Obituary of Don Claussen Preisinger

Rev. Don Claussen Preisinger, M.Div. & M.A. Counseling Psychology, beloved husband, father and pastor passed away on July 6, 2019 in San Diego, CA at 94. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church Missouri Synod on Park Blvd. Don C. Preisinger was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to the late Rev. Arthur and Lillian Preisinger on November 20, 1924. In a family of 4 children, all 3 boys became pastors. 

Don Preisinger graduated from Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI in 1944 and Concordia Theological Seminary, St Louis, Mo in 1948. 

On June 20, 1948 he married Evelyn Wehrs. They had 3 children: Mark, Paul and a son who died at birth. In 1985, after Evelyn’s passing, he married Maryann Braun.

His career as a pastor began in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He went on to serve in Cahokia, IL, Leavenworth, KS and Santa Clara, CA. Upon his retirement, he served as interim pastor in La Jolla, Temecula and Valley Center, CA. He excelled in Bible class teaching with well-attended large classes. He led several group tours to Martin Luther historical sites, the Holy Land and others. 

He was proud of his Claussen pickle heritage. His great-grandfather started Claussen Food Products on the Southside of Chicago in 1875. Pastor Preisinger loved to reminisce about his childhood earning ten cents an hour delivering pickles. 

Don leaves his wife, Maryann (Braun), his son, Mark (Joanne), his daughter-in-law, Michele and two stepdaughters, Susan (Riley) Howard and Kristin (Jeff) Bales, along with 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Esther Schoof of Millis, MA.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn, his son, Rev. Paul Preisinger, and his two brothers, Revs. Arthur and David Preisinger.

Don and Maryann traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada and also to exotic locations such as Chile, Finland, Russia, and Ukraine. His favorite modes of travel were by ship or RV. 

One of his favorite hymns: ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God.’

His favorite composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

His favorite Lutheran composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

A treasured prayer by Martin Luther: ‘Ah, Dearest Jesus, Holy Child, make thee a bed, soft, undefiled within my heart, that it may be, a quiet chamber kept for thee.’

Suggested memorial to the Paul Preisinger LWML Scholarship Fund for Pastoral Candidates 7509 NW Tiffany Springs Pkwy Suite 300 Kansas City, MO, 64153. Or a memorial of your choice.

Don's committal service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 11:00am at Mission City Memorial Park 420 N. Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, California 95050. Reverend Dennis Bestul of Lutheran Church of Our Savior will be officiating. 

John 6:40 “And I will raise him up at the last day.”