Here is a message from Concordia Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger written about the recent death of former Board of Regents member Dr. Walter Dissen:

During the days of this year’s LCMS convention, news came of the death of former Seminary Regent Dr. Walter C. Dissen. Hailing from a devout Lutheran family and after service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Walter spent nearly four decades as an attorney for railroad companies. As an involved and dedicated LCMS layman, he served on the Boards of Regents of both Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne for decades as well. He fell asleep in Jesus on Aug. 2, 2023, at the age of 91. His obituary posted by our sister seminary details his service:

Walter’s great-grandfather, Carl Johan Roemer, came to America with C. F. W. Walther and played a key role in the early days of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). A lifelong bachelor, Walter continued this legacy and was known for his long and faithful service to the cause of confessional Lutheranism and for his strong support of the seminaries of the LCMS. On May 19, 2023, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, awarded Walter the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa. Throughout his life, Dr. Dissen was a faithful congregational member, serving in many leadership positions. He served as a key member of the Board of Regents of both seminaries: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (1971–1983; 2013–2019) and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (1995–2007 on the Board and then on the Investment Committee until his death). His first period of service at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, included the critical years surrounding the 1974 Walkout, during which time he stoutly defended the infallible truth of God’s Word against higher criticism and other false teachings. In recognition of this service, Walter was awarded the Christus Vivit Award by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1984 and the Miles Christi Award by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, in 2011.

“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

Romans 14:7–9 ESV

Please remember Walter’s siblings, relatives and loved ones in your prayers. Visitation and funeral services for Walter are scheduled for the morning of Aug. 26 at Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. For his full obituary and for more information regarding funeral arrangements, visit ctsfw.edu.

Blessings in Christ,

Dr. Thomas J. Egger
President
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis