Rev. John D. HOGENSON-RUTFORD

November 3, 1958 to January 4, 2017 John let his light so shine before others… and, more than anything else, John wanted his life to make a difference. He was born in Owatonna, MN. He attended St. Anthony Park Elementary and graduated from Murray High School, Gustavus Adolphus College and Luther Theological Seminary. He served Grace Lutheran 1989 - pastor, Brandon, MN; Martin Luther Manor/ Meadowoods 1992 - Chaplain, Bloomington, MN; Bethlehem Lutheran 1994 - Sr. Pastor, Grand Marais, MN and Trinity Lutheran 1994, Hovland, MN; St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran 2000 - Executive Pastor, Plymouth, MN; St. Andrew's Lutheran 2007 - Lead Pastor, Mahtomedi, MN; and Mount Olivet Lutheran Church 2014 - Sr. Pastor, Mpls, MN. He was thankful and a bit amazed that he served 3 out of the top 10 largest ELCA congregations. He served on many organizational boards and committees, including trustee at Gustavus Adolphus College. He enjoyed his time with Ruth and the girls, the dogs, running, using his road/mountain bikes, driving his 1949 red truck, writing, reading the Bible and leadership books, road trips with the family, and having fun. He was well known for his sense of humor, but not for his driving directions. His favorite places were Grand Marais, Siesta Key, Jackson Hole and being somewhere with a good friend and a good beverage. He looked so forward to being a grandpa and shared many times that he will miss being an ongoing part of their lives. With his generous spirit, he donated his brain/ tumor to Mayo clinic. That's one way to get rid of a brain tumor. He is survived by: wife Ruth Hogenson-Rutford; daughters Kelly (Brian) McKenzie, Jana Hogenson, Kate Hogenson; grandchildren Connor and Megan; brother Matt (Colleen) Hogenson; step-mother Gayle Hogenson; step-brother Chris (Katy) Nelson; step-sister Katie Gonzalez; mother-in-law Donna Rutford; brother in law Doug (Sue) Rutford; sister in laws Lori Rogers and Mary Rutford; aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his dad, Dennis Hogenson, and his mom, Faye Cook Hogenson. We think they were impatiently waiting for him to arrive in heaven. The last two years have taken a loving, dedicated "village" of family, friends, and our churches to make life work. I cannot thank this crew enough - Kelly/Brian, Jana, Kate, Matt, Colleen, Chris, Katie, Donna, Gayle, Doug, Steve, Chuck, Duane, Mike, Jim, Jeff, Phil, Japheth, Brad, Sue O, Carolyn, Sharon, Kari, Lynn, Sue S, Cindy, Sally, the Hogenson's, the Rutford's, the Nelson's, Dr. Rousey, Dr. Groth, Mount Olivet Church, Home, and Rolling Acres, St. Andrew's, the CaringBridge "congregation", Lakeview Health Foundation, St. Andrew's Preschool. All together, along with so many, many more, they helped make this work for us. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to the John Hogenson family, Mount Olivet, and the John D. & Ruth Hogenson-Rutford endowment for church relations at Gustavus. Memorial service 11 am 1/14/17, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Mpls, 55419. Visitation 1 hr before service. www.mtolivet.org. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996