The Rev. Walter Martin Wangerin, Jr.

Wangerin, The Rev. Walter Martin, Jr. of Valparaiso, IN was born in Portland, OR, on Feb. 13, 1944, to the Rev. Walter Wangerin, Sr. and Virginia nee Storck Wangerin. He married Ruthanne Bohlmann on Aug. 24, 1968. He attended Miami University of Ohio and Christ Seminary-Seminex. He taught at Valparaiso University and the University of Evansville; was a founding member of the New Harmony Project, and spoke on the Lutheran Vespers radio program. He served as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Evansville, IN from 1977 to 1985. He wrote more than 40 books for children and adults including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and devotional works, winning the National Book Award in 1980. He died on Aug. 5 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Wangerin and parents Walter and Virginia Wangerin. He is survived by his wife, Ruthanne, children Joseph Wangerin (Catherine Preus), Matthew Wangerin, Mary Saugar (John Sauger) and Talitha Washington; eight grandchildren; and siblings Paul, Philip, Deborah and Greg Wangerin and Dena Wangerin-Richter. Services will be held at chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University, 1700 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN on Satrurday, September 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm (CDT). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, IN; Valparaiso University; and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Published on August 15, 2021