John Rosenberg

Born in Iowa City, IA
Born on Jan 2, 1935
Departed on May 16, 2017

Memorial

Humble sinner, servant of God.

The Rev. John A. Rosenberg, 82, of Cedar Rapids passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2 P.M. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. 

John was born in Iowa City, Iowa on January 2, 1935 to Bert and Nancy (Thomas) Rosenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Leah (Rosenberg) Westrom Graff, and his beloved dogs Bruiser and Bessie.  

Left to cherish John’s memories are his wife of 61 years Barbara (Williams) Rosenberg, children Gretchen (Scott) Rosenberg-Crossen, Sonnie (Jim) Boniface, Karlan Rosenberg, Karl (Julie) Rosenberg; six grandchildren Aubrie (Wyatt) Boniface-Snodgrass, Morgan Boniface, Sarah Boniface, Madelyne Rosenberg, Lucille Rosenberg, and Fritz Rosenberg; two great-grandchildren, Bodhi James Boniface and Penelope Rose Snodgrass; his brother Dave (Harriet) Rosenberg and his many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

John was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from Franklin High School. Barbara was John’s high school sweetheart and credits her for her amazing influence on his life. John graduated from Coe College where he was a star athlete in three sports.  His football record for most points scored by an individual in one season stood for over 30 years.  

After college, John worked for Collins Radio for four years and in 1961, started his own company as an electronics manufacturer’s representative.  He retired in 1999 on a Friday and by Monday he was enrolled in Wartburg Seminary to pursue his Master’s Degree in Divinity.  At age 68, he completed his studies (with much help from Barbara he always claimed) and was ordained in 2003. As Pastor Rosenberg, he served as an associate pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Marion, Iowa; and as pastor at Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, Lisbon, Iowa. Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church continues to enjoy the amazing church he was instrumental in building for their church community. He retired in 2011.

John was always most happy when building something whether a new home, a new church or small carpentry items for his children.  He enjoyed running (he completed many marathons), racquetball, tennis, bike tours with Gretchen and Scott, Saturday morning bike rides with Barbara and Sonnie, bike and ski races with Karl, and spending time with Karlan at the family mountain house in Colorado. Never far from football, John was an active coach in Pee Wee football and an assistant coach at Coe College. John loved his life-long friends from Coe College and those made in the following years and he passionately loved his family.  John’s life was an inspiration to his children and all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any memorial contribution in John’s honor be made to a charity of your choice.