Husband of Trans-European Division executive secretary dies in industrial accident

Oct 27, 2016
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Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
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Adventist Review Staff

Lars-Erik Andersson, husband of Trans-European Division executive secretary Audrey Andersson, died last weekend in an industrial accident near the family farm in Sweden, the division said Monday.

“On behalf of the Trans-European Division and of the wider church family, we express our condolences to Audrey, Lars’ mother, siblings, and extended family, as well as to Audrey’s extended family,” the division said in a statement. “Audrey equally would like to thank people for their support and prayers during this difficult time.”

Lars Andersson, a farmer who would have turned 56 on Friday, died instantly in the accident near the farm in Lindesberg, Sweden, on Oct. 23, said the division, which is headquartered in St. Albans, England, and oversees the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in 22 countries.

“Lars loved life on the farm, loved his family, his wife, and his Savior,” the statement said. “That combination of love now finds itself expressed in the hope and assurance that rests in our hearts as we look forward even more to the resurrection morning and a time when there will be ‘no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away’ (Revelation 21:4).”

Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the Adventist world church, called for prayers for Audrey Andersson “as she bears this enormous grief and as she faithfully continues her work for the Lord and the Trans-European Division.”

“What a terrible loss!” Wilson said on his Facebook page. “Lars was such a caring, supportive and kind person. He loved the Lord and His church. He was so supportive of Audrey and her work. He was a personal friend, and our hearts are so saddened by this terrible accident.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Earlier this month Lars and Audrey Andersson attended the Annual Council business meetings at world church headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, where Audrey Andersson was presented with the General Conference Woman of Excellence award.

“Lars could not have been more proud of her,” the division said. “He will be sorely missed.”