wfn.org | Retired Head of ELCA Publishing House Died

[Brenda Williams <BRENDAW@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 19, 1998

RETIRED HEAD OF ELCA PUBLISHING HOUSE DIED
98-18-112-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Albert E. Anderson, 76, who retired in 1992 as
president of Augsburg Fortress, publishing house of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Minneapolis, died at his home in Edina,
Minn., May 16.
     From 1982 to 1986 Anderson served on the Commission for a New
Lutheran Church, the body that organized the ELCA.
     The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, said, "Al
Anderson was one of the movers and shakers of modern American Lutheranism.
His deep personal faith and keenly practical eye made him a trusted leader
and advisor.  The present structure of the ELCA reflects both his
negotiating skill and his vision of a strong church with room for
diversity.  He was a mentor and a friend."
     In 1987 Albert Anderson was named president and chief executive
officer of Augsburg Fortress with the initial responsibility to consolidate
Augsburg with Fortress Press, Philadelphia, publishing arm of the former
Lutheran Church in America.  His tenure spanned 45 years in the field of
religious publishing.
     The Rev. Marvin L. Roloff, current president of Augsburg Fortress,
said, "We honor the leadership of Al Anderson as a great churchman and
publisher.  He was deeply committed to both the church and to publishing.
His contributions will long be remembered in the Lutheran family and the
wider ecumenical community."
     Anderson was born in Minneapolis and spent his childhood in China
where his parents were missionaries.  He earned a bachelor's degree from
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., and undertook graduate studies at
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and the University of Minnesota.  He
served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II.
     Anderson came to the Augsburg Publishing House, of the former
American Lutheran Church, in 1947 and served as an editor, sales manager
and assistant general manager.  In 1970 he was named chief executive
officer.
     He was president of the Protestant Church-Owned Publishers'
Association.  He served on the boards of regents of St. Olaf College and
Augsburg College, Minneapolis. Anderson was a Distinguished Alumnus of St.
Olaf College and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from
Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.
     Anderson is survived by his wife, Delores Wennblom Anderson of Edina;
daughter, Barbara of Evanston, Ill.; and son, David of Duluth, Minn.
     A memorial service will be held May 21 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
Minneapolis.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html