Warren Frank Salveson

Warren Frank Salveson June 24, 1936 - May 9, 2025 Warren Frank Salveson, a pastor, mentor, leader, and friend in Lutheran ministry died on May 9, 2025 surrounded by his loving family, after a short hospitalization at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN. Born June 24, 1936 in Minneapolis to Rev. Frank and Doris (Froyland) Salveson, Warren grew up in Battle Lake and Milan, MN where his father served Lutheran parishes. Warren's world expanded when the family moved to Brooklyn, NY. His high school years were focused on cheering for the Dodgers, playing church basketball, and delivering deli food on a bike after school. Warren graduated from Fort Hamilton High School, Brooklyn in 1954. As Warren headed off to St. Olaf College, seven of his church basketball teammates joined him. He loved his time at St. Olaf, playing on the football team and serving as student body president. Warren graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. in 1958. He, and over twenty classmates, went on to study at Luther Seminary, St. Paul. After his internship in Mayville, ND, Warren graduated and was ordained on June 24, 1962. He served in parishes in East Jordan MI (Evangelical Lutheran), Elk Rapids, MI (Calvary), and Greeley, CO (Our Saviors). He directed Lutheran camps EWALU, Strawberry Point, IA, and Sugar Creek, Ferryville, WI. He served as a member of the Iowa District staff of the American Lutheran Church, and held interim positions in Redwood City, CA (Messiah), Holden Village, Chelan, WA, several congregations in the Twin Cities, and Good Earth Village, Spring Valley, MN. Warren married Sonja Wold (a fellow Ole) in Blooming Prairie, MN on June 25, 1960, enjoying nearly sixty five years of life together without a day of boredom. They shared a passion for serving others in ministry together. They were also passionate in their life together enjoying travel, biking, camping, reading, skiing, and building community and friendships. Warren and Sonja created a beautiful, loving family. Children Karen (Brooks), Kirk (Bettie Kathryn), Jon (Jennifer), and Mari (Steve). They have twelve grandchildren, Reid (Gaelle), Kira (Peter), Dane, Kael, Jorgen (Sarah), Karsten, Hannah (Lorenzo), Holden, Soren, Grette, Finn, and Astri. Five great grandchildren- Aimee, Sloane, Berit, Teigen, and Owen. Warren loved the outdoors, working during college summers in Montana for the Forest Service, skiing in Colorado, guiding at Wilderness Canoe Base during its developing years, and later launching innovative camping programs that took youth backpacking, canoeing, and bicycling in Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Michigan. He was passionate about racial justice, actively working to integrate his camps in the 1960s ensuring access to campers and counselors regardless of race or economic status. Warren and his parish in Greeley were instrumental in their support of seminary students from seven African countries throughout the 1980's. In the summer of 1986, at age 50, he suffered a debilitating stroke that resulted in a loss of his speech and abilities on his right side. He worked relentlessly to regain his strength and return to his grace-filled congregation continuing his ministries for two more decades. For the past twenty-five years, Warren and Sonja have embraced life in the Minneapolis area and all it offers: amazing pro and college sports teams, orchestra concerts, theater productions, book clubs, his beloved biking group, riding Ragbrai through Iowa, skiing, having St Olaf nearby, and best of all, proximity to a large swath of children and grandchildren. They also have traveled extensively, including four life-changing civil rights trips to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. Warren was known for his sense of humor and love of life. He appreciated people who asked good questions and he asked many in return. His mind was passionate, curious, and brilliant until the day he died. Warren's zeal and optimism in life were infectious. He was unyielding in his belief in human justice, equality and the compassion of the human spirit. He devoted his life to a loving God whose message had the power to heal a wounded world. A funeral service will be held on June 7, at 1:00 p.m. at St Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN. Visitation will be held at noon prior to the service and an ice cream social fellowship will follow immediately after. The family encourages any donations be given to the Southern Poverty Law Center, St. Olaf College, Luther Seminary, or the National Park Foundation. www.Wasburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

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Warren Frank Salveson

June 24, 1936 - May 9, 2025

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