Rev. Rains

Rev. Robert Rains, age 70, of rural Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, December 15th at his home. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 PM at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with Rev. John Dalen officiating assisted by Rev. Jill Steichen and Rev. Aage Carlsen. A visitation time will be held for one hour before the service at the church. The Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston is in charge of the arrangements. Sympathy messages may be sent to www.carlinhoialmen.com. Robert Lee Rains was born on October 18, 1938 in Trenton, Missouri to parents Richard and Pauline Rains. His parents moved to LaGrande, Oregon when his father entered the Navy during World War II. He attended schools in Portland and Roseburg, Oregon. After graduating from Roseburg High School he attended Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree and met Jeanne Sawyer. They married September 5, 1959 and raised three children Debra, John and Cynthia. After working for the Oregon State Social Service Department for four years, Robert heard his call to serve God. He attended Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, California, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. While completing his seminary education he served as assistant to the pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek, California. Robert was ordained in June of 1968 at Faith Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon. Robert served four years in Goldendale, Washington at Christ the King Lutheran Church. In 1972, he was called to serve at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church on Rocky Boy's Reservation at Rocky Boy's, Montana where he served until 1983. Robert then accepted a call to serve in Minnesota at Salem Lutheran, McIntosh, Poplar Lake Lutheran, Fosston, and Fridhem Lutheran, Lengby. He served Poplar Lake Lutheran until 1986 and Salem and Fridhem Churches until 1998. In 1998, Robert officiated and celebrated in the ordination of Paul Bly at Salem Lutheran Church in McIntosh. Robert accepted a call to Gully/Trail three point Parish, Lund, Bethany and Sand Valley Churches. Robert retired in May of 2003. After retirement, he continued to serve as congregations requested. He served as interim pastor at Grace Lutheran at Erskine, Samhold/United Lutheran, Gonvick, Minnesota and also part-time interim pastor at Trinity Lutheran, Waubun, Minnesota.Robert passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008 at his home in rural Fosston at the age of 70 years.Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years Jeanne of Fosston, MN, daughter Debra (Gary) Friesen, grandchildren Paula, Joshua, and Nicole of Sunburst, MT. Son John (Tami) Rains, grandchildren Warren (Randi) great-granddaughter Avery Jeanne of Great Falls, MT, granddaughters Jessie (Shay) Rains of Belleview, WA, and Morgan who is serving in the Army in Iraq and her fiance Joe who is serving in the Army in Germany. Daughter Cynthia (Nick) Non, grandchildren Janet, Abby, Chris, and Jennifer of Fosston, MN. Sister-in-law Karen Rains of Plymouth, MN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Robert Rains, Pauline Alberta (Lee) Rains, infant sisters Vesta Lucille, Sherrille Ann, and brother Larry Dean Rains.Robert had the privilege of confirming and marrying all three of his children and marrying one of his grandchildren. He had the joy of baptizing and blessing his grandchildren and great-grandchild and confirmed two of his grandchildren.Robert has dedicated his life to God and sharing the gospel. When he came into the church community he had one thing in mind, "To love, accept, and to serve." He served all people especially in time of need.