The Rev. Dr. Howard Mathisen, 72, succumbed to complications of renal failure Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus, Worcester. Rev. Dr. Mathisen was born in Brooklyn NY, son of Olaf and Hjordis (Skjaerum) Mathisen.
He leaves his wife, Carolynn (Burroughs) Mathisen; two daughters, Randi Sue Chance and her husband Steve of Upland, IN; Lisa Jane McPhee and her husband Glen of Frederick, MD; one brother, Kenneth Mathisen and his wife RoseWynn Brooks-Mathisen of Apex, NC; and three grandchildren, Katelynn and Alyssa McPhee, and Rachel Chance.
Rev. Dr. Mathisen graduated from Taylor University (BA) in 1960, Philadelphia Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) in 1963, Luther Theological Seminary (MA Religion) in 1965, post graduate studies in theology at Concordia Seminary and Rutgers University (1975) and received a Doctor of Ministry in Psychology from Andover-Newton Theological School (1976). He served as pastor of Christ Memorial Chapel in Philadelphia, PA; Zion Lutheran Church In Webster, MA; and Concordia Lutheran Church in Worcester, MA. He was co-director of Counseling Affiliated, Worcester until 1997, Director of Pastoral Counseling at Boston Road Clinic until 1999, and Director of the Ministry Assistance Program for the New England Synod, ELCA until 2010.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10 am. The committal service will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester is directing arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to The Good Samaritan Fund of Trinity Lutheran Church.