Paul was born the youngest of 9 children in Mascoutah, IL in 1930. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology (‘52) and a Theological Diploma (‘55) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. He continued his learning through Concordia where he received the Master of Divinity (‘71), Master of Sacred Theology (‘87), and Doctor of Ministry (‘93).
Paul’s work in God’s ministry included many places. His first assignment was to Nigeria, West Africa as a missionary (‘55-58). State-side, his first church was at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Gillespie, IL (‘58- 61). His next three churches were: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin, MO (’61-‘72); Messiah Lutheran Church, Saginaw, MI (‘72 -82), and St. Mark Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL (’82-95).
After Paul’s retirement from active preaching and ministering to congregations, he worked for the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Southern Illinois District, LCMS (’95-05). For a few years after, Paul assisted Zion Lutheran Church Belleville by visiting the sick and home-bound. Paul was an active member of the Optimist Club. Paul enjoyed listening to KFUO Radio especially to The Lutheran Hour.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mathilde, nee Wilmsmeyer, Bramstedt; six brothers, Luther, Arthur, Walter, Robert, William, and Karl Bramstedt; and two sisters, Ruth Hoerdt and Esther Twarog.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Deloris, nee Rowold, Bramstedt, whom he married on Sep 10, 1954;
4 daughters, Jane (Ron) Illsley of Boynton Beach, FL,
and children, Stephen, Kirsten, Megan, John;
Lois (John) Boldt of Houston, TX,
and son, Sean;
Paula (Bernard) Thibault of Clifton Park, NY,
and children, Jacqueline, Lianna, Andre;
Cheryl (Mark) Hill of Smithton, IL,
and children, Chad, Chelsea, Chasity;
5 great-grandchildren;
a sister, Charlotte (Vincent) Pivoras of Mascoutah, IL;
and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr., St Louis MO 63141-8557, 800-944-3450, or to Lutheran World Relief, 700 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230, 800-597-5972 Email: lwr@lwr.org. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 12, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, February 13, at Zion Lutheran Church, Mascoutah, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 13, at Zion Lutheran Church, Mascoutah, IL, with Pastors Kirk Clayton and Timothy Scharr officiating. Burial will follow at Mascoutah City Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.
Condolences Left For Rev. Paul Bramstedt
Our deepest symaphties to the Bramstedt Family.
Larry & Ann McGuire, chester, IL, 62233
Our deepest sympathy to Deloris and the Bramstedt family. May God be with you and grant you the Peace & Comfort that only He can give. Remembering you with love in prayer.
Sandra Fortner & family, Steeleville, Illinois, 62288
Our Deepest Sympathy to Deloris and Family,he will be missed by many!!!! Love to All from the Salger Family in Steeleville, illinois
Michael and Tamara Salger and Family, Steeleille, Illinois, 62288
Our hearts go out to Deloris and the entire family of Paul Bramstedt ~ a much loved pastor here at St. Marks. All who knew him will miss him. He was a lovely man.
With our sympathy, love and prayers of comfort
Harry and Shirley Kuhn and their Family, Steeleville, IL, 62288-1132
Pastor Bramstedt was the visiting Pastor at St. Elizabeth’s when I had both of my children. He was always a smiling face, and lovely man. He will be missed. God Bless.
Alana Fanous, Mascoutah, IL, 62258
Our deepest sympathy to Deloris and the Bramstedt family across all those many miles from Germany. Remembering our Bramstedt cousin Paul with love.
Edda Herberich, née Bramstedt, and family, Oldenburg (Oldb), Germany, D-26122