Clifford Lunde Papers

7 boxes

Contains materials relating to the career of Bishop Clifford Lunde.

Biographical note

Clifford Rolf Lunde was born January 15, 1930 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He spent his early childhood in Grygla, Minnesota, and then moved with his family to Everett, Washington, at the age of 12. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran College, Tacoma, Washington in 1951, where he would later be recognized with a distinguished alumnus award and an honorary doctoral degree.

While stationed in England with the US Air Force, Lieutenant Clifford R. Lunde met Gillian Chapman, a British civil servant, whom he married on October 6, 1956. A year later they came to the United States. Lunde entered Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. Following ordination on June 24, 1962, Pastor Lunde served Zion Lutheran Church, Newberg, Oregon, until 1970. He served Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Spokane, Washington, from 1970 to 1976 when he became an Executive Assistant to Bishop Clarence Solberg. Pastor Lunde was elected Bishop of the North Pacific District in June, 1981.

Bishop Lunde was the father of three sons: Rolf Lewis, Christopher Madel, and Ian David; and granddaughters Shauna and Megan Lunde, daughters of Chris and Lisa. Ian and Donna Lunde were married in November, 1985, about the time Gillian Lunde became ill with cancer and passed on February 28, 1986.

Bishop Lunde died of a heart attack on February 15 1987. He was surived by his sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, sister Marilyn Wagoner, nephew Terry Wagner, and step-mother Gladys Lunde.

(from Memorial Bulletin)