Walter L. Rosin

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Dr. Walter L. Rosin, 91, of Shawano, died peacefully at home Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2020.

Walter was born Dec. 18, 1928, in Boyd, Minnesota, to Louis and Lillie (Welkener) Rosin. He received his junior college education at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1948.

He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, with a Master of Divinity in 1953. On June 7, 1953, Walter married Eunice Mae Schelp at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma, Missouri. After graduate study at Concordia Seminary, he was awarded a Master of Sacred Theology in 1954. Following two years of teaching at St. Louis Lutheran High School, Walter became pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellisville, Missouri.

In 1962, he joined the faculty of Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. There, he taught courses in the religion department, and he served as the chairman of the theology division before assuming the presidency of St. Paul’s College, Concordia, Missouri, serving in that position from 1971 to 1980. During this time, Walter also pursued doctoral studies at Concordia Seminary and received his Doctor of Theology in 1965.

From 1980 to 1983, he served as the executive secretary of the board for higher education, which coordinates the activities of the colleges and seminaries of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In 1983, Walter was elected to serve as secretary of the Lutheran Church-Missouri where he served until his time of retirement in 1999.

Upon retirement, Walter and Eunice moved to Shawano where they lived together, being blessed with 66 years of marriage. Dr. Rosin led his family with quiet wisdom and strength. Throughout his life, Walt served his Lord and Savior in all that he did. Leading by example, he taught his children and grandchildren, as well as all those who knew him, what “living in the Lord” truly means.

Dr. Rosin is survived by his wife, Eunice, of Shawano; three remaining children, Susan (Ken) Longmire, of Shawano, Mary (Ralph) Gabrielson, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Michael (Rachel) Rosin, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 10 grandchildren, the Rev. Benjamin (Meghan) Vogel, of North Royalton, Ohio, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Forney, of Berwyn, Illinois, Katherine Vogel, of Shawano, Michael Gabrielson, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Lauren Robinson of Montgomery, Illinois, Matthew (Ashley) Gabrielson, of Yorkville, Illinois, Kristin Gabrielson, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Paul (Kayla) Rosin, of Elkhart, Indiana, Marc (Christina) Rosin, of Fenton, Michigan, and Aaron Rosin, of Madison Heights, Michigan; and nine great-grandchildren, Samantha, Isaiah and Jonah Vogel, Maryiett and Eli Robinson, Griffin Gabrielson, Ezekiel and Malachi Rosin and Noah Rosin.

Dr. Rosin was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Louis and Lily Rosin; his son, Mark Rosin; sisters Clara and Norma; and brothers Wilbert, Werner, Martin and David; as well as his son-in-law, the Rev. Jonathan Vogel of Shawano.

A funeral service for Dr. Walter L. Rosin was held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Steve Schauder served as the liturgist, and Walter’s grandson, the Rev. Benjamin Vogel, served as the proclaimer. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following the service.

Visitation took place Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Visitation continued Tuesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests all memorials be given to St. James Lutheran School.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.

The family is deeply grateful to the wonderful people who were so instrumental in taking such good care of Walt during his brief illness, especially the staff of The Cottages who showed our whole family such love and care, and to Heartland Hospice who guided us through some very difficult days.

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