Eugene Delano Lind—known to most simply as Del—passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 89 years old.
Del was born on December 6, 1935, at his family’s farm home in Marsh Grove Township near Newfolden, Minnesota, to Helmer and Amy Lind. Remarkably, he passed on the anniversary of his baptism—June 18, 1936—at Bethesda Lutheran Church, a place that marked the beginning of his lifelong journey of faith.
Del lived a life defined by purpose, service, and love. He grew up with a deep connection to the land, his family, and his community. He attended Fairview Elementary, a one-room country school, and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1953. His youth was filled with the joys of farm life, 4-H, sports, and fishing. As a senior, he served as president of the Christian Fellowship Club, bringing together young people from across neighboring towns—a sign of the pastoral calling that would guide his life.
After high school, Del enrolled at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. On August 27, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret “Maggie” Ranum, at Zion Lutheran Church in Viking, Minnesota. Their partnership of nearly 70 years was a testament to enduring love and shared faith in a loving God.
Del graduated from Augsburg in 1960 and went on to Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul. During his pastoral training, he completed an internship at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, Nebraska. He was ordained on June 14, 1964, back at Zion Lutheran—the same church where he and Maggie were married.
Throughout his ministry, Del served congregations and communities with humility, grace, and vision. His first call was to Starbuck, Minnesota, followed by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, where his ministry was featured in the ALC’s anniversary film, Hope For All Seasons. He later became Associate Director of CENCOAD (Center for Community Organization and Area Development) at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. The center was created to search out how the church might relate and address problems and needs of rural areas in the 1970’s.
Del continued to pursue knowledge and growth, earning his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1979. He then served as Executive Director of the South Dakota Council of Churches, where he worked across denominational lines to foster unity and understanding.
In 1981, Del became pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. A few years later, he fulfilled a long-held dream by founding a new mission congregation. That dream became Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakeville, Minnesota, where he served until his retirement in 1997.
After retiring, Del and Maggie enjoyed life together in Richfield, Savage, and finally Prior Lake, where their home was always a place of welcome, laughter, and love.
Del’s life was deeply shaped by his faith. He often spoke of God’s patient guidance throughout his journey—and he lived that faith knowing that Jesus was his friend and a friend to all people.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; and their three children: Cheri (Craig) Sorum, Timothy (Wendy) Lind, and Kristi (Karl Bohn). He leaves behind a legacy of love in his grandchildren: Matthew (Sarah) Sorum, Heidi (Jeffrey) Girod, Tony (Aimee) Lind, Jared (Nora) Lind, Ryan (Kasey) Olson, Ben (Kiera) Olson, and Sarah Olson. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Aiden, Alexander, and Stella Girod; Hailey and Anna Lind; Emily Sorum; and Myla and Tessa Olson.
Del is preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Amy Lind; his siblings Donna Mae (Lowell) Hogberg, Yvonne Ristau, and Harley Lind; his son-in-law Dean Olson, daughter-in-law Kathy Lind; and in-laws Alfred and Clara Ranum.
Del’s life was a gift to all who knew him. His faith, wisdom, and warmth touched many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those he served.
Visitation Monday, July 7, 2025, from 10-11 AM, followed by Funeral Service at 11 AM, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN. Livestream provided by St. Stephen Lutheran Church: https://youtube.com/live/-X1ct1gaGD0
Interment will be held at a later date at Rindal Cemetery, in Viking, MN.
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Obituary and photo submitted by McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation.