"I met Fred on the basketball court, where we officiated several under-varsity (9th-grade) games in and around Rochester. Fred gave me some tips, as a newer official; he always called a good clean game; and we had some fun...as a Team of 2, and with the teams/coaches. Thanks Fred. Bill Thompson, Mantorville MN"
In loving memory of
Fred Edward Rengstorf
September 4, 1950 - October 4, 2021
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:6
Rev. Fred Edward Rengstorf, 71, passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side on October 4, 2021 at Mayo Clinic, St. Marys' Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. Fred was born on September 4, 1950 to parents Wesley and Myra (Bruns) Rengstorf in New Ulm, Minnesota. Fred graduated high school from Concordia Academy in Saint Paul, MN and went on to Concordia College in Saint Paul for two years and Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana for another two years. Fred went to seminary school at Concordia Seminary and Seminex in Saint Louis, MO and completed his Doctorate of Ministry from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN.
On March 31, 1979, Fred was united in marriage with Sherry Teske in Papua New Guinea, where he served as construction manager for the Gut Nuis Lutheran Church in the Enga Province of PNG from 1977 to 1980. In November 1980, Fred was ordained and returned to PNG as a missionary Pastor for the GLC until 1983, when the family returned to the states. From 1985-1991, he served both Bethel Lutheran Church in Warba, MN, and Carmel Lutheran Church in Jacobson, MN. From 1991-2004, he served Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos, MN. Most recently, he served at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN from 2004-2019. He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in February 2019 and had a left lung transplant in 2019. Fred died of complications of lung infection and rejection.
Fred loved being outdoors, bird watching, and canoeing. He especially enjoyed canoe trips in the Boundary Waters with family, friends, and youth groups. In his free time he was an avid reader and enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins. Fred was a member of the Morning Pride Lions group.
Survivors include Fred's wife, Sherry (Teske) Rengstorf of Rochester, MN; children, Ben Rengstorf of Minneapolis, MN, Brenda (Nicholas) Bauch of Golden Valley, MN, and Nathan (Kyra) Rengstorf of Edmonds, WA; four grandchildren, Miles, Evelyth, Bernadette, and Simona; and siblings, Dale (Beth) Rengstorf of Pelican Rapids, MN, Mark Rengstorf of Nicollet, MN, Dean (Margaret) Rengstorf of Mankato, MN, and Lois (Les) Altenburg of North Mankato, MN; siblings-in-law, Carole (Fred) Schwarz of Topeka, KS, Kay Carl of Lawrence, KS, Harlan (Jean) Teske, and Gary (Linda) Teske of Topeka, KS;and many special nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law (Ben and Iverna Teske), niece Laura (Rengstorf) Fischer, sister-in-law Joanne Teske, and great nephew Oliver (Teske) Nimmo.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Mayo Clinic Lung Transplant team, Mary Brigh 6F ICU Care unit, and the inpatient Hospice team for their care, especially during his last days. They also want to thank all the family and friends, OSLC community, and Pastor Ben Loven and Pastor Nikki Rockne for the support, visits and prayers over these past 2 ½ years.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola Rd NE, Rochester, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service outside the church. Due to COVID-19, masks will be required indoors and social distancing will be observed. The service will be live-streamed on the OSLC Facebook site and will also be recorded and posted.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or donor's choice.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rengstorf family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Parking at Our Savior's Lutheran Church:
We are anticipating that this will be an extremely large funeral. We have arranged for a few off-site parking options:
1. The lower lot at the firestation next door. There are a number of spots at the firestation that are available to us. Their lower lot is accessible by driving around to the back side of the station. There will be people there to help direct you on where to park, and how to get to OSLC.
2. The street near the new Kwik Trip. There is some street parking available between the firestation and the new Kwik Trip. Please pay attention to no parking signs (there's at least one) but there are sections where you may park.
3. Residential streets across Viola Road. You may park in the residential area across Viola Road from the church building. Viola Road is very busy, so please use caution when crossing the street.
We are asking all of our members, who are physically able to, to please park in one of these alternative locations, so that we leave the spaces next to the building for our guests and for those who are unable to walk long distances. Thank you!
There is an album called Photos with Fred that you can view online and even contribute to at this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EAc7SokfKzpKmGF67 (to add pictures, click the little picture icon with the plus symbol at the top)
Tributes
"I just returned home from a trip and saw the notice of Fred's death. I am so sorry to hear this news. Fred was a joyful and creative colleague. He was bold and honest and always supportive. He was a gift to us all. My heart is with you, his family, and I will keep you in my prayers. Mostly, my prayers are filled with gratitude that I got to know Fred. Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff"
"Sherry, I'm sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our prayers are with you to help you and your family through these tough times."
"Our Sympathy for the loss of Fred. We have many good memories of him and your family in Cosmos. He baptized our Son, Tyler almost 29 years ago. May God give you strength during this time of grief and healing.
Deb and Mark Minnick"
"Cousin Sherry, I haven?t seen you since we were kids but wish to express my condolences to you and your family. Fred?s photo indicates a truly wonderful individual. I?m guessing he was smart, caring, fun loving and, likely, so much more. It saddens me to imagine the heartbreak that his passing brings you. I hope that over time you will find inspiration and comfort with your memories of the happy times. If you ever wish to communicate with me, Gary has my email address, and I would be very happy to hear from you. Blessings, Janis"
"Sherry and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Fred. I have fond memories of seeing you both, and your son Ben at several family gatherings when the girls from Florida and Missouri came up to Minnesota for a visit. I remember Sherry, that you and Fred came to my house in Burnsville and dear Heather and husband Chris made us a delightful brunch. We also met up with you at a fun "shopping, dining" place in Minneapolis. Fred was always so pleasant to chat with and I am happy that I had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in our Lords loving arms. Carla and Sam Jacobs (Christie, Heather & Becky's relatives) "
"Fred is remembered as a beloved colleague in parish ministry, a man of robust enthusiasm and friendship, a dear and lovely father and husband. Paula and I enjoyed our years with Sherry and Fred , and their children, especially the Super Bowl hospitality at their home. God hold and sustain us all. "