Stephen L. Ganzkow-Wold, Rev. Dr.
Our loving Stephen died on August 27, 2022, while in hospice care and in the loving care of his family. He was a devoted husband to Cynthia and proud dad to Ben and Emily. He was happy to welcome daughter-in-law, Hilary, and son-in-law, Jason. He was a delighted Poppy to August, Theo, Xander, Julia, and Casimir. He loved siblings: John, Michael, Kristi and Erling Jr., their spouses and his nieces and nephews. He loved his wife's family: sister, Sandra, her children Hope and Anna; sister, Lynda, husband Tony, sons William and Michael(Tiffany).
He was a faithful friend and colleague.
Steve was born in Decorah, IA, where his parents, Erling and Margaret lived, worked at and attended Luther College. He later attended Luther College. He graduated from California State Fullerton, Luther Theological Seminary graduating with a Master of Divinity, Northern State University, and the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Ph.D. in counseling psychology.
Steve served as an ELCA parish pastor in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and in Minnesota. He also served as a psychologist at the Dane County Mental Health Center, the Director of the Wellness Ministry of the ELCA in Chicago and as an interim pastor in the Minneapolis Synod of the ELCA.
His gift in life was to love God and people.
Celebration of Stephen's faith and life will be Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave. S.E., Mpls. Masks required.
Please, no flowers, donations welcomed to Immigration Sanctuary ministry @ULCH.org, look for give button. Reception follows in church courtyard.
Arrangements under the direction of Wulff Funeral Home, St. Paul, MN.
Sponsored by Wulff Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Tom Renshaw
September 21, 2022
I met Steve at the title boxing club in Arden Hills. After Covid he and I switched to the Rock Steady Boxing program at the Elements gym in St. Paul. He wore out a lot of heavy bags. He was a special guy.
Sara Frey
September 8, 2022
He was one of my favorite pastors at Lakeview Lutheran church, I also still get a kick out of the fact his wife was the pastor of my grandma's church. Sending hugs from Madison to you guys. Sara frey and family
John Probst, Madison (WI) Rec. Dept.
September 1, 2022
Steve (and Ben) umpired adult softball with Madison Recreation for a couple of summers - such a kind, patient and enthusiastic man. Ben and family, my deepest sympathy.
Julie Murray
August 31, 2022
I worked with Steve on staff at St. Luke's in Middleton WI where he was also a wonderful pastor to my family. Heartfelt condolences to Cyndi, Ben and Emily.
Patricia Wolleat
August 31, 2022
Steve was my doctoral student at the UW-Madison. So sorry to hear of his death. I so enjoyed our conversations about the ministry and helping professions. My condolences to his family and friends. Patricia Wolleat, Professor Emerita.
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