The Ministry of Reverend Lloyd Hahnke: Missionary, Pastor, Dean of Students, Professor

Abstract

Gary A. Wong’s biographical essay chronicles the life and ministry of Reverend Lloyd Donald Hahnke (1919–), highlighting his service as missionary, pastor, dean, and professor in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Born in Buffalo, Minnesota, Hahnke overcame financial hardship to pursue pastoral training, eventually graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1945. His ministry began in the mission fields of Colorado and the American West, where he faced both fruitful outreach and denominational challenges. Hahnke later served congregations in Nebraska and Minnesota, notably growing Christ Lutheran in Beatrice from six to nearly ninety communicants. In 1958, he accepted a call to Dr. Martin Luther College as dean of students, where he served faithfully for eight years. He concluded his ministry with a pastoral role at St. Paul’s in New Ulm and a retirement call to St. Peter’s in Darwin. The essay, based on interviews, reflects Hahnke’s enduring gospel-centered legacy. —Abstract created by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)