Alfred August Peuster

Alfred August Peuster, born January 28, 1939, in Slater, Missouri, to Louis and Frieda Peuster, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children, with his wife, Gloria, by his side. He was the youngest of six children and the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Raised on his family’s farm, Al learned early the values of hard work, humility, and service—principles that shaped his entire life. He attended Concordia College and Concordia Seminary. He completed his vicarship in Denison, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Gloria. They were married in 1967 in Salem, Missouri, at the church of his first calling. Together, they welcomed daughters Andrea and Sarai. Al and Gloria spent over thirty years opening their home to children who needed safety, love, and a place to belong. Their family grew in the most beautiful way as they adopted Jessica, Michael, Athena, and Donesha.

Al served as a Lutheran pastor for 30 years, at Salem Lutheran Church in Salem, Missouri and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Al lived his faith through action. A tireless advocate for equality and human rights, he spoke up for the marginalized, protected the vulnerable, and believed deeply in the dignity of every person. Even into his later years, he continued to show up—marching, advocating, and standing firmly on the side of love. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Al cherished time spent fixing things, feeding the hungry, and making memories with his grandchildren. He was a steady source of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement to all who knew him.

In his final years, Al poured his heart into two passion projects: The Israeli‑Palestinian Conflict: A Fresh Look at the Words of Jesus and the Apostles — Do Evangelicals and the U.S. Have It Right? Published in 2022, and he was working on one last paper “Before I die.. I want to discuss…“ this paper focuses on what he felt may be discrepancies in the Bible. He was working on it up until his final days, driven by his lifelong belief that faith should lead us toward peace, understanding, and justice for all people.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Peuster. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gloria Peuster; his children, Andrea Lore, Sarai Maull, Jessica Bain, Athena Constantopoulos, and Donesha (Hamilton‑Peuster); grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 15th at 2:00pm at Saint James Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, we’re asking that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders or Lutheran World Relief—two organizations that reflect his heart for helping others and his belief that compassion should always be put into action.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

-Matthew 25:21-23 KJV