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The Rev. Paul E. Grabill

Paul Grabill Obituary

Paul E. Grabill The Rev. Paul E. Grabill, lead pastor of State College Assembly of God, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, after battling cancer for many years. Pastor Grabill is survived by his loving wife, Arline; two sons, Rob and Ryan; a daughter-in-love, Ireida (Rob's wife); and a countless local, national and international family in Christ. Pastor Grabill's heart for the State College area and for the people of Centre County to come to know Christ was what brought he and his family to State College in 1990, and was the reason he daily poured his heart into the community for more than 20 years. Books could be written about all the experiences he had during his time here, including many accomplishments: receiving master's and doctorate degrees, speaking before tens of thousands in America and around the world and serving on many important committees and boards, but he would never want such a list made to commemorate his life. Instead, he believed "Éeverything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8 - NLT). His love for his family, congregation and the people of the State College area was more important than any achievement. The word "legacy" is used for so many different things. Pastor Grabill's life has been the definition of such a word. He will be incredibly missed by his family, local church family and so many people across the world, but few will ever forget the wisdom, compassion and legacy that defined Pastor Paul E. Grabill. To celebrate his life, there will be times of visitation from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Monday and Tuesday (August 15th & 16th), and the Celebration Service of Rev. Paul E. Grabill will be at 11am on Wednesday (17th). All events will be held at State College Assembly of God, 2201 University Drive Ext., State College, PA. A private burial will be held for family only. In lieu of flowers, Pastor Grabill and Arline requested that donations be made to the State College Assembly of God missions and building funds. Please see his last clergy column, "Looking Toward Heaven with Love", recently printed in the CDT by going to http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/12/2876169/looking-toward-heaven-with-love.html.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Centre Daily Times on Aug. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Grabill

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Tony Cervero

August 19, 2011

Paul was a great pastor, thinker, spiritual leader, warrior, visionary, musician, and most of all dear friend! The Psalmist wrote: "Precious in the eyes of the Lord are the death of His saints!" It must have been a very precious day in heaven! I traveled with Paul for several summers in the late 70's to every small town on the map of PA - and several that were not on the map. I could fill countless pages telling stories of our antics (like Paul dancing with an Irish Setter one summer evening - both had red hair) - of a yellow station wagon filled with 5 youth that had their lives and dreams ahead of them. We served as student leaders at Evangel, and shared a passion and desire for the Holy Spirit in today's Church. His wit was quick; his humor was dry; his mind was sharp; and his heart was great. After decades of not seeing each other, we hooked up again last year - it seemed like we hadn't skipped a day ... Paul was a forever friend ... I will truly miss him! Arline and family, our love and prayers are with you from the other side of the country! You will always be in my heart. With much love!

August 18, 2011

The Chief Logan Class of 1960 expresses their sympathy to the Grabill family. (Judy Opdenhoff Grabill is a member of our class)
Signed: The Reunion Committee...

Lewistown, PA.

August 18, 2011

The Chief Logan Class of 1960 expresses their sympathy to the Grabill family. (Judy Opdenhoff Grabill is a member of our class)
Signed: The Reunion Committee...

August 18, 2011

Integrity beyond reproach......can hear the Lord saying to Pastor "Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant.....loved him dearly....Sara Porter

Danny Joel Garcia

August 17, 2011

Arline, I met you last summer and you welcomed me into State College with such a love which made me feel closer too my own home. Every morning going into the airport, you shared a smile with me like no other. You even invited me into your church home and family home and though I never had the opportunity to make it...I want you to know that were like a mom away from home. My heart hurts for your lost and I only wish that I could be right next to you, to give you the biggest hug ever and express my love for you and your family. I want you to know I am there with you in spirit. You and your smile and warmth are very much often on my mind. Pastor Paul is smiling down from heaven and peacefully waiting for the chain to be linked again. I love you Arline! I am here for you always!!!

Darwyn & Sue Kasparek

August 17, 2011

Arline and family,
I have known Paul since he was a young teen at Living Waters Camp and have always held him in the highest regard. My wife and I thought very highly of him. He preached the funeral message and you sang at Uncle Frank's funeral. We are deeply saddened at his passing and it is with love and deep sympathy that we pray that the God of all comfort will comfort your family and us all. We will have a wonderful reunion some day. May God bless your family richly.

Denny and Debby Seler

August 17, 2011

Dear Arline,
We send our love and prayers to you today. We have fond memories of Paul and we are praying that God will keep you in His care and grace as you walk through this transition without him. We send our love...

Emily Harnett

August 17, 2011

For Arline, Rob and Ireida, and Ryan: My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all in this time. He was one of the best men I have met in my life, and someone that I still hold dear to my heart. It's been a couple of years since I've been back to SCAOG, but some of my best memories and lessons were in that church under his leadership. He has helped my family in countless ways over the years, especially with my mom. For that I am eternally grateful to have had Paul and the entire Grabill family in my life. God bless you all. I'd imagine he's looking down at all times, smiling thoughtfully with his hand on his chin.

