Walter Wayne Winebrenner

Walter Wayne Winebrenner, age 85 of Hastings, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday evening, Aug 1, 2013. He died at home with family members surrounding him.

He was born September 27, 1927, the seventh child of Norris James & Ruby Jane (Skinner) Winebrenner. Walter attended grade school near Albion, Indiana and graduated in 1945 from Albion High School. He married Laura Belle Mangus on August 10, 1947. After the ceremony, they drove to Grand Rapids, Michigan to attend college and seminary. He graduated from Grand Rapids Bible College and Seminary in 1953.

Walter was pastor of small mission churches in several towns in Michigan over the years starting in 1953. In April 1965 he answered the call from the Galilean Baptist Mission to be the pastor at Freeport Baptist Church. He was the pastor there until his retirement from the ministry in April 2012. He also worked as an Electrician to help support his family starting in 1965. Prior to that, he did a little building and carpentry work to support the growing family.

Walter loved animals having grown up on a farm. He always kept chickens, goats, a pony and a milk cow or two until the early 1980's when he decided to downsize the farm a bit.

His wife and children were his true pride and joy. His most important mission in life was to make sure each one of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren came to know Jesus as their Savior. He was a gentle man, loved and respected by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norris and Ruby Winebrenner, brothers, Wilbur, Richard and Guy Winebrenner and a sister, Lois Stump. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Laura (Mangus) Winebrenner, sons, John (Cindy) Winebrenner, Thomas (Ann) Winebrenner, James (Karen) Winebrenner and Daniel Winebrenner. Daughters, Sarah (Mike) Schantz, Mary Winebrenner, Margaret (Tim) Nicholson, Laura (Allen) Strouse and Grace (Tim) Fish, 25 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Bob (Mike) and Russell Winebrenner both from Albion, IN and one sister, Edith Sommer of Bourbon, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. Ste 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

A Funeral service will be held at Hastings First Baptist Church, 309 E Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI on Monday, Aug 5, 2013, at 10:00 AM with long time friend, Rev Ralph VanderWerf officiating the service. Visitation to be held at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013.

He is to be buried in the Irving Township Cemetery.