Brian and Pam Lawler will remember Dan and Joan in our daily prayers. God took him to be with him in heaven. Joan is a strong wife and partner. Dan served his Lord and savior. He left his mark on many people.
RIP
I am so sad to hear this news and it hits me hard in complicated ways. Ever since the summer of 2016 when I was rejected by my friends at Triumph after a stroke - and in the months that followed when I pleaded to meet with the pastors and/or elders - one of my greatest fears was that someday one of those individuals would pass into eternity and I would have to wait until I got to heaven for reconciliation. Dan is the first. But the wonderful thing is that he was the ONLY person at Triumph who made a point of coming up to me, telling me he was wrong and saying he was sorry. So it mitigates the pain somewhat, even though he wasn't allowed to speak to me after that.
In the early weeks and months after my stroke, I met with him a couple times and he was so sad and wanted to do what he could to help Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do. But I know he tried. Then he got pulled in and no longer supported me and it hurt so much. But it was for that, that he apologized and I take comfort in that.
I didn't know him well. I don't know your family at all (except I knew Dan's mom through KFNW). But the two times I met with him, I could tell that he had a pastor's heart. Things got so messy that I didn't see that again for a long while, but eventually I did. And I'm choosing to cling to the first and last conversation we had, and let go of all of the stuff in the middle. I'm glad I found this site a few months ago and was able to follow the end of his journey. I've prayed for him regularly and am glad he is home, in the arms of the Savior he served.
Oh, Tennefos family - So sorry for your loss. I will pray for your grief journey; may it be sweet as you thank God for Dan's life journey. Dan served God well.
Ps. 56:8......and God puts your tears in a bottle. As you have requested, joining with you in happy tears. All of heaven welcomed a son home. May the God of all comfort be with all of you now.
RIP