Rev. John Edward Midtling

Midtling, Rev. John Edward Passed away on October 20, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 86 years old. He was born in Minneapolis on May 16, 1923 to John Edward Midtling and Clara Tvedt Midtling. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School, Minneapolis. During World War II, he served as an Officer and later Chaplain in the United States Army. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor and throughout the South Pacific. He met his future wife Elsie through World War II correspondence. Following discharge from the army, he attended and graduated from Augsburg College, Minneapolis. He was an outstanding athlete earning varsity letters in Ice Hockey at Augsburg. He was a Championship Heavyweight Boxer. On August 27, 1949 he married Elsie Ann Martha Hein in Minneapolis. In 1952, he graduated from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul. Throughout his ministry he served parishes in Centuria, Mount Sterling, Sun Prairie, Ashippun, and Rio, Wisconsin. In 1959, he founded Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie which grew from a few families to nearly 1000 members. Following his retirement in 1985, he served as Visitation Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. He was an active member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. He was faithful to the Word of God in preaching, teaching, and through life example. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor were unmatched. His unconditional love for his wife Elsie, his compassion for those less fortunate, and his commitment to excellence were inspirational. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Edward, Clarice, Ruby, Gertrude, and Lillian; and his son Stephen. He is survived by his wife, Elsie; son, Dr. John (Linda), grandchildren, Dr. Anna (Nicholas), Emilie, Natasha, Colby; and son Dr. James, grandchildren, Matthew, Jennifer, Christopher, Stephanie, Micaela, and Olivia. He will be greatly missed. Memorials preferred to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Pastor Midtling's name. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 3 pm with the Funeral Service at 4 pm at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis. Pastor Paul Youngdahl officiating. Online condolences can be left at www.startribune.com/obituaries. Washburn-McReavy Swanson Chapel 612-529-9691