Pastor Erwin Toso

Pastor Erwin Toso, age 86, died on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Essentia Health in Detroit Lakes, MN.Erwin Juel Toso was born at the farm home in Erhard, MN, on December 25, 1929, to Martin and Mabel (Weik) Toso. He attended Pelican Rapids High School. After graduating, he worked on a farm for 4 years with the intent to follow his first love, farming; but, the Lord called him into His service so Erv left the farm and headed to Concordia College, graduated, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Theology at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Being a frugal man who lived within his means, he paid for his education by working for the Idaho Forestry Service as a camp boss, cutting hair, and renting out his car.On September 13, 1953, Erwin (Erv) married Alice Joanne Mathison in Leonard, ND. In 1958, after being commissioned as a missionary at Bagstevold Lutheran Church in Erhard, MN, he and his small family boarded a ship to begin a year of study in Paris before traveling to their new home in Madagascar.In the 31 years that Erv served on the mission field in Madagascar he acted as pastor, Bible teacher, hospital administrator, synod treasurer, mission chairman, and motorcycle evangelist. One of his greatest joys was pioneering a layman training course with Pastor Restiraiky and creating an accompanying manual for trainings that continue to this day. After retiring from the mission field, Erv preached twice a month at Maplewood Lutheran Church back in the township where his life began.Throughout early years, college years, and his years of service, Erv held a reputation as a fix-it man who could repair cars, hospital generators, build churches, and complete a honey-do list. Erv enjoyed hunting, spearing lobsters on the reefs, dancing and listening to polkas, dabbling with solar energy, fishing, watching John Wayne and James Bond movies, and gardening. Laughter surrounded Erv who often played practical jokes on friends and family. From simple rural roots to worldwide travels to lakeside retirement, Erv loved his God, his family, and his friends near and far.Erwin is survived by his wife, Alice, Pelican Rapids, MN; daughters: Rachel Thoson, Ruth (David) Johnsen, Rebecca (Timothy) Pierce; sons: Martin (Joyce) Toso, Dale (Blaire) Toso, Terry (Kristin) Toso; 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; brothers: Duane (Carol) Toso, Neil (Betty) Toso; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: William Toso, Vernon Toso; sisters: Evelyn Rogness, Darlene Rustad, Viola Swanson, and Marilyn Herem.Visitation: Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Erhard, MN. Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church, Erhard. MN. Funeral Home: Larson Funeral Home 304 3rd Street S.E. Pelican Rapids, MN US 56572 Pastor Erwin Toso Memorial Folder (July 9 Funeral)