Obituary

He that goeth forth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing. --Psalm 126:6


Claude Bulander was a free man who enjoyed the challenge of pioneer missionary service. He began his ministry in the northern woods of Minnesota with the American Sunday School Union, followed by a period pastoring churches in the Midwest. In 1936, he began a new venture in faith which he continued throughout his life on earth, finding new paths to communicate the good news of God's grace for man.

He greatly enjoyed searching and meditating on God's Word. Then he enjoyed sharing the truths he found there in man-to-man relationships available in local Christian assemblies and Bible classes, many which he helped organize and counsel. During and after World War II he joyfully shared the saving life of Christ with many thousands of servicemen at the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, at Camp Kilmer, NJ, in Columbia, SC, and in Denver.

He has broken the bread of fellowship with Christians from coast to coast. He was welcome in their midst as a man who knew and loved God and His Word. Many individuals thank God for their first taste of the bread of life at the hand of brother Bulander. He walked in faith. His material needs were always met by those who were confident that they were investing in God's work.

In recent years he added another dimension to his pioneer activity. He personally shared with hundreds of thousands of unfree men the printed page, including Gideon testaments and thought-provoking literature authored by others as well as himself. He knew the value of time. His itinerary had been scheduled in advance when his plans were altered by the call to personally enter the presence of His King for eternity.

Claude was the youngest of six children of pioneer parents from Sweden. He was born November 28, 1893 of Andrew (1833-1910) and Mary (1852-1933) Bulander at Hoopeston, Illinois. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Winamac, Indiana. There, at the age of 24, he awoke to spiritual reality and the unlimited potential of the freedom found in Christ. He dedicated himself to serve his Creator and Savior and Lord all the rest of his life. He prepared for service at Moody Bible Institute from which he was graduated in 1919. While there, he met and married Ruth Nelson, another student from Minneapolis. Later he received a degree from Kansas City Baptist Seminary with highest honor in an accelerated course. Claude Bulander died on October 16, 1968 after a brief illness, leaving behind his beloved wife, Ruth, two daughters, Dorothy and Marian, eleven grandchildren, and his sister Anna, all who "rise up and call him blessed."

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful truths Thou hast for me that all my faith and thoughts be centered and planted only in Thee." --Prayer written in front of Claude Bulander's Bible.