Rev. Donald Herman Greven

Age 81 of Newark, Illinois, formerly of Viroqua, Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Radcliffe Iowa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Center in Morris, Illinois.

Born on September 2, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Herman and Francis (Anderson) Greven. He was raised and educated in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1962. Following high school, Don attended California Lutheran Bible School in Los Angeles. After completing his studies there, he returned to Minnesota, where he married the love of his life, Mary Larson, on July 16, 1966. Don continued his education at the University of Minnesota, earning his bachelor’s degree in music. He later pursued his calling in ministry by attending the Association Free Lutheran Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree.

Over the course of 50 years in ministry, Pastor Don served as lead pastor to congregations at West Lisbon Lutheran Church in Newark, Illinois, as well as in Radcliffe, Iowa and Viroqua, Wisconsin, among others. His years of service reflected a steady commitment to his calling and the communities he led. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he served for 12 years as Dean of the Free Lutheran Bible College, where he played an important role in guiding and preparing students for Christian service.

Pastor Don dedicated his life to ministry and service, including establishing ministries in places such as Kenya and Hungary. He also served on the board of the Living Faith Christian Missionary Fellowship in Kenya, supporting its work and outreach. Music was a lifelong passion for Don. He served as a choir director and stayed actively involved in church music for many years. He also coached Little League baseball, investing time and care in the lives of young people. A loving husband and devoted father, Don lived his faith every day. Teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of the Gospel was at the center of everything he did.

He is survived by his wife Mary; children: Cynthia (Greg) Bengtson of Newfolden, Minnesota, Matthew (Lisa) Greven of Newark and John (Wendy) Greven of Big Lake, Minnesota; grandchildren: Brianna (Jacob) Laird, Rebecca and Brody Bengtson, Joshua, Luke, Kelly and Hannah Greven, Madison (Karl) Trost, and Shelby Greven; great-grandchild, Cassandra Laird; sister, Audrey (Owen) Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles Greven, and great-grandchild, Baby Girl "Flamingo" Laird.

The family will host a visitation at Helmar Lutheran Church, 11935 Lisbon Road, in Newark on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Lombardo will officiate. Following the services, Donald will be laid to rest at Helmar Lutheran Cemetery in Newark.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made as gifts in Pastor Don's name to the Living Faith Church in Kenya, Africa (Kenyancall.com) or Friends of Israel (FOI.org).

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Pastor Don's memorial page.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)