Rev. Verlyn Odell SMITH

Verlyn SMITH Obituary

Died Aug. 31, 2012 at age 85 in Arden Hills, MN He is survived by his beloved spouse, Judy Helgen, Roseville; brothers Francis K. (Myrna L.) and Delmar D. Smith (Nancy Zuber); sons Dana J. and Brian E. Smith (Kara L.); grandchildren Mahtia, Dayne, and Carson Smith. Born April 21, 1927 on a farm near Viborg, SD. Preceded in death by his parents, Francis A. and Estella I. Smith, stepdad Edward Oksol, and first wife, Helen A. Smith. He taught church history and religion at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD (13 yrs), was director of Lutheran Campus Ministry on the west coast (8 yrs), Campus Pastor in the Twin Cities (8 yrs), and for eight years was pastor at Grace University Lutheran Church (Mpls, MN) before he retired. Verlyn engaged people's hearts and minds with his passionate, humorous, and eloquent defense of church and social justice issues. An avid reader, he was a student of politics and international affairs. A debater in school, he could express opposing views fairly and was willing to put his reputation on the line. Verlyn said he preached "with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other." His degrees are from Augustana College (BA, religion), Sioux Falls, SD; Luther Theological Seminary (M Div), St. Paul, MN; and the University of Chicago (MA, Church History). A veteran who served as Chaplain's assistant in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Miss., Verlyn sided with veterans against the wars in Vietnam and Iraq. He promoted peace and justice through several organizations: People of Faith Peacemakers, the Hawkinson Foundation for Peace and Justice, the Nonviolent Peaceforce, the MN Alliance of Peace Makers, Citizens for Global Solutions, and the Mpls/St. Paul ELCA Synod's Peace and Justice Committee. He advocated for gay and lesbian people from a Christian perspective, including their ordination. Along with many other Lutheran pastors, Verlyn robed and supported the ordination of the Rev. Anita Hill. The family is grateful for the caring staff who helped Verlyn through the past eight months at Presbyterian Homes, Johanna Shores, and for his many visitors. His service is Sunday, Sept. 9, 3:00 at Grace University Lutheran Church, 324 Harvard St., Mpls, MN 55414. 612 331 8125. Car-pooling is recommended. Memorials to the Hawkinson Foundation, the Nonviolent Peaceforce, or to his church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press from Sep. 5 to Sep. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Verlyn SMITH

11 Entries

September 9, 2012

I am deeply thankful for the Survivors of Suicide Support Group that Verlyn led at the time my mother took her life over 25 years ago. Verlyn always listened to each of our stories and let us share what was on our heart- the good, the bad, and the ugly. The group was a safe place to share our story and grieve in the midst of deep pain. As a result of that support I was able to heal and go on with my life -no longer crippled by the pain. He will always be remembered in my heart as one who showed me incredible kindness and compassion in the darkest days of my life.
LM ( One of the many many survivors)

Allison Schmitt

September 8, 2012

It was my privilege to get acquainted with Verlyn when we served on the Minneapolis-St. Paul Synods Peace with Justice committee. His gentleness, intellect and humor made him a joy to be around. My sincere condolences to all who grieve his loss.

Paula Moyer

September 7, 2012

Judy, I extend my deepest condolences for the loss of Verlyn. What a lovely tribute to him.

Mel Duncan

September 5, 2012

Verlyn stepped forward to help start the Nonviolent Peaceforce. He provided me with personal counsel and support as well. Peace will prevail on earth because of Veryln and so many like him.

September 5, 2012

I am honored to have called Verlyn friend. Both passionate and compassionate, intelligent, articulate but best of all FUN. I cherish memories of our conversations and friendship. We shared pride in being 'South Dakota boys'. I will hold memories in my heart and your family in my prayers.
Pastor Bob Chell
University Lutheran Center
South Dakota State University

Dorothy Paulson

September 5, 2012

In reading the obituary, I was thinking what a wonderful man Verlyn must have been. I am so impressed by his work in ministry, preaching with the bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other. An ideal minister, faith-filled, living out his faith in his life, and bringing others into the presence of God. May his reward be great in heaven. The family has my prayers, as you let your grief take its course. God bless.

Robert Walker

September 5, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Verlyn's death. I first met him in 1964 at a student Ashram, and we later were colleagues on the national staff for campus ministry. He was a scholar, and valued colleague. We had many meaningful conversations through the years. My wife, Cecelia, joins me in sending our condolencs.

Michael Girlinghouse

September 5, 2012

When I was a student at UofM, Verlyn was my pastor, mentor and friend. I learned a lot of my politics, theology and understanding of life during our "feet up on the table" conversations. He had a significant impact on who I am today. My prayers are with you as you mourn his passing. He will be missed.

Susan Narayan

September 5, 2012

Hi Judy, I was so sorry to hear of Verlyn's death. I am getting to know him -- and you -- better by reading your beautiful Caring Bridge journal. A wonderful man, much loved.

Sue Leaf

September 3, 2012

Judy-- I am so sorry to read of Verlyn's death. Such a lovely man. He will be missed very much.

Todd Moen

September 3, 2012

Veryln always had a listening ear, no matter how busy he was with his schedule. His ministry was so important to me as I made my transition into life here in the Twin Cities. I feel enriched in knowing him for many years beyond Campus Mini
stry. I will never forget the conversation over the current world issues we had at the St. Clair Avenue cafe in St. Paul at the mens coffee group while I attended Grace University Lutheran Church. We have lost a truly great pastor and caring friend. He will always be remberered in my mind as a dear friend with a smile on his face whenever we met.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results