Obituary of Pastor Robert Ellsworth Rufener

Robert Ellsworth Rufener, also known as: Bob, Papa, and Pastor Dad, was 85 years old. Dad lived for the past 10 years in Hollister, CA., and was received in Heaven by his Savior and Lord on May 23rd, 2019 in Good Samaritan Hospital, San Jose.

A celebration of this incredible man and pastor’s life and influence will be held at Abundant Life Foursquare Church, Sunday, June 9th, at 10 AM as his church family gathers to worship.

Robert was born in Los Angeles, CA. to George and Etha Rufener on June 9, 1933. He attended Marshal High School in Los Angeles, where he was a track star, and played baseball. He graduated in 1951 and went on to earn his ministerial credentials at L.I.F.E. Bible College in Los Angeles. Serving in many different ministry capacities for over 60 years as well as driving the big brown trucks of UPS to put bread on the table for his family.

A sportsman and outdoorsman, he played, coached, and managed many championship teams over the years. Backpacking and fishing in the High Sierras was a yearly outing of fun and mentoring of “the boys.”

But the loves of his life were his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his beautiful red-head Mary, family, and the Church. He sacrificed in love to serve all of us as a model to be emulated and as a testament to the One who sacrificed for him.

Robert is preceded in heavenly transformation by his wife, Mary, his parents George and Etha, brother Richard, and son-in-law Neal Nyhoff. He leaves his legacy in his children: Sharon (Roger) Young, Robert (Mary), and Dwayne (Shirley). His grandchildren: Carissa (Mark) Dahl, Bobby Rufener , Joy Rufener, David (Katie) Nyhoff, Sarah Rufener, Ryan (Melissa) Rufener, Daniel (Rebecca Morgan) Rufener. And great grandchildren: Luke Dahl, Grace Dahl, Bella Dahl, Matthew Dahl, and RJ Rufener.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pastor Dad Memorial Missions Fund in care of Abundant Life Foursquare Church @ ALFCHollister.org or in care of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Good Samaritan Hospital, and Marchel Nelson for his kind and compassionate service.