Rev. Dr. Malcolm Minnick Jr.

1932 - 2025

Rev. Dr. Malcolm Lee Minnick, Jr., 93, passed away on May 29, 2025, in Wayzata, Minn.

Born on April 23, 1932, Mac graduated from Andrew Lewis High School (1951), Roanoke College (1955), and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (1958). He began his ministry serving Lutheran congregations in Luray, Norfolk, and Roanoke, Va. In 1976, he moved to New York City to work in mission development for the Lutheran Church in America, eventually becoming Executive Director of Division for Outreach. With the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), he relocated to Chicago to continue his leadership. Even in retirement, he remained active in parish ministry and served for 10 years as consultant for the Advocate Health Care System in Chicago assisting physicians to incorporate values assessment into the practice of medicine.

His contributions were recognized with a Doctor of Divinity from Newberry College (1991), one of Roanoke College's Sesquicentennial Distinguished Alumni (1992), the Bachman Award for Distinguished Leadership from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (1993), and the Roanoke College Medal (2005).

Mac's father was proud of his son's dedication and achievements "but I wish I taught him to play". In Mac's long life he did grow into ever greater joy in his marriage, work, travel, volunteerism and a host of friends who found him gentle, kind and humorous. Always a voracious reader, he remained curious and vested in how we treat each other. He championed human rights and inclusivity.

Mac is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lynda Minnick; children, Katherine Minnick, MD (Frank Karpiel), Ellen M. Wentzel, Mark D. Minnick, and Jeffrey A. Minnick (Diane); stepsons, Peter and Christopher Tidemann; grandchildren, Matthew and Jordan Wentzel (Dani), Patrick Minnick (Maria), and Marie M. Mills (Ron); eight great-grandchildren; and beloved bonus granddaughters and their families: Jackie O'Connell, Sarah Shrader, and Christy Sink.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Dr. Malcolm Lee Minnick, Sr. and Katherine Buchanan Minnick; and daughter-in-law, Patty F. Minnick.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on August 29 at 2 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Relief, or a favorite charity. In lieu of flowers, please consider sharing flowers or your time with someone and enjoy!