Frank Joseph Atkinson, 90, of Algonquin, Illinois, formerly of Monroe, Michigan, died peacefully on November 9, 2022, at JourneyCare Barrington,
Joe was born in Nyack, New York on July 15, 1932, to parents Frank and Ann (nee Evans) Atkinson. Joe was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a chaplain during the Korean War. Joe married Ruthanne Hutton on June 14, 1953, and the couple celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year. Joe was a pastor for 50 years and, specifically, as the head pastor at Redeemer Baptist Church in Monroe, Michigan for over 40 years. He was very dedicated to his ministry and was known for his skill as a preacher and Bible teacher. He also authored the discipleship curriculum “Full Life in Christ” which was taught at Redeemer Baptist and throughout India in partnership with India Bible Literature.
Joe was passionate about healthy living and eating natural foods. He was very active and enjoyed hiking, back-packing, and traveling. Joe was a hard worker and very goal oriented. He cared deeply about the people in his life, and loved his family dearly.
His true passion in life was sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Ruthanne Atkinson, his children, Brent (Lisa) Atkinson, Kent (Pam) Atkinson, Kimberly (Steve) Washburn, and Kerry (Mark) Holmberg, his 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Anne-Louise (Pierre) Ferverda and Lydia Measner.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Atkinson.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to time of Memorial Service 10:30 a.m. all at Shiloh Church, 3419 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneralhome.com
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I am thankful and proud that Pastor Joe was so instrumental in my life. At a MBA Summer Camp he challenged a group of young people to open our lives to a deeper walk. I was one, of several, who answered the Call. That same year the Atkinsons and Ingleharts moved to Monroe. Several years later he would sponsor me in the Ordination process and a rather lengthy and heated discussion (I suspect those doing the grilling thought they were defending the Church) concerning the role of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Joe would perform our wedding and deliver the Installation message at FBC , Sandusky. Like so many, my life has been blessed by the person and ministry of Pastor Joe.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Pastor Joe's death, yet I rejoice in his entrance into eternal glory. Pastor Joe played a critical role in my life as an adolescent and young adult. He was instrumental in my choice of college. Joe helped me discern God's call to pastoral ministry. Pastor Joe brought me onto the FBC Monroe staff as "minister-in-training" during the year between my college graduation and my start of seminary. He enabled both FBC and Redeemer Baptist Church of Monroe to provide scholarships for my seminary expenses. And Pastor Joe steered me through the ordination process with the ABC of Michigan in 1978. I have always been grateful for his "Full Life in Christ" teachings, and I have used some of that material in my own pastoral ministry. I always looked forward to seeing him up at Green Lake, WI conferences. It was on one of these occasions, several years ago now, that I had the opportunity to tell him personally how thankful I was for ALL he had done for me as a man, a husband, a father, and as a pastor. I offer my deepest condolences to you, his family, during this time of sorrow. May God grant you comfort, give you peace, and strengthen your faith.
He was a great influence in my life. His "Full life in Christ" , course was very educational.
We were all touched by his love and care. He will be truly missed.