Rev. Gary A. Lampe

June 29, 1952 – May 19, 2025

Rev. Gary A. Lampe, affectionately known as “Padre,” passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the age of 72.

Lampe was born on June 29, 1952, in Monett, Mo., to Erwin and Olga (Holle) Lampe. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, Mo. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Troy; his parents; and his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Gehring.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Diann Lampe; his brother, Kenneth Lampe, and sister-in-law; as well as extended family and countless friends and congregants whose lives he touched.

Lampe faithfully served in ministry for more than four decades. He began as sole pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pettibone, N.D., and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Woodworth, N.D., from 1978 to 1988. He then served as sole pastor at Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenburn, N.D., from 1988 to 1998. From 1999 to 2007, he was part-time assistant pastor at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in St. Louis (Lemay), Mo. He later served as sole pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in St. Louis from 2007 to 2008, and then at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in St. Louis from 2007 until 2025.

Lampe’s ministry was never flashy — it was quiet, grounded, and deeply relational. His laid-back style, listening ear, and open heart created a space where people felt they truly belonged. He had a heart of gold, and his grace-filled love was evident to all who knew him. Many would say, “I don’t know how Padre Lampe could like me.” But that was the mystery of grace at work: a love unearned, unwavering, and rooted in Christ.

A funeral service was held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo.