Rev. Vernon D. Gundermann

Vernon Dale Gundermann was the firstborn son of Adolph and Mildred (Dierks) Gundermann, born on October 8, 1937 on the family farm, just southwest of Fulda, Minnesota. He was baptized on Reformation Day, October 31,1937. He renewed those baptismal vows through the rite of confirmation on March 18, 1951.

Pastor Gundermann’s preparation for the pastoral ministry began at Concordia Academy in St Paul, Minnesota (1955), continued at Concordia College in St. Paul (1957), Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana (1959), and Concordia Seminary, St Louis, Missouri (1963).

Vern and Betty (Lorenz) were married on June 25, 1961. The Gundermann family includes Peter Gundermann(Christopher and Daria) and Rikke Davis (Kirk and Joy), Mary and her husband Michael Williams (Elizabeth and fiancé Evan Johnson, Nicholas, and Jackson), Sarah and her husband Michael McCarthy (Hannah, Andrew, and Elena), and Thomas and his wife Amy (Kayla, Noah, and Eva).

During Pastor Gundermann’s years of parish ministry he served:

Zion Lutheran Church, Arcadia, Iowa (1963-1967)

Calvary Lutheran Chapel and Student Center, Madison, Wisconsin (1967-1973)

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, New Hope, Minnesota (1973-1990)

Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, Missouri (1990- 2006)

Following retirement from parish ministry Pastor Gundermann served as the chaplain at the International Center of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and as Coordinator of Chaplaincy for Lutheran Senior Services.

Throughout his ministry Pastor Gundermann served the Church in many different capacities. Pastor Gundermann served as a speaker at Youth Gatherings, at conferences for the Lutheran Education Association, and at numerous conferences for pastors and teachers throughout the Synod. He has published articles in The Lutheran Witness, devotional writings in Portals of Prayer and HOPE-FULL LIVING, and sermons, liturgies and contributions for various publications. In addition Vern served as a member of the District Mission Boards, Synods’ Low Income Housing Committee and cofounded both the Academy for Christian Stewardship and Pastoral Leadership Institute. Pastor Gundermann served the mission field in Poland, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, and China, as well as his surrounding community.

Vern loved sports. He was a star athlete as a young person, playing baseball, basketball, football and running track. He was heavily recruited as a baseball player and had an opportunity to sign a major league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. He chose, however, a life of ministry as a pastor. He loved to play tennis and had several tennis groups throughout his life, largely consisting of his fellow pastors. His love for sports, specifically the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, continued until his final days, often watching a game on television while listening to a different game on the radio.

Vern was a beloved grandfather to his eleven grandchildren. He was always willing to join them in board games, card games, or rounding up teams for touch football or tennis. He cherished opportunities to cheer on his grandchildren in their musical, academic and athletic endeavors.

Pastor Gundermann loved serving the Lord Jesus through the ministry of the Church, and was recognized by many as being a “pastor to pastors.” Vern and Betty were honored to receive several awards in these past years for his service. Among these are the Distinguished Alumni Award and Aeterna Moliri Award from Concordia University, Saint Paul, and the Charis Award from Grace Place Wellness.

On September 9, 2015 Vern was diagnosed with ALS. His faithfulness, determination, and continued service during this past year has been an inspiration to many. The illness, however, was aggressive. Nearly every week Vern was presented with new changes and challenges. On Friday evening, September 16, Vern passed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus, surrounded by Betty, his four children, and a few dear friends. He opened his eyes and mouthed the words as his family sang the words to a favorite hymn, “Beautiful Savior.”

Memorials to Concordia Lutheran Church, Concordia University, Saint Paul, MN and Lutheran Senior Services of Saint Louis.