DAVE WOLD OBITUARY - KARVONEN FUNERAL HOME

MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University mourns the loss of Campus Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dave Wold, who died on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at age 72. Wold, known to all on the Augsburg campus as "Pastor Dave," served Augsburg as its campus pastor from 1983 to his retirement in 2013.

In addition to his service to the Augsburg community as its faith leader, Wold was also a constant presence within the Augsburg Athletics community, serving as public address announcer for the Auggies' football, men's basketball and wrestling home events, along with periodic events in many other sports. He also helped with the faith journeys of countless numbers of Augsburg student-athletes, not only during their years on the Minneapolis campus, but in their post-Augsburg days as alumni.

One of the unique traditions Wold fostered at Augsburg was the "Bunch of Guys Chorus," the National Anthem singers at Augsburg home football and men's basketball games. Before each game, Wold would invite any man in the crowd -- singer or non-singer, Auggie or opponent alike --  to meet either courtside or on the field to sing the National Anthem, with Wold leading the egalitarian group of singers with his booming bass voice. (Click here for a MIAC feature on the "Bunch of Guys Chorus.")

A visitation will be held for Wold at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minn. (700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, MN 55116), on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery in Roseville, Minn. (803 West Larpenteur Ave., Roseville, MN 55113)

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A note from Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow was posted on the Augsburg University website on Friday.

Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that I share the news that Pastor Dave Wold passed away last night. Pastor Dave served Augsburg for three decades — 1983 until he retired at the end of the 2012-13 academic year — and was named Campus Pastor Emeritus by the Augsburg Board of Regents in recognition for his many contributions to our campus life and faith community.

One of Pastor Dave's gifts was that he knew everyone's name. He knew each of us. It's hard to imagine how he was able to personally connect with so many people, but he did, and the breadth of his pastoral care strengthened and supported generations of Auggies. He touched thousands of lives and is beloved by alumni and Augsburg community members around the world.

Pastor Dave was also quick witted and loved to craft words and music. I'm sure everyone who knew him can recall how he loved to share jokes as a way of engaging with people. He lent those talents for words and music to the leadership of our Advent Vespers services over the years. He also wrote hundreds of light-hearted parodies, using familiar tunes as a unique means of sharing messages about faith.

Of course, we all know Pastor Dave's passion for athletics and for working with young people. He was director of youth ministries for the American Lutheran Church (prior to the formation of the ELCA), founded the Holy Hoops congregational basketball league, and supervised many intern pastors. And, while the number of athletic games and matches he announced may not be known, our memory of his distinct announcer voice will not fade.

Our prayers and sympathies go out to Cathy Wold, Dave's wife, and his family. Pastor Dave was a fiercely committed husband, father, and grandfather. We will share information about memorial services once those plans are confirmed. This morning, those on campus are invited to gather in Hoversten Chapel following our daily chapel service (10:55 a.m.), for a brief time of remembrance, prayer, and song.

I was honored to work with Pastor Dave for seven years, to sing with him before many an athletic contest, and to have him as my pastor on campus.  I join Dave's many friends and colleagues in mourning his death and the loss of a good and faithful servant.

Faithfully yours,
Paul