Rev. Rueben H. Redal

Obituary RUEBEN H. REDAL "Thou Good and Faithful Servant" Rueben H. Redal, born in Souris, ND on November 7, 1920, passed away in Tacoma on May 17, 2006 at the age of 85. From 1952 until his sudden death, he was senior pastor at Central Lutheran Church. He served a previous parish in Iowa prior to moving to Tacoma. In 1969, Dr. Redal founded Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary in Tacoma, and served as its President until his death. Dr. Redal grew up in Philadelphia, PA. His parents were Norwegian immigrants. He was the youngest of eight children and his father, Jacob L. Redal, was a noted Lutheran pastor in the Midwest and the Tacoma area for many years. Dr. Redal graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield MN, and Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He was a tenor soloist in the well-known St. Olaf Choir and, while in college, toured the Midwest as a member of a gospel quartet. It was while on this tour that he met his future wife, Eleanor, in Minnesota. With his outstanding singing voice, he was a frequent guest soloist in local and regional events throughout his life. He was extremely proud of his musical heritage, which he passed on to each of four children. He and his entire family shared their love of music through many concert performances over the years. He and his three sons comprised the Redal Quartet, singing a range of music from sacred, barbershop, and popular. In addition to music, he was an avid fan of all sports. Dr. Redal received numerous awards and achievements throughout his career. He was honored for his work with the All-Asia Evangelical Association and awarded an honorary professorship by Pierson Biblical Seminary in Seoul Korea. In 1974, he received an honorary doctorate from Chula Vista College and Seminary in California. Survivors include his beloved and devoted wife of 62 years, Eleanor; daughter Karen Ross (Michael) of Rapid City, SD; sons Mark (Diane) of Tacoma; Paul of Gig Harbor; and John of Tacoma. He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Timothy Redal (Amy); Mark C. Redal (Heather); Paul Martin (Ali); Tricia Sokoloski (Erich); Kathleen Dieguez (Francisco); Kirk Redal, and Trevor Redal. He is also survived by eleven great grandchildren and his beloved 98-year-old sister, Stella Randoy, of Edmonds, WA. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church. Viewing will be all day, Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at the funeral home, 1002 South Yakima Avenue. Interment at New Tacoma Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003. The family suggests memorial donations may be made in Rueben's memory to Central Lutheran Church or Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary.