Remembering Bud Hesterman

Global Health Ministries mourns the passing of Lowell “Bud” Hesterman, founder and first Executive Director, who died at the age of 99. Bud lived a life grounded in his Christian faith, service, and a deep commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Ordained in 1951, he served congregations in Illinois, Ohio, and Ethiopia, where he helped establish Mekane Yesus Seminary.

In 1985, Bud joined a group of Lutheran missionaries in Bloomington, Minnesota, to explore creating a nonprofit to support Lutheran healthcare overseas. From that meeting, Global Health Ministries was born. Newly retired from the American Lutheran Church’s Division for World Mission, Bud agreed to serve as GHM’s first Executive Director and volunteer leader, guiding the organization through its earliest days.

Bud and his wife Claire remained devoted friends of GHM, volunteering and encouraging the ministry for many years. His wisdom and steadfast faith helped lay the foundation for GHM’s ongoing work, strengthening health systems and bringing healing to communities worldwide.

On behalf of the board and staff at GHM, Bud, thank you for being our first leader and such a devoted supporter through the years. Well done, good and faithful servant!

To honor Bud’s legacy, memorial gifts can be made online or by check to Global Health Ministries. Please note “Bud Hesterman” so his family can be notified