"Dear Jeannette and family, Scott was known and loved by everyone who met him. What a smart and witty man. He always had such great counsel - sound, practical advise. He will be greatly missed. My heart and prayers goes out to all of you. Sincerely, Maureen Christensen"
In loving memory of
Scott Haasarud
Reverend Dr. Rolf Scott Haasarud, 76, died Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Beatitudes Health Care Center in Phoenix from congestive heart failure. Scott Haasarud was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on March 28, 1940, the only child of Rolf Oliver Haasarud and Rowena Rice. Scott grew up in Berkeley, California and in 1962 graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. At St. Olaf, Scott met his future wife, Jeannette Thompson of Eagle Grove, Iowa. Scott and Jeannette married in 1963 in the St. Olaf Chapel, and in subsequent years were blessed with three children. Scott is survived by his wife Jeannette E. Haasarud; daughter Kjrsten (Randall) D'Aubyn; sons Kevin Scott Haasarud (Kim) and Bryce Arnel Haasarud; and four grandchildren, Kiana D'Aubyn, Holden and Madeleine Haasarud, and Kayley Haasarud. Rev. Haasarud received his Masters of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley; it was during this time that he was introduced to Four Springs and its co-founder Elizabeth Howes, a relationship that fundamentally shaped his theological point of view. He went on to do his internship in Atlanta, Georgia (1964-65, a year of landmark achievements of the Civil Rights Movement), and his Doctorate of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He continued his studies at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. After ordination as a Lutheran minister, Rev. Haasarud served congregations in San Diego and Pasadena, California and in Phoenix, Arizona. From 1986 to 1989 Rev. Haasarud was pastor of the International Interdenominational Church in Stavanger, Norway. After leaving Stavanger, Rev. Haasarud served for five years as the Executive Director of Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat and renewal center in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Returning to Phoenix in 1994, Rev. Haasarud served as pastor for a local congregation, and then transitioned to Director of Spiritual Life and Programming at Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona. He assisted in founding the Phoenix Friends of Jung, and was a vital member of the North American Retreat Directors Association (NARDA). At the time of his death, Rev. Haasarud was the Spiritual Director of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. During his nearly fifty years as a pastor and spiritual director, Scott Haasarud enriched enumerable lives. He remained active until his final month, teaching courses and working directly with individuals. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 12.30pm at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Maryland Ave., Phoenix 85015 with reception to follow. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help commission a meditative station for the "Island of Silence" located at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. You may go to www.spiritinthedesert.org to make an online contribution, and reference "Haasarud Memorial" in the special instructions section.
Tributes
"To the Haasarud Family, We are former members of Faith Lutheran Church. We found Pastor Haasarud\'s sermons uplifting and inspirational and were very disappointed when he left to go to Norway. Our daughter, Holly, was a special friend of Kjirsten\'s when they were students at Camelback High School. Our most heartfelt condolences to the family. We will always remember our days at Faith because of Pastor Haasarud. With love and prayers, Ken, Barbara, Ken, Jr., Holly, and Rick Hazlett"
"Dear Jeannette, Sincere condolences on the passing of dear Scott, to you and all of your family. Words cannot convey what a deep loss I feel as having just been a student in the Jung class, and having been at Shepherd of the Valley the last 10 years. As you travel along this path in your life, dear Jeannette, know that I cannot possibly imagine your depth of loss, but please be comforted by the many years you and Scott shared. And, all of the love and blessings being sent to you just now, from your friend, Cecilia Roulston"
"Condolences for Jeannette and family. I was surprised to see Scott\'s obituary in yesterday\'s newspaper. My husband and I were members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Pasadena, CA years ago, when Scott was the pastor there. I know that many, many people have had life-changing experiences from Scott\'s guidance. I know you and your family will miss him, as I miss my husband who died 14 years ago. \"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.\" I hope these words will comfort you, as they have for me. Mrs. Karen Rolph, Mesa, AZ"
"My husband Scott and I are members of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church where Pastor Scott was the Spiritual adviser . We are so sad to hear of his loss. He was a great big man with a gentle heart. Always kind, always had an encouraging word. I gave a sermon once and his words to me were so special I will never forget them. We will miss him and his great big smile. Our prayers are with his wife and family. Please know that he gave comfort to our family and will always be remembered. God\'s Love, Susan and Scott Nelson"