Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Sagendorf Obituary (1940

The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Sagendorf, 84, of Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 30, 2024 at Otterbein NorthShore Assisted Living. Born April 21, 1940 in Grand Rapids, MI to Harry W. and Mildred Champion Sagendorf, he was a graduate of South High School and later earned his Bachelor's Degree from Albion College in 1962, having had a distinguished football career. He was later honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Tom earned his graduate theological degree from the Methodist Theological School of Ohio and was ordained into ministry in the United Methodist Church at Lakeside, OH. He also served in the United Church of Christ. Rev. Sagendorf shaped his life and ministry around issues of peace, nonviolence, and social justice. He pursued a vision of the kingdom that the Christ came to inaugurate that is as compelling here on Earth as it is in heaven. Impelled by the biblical call to "Prepare the way of the Lord", Rev. Sagendorf both met with and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tom was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 61 years, Judith Grace (Morgan) Sagendorf. He is survived by daughters Emily (Randy) Dickman of Elmore & Kristen Chapman of Columbus; his beloved grandchildren Madeline (Austin), Jeremy, Lauren & Ellison; great-granddaughters Makenna and Blaire; sisters Mary (Jack) Siebers, Ruth (Curt) Holleman and sister & brother-in-law Marian (Al) White; and numerous nieces & nephews. No memorial service will be held. A family celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Otterbein Northshore for the excellent care that was provided to Tom. For family and friends who wish to celebrate Tom's life, tributes may be made to First United Church of Christ, Marblehead.