Rev. Dr. Paul L. Schrieber
April 29, 1949 – March 5, 2026
Rev. Dr. Paul Louis Schrieber, 76, of Red Bud, Ill., passed away March 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, Mo.
He was born to the late Oliver and Florence (née Mueller) Schrieber April 29, 1949, in Red Bud, Ill. He was a baptized and confirmed member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Ill.
Schrieber graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Ill., in 1975 and enrolled in the graduate program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. As a graduate student, he taught biblical Hebrew. He joined the faculty of Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill., and taught Bible for five years. In 1981, he accepted the position of professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Later in 2008, during the 169th commencement at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Schrieber was named professor emeritus. This honor was given in recognition of distinguished service as pastor and professor. His lifelong work involved writing a technical commentary on the book of Exodus. His greatest love was reading and discussing the Hebrew Old Testament, showing how God speaks His Word of grace in Jesus throughout the entire Scripture.
Besides teaching throughout his career, Schrieber performed pastoral duties among Hispanic and Black communities in Miami, San Antonio, Harlingen, and Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis. He was a member of the KFUO Radio board. He presented studies on the relationship between science and theology, liberation theology, topics related to the right-to-life, and studies in the Lutheran Confessions regarding ecclesiastical power and authority.
Beyond academia-ministry achievements, he was also a gifted musician. He was a skilled drummer, percussionist, organist, and talented pianist. He enjoyed playing the timpani for church services, performing at venues, and in an in-home recording studio, and even wrote an opera capsulating Katie Luther’s story.
Above all, Christ was the cornerstone example from which he bore witness to faith and love for Jesus’ saving grace to others. His zest for life was a contagious inspiration even amidst obstacles and earthly tribulation. He was kind, fair, and always taught love because he knew the Father’s love with great optimism. After peeling away accomplishments, his heart was pure, giving, never complaining, living each day to the fullest with purpose and contentment. A respectful man, a father, a teacher, a minister, a musician, a writer, a friend to many, and a beacon of light so others might find Christ as their Savior, as he steadfastly believed himself.
He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children Betty Jean Schrieber; his children: Katherine Schrieber; Jonathan (Ashley) Schrieber; Sarah Schrieber; Rebekah (Daniel) Morris; Matthew (Elizabeth) Schrieber; one sister Ruth Hecht; four grandchildren: Henry Schrieber, Christian Schrieber, Natalie Morris, Jackson Schrieber; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin daughters Rachel and Deborah Schrieber; and son Mark Schrieber.
Visitation will be 10–11 a.m. Friday, March 13 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 508 Bloom Street, Red Bud, Illinois. The funeral service will begin at 11 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.