In Remembrance

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John W Raimo

January 9, 1929 - October 25, 2024

Service Date November 23, 2024

A memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of Pastor John William Raimo will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at Hermantown Community Church, 4880 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown, MN 55811. Memorials can be sent to Lakeview Christian Academy, 155 West Central Entrance, Duluth, MN 55811.

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Pastor John William Raimo, 95, was welcomed into heaven and into the arms of Jesus on Friday, October 25th, 2024.

John was born to the late Antonio John and Michelina (Streppone) Raimo in Jersey City, NJ on January 9th, 1929. He lived his life following the ultimate call to love God and love people. He served in vocational ministry as a pastor for over 65 years, pastoring churches in Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

John grew up in New Jersey and was recognized as a leader throughout his elementary and high school years. In high school, he was elected the President of student government at William L. Dickinson High School. Following graduating from high school, he served in the Navy Reserves for two years.

John and his wife, Irene, met on a blind date in 1948. Irene had recently immigrated to the U.S. from Norway following WWII. They were married on March 19th, 1949. His love for music and talent for singing led him to audition for a talent scout shortly after they were married. The scout told him he could be another ‘Italian crooner’ if he hadn’t been so shy.

He and Irene lived in Brooklyn after they were married. During the summer of 1951, they were given the opportunity to get out of the hot city and attend a camp in Connecticut. It was a Bible camp, and during one of the evening meetings, he ‘ran to the front’ after the invitation was given to give his life to Jesus. This was a significant turning point in his life.

In 1952, John felt called to become a pastor, and with the encouragement of his Pastor, Omar Gjerness, he enrolled in the Lutheran Brethren Seminary located in Fergus Falls, MN. During his years in seminary, he served in leadership positions, including as president of his senior class. Upon graduation, he was asked to plant a church in Portland, OR. Subsequently, he pastored congregations in Maddock, ND, Duluth, MN, and Lake Nebagamon, WI. While pastoring Twin Ports Bible Fellowship in Duluth and feeling the desire to offer Christian Education in the Duluth area, he founded Lakeview Christian Academy in 1979.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Irene, his parents and sister, Marie, and is survived by his sons Rick, Steve (Judy), David (Jullianne), and daughter Lynnette (Mark Steen), 14 grandchildren (Christopher, Daniel, Molly, Brandon, Michelle, Nicole, Ryan, Tiffany, David Jr., Sean, Heidi, Amy, David John, and Lisa), and 28 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of Pastor John William Raimo will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at Hermantown Community Church, 4880 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown, MN 55811. Memorials can be sent to Lakeview Christian Academy, 155 West Central Entrance, Duluth, MN 55811.