The Rev. Walter Martin Wangerin Jr.

1944 - 2021

The Rev. Walter Martin Wangerin, Jr.

Feb. 13, 1944 - Aug. 5, 2021

VALPARAISO, IN - The Rev. Walter Martin Wangerin, Jr. of Valparaiso, IN was born in Portland, OR, on February 13, 1944, to the Rev. Walter Wangerin, Sr. and Virginia nee Storck Wangerin. He married Ruthanne Bohlmann on August 24, 1968. He attended Miami University of Ohio and Christ Seminary-Seminex. He taught at Valparaiso University and the University of Evansville; was a founding member of the New Harmony Project, and spoke on the Lutheran Vespers radio program. He served as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Evansville, IN from 1977 to 1985. He wrote more than 40 books for children and adults including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and devotional works, winning the National Book Award in 1980. He died on August 5, 2021 surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Wangerin and parents Walter and Virginia Wangerin. He is survived by his wife, Ruthanne; children: Joseph Wangerin (Catherine Preus), Matthew Wangerin, Mary Saugar (John Sauger) and Talitha Washington; eight grandchildren; and siblings: Paul, Philip, Deborah and Greg Wangerin and Dena Wangerin-Richter.

Services will be held at Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University, 1700 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN on Satrurday, September 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. (CDT). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, IN; Valparaiso University; and the Southern Poverty Law Center.