Golden Reunion Profile: Rev. Eric Kilmer served his country in the Army and serves his Savior in the classroom, in the pulpit and beyond.

Rev. Eric Kilmer ’75 found his way to then-named Concordia Teachers College after his home pastor encouraged him to pursue a teaching degree and gain some experience as a teacher prior to attending seminary. He has a bachelor of science in social science from the university. He later went on to receive a master of arts in religion from Concordia Theological Seminary – Fort Wayne in 1989. 

“I wrote several Concordias, but only Seward replied to my inquiry,” he said. “My favorite thing about attending Seward was the kindness of the professors, their knowledge and experience in ministry. Their personal witness to Christ and the Confessions inspired me. I was surrounded by devoted people with servant hearts. A pastor must be apt to teach.” 

Following graduation, Kilmer taught at Hales Corners Lutheran Church and School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He subsequently served at St. John Church and School in Ionia, Michigan, and St. Matthew Church and School in Holt, Michigan. 

“After ten years of teaching I enrolled at Concordia Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana,” he said. “Following graduation, I spent the next 24 years serving as pastor to Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Marlette, Michigan.” 

Following retirement, he served as pulpit supply pastor throughout the “thumb” east and west circuits in Michigan and helped with vacancies at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Otisville, Michigan, Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kahului, Maui and Peace Lutheran Church in Sandusky, Michigan. He currently teaches sixth to eighth grade Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, Michigan. 

“I will always treasure the time my family and I spent on the blessed campus and beautiful community of Seward, as a true gift from God,” he added. “Seeing the sacrificial love of God at work in the hearts of those who served us at Seward, especially their devotion to God’s Word, taught me that Lutheran education transforms us into servants.” 

“My favorite thing about attending Seward was the kindness of the professors, their knowledge and experience in ministry. Their personal witness to Christ and the Confessions inspired me. I was surrounded by devoted people with servant hearts. A pastor must be apt to teach.”

Kilmer also serves as chaplain of his Army unit, the Rattlers and Firebirds of the 71st Assault Helicopter Company. Before he attended Concordia Teachers College, he served as a warrant officer helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. His small company suffered 17 killed in action losses during his 12-month tour of duty based out of Chu Lai, I Corps. His company association’s reunion is scheduled the same dates as this year’s Concordia Nebraska Golden Reunion, but he will attend the association’s reunion to conduct their killed in action memorial service.  

“I have always considered my service as an LCMS elementary teacher and a pastor as going from one battlefield to another,” he said. “Vietnam is long since passed, but the good fight for us continues. I consider my service as chaplain to these men and their families as a continuation of that greater struggle which the Lord called us all into.” 

Kilmer and his wife Kris are currently settling into their new home new Albion, Michigan, which is near their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. For the past several years, he has posted a daily devotion and commentary series under the name “Grampa Pickle Pastor.” 

“The true essence of Christian education is abiding in God’s Word, daily intake and meditation. It is the living and active Word which transform us into Christ likeness,” he said. “That is why I refer to myself as Grampa Pickle Pastor. It is God's, working through His Word, soaking into us and through us, which transforms and conforms us into the image of Jesus, like brine working upon a cucumber! True good works are not done by man’s power or strength, they are God at work in us, willing and empowering us to His will.” 

“Sometimes I think that the church today struggles to understand what walking by the Spirit means, and what it means to truly be ‘in Christ’,” he added. “Remember the men of the 71st Assault Helicopter Company in your prayers. Many are still in need of the peace only faith and forgiveness and can give us in Christ our Lord. And please pray for this old alumni, that I would faithfully proclaim the Gospel of our Lord to those still lost and in darkness.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome the Classes 1974 and 1975 to campus for a Golden Reunion event June 10-12, 2025. The event celebrates the university’s past, present and future and features time for alumni to reconnect with friends, attend class-led chapel, experience optional dorm stays and more.