Today was the first year I didn’t go to my Dad’s with a birthday pecan pie, as he passed this summer at age 89.
Dad’s lifelong activism stemmed from his faith.  He believed as a Christian that the words and model of Jesus Christ as found in the first 4 books of the New Testament should be his guide.  Jesus was loving, inclusive, merciful, and emphasized helping the poor and social misfits.  His anger, like that of the Old Testament Prophets, was usually reserved for those in power who did not do so.  You can read more of Dad’s accomplishments in the fuller obituary attached.  Happy 90th Birthday, Dad!   Can’t imagine a better place for you to be celebrating.

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Rev. Arvid "Bud" Dixen died on May 20, 2020 at age 89 in Minneapolis. 

Bud was a graduate of Augsburg College and Luther Theological Seminary.  As an ordained minister he served Lutheran parishes in Chicago and Park Forest, IL; Edina MN; Pella, Charles City, and Grinnell, IA; and Kairos Lutheran Cmty in MN.

Among many achievements, he was awarded a Bronze Star for service in the army in Korea, was imprisoned for marching with Dr. King in Georgia in 1962, and hired the first woman parish pastor in the American Lutheran Church in 1970 - who happened to be in a wheelchair.  He was on the Founding Advisory Committee for the international Nonviolent Peace Force and in 2008 won the Hawkinson Award for years of work for social justice.

In Iowa in the 1980s he organized support for farmers during the farm crisis.  In Chicago he confronted “blockbusters” scamming Black homebuyers.  He was an involved ally of the American Indian Movement, including organizing meals for hundreds of supporters every day for months at the Wounded Knee Trials in St. Paul in 1974.  He demonstrated peacefully against the Vietnam and Iraq wars.  He advocated for prison reform for decades, and modeled welcoming immigrants.  He took Jesus’ words very seriously.  Some favorite Bible verses:  Micah 6:8, Mathew 25: 31-41.  A favorite t-shirt quotation:  “God Bless the Whole World - No Exceptions”.

Bud made candles and photo cards to give away, and cherished his old IBM Selectric typewriter. He typed regular letters to a wide circle of friends until his last weeks.

He’s remembered by many for his funny stories, caring counsel, and insightful observations about characters and issues.  He enjoyed hosting holiday meals and making recipes from his Scandinavian heritage, such as Yulekake, to send his kids. He was proud of being from good Danish and Norwegian Midwestern Lutheran stock and their values of faith, humility, hard work, and benevolence.  His grandfather Jens Jensen was a renowned Danish Lutheran missionary.

Bud made raspberry rhubarb jam and actively recycled since 1970.  He gathered friends to watch West Wing and discuss solving the world’s problems. He took the StarTribune until the day he died and always did the crossword puzzle. He enthused over Mozart and jazz, a well-written literary piece, and a good soup recipe. An English major, he always had a stack of books waiting by his favorite blue recliner.

Bud liked cabins and martinis, tennis and Old South Minneapolis, preaching the Gospel, hearing it preached so well at Holy Trinity in Mpls., and spending time with his friends and family.  He enjoyed telling tall tales to his grandchildren and suggesting it was time they go play on the freeway.  He built a treehouse and dollhouse for his kids, took them swimming in Lake Harriet and on trips in a camper or tent. Car trips usually involved harmonizing in his nice tenor to “You are my Sunshine” or others.  The family

has extremely happy memories of growing up in the great house and yard and woods and creek on W. 54th Street.

He is survived by his children Rebecca, Jeffrey, Susan, and Steven, their mates Jim and Heather, step-children Nate and Kris, his first wife of 25 years, Jocelyn, grandchildren Alex, Sydney, Jake, Natalie, Luciana, and Emily, and step-grandchildren Olivia and Sophie.  He was preceded in death by beloved wife Sylvia, canine companion Sassy, and 4 siblings.  His “little sister” Marilyn and Paul were godsends with help in his last years.

Memorial service will be held at a future date at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on E. 31st. St. in Minneapolis, with burial at Fort Snelling.  Watch his Caring Bridge website for more information or check with the church.  Memorials are preferred to Augsburg College or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in support of their community ministries.