Dr. John W. Bachman

Bachman Dr. John W. Bachman, age 87, died unexpectedly of acute leukemia and a stroke on July 7, 2003. He was an educator, author, and church executive. John is survived by his wife, Elsie, to whom he was married in 1942. One son, Charles, a Lutheran pastor, died in 1987. Their other son, John F., is a television news anchor in Des Moines, IA. Other survivors include Luanne, widow of Charles; Barbara, wife of John F.; 4 grandchildren, Beth (Christopher) Caulfield, Sharon (Jeremiah) Sagel, John N. (Jennifer) Bachman, Alison Bachman; 4 great-grandchildren; 7 nephews and nieces. John's sister, Miriam Kerl, died in 1997. After 2 years at a Lutheran pastorate in Warren, OH, John taught in the field of communication at Capital University in Columbus, OH, next at Baylor University in Waco, TX, then for 12 years at Union Theological Seminary in New York City where he was a Professor of Practical Theology and Director of The Center for Communication and The Arts. He chaired both the Broadcasting and Film Commission of the National Council of Churches in the USA and the Commission on Communication of the Lutheran World Federation. In 1964 he was elected President of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA where he served until 1974 when he was elected to serve the (then) newly organized American Lutheran Church as Director of Communication and Mission Support. After official retirement from the ALC in 1981 he continued his involvement with the LWF and continued writing. In all, he authored six books, including "The Church in the World of Radio-Television," and "Faith that Makes a Difference." In 1993 he was presented the "Pioneer in Religious Communications Award." Services Thursday, July 10th, 11 AM, at Central Lutheran Church, 333 S. 12th St, Mpls. Visitation 6-8 PM Wednesday (TODAY) at Werness Brothers Funeral Home, 3500 W. 50th St. Memorials may be directed to the Central Lutheran Church Foundation or Wartburg College. WERNESS BROTHERS 612-927-8641

Published on July 8, 2003