Obituary: Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, former LCMS vice-president

Maier

The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, noted author and Luther scholar who also served many years on the Praesidium of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), died on Feb. 27. He was 94.

Maier was born in St. Louis on May 31, 1930, to the Rev. Dr. Walter A. and Hulda (Eickhoff) Maier. He and his brother, the Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier II, spent much of their childhood on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), where their father was a professor.

Paul Maier married Joan M. Ludtke in 1967. He earned a Master of Arts from Harvard University (1954), a Master of Divinity from CSL (1955), and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Basel, Switzerland (1957), where he was the first American to graduate summa cum laude. He also received three honorary doctorates — from CSL (1995); Concordia University Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich. (2000); and Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, Calif. (2007).

Maier served on the faculty of Western Michigan University (WMU), Kalamazoo, for 52 years, including serving as campus chaplain for 39 of those years. At the time of his retirement, he had served longer than any other WMU professor. He served as a member of the LCMS Praesidium — fourth vice-president (2001–2004), second vice-president (2004–2010) and third vice-president (2010–2013) — as well as on the boards of the Concordia University System (1989–2001) and CSL (2001–2010).

He was the author of a variety of historical fiction and nonfiction books, including a #1 national bestseller in religious fiction, A Skeleton in God’s Closet (1993). His first book, A Man Spoke, A World Listened (1963), was a biography of his father, the founding speaker of the radio program, “The Lutheran Hour.” Maier also wrote several children’s books, including The Very First Christmas (1999); The Very First Easter (2000); and The Very First Christians (2001).

Maier received numerous awards, including the “Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award” (2018); the Gold Medallion Book Award (1999); a citation from the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters (1985); “Professor of the Year” from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (1984); “Distinguished Faculty Scholar” from WMU (1981); and the “Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence,” also from WMU (1974). He was widely known as a Luther scholar and a historian with expertise in the Early Church and the life of Jesus. He lectured extensively; appeared frequently in national radio, television and newspaper interviews; and wrote more than 200 scholarly articles. He was a frequent speaker at Camp Arcadia, Arcadia, Mich.

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison reflected on Maier’s service to the church: “Paul lived a remarkable life. He was a blessing to the LCMS and well beyond. His books defending the historicity of the biblical witness to Christ and the Early Church helped give us confidence and boldness to preach Christ. His novels intrigued, delighted and educated us about Christ and His church. It was my pleasure to spend years with him as he served on the Praesidium of the Synod. Christ is risen!”

Maier is survived by four daughters — Laura (Brett) Alexander, Julie Maier, Krista (Zach) Klepchak and Katie (Brad Toepper) Maier-Toepper; 10 grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Leah Maier; nephews Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III and Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier; and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place Thursday, March 13, 4–6:30 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., Kalamazoo, Mich., with a funeral the next morning, March 14, at 11 a.m., also at Zion. Clergy are invited to robe and process. Additional visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10 a.m. before the service and again following the service during a light reception. A graveside service for family will follow at 2 p.m. at West Oshtemo Cemetery in Kalamazoo.

Memorials may be made to:

The Dr. Paul Maier Endowment for Ancient History—WMU Foundation;

Camp Arcadia; and

Zion Lutheran Church, Kalamazoo.

Posted March 3, 2025