Edwin Jorstad

Ed was born September 3, 1918 in Granite Falls, Washington. He was the second of four boys brought into this world by Hans Jorstad (from Norway) and his bride, Elina Louisa (from Finland).Ed's early years were filled with the responsibilites inherent in the family farm. He ws quite an athlete, lettering in almost every sport in high school.In November 1937, Ed secretly married Ingrid Johnson; they kept their marriage secret until Ed graduated from high school in June of 1938. Ed studied for the ministry at Northwest Bible Institute and upon graduation became the first pastor of a small church, Northeast Chapel (now Faith Temple) in Seattle.The Jorstads had three children, Stan, Carol and Nancie. After Ingrid's death in 1948, Ed married Dorothy Sonnichsen, the secretary at the Bible School, traveled as an evangelist for a few months and then moved the family to Montana where he pastored the Assembly of God Church in Helena. Nine years later, the Jorstads returned to washington, where Ed ws the pastor of the Port Orchard Assembly of God Church (now known as Christian Life Center), until he retired from the ministry in 1971.Ed then turned his hobby of watch making and jewelry repair into a full-time business. He owned and operated Jorstad's Jewely Store in Port Orchard for several years.Ed had five grandchildren (one who was KIA in the Gulf War) and five great grandchildren. Ed's wife Dorothy, passed away in January 2002.Ed first and foremost, loved the Lord and studying and teaching the Bible. He worked hard all of his life and enjoyed the great outdoors - especially fishing, hunting, hiking and photography. He was known for his energy, his zest for life, his friendliness and his great sense of humor.We will miss him, but know that his passing is not the end of the story. It is just the beginning . . . In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Tacoma Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1912, Tacoma, WA 98401.Visitation will be at Rill Chapel's Life Tribute Center Monday, June 23rd from 9:00 AM to noon.A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 28th at 1:00 PM at Rill Chapel's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard.