Carl Pernell Losen, 88, was surrounded by family and friends when he died on Jan. 28, 2020. He was preceded in death by parents, Rev. Carl and Pearl (Jervan) Losen; and sisters, Phyllis (Losen) Stoskopf ‘41 and Lois (Losen) Williams ‘51. Carl is survived by sons, Stephen (Jan Russell), James (Cynthia) and John (Deanna); granddaughters, Paige, Kari and Ellen; grandson, Brandon Moore; sister, Evelyn Hayes; and former wife, Joan. He is also survived by friend and devoted companion of over 45 years, Jennie Bonilla, who was constantly at his side as his health declined, and for which his family is most grateful.

The son of a Lutheran pastor, Carl grew up in rural Decorah, Iowa, graduating from Decorah High School. He earned a B.Th. from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., followed by a Ph.D. at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. Carl was a youth director at Ascension Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, then a professor at Erskine Seminary, Due West (South Carolina) and later, at Luther College. From 1966 to 1993, Carl was an assistant professor of Religion and Philosophy at Virginia Union University.

An avid fly-fisherman, Carl taught his sons the art of fly-fishing when they were very young, a love they shared together and with friends. Fishing with the Losens almost guaranteed success. They fished in Virginia but also in Okeechobee, Fla., where Carl spent many winters. Everyone in Okeechobee seemed to know Carl, for he had a way of making strangers feel as though they had known him forever, and to know Carl was to love him. In truth, Carl was kind of a legend. Carl loved to read especially westerns, but other books too. He would ask what we had been reading and was thrilled when we lent him that book. Carl was a private pilot and a tennis player, a craftsman and carpenter who worked with son John to remodel homes. In short, Carl was a Renaissance man.

The family received friends on Jan. 31, 2020, at Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, Va. 23294 (804-477-3136). A Celebration of Life was held Feb. 1, at the funeral home chapel. Online guestbook is available at affinityfuneralservice.com. The family asks for donations to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, "Game Fund," P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, Va. 23228 or to the charity of your choice.