Albert Stauderman, Former Editor of the Lutheran, Dies

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Albert P. Stauderman, former editor for The Lutheran, the magazine of the former Lutheran Church in America (LCA), and pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Nov. 3 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he lived. Stauderman, 92, died following a lengthy illness.
Though Stauderman is best known in the church for his 27-year career with The Lutheran, he also authored several books. They include "Forty Proven Ways to a Successful Church," "My Congregation at Work," "Understanding My Congregation," "Earth Has No Sorrow," "Facts About Lutherans" and "Our New Church." He also wrote two widely used religious education texts, "Journey Through Acts" and "Words of Warning and Forgiveness."
The ELCA was formed in 1988 through a merger of the LCA, the American Lutheran Church and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches.
In 1972, Stauderman was first elected editor of The Lutheran and director of the LCA Commission on Church Papers. He was re-elected editor in 1974 and 1976 before retiring in 1978.
Stauderman moved to Philadelphia to join the staff of The Lutheran as associate editor in 1951, when it was the weekly magazine of the former United Lutheran Church in America, a predecessor to the LCA. He was also managing editor of Muhlenberg Press. In 1970, he became the magazine's executive editor. Stauderman became acting editor and acting commission director in 1971 before he was elected editor.
In 1978, Stauderman was quoted in an article in The Lutheran, offering advice to the members of the management committee of the LCA Office of Communication shortly before he retired. The article was written by the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler, Stauderman's successor.
"Be modest," Stauderman said in The Lutheran article. "Writing that is concise, simple and easy-to-read is appreciated. Second, speak out, stating your positions clearly. Third, expect changes, whether they be in salary scales, or in the types of articles which need to be printed. Finally, keep your cool even when there is trouble with the typesetter or when readers get upset."
Following retirement, Stauderman served as an interim pastor at congregations in Boca Raton, Tequesta and Lake Park, all in Florida.
Stauderman was born in 1910 in Mount Vernon, N.Y. In 1931, he earned a bachelor's degree from Wagner College, Staten Island, N.Y., and in 1934 earned a bachelor of divinity degree from Hartwick Theological Seminary, Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1936, Stauderman earned a masters degree from Columbia University, New York. He was awarded honorary doctorates by Wagner College and Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa.; both are ELCA-affiliated higher education institutions.
Before he entered the ministry, Stauderman was a staff writer and copy editor for the New York Times for six years. Following his ordination in 1934, he served 18 months as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon, and served 16 years as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Teaneck, N.J.
He was one of the organizers of the New Jersey Synod and was first president of its Northern Conference. Stauderman was a member of many boards and committees of the Lutheran church, president of the National Lutheran Editors Association and a director of the Associated Church Press.
In 1965, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Lutheran Brotherhood, and in 1981, he received the 50-year "Key for Lifetime Achievement" from Wagner College.
Stauderman was preceded in death by Martha, his wife of 54 years. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, whom he married in 2000, a son, Albert Jr., Wilton, Conn., a daughter, Susan Deckhart, Fairless Hills, Pa., and eight grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m., Nov. 8 at St. John Lutheran Church, Lake Park, Fla., where Stauderman was a member.

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