Obituary of Rev. George M. Wold

George Martin Wold was born on September 26^th, 1920, in Trail, Minnesota to Benhard and Palma (Bonlie) Wold.  He was the youngest of three sons.  He grew up on the family farm and loved farming tremendously, but at the age of 11 had to leave the farm due to the sudden death of his father.  However, farming remained his passion until the day he died.

George graduated from Lutheran Brethren High School in Fergus Falls, MN.  He continued is education at Augsburg; Lutheran Bible Institute; Lutheran Brethren Seminary, where he was ordained;  Bemidji State University and Covenant Bible College. 

On July 12, 1944 George was joined in marriage to Ruth Ulring.  She was the love of his life, holding hands and sitting next to each other in the car for years and years.  She was not only his wife and soul mate, she also became a vital part of his ministry.  George began his 73 years in ministry in 1942, serving at Spruce Park Lutheran and the Presbyterian Churches in Bigfork and Effie, MN.  They then served at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Int’l Falls, MN for 29 years.  In 1974 they began a 20 year ministry at the Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church.  Rev. Wold then served as Interim Pastor at the Princeton Evangelical Free Church, followed by the Stillwater Evangelical Free Church.  He then served as Pastor of Senior Ministries at First Evangelical Free Church in Maplewood until 2015, when he retired at the age of 95.  

Although a gifted speaker, his true ministry was that of service and encouragement.  The impact of his life was profound.  He reflected Christ in his words and his actions…always.  He never wavered.  He was truly extraordinary, the epitome of kindness, gentleness and graciousness…and absolutely genuine.  The light of Christ shone through him. George lived a life of remarkable courage and strength, devastated by losing his father at a very young age, losing his son, Dan, at age 28, losing his precious wife, Ruth, and son-in-law, Doug. Yet, George used every opportunity he could to tell others about all that God had done in his life.  He was an incredible man of God, focused solely of Christ, reminding all that “the best is yet to come”!

The Wolds were blessed with three children, Mark, Daniel and Joyce.  George was an amazing father, always gracious, kind and forgiving.  He made their home one of love, laughter and spiritual devotion.  George was also an amazing grandfather, filling the lives of his grandchildren with joy, fun and unconditional love.  He was the best story teller ever.  He was treasured by his family.

George is survived by his son, Mark (Marilyn) Wold; daughter, Joyce Elkjer; grandchildren, Josh (Silvana), David (Christy), and Jeremy (Jana) Wold, Brian (Kristin) Elkjer and Kristi (Ryan) DeGree; and great-grandchildren, Madeline, Caleb, Lola, Santiago, Jonas, Jude and Landon.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; son Daniel; son-in-law, Doug; his parents; and his brothers, Palmer and Marwin Wold.

Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6^th, 2019 at First Evangelical Free Church, 2696 Hazelwood Street, Maplewood, MN.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.