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BORN
1935
DIED
2020
John Elliott Obituary
October 23, 1935 - December 13, 2020
Our community mourns the loss of long-term Chapel member, Jack Elliott, who died unexpectedly Sunday, December 13, 2020, shortly after arriving at a local hospital not far from their home in Oakland.
Jack is survived by his wife of many years, Linde, and his two sons, Greg and Michael. Cards may be sent to Linde, Greg, and Michael at their home: 819 Calmar Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610.
Tributes about and remembrances of Jack are being collected for delivery to his family. Please send your tributes as well to Pr. Jeff Johnson [email protected])
A memorial service will be held after it is safe to gather in-person. Information about other virtual memorial gatherings will be forthcoming. Please keep in prayer Linde, Greg, and Michael as well as the many who have been touched deeply by Jack's life, teaching, and ministry.
Jack and Dietlinde (Linde), his wife of almost fifty-eight years have been stalwart members of University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley since 1967. Jack cared deeply about the connection between the church's liturgical life, social justice, and biblical interpretation. Jack was instrumental in the Chapel becoming a Sanctuary parish in 1971 for conscientious objectors on the SS Coral Sea. His influential writings initially framed the theological significance of the Sanctuary as a practice of solidarity and conscience alongside the most vulnerable and those most at risk.
Rest eternal grant him, O gracious God.
And light perpetual shine upon him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Elliott
6 Entries
Kourtney (Hallum) Ferrua
March 13, 2025
Dr. Elliott was my most beloved and impactful teachers at USF. He shifted the trajectory of my life in a profound way and taught me deeply about God and humanity. I am so grateful to have known him. My love to Linde and family.
Herman Mensing
December 17, 2024
I remember Jack well. We grew up together in the north Bronx (NYC), went to grammar school together, attended St. Mark's Lutheran Church (Yonkers, NY) together (and confirmed together in 1948). Jack was among brightest of our grammar school class, and then moving on to Concordia Prep (H.S.), in Bronxville, NY, while I attended a public H.S. in the Bronx. During those four years, we saw one another most Sundays, and played together on St. Mark's basketball team. After H.S., Jack remained on campus, attending Concordia Jr. College. We double-dated a number of times. Then he was off to the seminary, followed by his teaching and writing. We were in sporadic touch over the years. I always found it interesting that his mom was a Lutheran, and his dad, a Catholic. Both religions came into play in his life. He will not be forgotten.
Laurie Linda Hall Cody
February 6, 2021
So sorry Linde and sons Greg and Michael to find out that Jack has passed away. His cousin Irwin Hall IV and I were talking tonight and wondered about him, and it was when I researched the obituaries, I found the news and shared it with Irwin. Ironically he died one day before my sister Heather, also his cousin. We both send our condolences as you and your family share this sad time together. God Bless. Laurie Linda Hall Cody
Herman Mensing
December 29, 2020
I am saddened at the loss of my old and good friend. I know he now rests in peace, in the arms of our God, and I pray that Linde and the boys are comforted with that sure knowledge.
Janet Giddings
December 23, 2020
Dear Linde, Greg and Michael,
He was larger than life and his mind and heart were gifts to all who knew him. I was privileged to work with him as a student at USF and then to become a friend for many years. Jack will always be remembered.
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