The Rev. Dr. Ronald Herman Janssen, 60, Fayetteville, died May 30, 2007. He was born Oct. 10, 1946 in Buckley, Ill. He died after a 45-year battle with diabetes. He maintained a kidney transplant for 25 years, persevering through other complications of diabetes, never losing faith or hope. He earned a B.A. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Ill., where he earned a master of divinity in 1972.

He began his career as pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind., serving 11 years. In 1983 he became pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Riverdale, where he was instrumental in outreach to the Cambodia and Laotian community in South Atlanta. He received an honorary doctorate from Concordia Theological Seminary for his service. In 1995 he founded Saint Paul Lutheran Church and School in Peachtree City. Services were at Saint Paul Lutheran Church with the Rev. Neil Kattermann and the Rev. Khampheuy Munnicha officiating. Interment was at St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Buckley, Ill.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Rita Janssen; a son, Matthew and Rita Janssen; a daughter, Angela Janssen and Patrick Keenan; and a grandson, Henry Keenan. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association Memorial and Honor Program, P. O. Box 11537, Alexandria, VA 22312. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, was in charge.