The Reverend John Charles Misenheimer of Wilmington, NC, passed away on November 26 at the age of 76.

Born in Salisbury, NC, on March 24, 1948, he was the third of four boys to Rev. Ernest L. Misenheimer and Margaret Misenheimer. He attended Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and met the love of his life, Martha. He graduated in 1970 and went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He was ordained into the Lutheran Church by the North Carolina Synod in 1974.

Pastor John, as he was fondly called by many who knew him, dedicated 41 years to ministry as a charismatic and kind pastor, teacher, counselor, and leader – he was a faithful child of God. He served Lutheran congregations in Jacksonville, FL, Concord, NC, Lexington, NC, Hickory, NC, and Wilmington, NC. From 1994 until his retirement in 2015, he was the pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilmington. Following his retirement, he served several congregations on an interim basis in Goldsboro and Wilmington.

Among his many accomplishments, Pastor John was instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of Via de Cristo and Teens Encounter Christ across North Carolina and led countless retreats as the spiritual director. He launched a Stephen ministry at St. Paul’s and affiliated the church with Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear) to help house homeless families. He was also instrumental in bringing Trinity Grove Skilled Nursing Home to Wilmington to serve older adults with specialized services and care.

John was a loving husband to his wife Martha of 53 years and a devoted father to his son Marcus and daughter Jessica. His immediate family, whom he treasured, also includes his daughter-in-law Gina Misenheimer and son-in-law Steve Loeper; and he was “Poppy” to his beloved grandchildren Shannyn, Ellie, Weston, and Nora.

He is also survived by his brothers Rev. David Misenheimer and wife Jackie, and Rev. Stephen Misenheimer and wife Jeanne; his sister-in-law Sheila Rudisill; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, Theta Chi brothers, and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Luther Misenheimer.

Being with his family was one of the things he cherished most – enjoying days on the boat at Masonboro Island, family trips, grilling steaks, dancing to James Brown, and being surrounded by the joyful chaos of children at play. Even in his later stages of dementia, he could recall many cherished memories, pray with heartfelt sincerity, and express his love for his family at every opportunity.

Our Poppy never met a stranger. He helped anyone who asked, gave hugs and handshakes wherever he went, and would go out of his way to make sure you felt heard and cared for. He loved unconditionally and always saw the best in people.

From the church pulpit, he did not lecture but humbly taught, sharing his own life experiences, trials, joys, and wisdom freely. He supported people through their hardest moments and celebrated their greatest milestones, positively impacted the lives of youth in ways we may never fully understand, and created lasting relationships that will live on.

He was relatable, always gracious, and gave more than he ever sought in return. He loved deeply, and that is how he lived his life until the end. He was the best, and we are forever better because of him.

A service to celebrate John’s impactful life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 15 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilmington, NC, with North Carolina Synod Bishop Rev. Timothy Smith, former Bishop Rev. Leonard Bolick, and Rev. Jonathan Conrad presiding. Interment will follow in the ash garden at St. Paul’s.

The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the interment.

Memorials can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Lutheran Services Carolinas.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099