James Arne Nestingen, Roseville and Dallas, Oregon, died of a heart attack on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 77.
Jim was born in Williston, N.D., to Joyce Nestingen and Ruth Vinge Nestingen, who preceded him in death. Jim was an alumnus of Concordia College, Moorhead (B.A); Luther Seminary (M.Div.); and the University Toronto (Th.D.). He was professor of church history at Luther Seminary, 1976-’78, 1980-2007.
Jim was a Norwegian-American child of the prairie, born of a storytelling tradition in which he participated with joy, skill and a fair dose of humor.
He took great joy in sharing the Gospel with all he met and will be remembered for the warmth, humor, and approachability of his teaching. Jim was also the author of hundreds of popular and scholarly articles, as well as seven books.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Storaasli Nestingen, sons Andrew (Karen Baker), Peder (Sarah Horstmann), Jacob Ole (Sonja Nestingen) and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Rolf Nestingen (Sandy) and sisters Mary Nestingen and Janann Sims.
A service of remembrance was held on Jan. 6 at St. James Lutheran Church, West St. Paul. Memorials preferred to Lutheran World Relief.
