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God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Business did not take away from his love and sharing with family. Leon remembers the times winter sledding together, the Sundays after being taught and allowed to drive the tractor in the field next to the barn, or the time some men were hired to mow the grass and Leon had them out in the field playing ball, being taught how to buy farm machinery, and the times of playing in the band. Irvin played an old baritone in the band so Leon and Evalyn would be encouraged to play, which they did. One story remembered: the band director announced the second choral to be played. Br. Irving said: That is the one I just played!

Not only does Evalyn remember the father-daughter relationship, but especially driving her dad at age sixteen, because he did not like to fly. He was afraid of flying but because of convenience he began to fly in the 1960’s. In World War II, the troops were either taken by train or ship. So returning from World War II and being on the ship so long is when he learned to sleep all day and night. Evalyn remembers her father’s love, no matter what she did. He taught her confidence which has given her strength and he believed in the best of her but not her alone but everyone. They remember the Sunday night services and how afterwards their dad and mom invited people over to eat sausages, cheese and special foods for these special occasions.

Br. Irvin believed the Lord expects ten per cent, the tithe, and any giving was over and above the tithe. That he did and yet it was a private matter not wanting any credit for his generosity. He opened his home in hospitality to any and everyone and sought to be very hospitable to them in their visit. The grandchildren have fond memories of the bon fires, hot dog roasting, being pulled by the tractor on a sled or in a wagon, providing them with opportunities of other cultures and even traveling to other countries. They cherish their memories and experiences of a special grandfather.

Growing up in a Christian home, he was brought as a child to Bethania Moravian Church, baptized as an infant, confirmed and served the Lord through the Church. His spiritual journey began by accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. He actively participated in the life of the church, served on the boards, attended Sunday school, and served many times as the chairman of the Global Concerns Committee. He worshipped and served the Lord faithfully and generously with his time, talent and finances; through the local church and world missions. He loved the Lord and Bethania Moravian Church. For example: The Bethania House; lot and house, was made possible by the generous donation of Br. Irvin. No wonder one of his favorite hymns is How Great the Bliss To Be a Sheep of Jesus by Johnan Jakob Rambach.

In summary, Br. Leinbach loved the Lord, the church, his family and the opportunity of helping others. He was a generous, humble, dedicated, hospitable, gracious and a caring person. Br. E. Irvin Leinbach worked every day possible. How many times have we heard? The Bible does not mention retirement. After suffering health problems the last couple years, he died peacefully on July 24, 2005 at the age of 84 years 9 months and 10 days. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Leon and Carol Leinbach; a daughter and son-in-law, Evalyn and Van Crawford; four grandchildren, Aaron and Drew Crawford, Fran Carpenter and Lauren Leinbach; a great-grandson, Matthew Crawford; a brother, Kenneth Leinbach and a host of family and friends around the world. Let us pause a moment in the spirit of thanksgiving for our own unique experiences we each remember sharing with Br. Leinbach and rejoice in his entering into the eternal presence with his Lord and Savior.        

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