Luther Englund was born at home on November 11, 1922 to Howard and Hilma Englund in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the youngest child with two brothers and two sisters. Luther earned an AA degree from North Park College in Chicago, a BA from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a Seminary degree from North Park Theological Seminary. He was a lifetime learner continuing to attend seminars and conferences all his life.
Luther was an Ordained Minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. He and his wife Elvira served a total of 31 years at churches in Buffalo, New York; Alberta, Canada; Warren and Trimont, Minnesota; and Hilmar, California.
In 1977 he became the Chaplain at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock until retirement in 1998. Calvary Baptist Church then called him to be Congregational Care Pastor serving for 10 years retiring once more at 94 but continuing to visit and occasionally officiate at funerals. Throughout his ministry, Luther served terms on the Covenant National Boards of Missions, Ministry, and Pensions as well as on a number of district and local boards and committees. Luther was honored in the Turlock community receiving the Good Samaritan Award from Emanuel Medical Center in 1989, the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 1999, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by two chapters of Rotary.
Luke, as he was often called, and Elvira Carlson met at North Park and were married at the Seminary Chapel June 20, 1951. They welcomed four children, Beth Adams (Alan), Marti Anderson (Bill), Karl Englund (Joyce), and Daniel Englund (Julie). Luther’s significant ministry, compassion, and love of people provided an environment of service which was an example within the family as well as an inspiration and comfort to many. He enjoyed baking and often sharing his multigrain bread with those he visited.
While on his Tuesday morning walk, Luther collapsed and was brought to Emanuel where he received loving comfort care until his death Friday evening June 29, 2018 with family at his bedside. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Karl in 2016.
A Memorial Service is planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Turlock Covenant Church, 316 S. Laurel Street, Turlock. A Reception Luncheon will follow at Hilmar Covenant Church Family Center, Lander and American Avenues, Hilmar. Memorial gifts may be given in Pastor Luther’s name to Covenant Kids Congo, the Evangelical Covenant Church, 8303 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631 (covchurch.org) or Westside Ministries, 952 Columbia Avenue, Turlock, CA 95380 (westsideministriesturlock.wordpress.com) or to a ministry of your choice.
Arrangements are being made through Allen Mortuary (allenmortuary.com). Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.
