Paul S. Brunsberg

Paul S. Brunsberg, 82, of Moorhead, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Paul Sheldon Brunsberg was born on July 27, 1941, in Fargo, ND to Clifford and Billie (Hanson) Brunsberg. He grew up in Grand Forks, ND until the 3rd grade, before moving to Clearbrook, MN — where he graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1959. He went on to earn degrees from Concordia College (Moorhead), Luther Seminary (St. Paul) — as well as two master’s degrees.

On June 8, 1968, he married LaVonne Watne in Gonvick, MN. They spent time traveling the world and learning about different cultures before making their way back to the US — spending five years in the state of Virginia as a grad student and chaplain at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. As a pastor, he led parishes over the years in Echo, Fosston, and Cormorant, MN. Paul and Lavonne made their home in Moorhead in 1980 — with Paul taking a counseling position at Lutheran Social Services. He later became the director of Lost and Found Ministry — where he served others with his passion for counseling those who struggled with addiction. This eventually led to the founding of Recovery Worship in Fargo. 

Paul was an avid sports enthusiast — enjoying golfing, hunting, fishing and intently following a wide variety of local and professional sports teams. A lover of learning, Paul’s curiosity to gain and share knowledge was a continual pursuit. His zest for reading eventually inspired him to write two books. Most of all, Paul loved spending time with his family and made many happy memories with his grandkids at Lake Ida. 

He is survived by his wife, LaVonne; children, Mike (Jennifer) Brunsberg, Wadena, MN, Alison (Todd) Sandvik, Fargo, ND, and John (Tran) Brunsberg, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Crystal, Tanner, Andrew, Johanna, Bjorn, Eli, Olivia; great grandchildren, Kayden, Khloe; and brother, Bruce Brunsberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Julie Larson. 

Funeral service with Livestream will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at Hope Lutheran Church – South Campus, Fargo, ND.

Final resting place will be in Prairie Home Cemetery, Moorhead.