In Memoriam: Rev. Nelson Sulouff
We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Nelson Sulouff, a member of Resurrection, retired ELCA pastor, and military chaplain who passed away on February 14, 2024.
Nelson was born February 24, 1929, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania and passed away peacefully in his sleep at Splendido, Oro Valley, Arizona, in the presence of family and friends on February 14, 2024.
His formative years were heavily influenced by the devastating impacts of the Great Depression and the strict demands of a Pennsylvania farming lifestyle in Northumberland, PA. He intuitively understood and adopted the concepts and fundamentals of math, science and art; and nothing was ever discarded that could be repaired, recycled or repurposed.
He was revered as "one of the smartest men I knew", and a "Straight A Student" from start to finish, receiving numerous academic accolades. Among his earliest personal favorites is the Rensselaer Medal, a prestigious award presented to a single student in any given high school to recognize that student's strength and success in the fields of mathematics and science. Later accomplishments included the Bronze Star with "V" medal for action in Korea (1951-1952), ordination as a Lutheran Minister, Professorships at Princeton University and Gettysburg College, and retirement from the United States Navy as a senior Chaplain with over 24 combined years of military service to his country.
Since retiring in 1989, and settling in Oro Valley, AZ, he dedicated himself to his church, his community and genealogical research resulting in publications now being used extensively by other researchers of history and genealogy. He also enjoyed the spectacular and ever changing views of nearby mountains, desert wildlife, spirited games of Bocce Ball and grooming numerous flowers and plants on the back patio.
Nelson is survived by Dr. Kilja Choe Sulouff, loving wife and partner of nearly 50 years; daughter Letha (Sulouff) Welch and two sons Nathan and David from his earlier marriage to Marion (Treon) Sulouff of Watsontown, PA.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother, Pastor Nelson Sulouff. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”
