Cross flourished and grew. Don was a respected leader in the ecumenical charismatic movement in the 70s and 80s. His life touched many.
Don loved the outdoors and adventure, was an avid gardener and wood craftsman. His heart overflowed with singing, wisdom, teaching from the Bible, and a genuine love for people. He was unashamedly bold in sharing about his Lord. His children and grandchildren cherish many shared memories with him of fishing and rough housing and of his compassionate and godly life that impacted all of them.
Don is survived by his wife Marty (89), his four children Jill (Phil), John (Nadine), Penny (Paul), and Carla (Keith), 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Way of the Lord (formerly Way of the Cross) on March 30th from 11 am to 12:30 pm. The service will be recorded live and also available for viewing at the site don-pfotenhauer.forevermissed.com. We will hosting a reception from 12:30 - 1:30 after the service at the church, and interment will follow at Morningside Memorial Gardens at 2:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be given to Way of the Lord Church at 804, 131st Avenue NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55434.
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