Ronald Krehbiel Obituary

Dec 9, 2025

Ronald Krehbiel, 94, of Hesston, KS, went home to his Heavenly Father on December 9th, 2025. Ronald Krehbiel was born on his grandparents' ranch in Porterville, CA. On his mother Dorothy's side, the family were pioneers who settled in California, grew oranges and peaches, and started a cattle ranch. On his father Olin's side was a long line of Mennonite preachers, from his great-grandfather Christian Krehbiel, grandfather C.E. Krehbiel, to his father Olin Krehbiel.

Ron spent his childhood in Lansdale, PA, where his mother affectionately called him "that naughty boy." In high school, the family moved to Berne, IN, where his father pastored the First Mennonite Church. Ron loved sports and was a star on the basketball and baseball teams. It was there he met Cynthia Kirchhofer. They fell in love and were married on June 3, 1951, in Berne Church. They were blessed with 73 wonderful and loving years of marriage. During this time Dad and mom 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 Mennonite General Conference asked him to start a church in Markham, IL. He accepted, going door to door until he gathered a diverse group of people who first met in a rented Lion's Club on Sunday mornings. This effort eventually led to the building of the Markham Mennonite Church.

Ron was a devoted husband and father who loved to laugh and play with his children. He pastored several congregations, including Deep Run Church in Bedminster, PA; Bethel Church in Mountain Lake, MN; Alexanderwohl Church in Goessel, KS; West Zion Church in Moundridge, KS; and South Church in Freeman, SD as well as interim pastoral position with Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, KS.

He was known for delivering engaging sermons-only a couple of old men ever fell asleep! Ron was never afraid to speak his mind, but he always emphasized love and empathy. He wasn't just a preacher; he was a great listener.

Ron 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.

His life was rich with experiences. He traveled the world, pastored in Lesotho, Africa, joined a Mennonite delegation to the Middle East, and served as vice president of the Mennonite General Conference. He earned his doctorate in pastoral ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Ron never lost his love for life, his hope or his faith. He was a beautiful human being, deeply loved by the many friends and family members whose lives he touched and enriched.

Ron and Cynthia deeply love their family. Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Dorthy and father, Olin; elder sister, Beverly and Glen Grandlinard; sister-in-law, Jean Kirchhofer; son, Tim Krehbiel and daughter-in-law, Julie Waltner Krehbiel. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; children, Deb (George) Lehman, Tom (Susan) Krehbiel; their children, Katherine (Peter) Goerzen and Jennifer Lehman; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Krehbiel and her children, Chris Krehbiel, Sam Krehbiel, Courtney (Chris) Behm, Amanda (Lenny) Mauk; John (Rita) Krehbiel and their children, Josh (Jenna) Krehbiel and Caleb Krehbiel; and Brittney Lang, James (Melissa) Krehbiel and their children, Halle Krehbiel and Jordan Singh, Jamie Krehbiel and Olivia Entz; and eight precious great grandchildren.

Ron's Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 31, at 10:30 a.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Memorials may be made to Hesston Mennonite Church and Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Fund.