Reverend V. Roy Blumhorst

Reverend V. Roy Blumhorst, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2016, at his home in San Juan Capistrano.

Roy was born on October 1st, 1932, in Slater, Missouri to Hulda and Karl Blumhorst. In 1956 Roy married Vernette Rennegarbe at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Okawville, IL. A graduate of Concordia Seminary in St Louis, MO, he also earned a master's degree in education from St Louis University. Roy worked as a Lutheran pastor for over 60 years, but did not limit himself to the pulpit. He worked two years on a research project to find out why people in downtown Chicago weren't going to church. He wrote two books, "Design for Family Living", and "Faithful Rebels". He also co­wrote "Death and Birth of a Parish".

In 1958 he began a new parish in La Grange, IL, and in 1967 moved his family to inner city Washington D.C. where he became Pastor at First Trinity Lutheran. In 1973 the family moved to Oakland, CA where Roy held several positions, including Principal of Concordia High school, Director of Development for Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, and Director for Creative Ministry. In 1990, He and Vernette moved to Carmel, CA where Roy became Pastor at St Phillips Lutheran Church where retired in 2001. Not one to sit still for long, he served as interim pastor in several churches, including one in Bali.

Roy also worked as a volunteer Chaplain at Monterey Peninsula Community hospital for many years, and supported many charities.

In 2001 Roy was diagnosed with Parkinson's and made it his personal challenge to remain as mobile as possible by not using a wheelchair.

He is survived by his wife Vernette, son David, daughters Joy and Hope, six grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and his older sister Arlene.

Roy possessed a true talent for preaching, and often touched people by relating ancient scripture lessons to modern life. Always candid about his doubts and struggles with God, Roy influenced those he met with his deep humility and powerful faith. We will miss him deeply.

A memorial service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 200 Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente, at 4pm on Saturday August 6, 2016. Reception will follow immediately at the home of Hope and David Guiterrez, 38 Corte El Brazo, San Clemente.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heifer Project, Bread for the World, or FINCA International.

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