Jeffrey Brian Walsh was born to Robert and Norma (nee Maeder) Walsh on December 1, 1956 in Flint, MI. He was born again by water and the Spirit through holy Baptism on January 13, 1957 making him Christ’s very own and adopting him as a son into God’s family and an heir of the heavenly kingdom. His body died on November 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, just before his 68th birthday. His soul then began its rest with Jesus where he will await the resurrection on the Last Day when the promises of Christ will be realized in full. He was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2016 and was given the prognosis of one year to live, but by God’s grace and miraculous work in his body, Jeff lived for eight years during which time God continued to fulfill His purposes in him.
Jeff married Joanne Schempf on August 29, 1981. They centered their marriage on Christ for 43 years until death parted them and together raised four children to know Christ’s works and ways. He served faithfully as a pastor at St. John Lutheran Church Aus Gres, Michigan; St. John’s Lutheran Church Kilmanagh, Michigan; Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroe, Michigan; and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Flint, Michigan over the span of 40 years. He joyfully proclaimed the Good News of Jesus each day to all in his care because he wanted all to know the saving work of Christ.
God also blessed him with interests to pass his free time including fishing, playing board games, and following the Detroit Tigers–all of which he enjoyed most in the company of his family.
He is survived by his wife, his mother, his siblings–Dennis (Brenda), Suzy Awe (Michael), and Patricia Dormire, his children–Rachel Brandon (Kurt), Sarah Renkiewicz (Matt), Christopher (Kimber), and Hannah–and his grandchildren–Kent, Alexander, Joel, Katherine, and Elizabeth Brandon; Violet and Celia Renkiewicz; and Elsie, Benjamin, Phoebe, and expected baby Walsh. He is pre-deceased by his father, Robert; brother-in-law, Robert Dormire; father-in-law, Richard Schempf; and mother-in-law, Meta Schempf.
He clung until his last breath to the promise of Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11: 25)
Funeral services will be held 10AM Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 402 S. Ballenger Hwy., Flint. Pastor Dean Dumbrille will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Tuesday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek and from 9AM until the time of service Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the LCMS Joint Seminary Fund.
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Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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