Alfred Edward Toerne “Pastor Fred”, a beloved father, grandfather, minister and cherished friend, passed away peacefully, with his children by his side on February 13, 2025, in Pullman, WA, at the age of 73. As he took his last breath, snow began to fall softly, a quiet farewell as he joined Beth and the loved ones he had lost, both human and furry.

Pastor Fred was born on August 30, 1951, in San Antonio, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred E. E. Toerne; his mother, Leora German Toerne Nau; and his beloved wives, Bina Hansen Toerne and Beth Toerne. He is survived by his loving daughter, Karen Toerne, and her husband, Mac Test; his devoted son, Kevin Toerne, and his wife, Melissa Toerne; and his beautiful grandchildren, Kyla Toerne Corta, Kian Toerne, and Lucas Toerne. He also leaves behind the mother of his children and first wife, Lisa Whitlow.

Fred studied sociology and music at Trinity University and then studied ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary school in Columbia, South Carolina, where both of his children were born. The first baby he baptized as an ordained minister was his daughter, Karen. Pastor Fred dedicated his life to ministry, serving as a Lutheran preacher in Texas for 23 years. He retired from the Lutheran church in 2000, left Texas, and moved to Idaho to be nearer his children and his first grandchild. Beginning during the year 2012 he became a dedicated minister at the North Idaho Unitarian Universalist Church. Upon making that transition, he jokingly referred to himself as a “Luthertarian”. 

Pastor Fred’s congregants have always been devoted to his teachings. As lovingly shared with his children by a member of his church, “Fred was thoughtful, generous, conscientious, educated, funny, creative, courageous, unafraid to stand out and be different, your dad was/is a paragon of how to live right. Holding forth at the pulpit or around a potluck table with his wonderful bass voice and resonant preacherly cadences, your dad brought us years of comfort and strength. Tincture of Fred. His writings & spirit blog are a gift for us to draw from going forward.”

Fred was known for his curious nature and keen wisdom. He enjoyed engaging in intellectual conversations and consistently wowed people with his memory and expansive knowledge. He was often referred to as a walking encyclopedia. He teased that he knew a little bit about everything, but a whole lot about nothing. Anyone who knew him, knew that this was not true. He just simply knew a lot. 

Pastor Fred was a beacon of joy and love, always ready to uplift those around him. His passion and zest for life shone through in his sermons, his laughter, and his powerful singing voice. With a vibrant spirit and an infectious enthusiasm, he radiated warmth and happiness wherever he went. His generosity and boundless love left an indelible mark on countless hearts. To know him was to love him. He will be remembered as a remarkable man who lived with kindness and compassion, devoted to spreading joy to all. His legacy will continue to inspire and touch the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Pastor Fred’s sermons and other musings can be viewed at the following website: https://spirithand.blogspot.com/2005/11/

A celebration of Alfred's life will be held on April 5, 2025 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho.

In Pastor Fred’s words, “So let it be. So mote it be. Blessed be. Amen.”

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