Jared Gansauer

August 16, 2011

Dear, Arline, Rob, & Ryan

I'm sorry for the loss of Pastor Paul. He has been in everyones prayers now for a long time as he battled cancer and he fought hard. We don't know why God has taken Pastor to be with him, but we do know that he is no longer suffering in any way, and I pray that God gives your family peace and strenght.
Sincerely,
Jared Gansauer

cindy rusnak

August 16, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Pastor Pauls family.I know he is flying with the angels.He is the reason I came back to the church.God bless you.Look for him.He is everywhere around you.

Dot & Carl Green

August 16, 2011

We're so sorry to learn of Pastor Grabill's illness and death. We only knew him while our daughter was at the ABC Daycare and always appreciated his kindness and support. He always seemed to have a wonderful rapport and wisdom for his church and the community. He will surely be missed.

Sara Humphries

August 16, 2011

Dear Grabill Family,
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with you. Pastor Grabill helped State College Assembly serve as a safe harbor in the storm for many families, including ours, and we are very grateful. He truly has a legacy, and he will be missed.

Sharon Stringer

August 16, 2011

My prayers and condolences to the family.
Pastor Graybill and the Assembly of God Church in State College have been and continue to be an important part of my family's spiritual growth and development.

August 16, 2011

(Little) Arlene and boys despite all the wonderful things stated about Paul and his Pastoral abilities the greatest thing about his life is that he practiced what he belived for more and better than he preached it.
Love & Prayers
Darryl and Suzy

August 16, 2011

Rob and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin
Library Annex

Eric and Rita Gansauer

August 15, 2011

Arline, Rob and Ryan,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you. Paul will be missed, not only in the State College area, but throughout the Assemblies of God fellowship. Peace to you during this time.

Bruce Fetters

August 15, 2011

Dear Grabill Family, I’m thinking of you at this sad time, I remember all the times Pastor Grabill talked with me. He was a great pastor for giving spiritual advice . I send my deepest sympathy.”

Marsha Morozowich

August 15, 2011

I was privileged to hear Pastor Grabill's last message. I pray that you feel the Lord's presence. I am so sorry.

Rosemary Hagen

August 15, 2011

Dear Grabill Family, I have attended AOG on various occasions over the three decades I have lived here. For me there has never been anyone like your dear husband and father in the ministry here. There was a certain sense of comfort living in this area with Pastor Grabill in town. The Holy Spirit has touched many through him. Thank you for sharing him with us!

David Miller

August 15, 2011

Arline, Rob, and Ryan -
I am grateful for Paul's life and that in God's goodness our paths intersected for a season in State College. I learned much from him - from his words and even more his example.

I pray that God's grace, comfort and love may be tangible as you grieve, remember, and give thanks.

Marty Woitko

August 15, 2011

Paul's pain is over. He is now with his Lord. God bless him and his wonderful family.

Tim and Rhonda Imes

August 15, 2011

All our love and prayers to Arline, Ryan, Rob, Irada and family. We have appreciated Pastor Paul's love, support, vision and friendship through our years of ministry. He will truly be missed.

Bonnie Shaffer

August 15, 2011

Arline, My sympathy to you and the boys on your great loss of Pastor Paul. My prayers are with you and yours during this most difficult time. Pastor Paul lead me back to the church & helped me through so many tough times. He will forever be missed.

Donald Thompson

August 15, 2011

The Thompson family sends their condolences to Arline, Rob, Ryan, Ireida. We loved Paul, He was a good man and will be missed alot.

Kizzy Nicholas

August 15, 2011

Arline and family: I am.sorry for the lost of a beloved his and and father. Pastor Paul touched my life in so many ways and was one of the reasons I came back to the Lord

Karena Wellar

August 15, 2011

It was because of him that I started attending church again. He will be missed.

Suzanne (Neville)Cain

August 15, 2011

My heart and prayers go out to you during this difficult time!Love you!

Mark Staub

August 15, 2011

A wonderful man, friend, pastor and man of God. He will be missed, I will miss him. Our prayers go out to your family.

August 15, 2011

It's hard to say goodbye to my dear friend and colleague who has encouraged me over the past 19 years. He will never be forgotten. My prayers are with his family and his church. What an incredible loss here, but such an incredible gain for heaven's side.

Rev. Michael T. Goodling
The Kingdom of Swaziland (Africa)

August 14, 2011

Arline: Our hearts were saddened to hear of Paul's home going. We believe he is whole again and rejoicing with his Lord. Everytime we listen to his CD we can just see him playing at the piano.(What a wonderful memory to have).We continue to keep you and the boys in our prayers. We love you, Wendel & Brenda Rojik

August 14, 2011

Arline,
Our sincere sympathy to you and the boys on the loss of Paul. May God comfort your family during this difficult time. All of you are in our prayers. Love, Ed and Marylu Meren

Rev.George Burn

August 14, 2011

Arline: Paul was a wonderful friend and colleague in ministry. I learned much from him and know that he has made an enormous impact upon the State College and world community. My thoughts will be with you and your family

George Burn

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