Rev. Dr. Olaf Roynesdal
August 14, 1952 – March 7, 2025
The Rev. Dr. Olaf Roynesdal was born in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Norway, Torvald and Anne Marie (Traeland) Roynesdal. Olaf attended Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he was one of 6,000 male students at the time. He went on to graduate from Augustana College in 1974, where he met his future wife, Marcia. The couple was married in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1973, and have been married for over 51 years.
Olaf attended Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later continued his education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned his PhD in Theology.
For 40 years, Olaf served as a dedicated pastor in the ELCA Lutheran Church. His ministry included positions at Bethany Lutheran in Viborg, Baltic and East Nidaros Lutheran Churches in Baltic, and East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, all in South Dakota. Olaf also served as Senior Pastor at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha until his retirement in November 2021.
Olaf was a theologian, a devoted pastor, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and Marcia were blessed with three children: Emily Roynesdal, Elizabeth (Brian) Reilly, and Michael (Amanda) Roynesdal. Olaf was also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren: Mila Ann and Haaken Michael Reilly, and Izabella Marie Roynesdal. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Outside of his pastoral duties, Olaf had many passions. He loved model railroading and was an avid reader. Go Yankees! Above all, Olaf cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who were a great joy to him. He was known for being an amazing presence in the lives of those who knew him, and he truly believed in the message of God’s word that he preached.
“Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.”
VISITATION: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 5:00-7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, March 13, 2025, 11:00AM, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, 2650 Farnam St., Omaha.
INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family
To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
38 Comments
Sorry for your loss, he was an excellent pastor
My heart is breaking. Pastor Olaf was the best boss i ever had in my years of employment at East Side Lutheran Church. Marcia, Emily, Elizabth and Michael you have my deepest condolences.
Marcia and family, our sincere sympathies in the loss of Olaf. Many great memories of him while you and your family were in Viborg. God’s comfort to you all.
Marcia, We are so sorry to hear about Ole. He was dear friend who was a great help and mentor to me, and a blessing to the churches he served. Sara and I will never forget all the fun we had with you. He will be missed. Go’d peace.
Pastor Olaf was a vibrant energizer who believed what he preached. I am thankful for his presence, guidance and stability through a difficult transition for Kountze. Rest in Peace for a job well done good and faithful servant.
Olaf: Incredibly kind. Solid pastor, really decent human being. With Gary Westgard, one of the brightest proclaimers of Christ I was ever so fortunate hear. Both always gave me what I needed. I believe in Christ because they so selflessly proclaimed Him.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Paul Matchan
Olie was a good guy! Sorry for your loss. Thanks Paul for mentioning Gary!
Our deepest sympathies Marsha and family on the passing of Pastor Olaf. We have so many memories with your family when you were at Eastside. Hugs and prayers to your family.
This is heartbreaking news. We renewed our college friendship when my office was housed at East Side. I cherished his easy friendship, and respected his sharp intellect. May warm memories comfort us all, and The Easter promise fill us with hope.
Condolences to the entire Paster Olaf family.
Having been associated with him in both Sioux Falls & Omaha.
Our family was blessed to have had him in our lives.
Love the Shafer family
I’m so very sorry to read this news. I appreciated Olaf’s clarity and conviction, and also his big pastoral heart. I will never forget the gentle pat on my shoulder from him as he went forward for communion at my husband’s funeral. Spoke volumes, and meant a great deal. May those kind pastoral gestures and words surround you now, Marcia, and all your family.
My prayers and hugs go out to Olaf’s family. He was a great man and helped me through so many good and sad times in my life. He will be greatly missed.
We cherish the conversations we had from Viborg to Sioux Falls. I remember the conversations about Luther and the Jews while he was completing his Dr degree. Our sympathies to the family.
I grew up in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. Olaf & Inattended the Lutheran Elementary School & Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Our paths crossed while both in Sioux Falls. Prayers for his family & May he RIP
My heart breaks. Olaf was so instrumental in my life, through all my formative years, after my Dad died, and even “forcing” me to go to seminary. 🙂 Marcia, Emily, Elizabeth, Michael – my love to you all. You are always in my heart and prayers.
Our sympathies to all of you! Olaf was a wonderful man who touched many lives. Thoughts and prayers to Marcia and Family
Our hearts are broken. He was an awesome pastor, always there for us after we lost Linda and Louie. He will be missed. Sending prayers to you and your family 🙏🏽
So sorry for your loss. Olaf was a great pastor at Baltic. He will be missed by many. You and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
The phone call began “Your majesty, this is Lord Olaf of Baltic”. There was usually some levity in conversation and in printed materials. There was always solid Lutheran theology in teaching and preaching. There was deep affection for Marcia and the family. I was privileged to know Ole as a friend. Well done, good and faithful servant. Norm Eitrheim
Marcia and family. I remember meeting Pastor Olaf at a meeting of his first confirmation class he was going to have in Baltc. He was such a a polite man. I remember telling him he was going to have his hands full. Later he admitted I was right. Later in life my son had some problems and he would stop at his office and they would visit. He would come home feeling better. Now my son is heaven, so maybe they will find each other and have a visit. My condolences to your family
Deepest sympathies and prayers of comfort and peace for the family! Olaf had a wonderful sense of humor! It was a sad day for East Side when he left. It doesn’t seem real that he has left this world, but we do know that heaven is for real, and it’s shining brighter!
Lynn & I loved Pastor Olaf at Kountze. We were sorry to see him retire & even more sorry to hear of his passing. We live in Colorado now but will livestream his service. We’re so sorry for your loss.
Steve and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Marcia and the family, on Pastor Olaf’s passing. So many fond memories of him over the years at mom’s house and at church. We still cherish his message and service he lead at Mom’s funeral – so touching because they knew each other well. Elizabeth was a special treasure to her and all of us during those days, years ago. He had a many special gifts, but being human among the parishioners, was such a blessing,. He could still strike up a fun conversation when I’d see him at East Side Lutheran after he left Baltic. He was kind, humble, funny and filled with the spirit. We all hurt for you on his passing….but what a great guy he was on earth – and assume the same is going on already on the other side. I hope he’s sitting and enjoying some lefse and krumkake with mom in that heavenly realm of dear ones. Love and prayers for peace and comfort to you all.
The Riswold families at Baltic, East Nidaros, and Eastside Lutheran have all appreciated the caring that Olaf had shown to them.
He was at my parents 50th anniversary and at Carol and my 50th at Eastside Lutheran.
He was a special man.
I w.ill never forget the first time I met him at kountze. I was having a choir party at my house and wanted to invite both him and Marcia. There was a church picnic and I thought that would be an excellent time to invite them. I found out that you do not interrupt Olaf during bingo. He was a great guy and will be missed..
Jerry Clanton March 10th 2025.
I remember the first time I met Pastor Olaf. I was having a choir party at my house. I thought the picnic that kountze was having would be a good time to meet him and invite marcia and him. They were having bingo. Excellent time. Right? Wrong. Never interrupt Olaf when he was playing bingo. Great guy. Always knew your name.
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family Marcia. You both were good friends to us. I’m thankful for the memories.
I’m so sorry to hear this about Pastor Roynesdal. He married my husband and I May 2021. He will be truly missed. Prayer’s for comfort and healing.
Our Thoughts & Prayers goes out to Pastor Olaf’s family & He was a great man as always. Go With God’s Blessings.
So sorry for your loss of awesome guy. He was a fun loving caring person. He cared for everyone. Prayers to all of you.
He was so nice. May he be in peace.
Such a man of GOD!!!! He is home now and has that big wide smile!! Eastside was blessed for sure!!!!!!!! Dan& Char Muller!
Pastor Ole was the person who taught me my theological lessons, had philosophical discussions about life in general, and was one of my guiding moral adult leaders growing up in Baltic. He almost convinced me to become a Pastor and go to Augustana, but life took me elsewhere.
Everything I learned from him I still use today.. Aside from my Dad, he is one of a handful of Men I looked up to and respected while I was growing up.
He had a hand in making me the man I am today.
I could never just call him Ole.
Valhalla awaits Pastor.
There are a handful of people I have deep respect and adoration for, Pastor Ole is one of them.
Pastor Ole lead me in Theological studies in conformation, philosophical debates, and guided me in moral judgment. He almost got me to consider studying to be a Pastor. He came real close too, but passions took me in another direction.
I take everything he shared with me in my life, and I try to apply what I learned from him.
I was never able to just call him Ole. He even told me at my graduation party that it was ok, but I felt to do so would be like calling my Dad “Donnie” or my grandpa “Cliff”. It never felt…right. Knowledge and experience was to be expected in my eyes, and I respected him. I still do.
Ole was my teacher, and my friend.
Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar. Thsnk you for teaching me what those words mean.
Valhalla awaits, Ole.
Pastor Ole was a big influence in my life. I learned so much from him. He was always there when I needed advice and comfort. I remember when I missed church during confirmation because I sprained my ankle and he said next time I should call him and he would carry me to church. When my friend passed away., he came to school and talked to me until my dad arrived. I will always remember having garbage pizza(supreme) at church lockouts. He was a phenomenal person and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Our prayers to Marcia and all your family. What a wonderful life this man has lived. He touched so many people over his years in serving our church communities. He confirmed our oldest son and baptized the youngest. When Dane was about 3 years he was a very busy boy. Pastor Olaf told me, ‘Erik is the child that made us parents and Dane is the child that is teaching us how to Be parents’. I have never forgotten that and have shared it to many others that have had busy families. Our family all loved him during his years in Baltic. I know he will be missed . But he will watch over your family as an angel and wait for your arrival in heaven for eternal life.
I’m so sorry to Marcia and family for your loss. I enjoyed Pastor Olaf.
Thinking and sending love to you all! Olaf was a wonderful person and I highly respected and loved him! He will be greatly missed!
Love you all!
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