Trinity Professor Leland Elhard Remembered

The Rev. Dr. Leland E. Elhard, professor of pastoral theology and systematic theology for 36 years, first for the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary (ELTS) and then Trinity died Saturday, June 26, in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he had been living since his retirement in 2001. He was 78.

Dr. Elhard graduated from ELTS in 1957 and was ordained in 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dayton, Ohio, where he served as an intern. He was called to North Cape Lutheran Church, Franksville, Wisconsin, in 1960 and served as pastor there until 1965, the same year he earned his Ph.D. in religion and personality from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

He joined ELTS in 1965 as an instructor in systematic theology and pastoral theology and became associate professor of pastoral theology in 1968. He was named professor of pastoral theology at Trinity in 1981. He also was a frequent contributor to the Trinity Seminary Review and other publications.

Dr. Elhard is survived by his wife of 26 years, Valerie Kinlan, and four sons from a previous marriage, Joel, Paul, Timothy and Jay. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joyce, and brother, Cleo Jerry. Leland's family asks that he be remembered with contributions to the Joyce and Jerry Elhard Counseling Fund at Trinity Lutheran Seminary which assists students. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 1 at the Eastgate Funeral Home in Bismarck, North Dakota. A memorial service will be held on Friday morning, July 2, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Robinson, North Dakota. Bishop Mark Narum will preach and Pastor Allan Wagner will preside at worship.