Reverend William “Bill” Plath
March 15, 1940 - July 7, 2025
Reverend William “Bill” Plath—a pastor, youth leader, teacher, basketball champion, farm boy, brother, husband, father, and beloved papa—passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, in Lodi, California, with his children at his side. He was 85.
Born on March 15, 1940, in Woodlake, Minnesota, to Arthur and Edith Plath. Bill was the youngest of five siblings: brother Art Plath, and sisters Elaine Bruss, Lalah Bahn and LaDonna Benson who all preceded him in death. Raised in a loving Lutheran home and shaped by the values of small-town farm life, he grew into a man whose faith, humility, and warmth touched generations.
Bill attended Concordia University, St. Paul, and Concordia University, River Forest, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. After many years of youth ministry, he responded to the call to pastoral ministry and completed the colloquy program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1985.
A gifted preacher and a spirit-led servant of Christ, Pastor Bill served with grace and dedication in several congregations: Grace Lutheran, Modesto, CA (1963–1969), Trinity Lutheran, Burlingame, CA (1969–1970), St. Peter Lutheran, Lodi, CA (1970–1983), Mission at Mokelumne Hill, CA (1985–1989), Green- haven Lutheran, Sacramento, CA (1989–2006)
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Bill was known for his approachable style, compassionate heart, and unwavering belief in meeting people exactly where they were. He shared God’s love through thousands of baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and celebrations of life. A frequent theme in his preaching—and his personal walk—was the assurance that “God’s grace is bigger than our sin.”
Before entering the ministry, Bill was a standout college basketball player and a proud member of an NCAA championship team—an achievement he rarely spoke of, but quietly treasured. He brought that same sense of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance to his family life and his calling. Throughout life, he loved cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Sacramento Kings, working in his garden, and enjoying a round of golf whenever he could. Bill and Joy en- joyed many wonderful trips around the world, especially their Holy Land trips.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joy Plath, who passed away on December 3, 2024. He is survived by their three children: Grant Plath (Brenda), Greg Plath (Heidi), and Janee’ Plath Gaffney (Michael); and by eight grandchildren who brought him joy: Katherine Gaffney Miller (Doug), Megan Gaffney, Chad Plath, Ben Plath, Preston Plath, Eli Plath, ClaraGrace Plath, and Andrew Plath.
SERVICE
A memorial service celebrating Pastor Bill’s life and legacy will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 20th, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, located at 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi, CA 95242.
In gratitude for a life rooted in Christ, filled with faith, laughter, and love, we remember and give thanks for Pastor Bill Plath. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to LWML Greenhaven Lutheran, Sacramento, or LWML St. Peter Lutheran, Lodi.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Plath family.
