John Abendschan

John Jacob (Jack) Abendschan V Aug.2, 1919 - March 31,2014 John Jacob Abendschan, 94, surrounded by his family, went home to be with his Lord and Savior March 31, 2014 at 5:07 at Deseret Health and Rehab, Colby, KS. Jack was born Aug.2, 1919 in Denver, Co, grew up in La Junta, Co, graduating from La Junta High School in 1937, inlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard February 22, 1941, was on active duty during WWII and was honorably discharged in January 4, 1946. He attended Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, 1946-1950, graduating with BSN in Petrolium Engineering, working his way up to District Engineer Manager of Aztec Oil & Gas Co, being in charge of over 350 oil wells, in Aztec, New Mexico. Jack started serving The Lord full time after graduating from the Sanfrancisco Theological Seminary with a degree in Divinity in 1959. He ministered in serveral churches, impacting many lives and hearts through Gods Love and Grace. After ministering in churches in New Mexico and Colorado, Jack went back to school and received a Masters Degree in Gerentology from the University of Northern Colorado. He then moved to Big Spring, Tx, where he assumed an administrative position over an assisted living facility. After several years of dealing with paper work and frustration of not having time to minister to the residents, Jack entered back into the pastoring role so he would actually have time to minister to those people and others. He lived with his wife, Mary Lou, in Big Spring, Tx, serving Christ for over 20 years, pastoring at The United Methodist Church and leading many people through the "Walk to Emmaus", thus sharing Christ's Heart with each one he came in contact with. Jack and Mary Lou moved to St. Francis, KS, in 2003 where Jack teamed up with Marvin Zimbelman and together pastored The United Methodist Church for six months until a new pastor arrived. After leaving his "Love Mark" on St. Francis he moved to Colby, KS in 2012 to be closer to his daughter and her family. He resided there where he continued to touch lives and serve Christ through his witness until he went home to be with his Jesus and dance, once again, with his beautiful bride. Jack married Mary Lou Ballentine, March 18, 1942 and celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on March 18, 2007, just before Mary Lou went home to be with her Lord on May 14, 2007. Jack is survived by three sons - John Jacob Abendschan VI of Abilene, Tx, Ronald Emery Abendschan of Gilbert, Az, Robert William Abendschan of Big Spring, Tx; one daughter - Elizabeth Ann Gabel of Colby, KS; 10 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. He will be missed by so many people and loved ones. The Love and message God used him to share in his lifetime will be impacted upon the hearts of everyone who came in contact with him. His job here is done and now he is home. Praise the Lord! Memorials may be made to Deseret Health & Rehab or Citizens Medical Center - both of Colby, KS. Memorial service will be announced for a later date. Any questions may be answered through and memorials sent to Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------