Pastor Loren Everette Steele
August 19, 1943 – January 8, 2005 - 61 years, 4 months, 20 days

Pastor Loren Steele

Loren E., Missionary, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather. He had a heart felt passion to serve the Lord. Died at the age of 61.


Pastor Steele lived an adventurous life. During his "youndering" days he worked as a lumberjack in the Redwood forests, for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska, on top secret spy stuff for the Air Force during the Vietnam War, as a wilderness guide, a horse wrangler for pack outfits in the High Sierra Mountains, and a free-lance artist. During this time he traveled extensively in Mexico, U.S.A., Canada, Alaska, and the South Pacific. Later, in more settled years, Loren taught art in grades ranging from junior high school to junior college.

The first twenty five years of his life were spent in staunch unbelief. But due to the witness of his wife, Charlene, he cam to faith. Over the years his faith grew to the point that one day he asked himself this question: "If I really believe the Bible is true, why am I not sharing it with the world?" At that moment, Loren decided to study for the ministry, at age thirty six. Seven years later, his first call was to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MM.

Loren made many friends during his life, but more importantly he introduced others to the Friend of Sinners: Jesus Christ. Loren was relentless in bringing the Gospel message to others. He believed that he had a special call from God to share the Gospel with Asian Peoples. Hmong, Laotian, Cambodian, Japanese, and Chinese people haeard the message of God's love in Jesus Christ from Loren. Many heard and believed and were saved.

Loren started an organization. It was appropriately called "Friends of China." Through Friends of China Loren could reach into Mainland China with the Gospel message. Through Friends of China many have been introduced to their True Friend, Jesus Christ.

Saturday we lost our friend, Loren Steele. A long fight with cancer ended. Now Loren lives with Jesus. No doubt Jesus greeted him with the words, "Welcome friend!" We will miss Loren. We will grieve his loss. But we will carry on his friendship by bringing the love of Jesus to others.

Loren is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; children, Chanda (Allen) Schleusener, Lorelei (Tony) Drkula; grandchild, Kyla Schleusener; and brother, Roy (Cathie) Steele.