Rev. David Lentz Misenheimer
November 18, 2025
CHARLOTTE – The Reverend David Lentz Misenheimer of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the age of 79.
David was born in Mooresville, NC, on March 19, 1946, to Rev. Ernest L. Misenheimer and Margaret Misenheimer. He was the second of four boys and enjoyed recounting fond memories of growing up in a rambunctious home with his brothers Luther, John and Stephen. David loved his family and treasured those relationships throughout his life.
In 1964, David graduated from Boyden High School in Salisbury and then attended Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated in 1968. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and was ordained into the Lutheran Church by the North Carolina Synod in 1972.
He met his wife Jackie at Lenoir Rhyne and they were blessed with 56 years of marriage. Jackie was David’s steadfast companion and support, and together they raised their daughter, Jennifer, whom David loved beyond measure and affectionately called his “little pal.” He also cherished becoming a grandfather to Sage, who had been a true light and joy in his life.
David was a transformational leader who dedicated 25 years as a pastor, helping congregations grow and deepen their faith. His ministry took him to Mount Tabor Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC; St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Sugar Land, TX; and A Mighty Fortress and Christ Lutheran Churches in Charlotte, NC.
At Christ Lutheran Church, where he served for 14 years, he led the vision for a new, modern worship center that now welcomes thousands from the congregation and community. David was also passionate about extending the church’s mission beyond its walls and played a key role in expanding programs for children and families, fostering meaningful connections to Christ through outreach and service.
When he retired from ministry, David became a consultant with Kairos and Associates, working with churches around the country to help them strategically grow and fulfill their vision to reach more people in faith. He also volunteered in the community with organizations like Urban Ministry Center, helping his unsheltered neighbors. Throughout his life and ministries, he listened, provided guidance, counseled, inspired, and advocated for others.
He loved to travel and had many adventures across the world, but one of his favorite places to visit was Cherry Grove Beach. Fun memories of family beach trips could be heard around many a Misenheimer dinner table. And few things brought David more joy than sitting quietly, taking in the beauty and serenity of the ocean. Especially with a good cigar in hand.
David had a quick wit and was one of the smartest people we have known. He was often the tallest person in the room, but that wasn’t what defined him; it was his authenticity, the depth of his heart, and the generosity of his spirit. He was real and true – and that is so rare in the world today.
Later in life, family became an even more important focus for him. He was “project manager” for Jennifer’s house renovations, “Granda” to Sage, a steadfast partner for Jackie, and an even closer confidant for his brothers.
David’s journey was well lived, and he was deeply loved. He will be missed.
In addition to Jackie, Jennifer, and Sage, David is survived by his brother, Rev. Stephen Misenheimer and wife, Jeanne; his sister-in-law, Martha Misenheimer; mother-in-law, Mildred Collins; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Luther and John Misenheimer.
A service to celebrate David’s life will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the chapel at Christ Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. The service will be livestreamed through the church’s YouTube page at: https://youtube.com/live/hRkCeGORX9c for those unable to attend in person.
Memorials may be offered in memory of David to Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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David and I worked, played and studied together as teenagers at the state level of the Luther League in NC and later as students at Lenoir-Rhyne. He was a year ahead of me. I discovered several years ago that David and I were 5th cousins. He was a dynamic, very smart and playful person. We went our separate ways after Lenoir-Rhyne, but I followed his career at a distance. I will always cherish our times together in church work and at Lenoir-Rhyne as pre-theological students. The church was very blessed by his dynamic, visionary leadership in its many forms and locations. My deep sympathies to Jacquie and their immediate and extended families.
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I met David a day or so before our seminary classes began at our seminary in Columbia, S C. He was to become a close and trusted friend. I always “looked up” to David not because of his 6 ft 8 in frame but because of his ability to create a vision and a way to achieve that vision. I will miss his friendship but treasure the memories we shared. Jackie, Jennifer, Sage & Stephen may God bless you!
Leonard -
David became a very much needed friend in 1985. I was new to Charlotte and the South. He quickly and faithfully took me in as a colleague. His humor and quick wit became vital to my professional life. He and I shared an equal ecclesial mischief always promoting the health of the church. I am sorry I lost track of him in the past few years. But I'm sure his high-spirited gospel heart lives on in the thousands he touched.
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David was a fraternity brother of my cousin Bob Coon,another minister. He was always such a nice guy and so tall! Jackie was also at Lenoir Rhyne with us and well liked by all. Such a wonderful couple. My sympathies to Jackie.
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We remember Pastor David as a warm and witty guest pastor at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Knoxville, TN many years ago. We send our sympathy and prayers to his family.
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David was not only a dynamic pastor to A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church from 1974 to 1980 but became a life long friend to our family for the past fifty years. His personality was dynamic and he never saw a stranger. We will continue to cheris the memories he left with us. Our sympathy and prayers to Jackie, Jennifer, and Sage.
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