Ronald E. Lebsack, 63

Ronald E. Lebsack was born Dec. 29, 1946, in Longmont, Colo., to Wilbur and Florine Lebsack and entered into the joys of Heaven on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2010. He was 63 years old.

Ron's parents were farmers and operated a dairy. He was raised on the farm and loved working with equipment and livestock. When he was 9 years old his family moved from Longmont to Fort Collins, Colo. They attended the 1st Assembly of God where they met the Simpson family. The Simpson family had a daughter, Ginger, who was 8 years old. The two families became lifelong friends. It wasn't until high school that Ron and Ginger realized the childhood friendship had developed into love.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Ron enrolled in Colorado State University. In 1966, Ron married the love of his life, Ginger. They have two children, Wendy and Steve.

Ron and Ginger bought a small farm in Wellington, Colo., and Ron went into the real estate business with his brother Duane. The two opened their own office. He enjoyed real estate and obtained his private pilot's license at that time.

In 1981, they traded their farm in Colorado for a large wheat farm operation in Mitchell, Neb. Ron farmed and was in real estate in Nebraska until 1986 when the family moved to Turlock, Calif. That was the beginning of answering the call into the ministry by God at Calvary Temple in Modesto, Calif. He received his ministerial license and pastored in the area for more than 20 years. He started the church "Peoples Christian Fellowship," better known as "The Filling Station."

He had a true God-given pastor's heart; loving his congregation through good times and through tough times of life. He was always available no matter what the need. There were strong lifetime friendships made there and they will continue to be very precious friends, forever. He loved teaching and preaching more than anything else. Ron was affiliated with Jim Kaseman, AFCM in Minnesota for several years and was blessed to be a part of that organization.

In 2005, Ron knew the Lord was closing that chapter of his life and it was time to turn the church over to someone else. He was planning on semi-retiring until they moved to beautiful Idaho. They bought five acres in Rathdrum that had a beautiful, large, rustic log home. He enjoyed seeing the wildlife on the property of deer, moose, black bear, turkey and herd of elk. They took advantage of God's country and were able to enjoy trips to Canada and spent summers at Hope by the river.

Ron and Ginger attended Faith Ministries in Post Falls where they were the Senior's Pastor. Ron always had a pastor's heart and always loved that gift.

In 2009, Ron was diagnosed with melanoma cancer. The next year, each day was a gift from God. Savoring each minute and trying to live life to its fullest and take one day at a time.

On Friday morning, Nov. 26, 2010, Ron entered into Heaven and is now experiencing the joys of everything he had taught and preached for years. The battle is over now and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and forever. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Ginger Lebsack; his daughter, Wendy Wagoner (Dennis) of Post Falls; his son, Steve Lebsack (Cristie) of Oakdale, Calif.; four grandchildren: Spencer Wagoner, Mason Wagoner, Maci Lebsack and Jaden Lebsack; brother Duane Lebsack (Glenda); brother-in-law Gail Smith; sister-in-law Peggy Simpson; and nieces and nephews: Doug, Mark, Rhonda, Brian and Amy.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Florine Lebsack; and his sister, Patricia Lebsack.

Ron was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather and Pastor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and were touched by his life.

Memorial donations may be made in Ron's name to Faith Ministries at (208) 773-0236.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at Faith Ministries, 5073 E. 16th Ave., Post Falls.

English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls has been entrusted to handle the cremation.

The Lebsack family would like to send a special thank you to Applegate Hospice and their wonderful organization, Faith Ministries, and all of the friends who have been so helpful at this time. God bless all of you.