ORVILLE ROBERT KREBS
Reverend Orville Robert Krebs, 89, died on January 6, 2016 at his home in Wilsonville, OR.
Orville was born in Beatrice, Nebraska to Emil and Ella Krebs on June 9, 1926. The family values of self-reliance and hard work, balanced with humor and a general vigor for life were burnished as he matured through his life.
His adult life began as a successful dairyman after which he began college training to become a minister. He attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI finishing his masters in divinity at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, MN. His first church was Immanuel United Church of Christ in Lyman, NE where he served from 1963 to 1970. Always looking for ways to improve his work he began studies in pastoral psychology at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, then onto Iliff School of Theology, University of Denver. He then served Smyrna United Church of Christ, Canby, OR where he served from 1973 until his retirement from the ministry in 1992. He gave comfort to many through his years in the ministry.
Orville developed his carpentry skills on the farm and while framing houses in Denver, CO while attending Iliff. He continued this work after he moved to Oregon.
Orville is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, sons Rodney (Joan) and Randy (Tae), daughters Jacqueline Bordeaux and Mary Kallstrom; grandchildren Megan Schwartz (Evan), Seth Krebs, Logan Krebs (Jodi), Brandon Krebs, Alexa Haider, and Wailan Krebs; and two great grandchildren, Everett Krebs and Owen Krebs and a sister, Phyllis Wiemers.
Orville and Dorothy enjoyed traveling and learning of other ways of life. Orville's curiosity and studious habits made him a consummate trip planner.
He was always generous in his judgment of others while retaining strict rules about his own behavior. His strength and generosity will be missed.
A celebration of Orville's life will be held Saturday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Smyrna United Church of Christ, Canby, Oregon.
Memorial contributions may be sent to : Smyrna United Church of Christ, building fund 31119 S. Hwy 170 Canby, OR 97013
Condolences may be sent also to Smyrna United Church of Christ.