Manfred J. “Fred” Lassen, Protestant Chaplain at Oberlin College since 1987, died early this week of heart failure. He was 67 years old.

Fred worked in the Oberlin Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, helping students, staff and professors with religious questions and everyday life.

Born in Amityville, NY, Fred studied at Concordia College (B.A., 1962) and at the Concordia Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity, 1966).  He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America since 1978. 

Linda Gates, dean of students, was a close friend of Fred’s. She wrote to the Review, describing Fred’s warm personality:

“Fred almost never appeared at a meeting, in Wilder Bowl, at the Rat, or anywhere else on- or off-campus without an interesting new book, a book that he was eager to talk about with students, faculty and staff. Those who knew and worked with him will miss his warmth, his thoughtful presence, his lilting laugh, his understanding of the complexity of life and the particular verve he brought to discussions of important issues.”

In a campus-wide letter, Oberlin President Marvin Krislov wrote that Fred was known as “a Christian humanist, open to people regardless of their religious affiliation.”

Fred’s sons, Frederick, OC ’91, and Jonathan, OC ’94, have arranged for funeral services on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at  Our Saviour Lutheran Church, in Lorain. Reverend Matsen will officiate with music provided by Andy Barnett, a senior graduating this month. 

A memorial service is being planned for late February 2007 in Fairchild Chapel.