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The Reverend Dr. John Michael Brndjar of Allentown, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Mark Lutheran Church in Allentown and President Emeritus of Lutheran Social Services of South Central PA, died Jan 23, 2016 at his home in Allentown. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut on Feb. 23, 1938, the son of the late Reverend Andrew M. and Irene (Belohlavek) Brndjar. He and his spouse, Elizabeth Susan (Vlacich) of NY City, were married on Aug. 15, 1959 in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Danbury, where his father served as pastor for three and one-half decades. Pastor Brndjar was graduated from Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School in Danbury, and completed secondary studies as an honors graduate of Danbury Senior High School. He matriculated at NY City's Wagner College, where he majored in history and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and a Master of Science degree in organizational dynamics, leadership, and management from the University of Scranton. Dr. Brndjar also pursued graduate studies in historical theology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1979, Muhlenberg College honored him with the degree Doctor of Divinity. Dr. Brndjar served as lecturer in American Church History and Slovak Homiletics at the Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary, as well as a member of that institution's board of directors. During his decade-long call to the pastorate of Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church of Hazleton, PA, he also served as vice-pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church of Freeland, PA, as dean of the Eastern District of the Slovak Zion Synod, and on numerous local, regional, national, and international expressions of the Lutheran Church. Between 1971 and 1991, Dr. Brndjar served as president and chief executive officer of the Lutheran Welfare Service of Northeastern PA, a Hazleton-based, ten-county human service agency of the Northeastern PA Lutheran Synod. It was during Pastor Brndjar's 20-year tenure at Lutheran Welfare Service that, together with the agency's board of directors, he undertook the challenge of founding Hospice Saint John, the first Lutheran-sponsored United States hospice for persons suffering terminal illnesses. In 1991, he accepted the call of the Northeastern PA Lutheran Synod to serve as an associate of Bishop Harold Weiss, with primary responsibility for the synod's 70 parishes in Berks and Schuylkill Counties, and for the synod's stewardship and social ministry emphases. Responding to the 1993 request of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's national staff, Dr. Brndjar consulted with the directors of the York-based Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania, and accepted their call to become that agency's president and chief executive officer. He served in that capacity until his retirement in July, 2000, when he and Elizabeth relocated to Allentown. Over the first thirteen years of his retirement, Pastor Brndjar served as interim president of Lutheran Congregational Services of the Lehigh Valley, interim pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of Lower Saucon, priest-in-charge of Saint Barnabas' Episcopal Church of Kutztown , and interim pastor of Saint Mark Lutheran Church of Allentown. More recently, he served numerous Lutheran and Episcopal parishes providing weekend worship leadership. At its May 27, 2012 celebration of the Holy Eucharist, St. Mark Church honored Dr. Brndjar on the 50th anniversary of his ordination and named him "pastor emeritus" of the congregation. He concluded active pastoral responsibilities at St. Mark Parish on Dec. 24, 2012. A colleague of Dr. Brndjar's recently offered this reflection: "The hallmarks of Pastor Brndjar's long and varied ministry were his complete commitment to the mission and ministry of the Church, his always forward-looking focus as he led individuals, parishes and institutions, his reverence for God's Word and his relevance to God's world, his seriousness of purpose, and the elan, joy, and fidelity with which he fulfilled his pastoral and priestly calling." Survivors: He is survived by Elizabeth, a retired art educator, school administrator, and university lecturer, as well as by their son, Dr. Jon Erik Brndjar, a doctor of internal medicine on the staff of Lehigh Valley Hospital, their daughter-in-law, Dana, their grand-daughter Alexa, and their grandsons Daniel, Hunter, and Anderson; Dr. Brndjar is survived by his siblings and their respective spouses, children, and grandchildren: Judith Brndjar, of Macungie, Irene Corkum and her spouse Roger, of Wrentham, Massachusetts, The Rev. Dr. Paul Brndjar and his spouse, Pamela, also of Macungie, and Darina Hoffman and her spouse, Michael, of Camp Hill. Services: A celebration of the Holy Eucharist in thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Pastor John Brndjar will take place in Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 1PM at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 201 E. Juniata Street, Allentown 18103. Leading the funeral liturgy and serving as Master of Ceremonies will be Saint Mark's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Gary Langensiepen. Serving as Celebrant and Homilist will be the Bishop of the Lutheran Synod of Northeastern PA, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Zeiser. All clergy attending are invited to vest in alb and stole of the season, and to process with officiants and liturgical participants. There will be an opportunity to greet family and friends from 12 noon-1 PM in the church nave. Following the worship, there will also be an opportunity for family and friends to gather in St. Mark's Luther Hall for a meal and fellowship. Cremation and Interment will be private. Contributions: Memorial gifts may be made to Saint Mark Lutheran Church, 201 East Juniata Street, Allentown, PA 18103 or to The Rev. Dr. John M. Brndjar Endowment Fund c/o SpiriTrust Lutheran Foundation (formerly Lutheran Social Services of Southeastern Pennsylvania), 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404. Online memorial tributes may be made at www.heintzelmancares.com. Arrangements by the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Hellertown.
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Fond memories of a blessed man who also was an outstanding role model for those he met. He walks with the almighty. May we share our thoughts and prayers with him.
John Stevens
Friend
January 28, 2023
Always loved to see his smiling face. Just to see how proud he was of his family. He was the ultimate role model and I am certain he inspired a multitude. God Bless
John Stevens
Friend
January 29, 2021
Pastor John was truly one in a million. It was such a blessing to have him in our lives. Wyatt will still talk about Pastor John and getting a stuffed animal out of his office. He and Elizabeth will always have a special place in our hearts. God bless the entire family.
Rich, Cindy and Wyatt Deppen
March 19, 2016
Dr. Jon and all your family: Our deepest sympathy as you mourn the loss of your father -
We know that when we lose someone we love it seems that time stands still.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at his time of sorrow.
Donald & Eleanor Heck
February 12, 2016
Sincere condolences to the family for a person well blessed as a true servant of God. We have been privileged to know him. Love with His blessings, John and Anita Stevens
John Stevens
February 9, 2016
With Sympathy to the Brndjar Family.
Pastor John was a great pastor and a nice person.He was Pastor at my church--Great sermons.
Sylvia Faust
February 9, 2016
February 4,2016
In 1975, Pastor Brndjar referred me for work at the then Lutheran Home at Germantown in Phila. I had a wonderful 20 year career and I thank him! God Bless You.
Linda Fisher, Allentown, Pa.
February 5, 2016
Warmest condolences to the Brndjar family.
Connie Boyle
Connie Boyle
February 5, 2016
Dr Brndjar I'm so sorry to hear about the passing away of your. I'm sorry I never got to meet him. Tell your Mom I am truly sorry about the lost of her husband. From his writings he was a great man of serving God. He will be missed by many I'm sorry. Your Family our in my
thoughts & Prayers.I will be working & unable to be there. My Prayers go with you. Dottie Frey one of Dr Jon Brndjar's patience.
February 5, 2016
As a young person I attended the Lutheran church in Danbury (pastored by his father) and until graduation from Danbury High School I knew John. Knowing him and hearing he went on to become a Rev. after graduating from divinity school I knew he would be super successful. A more decent person I haven't known.
RIP dear John and sympathy to your family.
Marlene Ryan Nash
Marlene Ryan-Nash
February 4, 2016
Dear Betty and Family,
I was so very saddened to learn of John's death. What an amazing gentleman and servant of God! I was blessed to have known both of you as personal friends and think of you very often. I join my prayers with those of so many others as I remember John and you. God's blessings!
Ernie Siegfried
February 4, 2016
Dear Betty and Jon,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Mary & Dave Davis, Melissa Steckel
Mary Davis
February 4, 2016
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God bless and comfort your family.
Emil &Nancy Stevens
February 4, 2016
Dr. Brndjar and all your family: Our deepest sympathy as you mourn the loss of your father. You have our promise of prayers to comfort you and bring peace as you remember the good times. Sincerely,
Marilyn and John Cassidy
Marilyn Cassidy
February 4, 2016
Jon and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Sue Newhard
February 3, 2016
Judy and family-
So sorry for your loss. I recall meeting your father and brother in beautiful Danbury at the time of your wedding.
Bill Molin
February 3, 2016
Dear Betty and Family, I remember with fondness the years and the opportunities I had as an LSS (now SpiriTrust Lutheran) Board member and chair during Dr. Brndjar's tenure with the agency. He was an amazing president and CEO. May your memories and love sustain you in these times of sorrow; God's love is abundant. Blessings, Kathleen Kerr and husband Ron.
Kathleen Kerr
February 3, 2016
Mrs Brndjar and family, I worked with your daughter-in-law, Dana at East Penn School District in the Health room for several years, until my retirement, and I have bee praying for your husband since I found out about his illness, now I will be praying for you and your family, may he rest in peace
Karen Brynildsen
February 3, 2016
Dr Brndjar and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
February 3, 2016
May God bless you in this time of sorrow. I will miss your visits to Louies. All my love, Ginny
February 3, 2016
Ginny Andrashko
February 3, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
JF
February 3, 2016
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