Rev. Rudolf Stohler

rev. rudolf stohler

Rev. Rudolf J. Stohler - Died of a heart attack in his apartment in Fargo, ND on August 12, 2010.

He was 75 years old. Born in Berkeley, CA in 1934, he was the eldest child of the late Rudolf Stohler and Genevieve (Emerson) Stohler. He received a degree in psychology from the University of California at Berkeley and, after being honorably discharged from four years of service in the U.S. Army, he completed a Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1965. Ordained into the United Church of Christ, he became minister of First Congregational Church in Ada, MN, where his older son, Jeremy, was born in 1968.

 In 1970, Rev. Stohler and his family moved to Leavenworth, KS, to serve at Pilgrim United Church of Christ. His younger son, Jason, was born there in 1978. In 1980, Rev. Stohler and family moved to Fresno, CA, to serve at First Congregational Church. After leaving Fresno, Rev. Stohler, served churches in Billings, MT; Red Oak, IA; Kahoka, MO; Beach, ND; Lake Preston, SD; Wessington Springs, SD; Letcher, SD; Parshall, ND; Gackle, ND; and Fargo, ND. An active member of church boards, Masonic lodges, and numerous community organizations.

 Rev. Stohler is survived by his two sons; two of his four sisters, Genevieve Sapirstein and Alice Hamett; and nieces and nephews John Willett, Kristine Hake, Eric Hake, Ted Tiongco, and Ron Tiongco.

A visitation and Masonic prayer service will be held at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND on Tuesday August 17 from 5 to 7 PM. Services for Rev. Stohler will be held at First Congregational Church in Fargo on Wednesday, August 18, at 11 AM. Rev. Stohler was passionate about gathering information of all kinds. To honor that interest, a memorial library will be established at the UCC Northern Plains Conference headquarters. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the RJ Stohler Memorial Library, payable to the Northern Plains Conference, to 1200 E. Highland Acres Road, Bismarck, ND 58501.

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  1. Rapid City SDRJ was my mentor when I served as a student minister at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. At the time I was still a hellfire and brimstone fundamentalist, and RJ taught me to consider thoughtfully all viewpoints before sticking my foot in my mouth. Later when I was ordained as a minister, I learned to appreciate RJ’s own particular fiery love for the church. Thoughts of him warm my soul and guides me onward. Thank you for being my friend, RJ.

  2. Davenport IARJ I will always remeber you as a strong character. You shared your knowlegde with any who would listen and visiting with you after services was always a treat. My thoughts and prayers to your family and friends .

  3. Bismarck ND
    My sympathy, prayers and condolences to the family of Rev. Stohler.
    He was a valued member of Dakota Resource Council and we will miss his thoughtful contributions to our deliberations . peace
    Marie D. Hoff, Chair, Dakota Resource Council, August 16, 201

  4. Lemmon SDWhat a wonderful example of true Christianity and living his faith! Everything R.J. did brought out his love of the Lord and desire for justice. We will miss him so much!

  5. Dickinson ND
    Shalom my friend. The twinkle in your eye will be missed by many. We have lost a great member of Dakota Resource Council and a friend.

    Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His face upon you and give you SHALOM. In the name of SAR SHALOM – the Prince of Peace.

    (from OUT of ZION Ministries.)

  6. Dickinson ND
    I too will miss RJ for the rest of my life. Rest in peace with the Lord, my friend. Shalom. That was something he always said in his emails to me. Well, Shalom RJ (Shalom can mean hello or goodbye)

    I am very saddened by the loss of RJ. I worked with him at DRC for over 6 years and he was a valuable asset to that organization and a good friend.

    Cindy Klein
    Dickinson, ND

  7. Fargo ND
    R.J. was a good friend whose compassion and commitment I will miss every day for the rest of my life. As he would always say to me: “God be with you.”

  8. Lake Preston SDJason & Jeremy,
    Thinking of you at this time of great sorrow. May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead.

    Hugs and Prayers,
    Joel & Tersia


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