Richard Calvin Mininger was born to Herman and Clara Litwiller Mininger on September 19, 1935, on a farm in Gratiot County, Michigan. He peacefully crossed the Jordan River in the early morning hours at home on June 2, 2026. Dad reached the age of 90 years. He was raised on a small dairy farm near Harrison, Michigan, where he learned a strong work ethic and the practical application of the Golden Rule.

Dad was an outstanding example of a 'people person'. Recently a neighbor called and asked him how he was doing. In spite of his serious illness, his response was, "Well, I'm ok, but I would be better if you would come visit us!" He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized at the age of 14. He faithfully kept the faith he loved until his death.

Our dad was joined in marriage to our mother Edith Frank on October 2, 1955, at Copeland, KS. They started life together on a small farm near Harrison, MI. Their home was blessed with 3 sons and 2 daughters. We were raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and the spiritual legacy left us as children is priceless.

Dad was ordained into the ministry in December of 1960. He fulfilled his calling with dedication and enthusiasm. He was well known as an evangelist and a true keeper of the old paths. He inspired many to give their hearts to the Lord or repent and turn back to the Faith. He responded to numerous revival calls over the years: helping congregations and mission posts in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Later on in life, Dad's love for young families gave him an opportunity to teach numerous child nurture classes.

In March of 1975, Dad and Mom packed us up and moved to Brazil. We began a new life in a foreign country where land was cheap and plentiful. Dad loved Brazil and the Brazilian people. The Brazilians loved him in spite of his somewhat deficient, but entertaining Portuguese. He had his own unique way of interacting with them.

Due to Mom's failing health, our parents moved to Moundridge, KS in September of 2000. The Lord took Mother Home on September 5, 2001. Dad was devastated and struggled with learning to cope without her.

After some time, Dad began to search for a companion and the Lord led him to a special lady, Twila Smith, who had also lost her spouse. They were joined in marriage on May 4, 2003. Dad commented that this engagement and wedding was just as exciting as the first time around. He immediately accepted and loved her four children as his own. Dad's grandchildren were very special to him, and they have lots of memories of good times together.

Dad and Mom Twila moved to Hiawatha, KS in 2005. Pastoring the small congregation brought many blessings as they learned to know and love the people, and they felt it a privilege to be a part of the brethren in that community. Gardening and berries became his hobby and he shared generously with those around him. In 2018, Dad and Mom moved to Montezuma, KS, the area where Mom was born and raised. They settled in and enjoyed retirement until his passing.

Those left to cherish and recount his memories are his dear wife, Twila; five children, Colleen and Elias Stoltzfus, Ward, SD, Dean and Esther Lou, Mountain Grove, MO, Stuart and Linda Grand View, ID, Frank and Doreen, Texhoma, TX, Aletha and Wagner Machado, Rio Verde, Brazil; 33 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, one great, great, grandchild; one brother Newell; one sister Ellen; step children, Carolee and Clark Jantz, Plains, KS, Jefferson and Larisa Smith, Montezuma, KS, Sherry and Chad Shultz, Fredonia, KS, and Charity and Gregg Schroeder, Prescott, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, three sisters; Donnalee, Carol, and Arlyn; one sister-in-law, four brothers-in-law, two nephews, and one niece.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Homeland Mennonite Church in Montezuma. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Salem Mennonite Cemetery, Copeland. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Montezuma. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.