Ronald B. Bachman, 68, Burlington, died Oct. 10, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bellefonte, Pa., on Sept. 15, 1947, to the late James and Phyllis Bachman,
He spent his early years in White Bear Lake, Minn., and some middle school years in Guin, Ala. He graduated from White Bear Lake High School and attended Luther College. While a freshman at Luther, he felt a clear call to be a pastor and where he also met his future wife. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and Garrett Seminary. He studied at Luther Seminary and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1974.
On June 14, 1969, he married Laura Blackmore. They lived in Evanston, Ill., for three years before spending a year in England at a Christian retreat center. Ron’s first call (8 years) was Grace in Wildrose, N.D., where their two daughters were born. His next call (8 years) was Trinity in Sparta. He also did interim pastoring for a time in that area. His next call (10 years) was at Cross Lutheran in Burlington. For six years, he worked at Write Source, an educational publishing house in Burlington. Then he accepted a call (7 years) to Bethlehem in Muskego.
He always put God first, his family next, and then his congregation. His life preached some of his most eloquent sermons. He loved hiking, camping, canoeing, going to the cabin in Michigan, carving wooden birds, fixing things, playing guitar, singing, doing car repairs, learning electrical and plumbing work, going to EAA, doing remodeling projects, taking pictures, being with the three grandkids, buying all the Christmas gifts, and being with family. He loved planning worship services, leading Bible studies, preaching, visiting shut-ins, listening to people, doing chancel dramas, encouraging young people in his youth groups, being a good steward of everything he had, being generous, helping others, and witnessing to the love of God for all people.
Survivors include his wife of 46; daughters, Heather (Mark) Bazata and Hillary (Dorian) Gammons; grandchildren, Eliana, Greyson, and Zion Gammons; siblings, James Bachman, Larry (Jane) Bachman, Cheryl (Dick) Huber, and April (Ken) Warwick.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held Sunday Nov. 15. Check the website for details.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Laura Bachman and designated as gifts to one of the following ministries that Ron supported — his current congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Muskego; Gospel for Asia; Caring Bridge; or Nsangi Full Gospel Mission in Uganda. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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