Rev. Jerald S. Lindemann

Reverend Jerald “Jerry” Seymour Lindemann passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father at his home in Fountain Hills on July 9, 2016 at the age of 79. His loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Karen Lindemann, was at his side.

Jerry was born in Chicago on May 3, 1937 to William and Dorothy Lindemann, and is survived by his sister, Janice (Lindemann) Lapice.

He graduated with honors from Kelly High School in 1956 and went on to study at multiple universities including Loyola University in Chicago, where he earned a degree in pre-med; Blackburn College in Carlinville, Ill. where he studied fine arts; and Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill. where he graduated with a Bachelor and Master of Divinity.

Jerry met the love of his life, Karen (White) Lindemann of Red Oak, Iowa, in the winter of 1964 and they were married in September 1965.

He served as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Corning, Iowa until 1969, Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora until 1982, and for 20 years at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Highland Park, Ill. Jerry also served in elected and volunteer leadership positions for the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and the Synod at large.

Retirement to Fountain Hills in 2002 did not slow him down. Jerry served as vacancy pastor at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler for 18 months and remained active with his home church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills, until illness prevented him from doing so.

Throughout the demands of each and every divine calling Jerry remained inquisitive and adventurous. When he and Karen weren’t traveling the world with dear friends, Jerry could be found tinkering with a home improvement project, wandering aisles of antique shops in search of just one more piece for his art collection, puttering in the garden, or leading a Bible study group.

More than anything, Jerry loved spending time with his family for whom he was a model of steadfast faith, unwavering integrity, and unconditional love. Jerry and Karen were blessed with six children for whom they would drop everything at a moment’s notice to celebrate a birthday, help with a remodeling project, or offer words of wisdom.

His children include Tim (Aline) of Phoenix, Todd (Desiree) of Santa Rosa, Calif., Tina of Bakersfield, Calif, Tara of Fountain Hills, Mark (deceased) and Heidi (deceased); and seven grandchildren, Sophia, Forrest, Fasika, Zach, Bryce, Noah and Lyndi.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 16, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 13770 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church 680 W Deerpath Rd. Lake Forest, Ill. 60045.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Trinity Lutheran Church tlcfhaz.org or Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs at lutheranchurchcharities.org.

Jerry’s family would like to extend their deep gratitude for the heartfelt prayers, loving gestures and loyal friendships that have sustained Jerry and Karen over the years, and especially throughout Jerry’s illness.