Dr. Sigurd Olaf Christiansen, who directed the Texas Lutheran University Choir for 29 years, on died Jan. 29 at his home in North St. Paul, Minn.
He also served as chair of the music department for much of that time, where he taught and mentored thousands of students, and directed the annual Christmas Vespers service.
Under the direction of Dr. Doug Boyer, director of the university’s School of Music and choral activities, the School of Music will honor his memory by commissioning Thomas Pavlechko, cantor and composer in residence at St. Martin’s, Austin to arrange the hymn “Joy to the World” for wind ensemble, choir, and congregation. This arrangement will be dedicated to Dr. Christiansen and performed every year at Christmas Vespers.

      The Rev. Marvin O. Ottmers, a retired pastor on the roster of the Southwestern Texas Synod, died Jan. 21.  He was 87.
Ordained in 1952, he served St. John, Cat Spring, St. John, Wallis and St. Peter, Peters, 1952-1959; Elizabeth, Caldwell, 1959-1964; St. Olaf, Cranfills Gap, 1964-1977; St. Paul, Wharton, 1977-1987; and St. Paul, Fredericksburg, 1988-1989.  He retired in 1989.
Pastor Ottmers was a graduate of Texas Lutheran College (now university), Trinity University, and Wartburg Theological Seminary.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise Lehne Ottmers; son: Daniel Charles Ottmers and wife Debra of San Antonio; Elaine Ann Hill and husband Paul of Maplewood, Minn.; Stephen Edgar Ottmers and wife Janis of Austin; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and a brother, Pete (Ewald) Ottmers and wife Metza of Albert. 
His funeral was held Jan. 24 at St. Paul, Cave Creek.