Herman G. Stuempfle Jr. was educated at Susquehanna University (A.B., 1945), Lutheran Theological Seminary (B.D., 1946), Union Theological Seminary (S.T.M., 1967) and Southern California School of Theology at Claremont (Th. D., 1971). From 1947?1959, Rev. Stuempfle, served as pastor of parishes in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1959, he joined the staff of the Board of Missions of the United Lutheran Church in America. Throughout his 27-year career as Professor of Preaching at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Rev. Stuempfle also served as the school?s Dean (1971?1976) and as President (1976?1989).

In 2004, Dr. Stuempfle was named a Fellow of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. His work is found in an ever-growing number of hymnals. His collections of hymn texts include The Word Goes Forth (GIA 1993); Redeeming the Time (GIA 1997); Awake Our Hearts To Praise (GIA 2000); and Wondrous Love Has Called Us (GIA 2006). Dr. Stuempfle died on March 13, 2007 after a long battle with ALS. He was 84 years old.