Patrick Roger Keifert

The Reverend Professor Doctor Patrick Keifert was a pastor, professor, confidant, counselor, and leader — roles he embraced wholeheartedly. He was also a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.

His deepest loves were his faith, his family, and fishing. Patrick shared his devotion to the Lord with anyone willing to listen — and a few who weren’t — speaking with conviction, joy, and deep gratitude for God´s grace and love. Just as openly, he spoke of his profound love for his family. Fishing, for Pat, was more than a pastime; it was a way of life, a way of prayer, one he delighted in sharing with those closest to him.

Anyone who knew Pat knew the story: he met the love of his life, his best friend, Jeanette, in the eighth grade. His entire being lit up whenever he spoke of his partner of nearly 60 years. Their love story, strengthened through every adversity, was rooted in faith and friendship.

Pat’s pride in his children — Sandi, Johanna ‘Ana’, and Danielle ‘Teo’ — was unmistakable. He celebrated every accomplishment and cherished the independent, talented people they became. He valued their unique qualities and admired the families and lives each of them built.

Pat welcomed a new generation of all grandsons with joy. He adored Loki, Thilo, and Angelo, sharing his love, faith, knowledge, and prayers. The legacy he leaves them is one of strength, devotion, and unconditional love. Loki, Thilo, and Angelo — you were the light of your grandpa’s life, and he was immeasurably proud of each of you.

Beyond the family he and Jeanette built, Pat was a source of strength, comfort, and refuge for many others. Their home was always open — offering a meal, a listening ear, spiritual guidance, honest advice, or simply one of Pat’s big, unforgettable hugs.

Pat’s bold commitment to the gospel, his desire to make the world better, and his blend of wisdom, humor, and generosity made him a trusted presence in countless lives. His faith, compassion, and devotion will continue to live on in every person he touched.

Pat became, by the power of the Holy Spirit through his calling as an ordained pastor, a teacher of the church, (a title that he regularly used to specify his calling), through his identity as an ardent learner of congregations in the Spirit’s new era of apostolic mission. Pat’s teaching took place by way of four primary venues: the seminary classroom, faculty leadership, scholarly writing, and congregational research and consultation. In 1980, Pat began a thirty-eight-year tenure teaching systematic theology at Luther Seminary, where he also took on faculty leadership positions. Thousands of MA, MDIV, and doctoral studies studied with him, many of the latter from countries around the world. Pat authored, edited, and co-edited numerous books and articles anchored in brilliant and provocative scholarship of the highest caliber.

Pat went on to create Church Innovations (CI), working with congregations and governing bodies from dozens of denominations. For more than three decades, he led God-centered, locally grounded research and consulting, taking him and others from CI to four continents-Africa, Europe, Australia, and throughout North America. Pat worked as he lived and ministered and taught; relationally, listening deeply to whoever was in front of him. He was genuinely committed (in words and deeds) to the local church and its future, exhibiting a truly unique combination of gifts. Pat showed his love of God through his ability to live out his deep faith and spirituality every day of his life, even as he prepared for his death.

Pat is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeanette; his children and their families: Sandra Adeodata Keifert (Peter Coughlan), Johanna ‘Ana’ Keifert, and Danielle ‘Teo’ Keifert; his grandsons Loki, Thilo, and Angelo; his sister Pamela Keifert-Warrington; and siblings-in-love Janet Goossen, David Ireland, and Joan Ireland (Joe Springer). He is also survived by beloved nieces and nephew, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many close friends and colleagues.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ella Keifert; and by his parents- and brothers-in-love Wayne and Jean Ireland, Richard Warrington, and Harvey Goossen.

Patrick Roger Keifert born 12.17.1950, married 11.28.1969, died 8.7.2026