Albert John Wollen

Albert John Wollen was born October 24, 1917 to Albert John Wollen and Elizabeth Brandsma of Edam Saskatchewan. He was raised in Edam and North Battleford. By the time he graduated from high school he was an accomplished lock smith, clock repairman, and carpenter. He built his first house when he was nineteen; it was still standing in 1975. Reverend Albert Wollen began his ministry in Seattle Washington in 1942 while attending Simpson Bible College. He lived in a small house on Lake Washington where he built a 17 foot sailboat, often used to sail throughout the Puget Sound. Upon graduation from Simpson, Albert enrolled in Gordon Theological Seminary and moved to Boston where he met Roberta Versefelt. Albert and Roberta married September 9, 1944. Albert graduated from Gordon Seminary Suma Cum Laude in 1947. Upon graduation Albert and Roberta began moving west across the lower 48 states. While moving west Albert co-founded Village Missions, an organization working to reopen churches that has been closed during the depression and WWII. In 1951 Albert was called to pastor Cedar Mill Bible Church of Portland Oregon. He built the parsonage for CMBC where he and Roberta raised their three sons. In the early 1960's Albert developed a small group ministry through the church. Albert wrote and published a book based upon small group Bible study. Albert and Roberta continued their ministry at CMBC until 1982. Upon retirement Albert and Roberta traveled with the Luis Palau Team. In 2001 they moved to Ocean Park Washington where their enjoyed full retirement. Albert found joy in his garden, wood shop and on the river fishing. He continued to write and shared his faith daily with the surrounding community. Albert went home to be with the Lord on November 22nd 2008 surrounded by family. He is survived by two sisters, Drieny Crowston of Portland OR and Lyda Anderson of Bloomington MN; his wife Roberta of 64 years continues to reside in Ocean Park; also by sons, Albert Jr, Walter, and Gordon; five grandchildren and one great grand daughter. Albert's life verse was Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV) Albert will be remembered at a memorial service on Sunday December 7th, 2pm at Cedar Mill Bible Church; 12208 NW Cornell Road, Portland OR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cedar Mill Bible Church and Luis Palau Association.