Tribute to TENTMAKERS’ Visionary & Founder

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Richard “Dick” Luther Amundson

For nearly five decades, Richard “Dick” Luther Amundson faithfully devoted his life to one calling: helping people know Jesus Christ deeply and live fully on mission for Him.

On April 22, 2026, Dick finished his earthly race and peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, at home, surrounded by the love of family and the hope of eternity. He was 73 years old.

While we grieve his loss deeply, we also rejoice in the faithfulness of God displayed through Dick’s life, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

In 1979, Dick founded TENTMAKERS in response to a growing burden to see churches equipped with Christ-centered, courageous, and committed leaders who would disciple the next generation. What began as a Minnesota-based training ministry grew into a far-reaching movement that has impacted thousands of pastors, teachers, missionaries, students, parents, business leaders, and ministry servants throughout the United States and internationally.

Dick believed deeply that every believer is called to live “on mission” wherever God places them. That conviction shaped every aspect of TENTMAKERS and became a defining message woven throughout the ministry for more than 45 years.

Over the decades, TENTMAKERS served ministries, associations, and more than 25 denominations while equipping over 25,000 graduates. The Christ-centered, life-transforming unique training methodology centered on leadership skill development, discipleship, and spiritual formation. Experiencing the TENTMAKERS training in a wilderness setting was of high value to Dick.

Those who knew Dick best remember him not only as a visionary leader but also as a faithful encourager, mentor, dreamer, and friend. He had a remarkable ability to call out God’s purposes in people and inspire them to pursue lives fully surrendered to Christ.

“Dick inspired and encouraged others like no one else I’ve ever met,” said Rev. Paul Krueger. “His love for the Lord Jesus was unparalleled, and his commitment to living a life fully on mission inspired each of us to do the same.”

In 1989, Dick expanded that vision through the founding of Wilderness North, a rustic wilderness retreat and leadership training center near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. Here wilderness, solitude, prayer, and authentic community were experienced. Because of his tenacity to uphold the unique training methodology, countless lives were transformed and strengthened in their walk with Christ.

Dick’s influence extended far beyond formal ministry settings. Whether over coffee, around a campfire, in a leadership session, on a sailboat, or during a spontaneous conversation, Dick consistently pointed people toward Jesus and challenged them to embrace God’s calling with courage and faith.

Mark Hanson, President of Sea Foam and longtime friend of Dick and Londa, shared:

“Sea Foam has supported TENTMAKERS because we feel that the best way to change the world is to introduce people to Jesus and watch them transform. Dick and TENTMAKERS help people find and dive deeper into a relationship with Jesus.”

Born on May 8, 1952, in Staples, Minnesota, Dick was the son of Rev. James and Clare Amundson. He spent part of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York, and his teenage years in Wales, Wisconsin. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Luther College.

On May 17, 1975, Dick married Londa Joyce Olson. Together, they built not merely an organization but a ministry rooted in faith, discipleship, sacrifice, hospitality, and wholehearted dependence upon the Lord. During their first year of marriage, Dick and Londa traveled throughout the South Pacific with a musical mission team called New Vision, an experience that helped shape the ministry vision that would define the rest of their lives.

Throughout his years of ministry, Dick loved meaningful conversations, studying Scripture, mentoring younger leaders, sailing, traveling, and spending time outdoors whenever possible. Those closest to him often described him as someone constantly “dreaming dreams” for the Kingdom of God.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Londa; his sisters Janet and Patricia; his brother Steven; his four children, Keilah, Barak, Titus, and Caleb; their spouses; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, David.

His legacy lives on not only through the ministry he founded but also through the countless lives transformed by his faithful obedience to Christ.

As we honor Dick’s life, we also renew our commitment to continue the mission and vision God entrusted to him so many years ago: equipping people to live fully surrendered, Christ-centered lives that transform the world one relationship at a time.

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For information regarding Dick’s Celebration of Life service, alumni gathering, memorials, and official ministry announcement, please read the full press release below:

➡️ Link to Official Press Release and August 1, 2026 Celebration of Life Service. ⬅️