GOLDEN VALLEY, MN (November 5, 2014) — Retired Covenant pastor and North Park University professor Elder M. Lindahl died Monday. He was 88.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Village of Golden Valley on November 26, 2014.
Elder was born April 5, 1926, in Iron River, Michigan, to Harold and Martha Lindahl. He graduated from North Park College, earned a bachelor of arts degree from Michigan State University, a ministry degree from North Park Theological Seminary, a master of arts from the University of Michigan, and a doctorate from Northwestern University.
On August 5, 1950, he married Muriel Johnson at First Covenant Church in Chicago. They were married for 62 years.
Elder served with the U.S. Army 135th Combat Engineer Battalion and the 485th Engineer Heavy Shop Company in Germany and Austria during World War II. He wrote about his experiences as an 18-year-old in his book, Private Lindahl, Citizen Soldier. He was honorably discharged on August 5, 1946, with the rank of technical sergeant.
Following the war and during his time as a student at North Park Theological Seminary, he was given an internship as founding pastor of the Bretton Woods Covenant Church in Lansing, Michigan.
In 1952 he began teaching at North Park University in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department. There he influenced the lives of thousands of students over his 38 years of teaching.
He retired in 1990, and a few years later he and Muriel moved to Covenant Village of Golden Valley. At the retirement community, he led the Swedish Club, Computer Club, and Lucia Festival. He wrote extensively for the Pietisten.
Muriel preceded Elder in death. He is survived by two daughters, Kristine Cloyes and Renee Catrambone; and two sons, Paul and Wesley Lindahl; as well as 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A burial service is being planned for the summer at Rose Hill Cemetery in Beechwood, Michigan.
Memorials may be sent to North Park University, Lindahl Prize in Philosophy, 3225 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.
Elder was my first philosophy professor at North Park and my adviser. He was a wise and gentle mentor who lived his faith daily. I always considered him as one of God’s gifts to me along my pilgrimage of life and faith. Peace to his memory.
Elder was one of my professors at North Park who, ultimately, helped nudge me toward full-time ministry. I was also privileged to know him as the “dad” of my friends, Kris and Wes and Paul and Renee because we all grew up together in the North Park community. What a rich experience that was. Elder’s commitment to the denomination and the part he has played in Covenant history has been significant. He will be sorely missed. Peace to his memory.