Malcolm Wulff Unseth Jr.

Malcolm Unseth Obituary

Malcolm Wulff UNSETH Jr. Beloved child and servant of God, Malcolm Wulff Unseth Jr went home to meet his Savior on God's glorious spring evening of April 25. Born 9-14-27 in Chicago, the only child of Malcolm Sr & Beatrice (Flem). Moved to the Barrington countryside where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Lois Duensing. Survived by the love of his life for 61 yrs, Lois; children Catherine, Minda, Malcolm III (Karen), Gretchen, & Jonathan; grandson Matthew (Christena); and great-grand daughter Hailey Grace. Preceded in death by daughter Brita Ingrid & his parents. Answering God's call to the parish ministry, he & his young family moved to Minneapolis where he graduated from Augsburg Seminary & was ordained into the Lutheran ministry June 1956. He served parishes in Portland & Klamath Falls, OR, and Seattle. As a life long learner, he was committed to education & left a legacy of early childhood education programs in each of the parishes he served. At Ballard First Lutheran, he found his true calling. Being part of a large Scandinavian community (against protocol, he invited King Olaf of Norway to attend services @ BFL & he accepted), & in particular, ministering to the fishing community. Mal was a member of the Norwegian Commercial Club; instrumental in the development of the Seattle Fishermen's Memorial, later serving as chairman of the Memorial Com.; & served as Chaplain to the Seattle Fire Department. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. William Woo, & Dr. Saul Rivkin, his nurses & staff @ the Swedish Tumor Institute for their personal & loving care, also Angela & Anthony whose smiles & "helloes" brightened Dad's days. Visitation Friday, May 1, 4:00 to 8:30pm @ Wiggen & Sons Funeral Home. Celebration of Life service Saturday, May 2, 2:00 pm @ Ballard First Lutheran. Memorials may be given to Seattle Fishermen's Memorial Scholarship Fund, Dearborn Park Elementary School 2nd Grade, or to ELCA Hunger Relief - designate "life-giving water" or "God's global barnyard".

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Published by The Seattle Times from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm Unseth

12 Entries

Karyn Sandbeck-Jurewicz

May 21, 2009

Dear Lois & family,
I find myself thinking of you and Malcom on this sunny Seattle day. I associate both of you with the garden.

Pastor Unseth was really my rock at BFL. He knew me inside out and never let me escape with a I'm fine when I really was not. He inspired me to be my best self. He contributed so much to my life along with you and your entire family. I have had many a wonderul time because of your hospitality.

Blessings,

Rod & Denise Brumpton

May 7, 2009

Pastor Unseth had a significant role in our lives and those of our children. Just one of many, many stories; May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens was erupting and Malcolm was busy baptizing Kimberly who almost died at birth. He held her up in the air above his head to show the congregation a tangible example of how all of their prayers for her were answered. We will never forget him or his faithfulness to all those he touched, and most importantly, our dear Lord. He has many jewels in his crown!

Randi Seaberg

May 7, 2009

Pastor Unseth married my husband and I in what was one of his last weddings at BFL. It was a memorable experience!

Nancy Gordon

May 2, 2009

Lois, and family,
I was saddened to hear about Malcolm, my deepest sympathy, and condolences to all of you,he was a man of God and a comfort to me and David, and mom when we left Klamath Falls,Oregon in year of 1972.
Nancy Gordon

Curt Leady

May 2, 2009

Lois, family and members of BFL,
I was saddened to hear from my girls about the passing of Pastor Mel. He was a man of God and a comfort to me and my family in a time of need. May God give you peace. My prayers are with you all.

Deb Mahan

May 1, 2009

I will miss our talks across the fence and the beautiful roses given so generously.Malcolm was kind, funny and giving. He has left his mark on many lives. I will miss him.

April 30, 2009

We send you comfort and condolences at this time. We will miss your caring and kind man.

Jody, Eric and Virginia Lindahl

Mary and Michael

April 30, 2009

We will miss Malcolm - he has left us with so many wonderful memories.

April 30, 2009

Lois and all of your family and friend's.
It was a pleasure knowing Malcolm, you and your beautiful daughter's.
May God continue to comfort your heart's and mind's.
May God give you peace. Love and Prayers.
Angela Jackson

Marnelle Dragila

April 29, 2009

Like Karey and Ryan, Pastor Unseth baptized and confirmed me. I have such fond memories of Paster Unseth, his warm nature and growing up at BFL. He is missed!

Karey Sailand-Coble

April 29, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Pastor was a wonderfull man who helped my family thru many hard times, and good times as well. He was in my life from Baptisam to Marrige. I thank all of you for being friends of our family.

Ryan Brumpton

April 29, 2009

My love and condolences to all of the Unseth family. I love(d) your Pastor Unseth dearly and quite honestly hold him in the highest regard of any man I've known, he taught me the love Jesus has for us all and the fundamentals of what it was to be a Christian, he baptized me, gave me my first communion and was my confirmation pastor. I will miss him dearly and have very fond memories, including the time I almost took a header with the U.S. Flag into the water at one of "Blessing of the Fleet's" ceremonies. My love to all.

Blessings,
Ryan W. Brumpton

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