Bersagel, Edwin L. born April 22, 1926 in Wakonda SD to Edwin and Olivia Bersagel (Hanson). He married Shirley Knecht in Bismark, ND in 1952. His children include Rebecca and Mary of Austin TX, Matthew of Victoria MN, and Eric of Columbus OH. Ed graduated from Central HS in Aberdeen SD 1944, St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN 1949, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul MN 1954 and completed a Doctor of Ministry at Perkins School of Theology in 1976. Serving in the Army Air Force in 1944-5, Ed returned to Germany in 1949-50 with Lutheran World Federation to help relocate displaced persons after WWII. Ed served as pastor at congregations in North and South Dakota and Texas. Ed served on the ALC Synod Staff in SDak, the ALC national office as Director of the Office of Support to Ministries and as the first Director of the office of the Council of Bishops for the ELCA in Chicago, IL. When not traveling to see family and friends, Ed & Shirley spent their retirement in Aurora CO and in Lakeville MN. Ed died peacefully on March 30, 2015 in Victoria MN, grateful for life and faith and longing to be with his beloved wife, Shirley who died a few weeks earlier. A Celebration of Life for Ed will take place at 2PM Saturday April 25 at Crown of Glory Lutheran Church in Chaska. Gifts in honor of Edwin's life and ministry are urged to Luther Seminary in St. Paul or the building fund of Crown of Glory Lutheran Church in Chaska where he was a member.