Allan Ray Tschiegg grew up in Bluffton

Pastor Allan Ray Tschiegg died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Dallas, Oregon. He was born at home on the farm in Columbus Grove, Ohio, on September 27, 1930 to Eldon and Grace (Lora) Tschiegg.

He worked on the farm and at Farmers Grain Co. in Bluffton, Ohio until he left for Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. There he met Adelia Marie Heinrichs. A year later they were married while he was attending Grace Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. During his seminary years he was pastor of Pleasant Valley Community Church, south of Warsaw, Ind.

He was pastor of nine different churches over a span of 56 years. He took short periods of sabbatical in farming, nursing home administration, and chaplaincy.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years; daughter, Ruth (Martin) Voelker; sons, Ken (Becky) Tschiegg and Stan (Juli) Tschiegg; daughters, Lora (Wally) Lierman and Lois (Ron) Keen; 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; sister, Wanda (Wally) Geiger and brother, Gerald Tschiegg. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Tschiegg; and an infant granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann.

A memorial service was held Jan. 15 at Emmanuel Bible Church, Salem, Ore. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given in his memory in care of Emmanuel Bible Church. Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center handled the arrangements.