Edwin J. Gantenbein, 95, a resident of Grove, Oklahoma passed away at Integris Grove General Hospital on May 4, 2007. Mr. Gantenbein was born on January 9, 1912 in Dillon, Kansas to Ulrich and Frieda (Tobler) Gantenbein. Ed graduated from Hope, Kansas High School in 1930, he graduated in 1935 from Kansas State University with a Bachelors Degree in Horticulture, while there he was involved in the Alpa Zeta Chapter of Alpha Gama Rho. During war time Edwin worked for Boeing and other companies to help with the war effort. He also worked as a farmer he loved horses, his favorite was his horse Topsy, he also worked in real estate sales. He then worked as a missionary for many, many years. Mr. Gantenbein worked as A. A. Allen's right hand man as they traveled extensively through the years with tent crusades in the 1960's. He was a part of many ministerial teams; he helped found the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association in Joplin, MO, Edwin was also a part of the underground evangelism by sneaking Bibles into communist countries. One thing he is very proud of is the Orphanage he along with his wife Mildred helped start in Haiti in the early parts of the 1970's for 100 children which is named "Compassion Orphanage"; this is something he and his family have stayed active in. In 1975 Ed and Mid as they were known with several other friends and relatives went to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. They also had a radio program during the 1980's and 1990's at KKLL "King of Kings and Lord of Lords for their Haitian Mission program. His Stepson Bob and his wife Nancy Potter still coordinate for the support of the Haitian Mission Program. Ed is preceded in death by his wife Mildred H. Gantenbein she passed on April 11, 2002, his parents Ulrich and Frieda Gantenbein. His sisters Clara Smith, Viola McBride and his brothers Earl, Harvey "Dick", and Lester "Pack" Gantenbein also preceded him in death. Survivors include his step-son, Bob Potter and his wife Nancy of Grove, OK, a step daughter Betty Gardner of Naples, FL. Two grandchildren Travis Gardner and Brent Gardner, along with one sister Wilma Childers of Fort Morgan, Colorado. There will be a funeral service at the Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home chapel in Grove, Oklahoma on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Leland Mooney officiating. Burial will follow in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Grove, Oklahoma under the direction of the Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home of Grove. Friends may send condolences online at www.honoringmemories.com. The family has also ask that friends and family make memorial contributions to Haitian Missions C/O Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, 711 North Main, Grove, OK 74344
Service Details
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 2:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove
Interment Details
Hickory Creek Cemetery