Rev. Robert E.Prange

Rev. Robert E. Prange, affectionately known as "Pastor Bob", 85, of St. Johns, MI entered the gates of heaven on February 18, 2015, following an extended illness.

Born in a farmhouse to William Henry and Clara Elizabeth (Herbruck) Prange on January 20, 1930, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Pastor Bob graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1948 and went on to graduate from Piedmont Bible College in Winston Salem, NC in 1954 with a Bachelor of Theology (THB) degree.

On July 25, 1954, Pastor Bob, with his family and the work ethic nurtured on that Ohio farm both in tow, began a journey that would have a positive, lasting impact on St. Johns, Clinton County and beyond. Building on a Sunday School started by his cousin Harry Herbruck Jr. and a missionary, Burl Rood, Pastor Bob started what grew to become Grove Bible Church. His vision and dedication to Christian education eventually led to the creation of Grove Christian School in 1973.

Pastor Bob loved people and had a compassionate heart for both youth and adults. Both foreign and home missions were a large part of his personal life and teaching ministry, so he started Pastor Bob's Ministry ("PBM") for the purpose of creating a source for funding the special needs of missions and missionaries in their respective fields of service. A memorial fund for "PBM" has been established to continue this ministry.

Pastor Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Darlene (Cochran) Prange, his children, R. Byron (Lianne) Prange of St. Johns, MI and Bethany Faith (Brad) Buser of San Diego, CA, 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a brother William Prange Jr. of Stow, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Lois Allphin and Jane Woods.

A service of celebration will be held at Grove Bible Church, 6990 E. Price Rd., St. Johns, MI, on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Calling hours will also be at Grove Bible Church on Friday, February 20th from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, February 21st from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Sunday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to "PBM" through Grove Bible Church and/or Great Lakes Hospice.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.