Pastor Don Ofsdahl

Donald was born in Ettrick, Wisconsin, to Mabel (Braaten) and Arthur Ofsdahl on February 18, 1936. He married his high school sweetheart, Ardyce Lien, on September 3, 1955, in Ettrick, where together they began a loving partnership that spanned more than 70 years. Don attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and later earned his Master Of Divinity degree at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Don faithfully served as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force for 26 years before retiring as a Colonel in 1988. His calling to ministry continued well beyond his military service. He served St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Canyon Lake for 12 years and pastored numerous other congregations throughout the Canyon Lake area.

He enjoyed restoring antique cars and tractors, repairing antique clocks, and was an avid Spurs and Smithson Valley High School football fan.

More than anything, Don will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He had a warm, charismatic spirit that drew others in, a quick smile that could brighten any room, and a raucous laugh. His unwavering faith, generous heart, and joyful presence touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy that will continue through all who knew and loved him.

Don was preceded in death by his son, Jay Ofsdahl; his parents, Mabel and Arthur Ofsdahl; and his brothers, Robert, Paul, Arthur, and Rolf.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Ardyce Ofsdahl; his children, Jerome Ofsdahl, Scott Ofsdahl, and Sandy McNair; his grandchildren, Jannica Ofsdahl-Burge, Jennifer Brown, Sarah Ofsdahl, Donald Ofsdahl, Nicole Baker, Rachel Azzaro, Zachary McNair, and Jordan McNair; his great-grandchildren, and his great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 29797 US-281, Bulverde, Texas 78163. Burial will take place two weeks later, on Thursday, August 13, at 10:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Shelter #2). Arrangements are under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org/donate).

Though he will be deeply missed, Don's family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life and rejoices that he is now at peace in the presence of our Savior.