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HAALAND -- John E. Haaland, 94, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2009. He was born and raised by Norwegian immigrant parents on a farm near Carpio, North Dakota. John received his Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN and taught school for one year. He then joined the U.S. Army and served in WWII in North Africa and Italy. He attained the rank of Captain. After the war, John received his Masters Degree in Physics from New York University. After 11 years in the Army, he went to work at Sandia National Labs as a scientist and Supervisor of the Technical Training Division before retiring in 1981, after 28 years. While at Sandia, he was instrumental in initiating Sandia's Shoes for Kids program every Christmas, a program which has recently celebrated its 50th year. John was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, since 1948. His interest in children and Christian education led to many years of service as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent. Over the years John served the church at local, regional and national levels with his leadership, time, and commitment. Ecumenism was also an issue of great interest for John. He served on the NM Conference of Churches Board for 6 years and was a member of the Albuquerque Division of the NM Council of Churches. He was president of The Storehouse in Albuquerque for 12 years and was instrumental in gaining support and financial resources from the national church for this community resource. John continued serving on the board into his 90's and was made Emeritus Board Member in 2008. While working with the growing numbers of hungry people in Albuquerque, John realized that changes in our government processes were necessary to improve the lives of the poor. He became an advocate who gave voice to persons with no political voice. He was instrumental in establishing the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry (now Lutheran Advocacy Ministry) in New Mexico, in 1984. Its goal is to work with legislators and public officials in NM to pass laws to protect and help the sick, mentally ill, elderly, and children of this state; to promote justice and reduce discrimination; and to bring hope for the future to the poor of NM. John worked effectively for years with LOGM as a Board Member and Committee Chair, visiting legislators and writing letters to them to support these goals. For 16 years, John and his wife Chris, worked to raise the awareness of St. Paul and other congregations in Albuquerque, of the churches' call to welcome all people, including gays and lesbians, "to worship God and serve beside us." John longed for this welcome to become a public commitment of his congregation before he died. Thank you, people of St. Paul Lutheran Church, for giving him this wonderful gift in 2005. John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Chris; sons, John P. Haaland, David M. Haaland and wife Kathy, James A. Haaland, Thomas E. Haaland and wife Pat and daughter Vickie Paley and husband Thomas. Mr. Haaland is also survived by eight grandchildren; Elisa Haaland, Tashia Camp and husband Darrol, Jennifer Cannon and husband Keil, Leora Davis and husband Nick, Terra Wilson and husband Marcus, Malena Von Deneen and husband Steve, Ryan Haaland, and Thomas T. Paley II; three great grand children, Tierra Ellison, Tajiah Ellison, and Tevante Paley Wilson; and numerous foster children and other family and friends. The family wishes to thank Presbyterian Hospice for helping to ease the last two months of John's life. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to The Storehouse or St. Paul Lutheran Church.
        Published on: Sun April 19, 2009