Pastor Richard Gerald Ferrell

November 14, 1934 - June 19, 2021

Racine-Pastor Richard Gerald Ferrell, 86, went home to be with the Lord on June 19, 2021. He was born in Missoula, Montana, on November 14, 1934, to Les and Virginia (nee Mace) Ferrell. After graduating from Missoula High School, he left for Kansas City, Missouri, to attend the Kansas Art Institute. During his time in Missouri, he served eight years in the National Guard and married the girl next door, Joyce Louise Allen, on August 17, 1956. Together they met Jesus, accepted Him as their Savior, and followed His leading to Omaha Baptist Bible College. After receiving his pastoral training, Pastor Ferrell helped his brother start a church in Bensonville, Illinois. From there he pastored churches in Viewfield and Aberdeen, South Dakota and Missoula, Montana, and for 30 years in Carrington, North Dakota. While pastoring in Carrington, he also helped in the fields on the Stedman farm, drove a school bus and became an EMT for the Carrington Ambulance Service. In 2001, he became a pastor for the seniors at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine, Wisconsin, until he retired at the age of 80. Along the way, he was as much at home behind the wheel of a military jeep, Chicago Limo, Dakota combine, school bus and ambulance, as he was behind the pulpit. He served others while serving the Lord. Pastor Ferrell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce L. Allen; daughter, Sherry K. (Howard) Peterson; sons: Michael D. (Kathleen) Ferrell and Joel A. (Rotsakan) Ferrell; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Pastor Ferrell is preceded in death by his parents, Les and Virginia Ferrell, and his brother, Pastor Edward Ferrell. A Celebration of Pastor Ferrell’s Life will be held at Calvary Memorial Church on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Nathan James officiating. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at the church on Friday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service. Interment with a committal service and full military honors will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Graceland Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Ethan Davis officiating. Memorials in Pastor Ferrell’s name may be directed to Calvary Memorial Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jerri, the home health nurse, and the doctors and nurses from Ascension All Saints for their wonderful care of Pastor Ferrell.