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Pastor Gladen Stanford “Stan” Rosengren died peacefully on March 6, 2025, in the Dalles, Oregon, with his family at his side after making 90 years of memories. Born Oct. 9, 1934, in Sacred Heart, Minnesota, to Joel and Jenella Rosengren, Stan moved as a child to Thief River Falls in northern Minnesota, growing up with brothers Keith and Bob. He graduated from Thief River Falls High School and attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. There, he studied chemistry, math, and was active in the Lutheran Student Association, becoming district president.
After an advisor suggested that he consider becoming a minister “because of his sense of humor,” he felt the pull to be a pastor. He decided to enter Luther Seminary in St. Paul. “From my theological perspective, I have to admit that it was the Spirit of God, working in his weird way,” he said in an interview.
He met his wife, Joyce, at an LSA party, and they married June 11, 1960. Stan’s first congregation was Buffalo, South Dakota, where residents helped turn the “young pup from the seminary” into a minister. There he served four rural congregations. His experience in Buffalo also ignited a fascination with rocks and lapidary. Son Mark and daughter Kathryn were born in Buffalo, and then the family moved to Kenmare, North Dakota, where he served at Nazareth Lutheran Church and five other rural congregations. Another son, Curtis, was born in Kenmare. He served in Kenmare for seven years.
In 1975, Stan pursued his dream to study at Cambridge University in England. His focus was “The Kingdom of God” as Jesus saw it. The family traveled with him to Cambridge, where the children attended school and Joyce worked as a nurse. After returning from Europe, Stan, Joyce and all three children moved to Thief River Falls, living with Stan’s parents for a year.
A call came from Miles City, Montana, where Stan spent five years. After Miles City, Stan took a church in Great Falls, Montana, serving eight years. He finished his pastoral career in The Dalles, where he lived until his death.
He spent his retirement in the company of his wife of 64 years, Joyce. Together they traveled, spent time with family and friends, or spent quiet time at home with their garden.
Stan sang with the Cascade Singers, was a member of The Dalles Kiwanis Club, and every Tuesday drank coffee with several pastoral friends. He volunteered to read at elementary schools, carved wood and created beautiful abstract sculptures. Late in his life, failing health limited his mobility and stole his words, but he still loved music, knowledge, his family and friends, and God.
Stan is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Joyce; children Mark (Marla), Kate (Jim) and Curt (Heather); six grandchildren, Kristen, Branden, Megan, Tor, Thain and Kian, and their partners; along with many cherished friends.
Stan’s memorial service was held March 14 at Zion Lutheran Church in The Dalles. Donations may be given in Stan’s name to the Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
To plant a tree in memory of Gladen Rosengren as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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