Ronald Krehbiel, 94, of Hesston, Kan., died Dec. 9, 2025. He was born to Olin and Dorothy Krehbiel on his grandparents’ ranch in Porterville, Calif. He spent his childhood in Lansdale, Pa. In high school, the family moved to Berne, Ind., where he met Cynthia Kirchhofer. They were married June 3, 1951, and were blessed with 73 wonderful years of marriage. They taught many marriage seminars and followed these practices where they were in love and dating all their lives.
He graduated from Bluffton College and the Mennonite Seminary in Chicago. The General Conference Mennonite Church asked him to start a congregation in Markham, Ill., and he accepted, going door to door until he gathered a diverse group of people. After leading Markham Mennonite Church, he pastored Deep Run Mennonite Church in Bedminster, Pa.; Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, Minn.; Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church in Goessel, Kan.; West Zion Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kan.; and Salem Mennonite (South) Church in Freeman, S.D., as well as an interim pastoral position with Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge.
Known for his engaging sermons, he was never afraid to speak his mind and always emphasized love and empathy. He wasn’t just a preacher; he was a great listener. He loved nature and was an avid reader, especially of history and science. He was never rigid; his understanding and sympathy grew with the years. He wasn’t afraid to change his mind or broaden his vision.
He traveled the world, pastored in Lesotho, joined a Mennonite delegation to the Middle East and served as vice president of the General Conference Mennonite Church. He earned his doctorate in pastoral ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Ron was a devoted husband and father who loved to laugh and play with his children. He was deeply loved by the many friends and family members whose lives he touched and enriched.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children Deb (George) Lehman, Tom (Susan) Krehbiel, John (Rita) Krehbiel and James (Melissa) Krehbiel; daughter-in-law Rhonda Krehbiel; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by son Tim Krehbiel; daughter-in-law Julie Waltner Krehbiel; sister Beverly (Glen) Grandlinard; and sister-in-law Jean Kirchhofer.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Memorials may be made to Hesston Mennonite Church and Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Fund.
