Rev. Thomas Steenberg

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith. (Rom 1:18)

This was the life verse of Rev. Thomas A. Steenberg, Jr. born August 28, 1935 in St. Paul, MN and who passed from this life surrounded by family on October 20, 2018 in Missoula, Montana. Pastor Tom proclaimed the Gospel for 35 years as a missionary to Japan, and also served parishes in North Dakota, California, and Montana. He graduated from Augsburg College, was ordained through Augsburg Theological Seminary, and received his Masters of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. His ministry of faithful service and preaching the name of Jesus Christ touched the lives of many. An avid sportsman and competitive athlete, Pastor Tom brought the same intensity to his preaching. Never one to read a sermon, Rev. Steenberg Sensei would step out of the pulpit, Bible in hand, and preach the Word with urgency. His passion was pioneer evangelism. He was forever grateful for the prayer support of many sponsoring congregations – his “partners in the Gospel.” Pastor Tom embodied his faith both while living and while facing cancer ever striving to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances” confident in God’s will for him through Christ Jesus.

Tom adored his wife Evelyn. They were married for 62 years and it was apparent to everyone that they were “sweethearts” with a special love that grew stronger every year.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his siblings: Richard (Judith), Edward (Caryl), Margret Andersen; numerous nieces and nephews; his children: Thomas (Mary), James (Kate), Debra (Mark), Mark (Laurie), Beth; his grandchildren: Jason (Anna), Christopher, Barret, Nolan (Natalie), Westley, Acacia, Angela Hazlewood, Christine Humbles (Dayton); and his great granddaughter: Aryana Steenberg.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Erma and Thomas Alfred Steenberg, Sr., brother Gerald and sister-in-law Joann, brother-in-law Donald Andersen, and nephew Robert Andersen.

Thank you to Dr. Caldwell, the staff of St. Patrick’s hospital, and Partners in Home Care and their Hospice Team.

Services will be held at 2pm on November 3, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 830 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801. A reception will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church [1-1 Sadohara-Cho, Ichigaya Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 162-0842], Immanuel Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.