Rev. Donald R. Oldenburg

Rev. Donald R. Oldenburg

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rev. Donald R. Oldenburg. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, minister, scholar and friend.

He was born on December 27, 1950 in Fullerton, California. He received his elementary education at Zion Lutheran School of Anaheim then attended Freemont Junior High School and graduated from Anaheim High School in 1969. He then attended St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas for pre-ministerial training then continued on to Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he graduated and then completed his theological training at Concordia Theological Seminary of Springfield, Illinois. He served his vicarage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Yakima, Washington. Following his vicarage he obtained a Masters and doctorate of Divinity degree through Concordia Theological Seminary of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Following his graduation, he was called to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mellen, Wisconsin. Other congregations that he served include Messiah Lutheran Church in Independence, Missouri; Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Concordia Lutheran church in Conover, North Carolina; and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Cypress, California. He dedicated his life to serving others with compassion, wisdom and unwavering faith. As a Lutheran minister, he devoted himself to not only understanding the depths of scripture but also living it out through the care he provided for those around him. Throughout his ministry, he was a constant source of comfort, offering strength and solace to individuals and families navigating the most wonderful and the most challenging times of their lives.

He ministered with grace and humility. His voice was always calm and steady providing comfort during moments of uncertainty. He was a master at crafting his words into a gentle reminder of God’s unwavering love and presence. He was known for his selfless service to the Lord and his compassionate heart saw no boundaries when it came to caring for others. He was always there when his presence was needed the most. His dedication to the ministry and his deep faith left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was recognized widely as a teacher, a guide, a source of hope, and a steadfast example of what it means to live a life centered in Christ and on love and service to others. His legacy is one of compassion, commitment, and care for his family and church community.

He was just as curious and caring outside of work, as a cherished husband and a loving and devoted father and grandfather. As a police chaplain, he loved performing ride-alongs with the officers and enthusiastically monitoring his police scanner. He deeply loved his family and grandkids, was an avid reader, an expert in scriptures, excelled at playing the guitar, an aficionado of movies and music, and a lover of trains and model railroading.

On March 7, 2025, he died peacefully. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elroy and Lucille Oldenburg. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debra Oldenburg (married June 23, 1973); his children, Peter (Wendy) Oldenburg, Beth (Christin) Oldenburg, Andrew (Melyssa) Oldenburg and Phillip Oldenburg; and his grandchildren, Charlette, Skyler, Ashlyn, Emersyn, Annabella and Ava.

He now rests in the embrace of his Heavenly Father, with the assurance that his life of service has left a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew him. His love for God and for others will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his ministry and blessings.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be eternal.

Memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15th at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, 512 Main Street, Friendship, WI 53934. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Visitation will at the Funeral Home on Saturday, March 15th, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.