David Kent Wold, 82, of Lilydale, Minn., passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022, surrounded by his family. David was born Nov. 22, 1939, in Grand Forks, N.D. He was the only child of Nolan and Edna (Sauer) Wold.
David grew up in Lyle, Minn., and graduated from Lyle High School in 1957. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in 1961 and a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Seminary in 1965. “The Rev” served for 37 years as a pastor at Medo Lutheran Church (Minn.), St. John’s Lutheran Church (Minn.), Grace Lutheran Church (Calif.), and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Arizona). In retirement he had the privilege of preaching at Golden Vista Park Ministry.
During the first week of his freshman year at Luther, David was introduced to Darlene A. Peters ‘61. She won his heart pretty quickly and after dating all four years at Luther, the two were married in July of 1961. For 61 years, he would tell anyone who would listen that Darlene was his whole world.
Relationships were treasured by David. He didn’t define himself by his material accomplishments, but by the pride he held for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandbaby, and deep, lifelong friendships. That same dedication extended to the churches he served, where he helped guide and inspire others along their faith journeys.
David found joy in hobbies including golfing and fishing, playing cards and winning Cribbage, and carving crosses as gifts for friends and family. He was beloved for his good humor, positive outlook, warmth, and genuine interest in those around him. Describing their Grandpa Rev/Grampy, his grandchildren remark that he was genuine, funny, kind-hearted, easy-going, passionate, cheerful, supportive, loving, and selfless.
He expressed deep love, gratitude, and pride for close and extended family, and the relationships with his many, many friends were precious to him. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Darlene (Peters) Wold ‘61; his daughter, Sara (Mark) Oster; daughter, Hannah (Pat) Berry; son, Mark; grandchildren Jon (Hannah Pardus) Oster, Andrew (Jaclyn) Oster, Sydney, Sam and Jessie Berry, Toby and Abby Wold, and sweet great-granddaughter, Torrey Oster. Although Dave was an only child, he would want us to indicate that he is also survived by “siblings” Lyle (Linda) Peters, Duane Peters, Verna (Tom) Fitzpatrick, Darrell (Ruth) Peters, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration of life was held on July 29, at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, (7160 S Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077). Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or another charity of choice.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16–17