Rev. William "Bill" Ahlfeldt

Rev. William (Bill) N. Ahlfeldt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend, entered eternal life with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on October 14, 2025 at the age of 82.

Bill was born December 22, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to William E. and Lois S. (Behl) Ahlfeldt. He grew up on the north side of Chicago in Norwood Park and graduated from Taft High School in 1961. The following year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, completing Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Military Policeman stationed at Chicago O’Hare Airport until 1972.On September 18, 1965, Bill married Sharron L. (Burak) at Norwood Park Lutheran Church. Before following his call to ministry, he worked for Automatic Electric (later GTE) in Chicago. Guided by profound faith and a deep sense of purpose, Bill answered God’s call and attended the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1976.

Over nearly five decades, Pastor Ahlfeldt faithfully served congregations across the Midwest, touching countless lives through his preaching, compassion, and steadfast belief in God’s grace. His ministry included calls to St. Philip’s Lutheran Church (Glenview, IL), Peace Lutheran Church (Steeleville, IL), Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Rockford, IL), St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Huber Heights, OH), Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church (Williston, ND), Light of Christ Lutheran Church (Williston, ND), Grace Lutheran Church (Deephaven, MN), Eventide Nursing Home (Moorhead, MN), First Lutheran Church (Fargo, ND), Our Savior Lutheran Church (Page, ND) and its partner congregations St. Paul’s Lutheran (Tower City, ND) and Buffalo Lutheran (Buffalo, ND), Elim Nursing Home (Fargo, ND), Hope Lutheran Church (Fargo, ND), and Police Chaplain with the Rockford Police department and most recently the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.

Bill’s ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He offered Christ-centered counseling through his own practice and also served as a counselor with Village Family Services in Alexandria, MN. His gentle guidance and compassionate presence brought healing and hope to many.

Family was the heart of Bill’s life. He was deeply devoted to his son, Bill, daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and grandchildren, Will and Ellie, attending their events and celebrating every milestone. He cherished time spent fishing in Canada, hunting in western North Dakota, sharing music and laughter, and creating adventures for those he loved most.

A talented baritone, Bill filled sanctuaries and hearts with song. He sang in choirs, performed solos and duets with his son, and found joy in every hymn. His sense of humor, childlike playfulness, and love of laughter brightened every room. He also delighted in dancing, recalling fondly his days out on the dance floors of Chicago and later at family weddings.

Bill was an avid reader, collector, and seeker of stories, whether in old books, antiques, or rural relics. His generosity, kindness, and faith in people were boundless. He gave freely to those in need, often in quiet, unseen ways, and continued ministering and serving Christ faithfully until the very end of his life.

In 2020, Bill married Weslie Priest at First Lutheran Church in Fargo. Together they shared five years of ministry, serving nursing homes and congregations throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Bill is survived by his wife, Weslie Priest Ahlfeldt; his son, Bill Ahlfeldt; daughter-in-law, Stephanie (Hamilton) Ahlfeldt; and grandchildren, Will and Ellie Ahlfeldt, all of Fargo, ND.

Memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army, an organization that reflected Bill’s lifelong commitment to serving others.

Bill’s life was one of service, song, and steadfast faith, a life that continues to inspire all who knew him.