Obituary of John Lawrence Almlie

Pastor John L. Almlie (88) passed away in his home in Barnum, MN, on Thursday, June 24, 2021, with family by his side. John was born May 21, 1933, to Pastor Selmer (Sam) and Esther Almlie in Plentywood, MT. He began his education in Miles City, MT, before moving to Silverton, OR, in 1943. At the beginning of his senior year he moved to Whitehall, WI, where he graduated in 1951.

In 1955, John received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. He served in the United States Army for two years, worked two years as a live-in houseparent at the Bethesda Children’s Home in Beresford, SD, graduated from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN in 1963, and was ordained as a pastor by his father on June 16, 1963.

John was married to the love of his life, Sandra Jean Eid, on May 26, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD. They shared 59 years of marriage and had three children, Lisa Lynne (1964), Nathan John (1967) and Erica Joy (1973).

John's first call in 1963 was as an assistant pastor at Victory Lutheran Church, North Minneapolis. In 1965, he became pastor at First Lutheran Church, Litchville, ND. In 1971, he accepted a call to Langdon, ND, where he became pastor at United Lutheran Church for 29 years until he retired from the ministry in June 2000.

John and Sandy retired to the Twin Cities where they became members of Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony. John came out of retirement May 2004 to become a part-time Pastor of Senior Ministries at Nativity for 12 years. He also co-led Grief Share, preached occasionally and officiated funerals.

John had a great sense of humor, often laughing until he cried. He enjoyed sports throughout his life. He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track in high school. As an adult he enjoying bowling, curling, tennis, racquetball and golf. He ran the scoreboard at high school basketball games and enjoyed attending high school sporting events, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing. He also enjoyed following the MN Twins and Vikings. In retirement he loved spending time with family, playing with his grandchildren, entertaining people with funny stories of his life, taking long brisk walks, reading, gathering with friends from church, attending music and theater events, and going to flower gardens, craft shows and bookstores with Sandy. He was a kind and gentle soul who was deeply loved by his family, and was a much-loved pastor of many. He embodied the love of Christ completely, loving each individual where they were at, without judgement. He is greatly missed here on earth but has been reunited in Heaven with his wife, Sandy, who passed away December 10, 2020.

John is survived by his children - Lisa (Paul) Riihiluoma, Nathan (Cynthia) Almlie, and Erica Almlie; three grandchildren - Ellie and Isaac Riihiluoma and Samantha Almlie; sister Rachel Schoeld; brother David (Marilyn) Almlie; sister-in-law Kathy Siebrands; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother-in-law James Schoeld, niece Karen Schoeld, and aunts and uncles.

A funeral will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Rd., St. Anthony, MN  55418. The ceremony will be live-streamed for those who can’t attend in person. Details will be provided at a future date. Memorials may be directed to Nativity Lutheran Church; United Lutheran Church, 1216 9^th Ave., Langdon, ND 58249; or to a charity of your choice. Condolences to Lisa Riihiluoma, 4619 Alm Rd, Moose Lake, MN  55767.