Dr. Walter L. Rosin, age 91 of Shawano, died peacefully at home on Friday morning, January 24, 2020.
Walter was born on December 18, 1928, in Boyd, Minnesota to Louis and Lillie (Welkener) Rosin. He received his junior college education at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1948. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri with a degree of Master of Divinity in 1953. On June 7, 1953, Walter married Eunice Mae Schelp at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma, Missouri. After graduate study at Concordia Seminary, he was awarded the degree of Master of Sacred Theology in 1954. Following two years of teaching at St. Louis Lutheran High School, Walter became pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellisville, Missouri. In 1962, he joined the faculty of Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. There he taught courses in the religion department, and served as the chairman of the theology division before assuming the presidency of St. Paul’s College, Concordia, Missouri, serving in that position from 1971 to 1980. During this time Walter also pursued doctoral studies at Concordia Seminary and received the degree of Doctor of Theology in 1965.
From 1980 to 1983 he served as the Executive Secretary of the Board for Higher Education which coordinates the activities of the colleges and seminaries of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. In 1983, Walter was elected to serve as Secretary of the Lutheran Church – Missouri where he served until his time of retirement in 1999. Upon retirement, Walter and Eunice moved to Shawano where they lived together, being blessed with 66 years of marriage. Dr. Rosin led his family with quiet wisdom and strength. Throughout his life, Walt served his Lord and Savior in all that he did. Leading by example, he taught his children and grandchildren, as well as all those who knew him, what “living in the Lord” truly means.
Dr. Rosin is survived by his wife, Eunice, of Shawano; three remaining children, Susan (Ken) Longmire of Shawano, Mary (Ralph) Gabrielson of Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Michael (Rachel) Rosin of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Also ten grandchildren, Rev. Benjamin (Meghan) Vogel of North Royalton, Ohio, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Forney of Berwyn, Illinois, and Katherine Vogel of Shawano; Michael Gabrielson of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Lauren Robinson of Montgomery, Illinois, Matthew (Ashley) Gabrielson of Yorkville, Illinois and Kristin Gabrielson of Sugar Grove, Illinois; Paul (Kayla) Rosin of Elkhart, Indiana, Marc (Christina) Rosin of Fenton, Michigan and Aaron Rosin of Madison Heights, Michigan; and eight great-grandchildren, Samantha, Isaiah, and Jonah Vogel, Maryiett and Eli Robinson, Griffin Gabrielson, Ezekiel and Malachi Rosin, and Noah Rosin.
Dr. Rosin was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Louis and Lily Rosin; his son, Mark Rosin; sisters Clara and Norma, and brothers Wilbert, Werner, Martin and David; as well as his son-in-law, Rev. Jonathan Vogel of Shawano.
A funeral service for Dr. Walter L. Rosin will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 11:30 AM at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Steve Schauder will serve as the Liturgist, and Walter’s grandson, Rev. Benjamin Vogel, will serve as the Proclaimer. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will take place on Monday evening, January 27, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church from 10:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests all memorials be given to St. James Lutheran School.
“The family is deeply grateful to the wonderful people who were so instrumental in taking such good care of Walt during his brief illness. Especially the staff of The Cottages who showed our whole family such love and care, and to Heartland Hospice who guided us through some very difficult days.”