Glenard Beyeler

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Glenard Beyeler, 79, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at the Kindred Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. Glenard was born Nov. 15, 1929, in Orrville, to Lester and Edna (Zimmerly) Beyeler. He graduated from Creston High School in 1948, and then attended Hesston College in Kansas for three years. He then went to Goshen College in Indiana, where he earned his bachelor of arts in sociology in 1954, but more importantly, met Rita, whom he would later marry. He then attended Goshen Biblical Seminary and received a masters in religious education in 1955. He married Rita Frey on Aug. 17, 1957, and they then moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where Glenard began his teaching career of 29 years, mostly with high school students. During this time, he continued his education at ASU, receiving his masters degree in audio/visual education and continued taking post-graduate courses. While teaching, Glenard obtained his real estate broker's license and started his own real estate company, Land Realty. He retired from teaching in 1986, and continued to work as a realtor. In addition, he also authored two books: "506 Ways to Improve Your Finances," and "Beyond Superficiality with God." Glenard was heavily involved in ministry at both Fellowship Bible Church and Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV). He served as an elder, teacher, Sunday School superintendent, small group leader, usher, and in various other roles. He also served on the board of Western Christian School. Glenard and Rita celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary (Aug. 17, 2007) with a family gathering, an Alaskan cruise, a week in Victoria, British Columbia, and a reunion with his 11 siblings and their spouses. He is survived by his wife, Rita, and three sons, Brent (Ruth) of Peoria, Ariz., Kevin (Melissa) of Tarzana, Calif., and Bruce (Christie) of Glendale, Ariz. He also was a grandfather of eight grandchildren, Sarah, Andrew (Terra), Megan, Samuel, Hannah, Katie, Maggie, and Nathan. Glenard is also survived by 11 siblings: Esther (Larry) Gray of San Diego, Calif., Elizabeth (Merle) Jacobs of Smithville, Lowell (Shirley) Beyeler of Polk, Milton (Jeanette) Beyeler of Wooster, Robert (Julia) Beyeler of Orrville, Eunice (Merle) Brenneman of Arvada, Colo., Eloise (Robert) Hostetler of Erie, Pa., Ivan (Ramona) Beyeler of Leo, Ind., Lester (Delores) Beyeler of Navarre, Marion (Jane) Beyeler of Orrville, and Elaine (Wayne) Hershberger of Tyrone, Pa. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Crown Hill Mennonite Church, 9693 Benner Road, Rittman with Pastor Gordon Miller officiating. A previous service was held in the Christ's Church in the Valley in Arizona, with arrangements made through the Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Ariz. 85351. Memorial contributions can be made to a scholarship fund for Bible College students that Glenard was involved in establishing for the Senior Adult Ministries (SAM) at their church. Checks can be made to "CCV" with the memo line reading "SAM's Scholarship Fund." Send donations to CCV, 7007 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, Ariz. 85383.

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