The end of an era

An old friend passed away this week. A pastor we learned under for over 30 years. Although we left his church awhile back, we will never forget the deposits he made in our life. He married us, he baptised us, he dedicated most of our children, and was a part of so much of our lives. We respected him and loved him, he was like a second father. The last time I saw him was at another funeral. I hugged his wife, Sis Whittle and sobbed, and then I hugged him. I sobbed for lost days, lost opportunities. I know he was much loved by all, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those he has left, he will be missed.

(Obiturary taken from the Pioneer Press)

Rev. Rodney E. Whittle
Whittle, Rev. Rodney E. Loving and Dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather and Pastor Of White Bear Lake, passed away suddenly Saturday morning September 8, 2007, of a massive heart attack at the age of 78. Entered into this life on October 29, 1928 in Cereal, Alberta, Canada to Percy and Cora Whittle. He was called to the ministry at the age of 10, and following that calling he left home at the age of 15 to enroll in the Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta. While attending Bible School he met his soul mate and the love of his life whom he absolutely adored, Grace Johnson. They married upon graduation from the Bible School in 1950 and celebrated 57 blessed and wonderful years together on August 26 of this year. Following graduation from Prairie Bible Institute he enrolled in the Winnipeg Bible Institute and College of Theology in order to complete his ministerial education and training. Following his graduation they began their long and dedicated life in ministry, pastoring churches in St. Vincent, MN, Milaca, MN, Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Minneapolis, MN. He was a tireless supporter of missionary works in South Africa; Nassau, Bahamas and Kingston, Jamaica. Their first child Elizabeth was born to them in 1953 followed by Faith, Hope and Deborah. Each one of them brought great joy to his life. He was completely devoted to his daughters. Rev. Whittle was currently pastor at the Full Gospel Fellowship Church in White Bear Lake, MN, which he founded in May, 1966. He had a great love of life and believed in living it to the fullest. He loved the outdoors and was always trying to catch his next record fish. He was in his glory when surrounded by his family. He changed, influenced and molded many lives. He was within one week of completing a daily devotional book which the family will complete in his stead. He was our rock and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife Grace; adoring daughters Liz Anderson (Steve), Faith Patton (Tim), Hope Antilla (Gary), and Debbie Winstead (Keith); ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and friends too numerous to count. The family will receive friends 6-9PM Wednesday, September 12 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM FUNERAL HOME, 515 Hwy. 96 at Mackubin, Shoreview (651-482-7606). Funeral service 1:00 PM Thursday, September 13 at FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP CHURCH with visitation at 12 noon, 1685 E. Hwy 96, White Bear Lake. Interment to follow service at the Methodist-Episcopal Church Cemetery in Wyoming, MN.