The Christian community in Minnesota is mourning the loss of retired pastor Greg Garmer, 78, whose life was tragically cut short after he fell through the ice while skating near Woodstock Bay on Sunday. Garmer’s body was discovered on Monday afternoon, bringing an outpouring of grief and gratitude for a man who dedicated his life to faith, service, and the love of Christ.

Garmer, an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth, had spent Sunday morning reading Scripture during the church’s First Sunday of Advent service. Hours later, he went ice skating, a beloved activity for the avid outdoorsman, and tragically never returned home. His wife reported him missing, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his passing the following day.

Rev. David Carlson, pastor of Gloria Dei and a friend of Garmer’s for nearly 25 years, described him as a man who lived life to the fullest. “The church is stunned, as you can imagine—devastated and heartbroken, but also filled with gratitude for his witness, his ministry, his friendship, and his faith,” Carlson shared.

Known for his passion for service, Garmer engaged in numerous ministries, including neighborhood outreach breakfasts, discussions on racial justice and science, and advocacy for environmental stewardship. “He was always thinking about how we as people of faith could do more—whether that was helping others or caring for God’s creation,” Carlson said.

Garmer’s commitment extended beyond Gloria Dei. He served in various leadership roles at churches across the region, including as interim pastor at First Lutheran Church and French River Lutheran.

“He was a beloved member of the church and wider community, dedicated to the care and service of all,” officials from First Lutheran Church shared. “He was an avid outdoors person, the first and last of the season to be out cross-country skiing. He will be deeply missed.”

On the morning of his passing, Garmer read several Scriptures to the congregation, including 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, which speaks of thanksgiving and love overflowing for others. His life was a testament to the truth of those words.

Kathryn Tiede, a colleague at Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, called Garmer one of the “most congenial, most sincere, most generous people” she had ever met. “You couldn’t slow him down,” Tiede said. “He was always doing something—always moving, always serving.”

Despite his passing, Garmer’s legacy continues to inspire. His work in social justice, environmental advocacy, and ministry touched countless lives. As Carlson noted, “Greg helped us think about important matters and challenged us to live fully into our calling as people of faith.”

A memorial service for Garmer is scheduled for December 28 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Duluth, with visitations beginning at 10 a.m. The service will honor the life and faith of a man whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

A Prayer For Pastor Greg Garmer’s Family

Heavenly Father,

We come to You with heavy hearts as we mourn the loss of Your faithful servant, Pastor Greg Garmer. Lord, we thank You for his life, his ministry, and the countless ways he reflected Your love through service and kindness.

We ask for Your peace and comfort to surround his family, his church, and all who knew him. Strengthen them in this time of grief and remind them of the hope we have in You. May Greg’s legacy continue to inspire us to love You and serve others with all our hearts.

Lord, as we remember Greg’s dedication to his community and his faith, help us to follow his example of living fully for You. May we honor his memory by being light in the darkness, just as he was.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.