Rev. Dr. Olaf Roynesdal
Rev. Dr. Olaf Roynesdal
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Rev. Dr. Olaf Roynesdal Obituary
The Rev. Dr. Olaf Roynesdal was born in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Norway, Torvald and Anne Marie (Traeland) Roynesdal. Olaf attended Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he was one of 6,000 male students at the time. He went on to graduate from Augustana College in 1974, where he met his future wife, Marcia. The couple was married in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1973, and have been married for over 51 years.
Olaf attended Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later continued his education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned his PhD in Theology.
For 40 years, Olaf served as a dedicated pastor in the ELCA Lutheran Church. His ministry included positions at Bethany Lutheran in Viborg, Baltic and East Nidaros Lutheran Churches in Baltic, and East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, all in South Dakota. Olaf also served as Senior Pastor at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha until his retirement in November 2021.
Olaf was a theologian, a devoted pastor, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and Marcia were blessed with three children: Emily Roynesdal, Elizabeth (Brian) Reilly, and Michael (Amanda) Roynesdal. Olaf was also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren: Mila Ann and Haaken Michael Reilly, and Izabella Marie Roynesdal. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Outside of his pastoral duties, Olaf had many passions. He loved model railroading and was an avid reader. Go Yankees! Above all, Olaf cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who were a great joy to him. He was known for being an amazing presence in the lives of those who knew him, and he truly believed in the message of God’s word that he preached.
“Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.”
VISITATION: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 5:00-7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, March 13, 2025, 11:00AM, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, 2650 Farnam St., Omaha.
INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
180 St. Olaf Avenue PO Box 200, Baltic, SD 57003
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