Pastor John D. Tandberg, July 17, 1928 - July 5, 2015
John D.Tandberg, 86, of Eau Claire, WI, was carried into the arms of Jesus, the one he loved and lived for, on July 5, 2015 at Dove West. He was kind and compassionate, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a servant, and a friend to all. He genuinely loved everyone and always displayed a welcoming smile.
He was born July 17, 1928 in Eau Claire, WI, the son of Ingvald and Clara (Hanson) Tandberg. As a boy he attended Randall Elementary School and graduated from Eau Claire Senior High in 1946. He studied electronics for three years at CVTC and graduated in 1959.
As a boy, he and his family attended the Pentecostal Church on 430 Water Street in Eau Claire. He learned to play the guitar at a young age and blessed many throughout his life with his playing and singing.
John graduated from International Bible College in San Antonio, Texas in 1949 for ministerial studies. He and his Bible school friends traveled, sang, and preached together.
John married the love of his life, Anita Burns, on June 29, 1950 with Pastor Joseph P. Rulien officiating. They recently celebrated 65 years of a dedicated, loving marriage.
God blessed them with two daughters, Jane and Julie.
Bicycle riding and playing tennis were things he enjoyed. He was employed at Robert’s Wholesale Company from 1951-1971.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict in the Military Police and Prison Guard Detachment at First Army Headquarters on Governors Island, New York City from 1953 to 1955.
John and his family traveled and sang for many years. He played the guitar along with his wife, Anita, who played the piano and accordion. They ministered in many church services and special events.
John was the Pastor at the Thorp Pentecostal Church from April 1969 until he became the Pastor at Pentecostal Assembly Church in Eau Claire, WI in January 1971. John was often found studying the Bible and in prayer. He was a great preacher of the Word.
The congregation at Pentecostal Assembly Church grew when John began teaching Bible studies that were anointed and life changing.
John had a vision to begin a Christian school for the growing church. Finally, after years of preparation, New Hope Christian School opened in 1978.
He retired from pastoring in July of 2005 after 34 ½ years of faithful service.
His ministry to others and his lifelong dedication to Jesus never wavered.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Though he has gone on to his heavenly reward, his legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he has touched.
He was known for his remarkable Bible teaching, preaching, and music which are still alive today at www.jdtandberg.org.
John is preceded in death by his parents Ingvald and Clara Tandberg, a brother Douglas Tandberg, and sister Naomi Lee.
John is survived by his wife Anita; two daughters, Jane (Clayton) Steinhauer and Julie (Paul) Bennett both of Eau Claire, WI; six grandchildren, Lisa (Mark) McDew, Brenda (Frank) Best, Michael (Kathlene) Steinhauer, Rachelle (Levi) Kruit, Camilla (Adam) Stine, Alisha Bennett; and 8 great grandchildren.