Rev Charles Ray Symmank

Rev. Charles Ray Symmank passed away peacefully from this life and was received into the presence of his Lord on January 11th, at the age of 87 years, in Medford, OR.

Chuck was born October 27th, 1931 in Giddings, TX. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School through eighth grade.

At the age of 13, he left home to begin his ministry training at Concordia High School, Austin, TX, followed by junior college at St. John College, Winfield, KS. He continued his education and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. in 1956. His further education included a Masters in Teaching from Rockford College in Rockford, IL and a Doctorate of Ministry from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.

He served as pastor at St Paul Lutheran Church (Rockford, IL), St. Paul Lutheran Church (Rochelle IL), Zion Lutheran Church (Snohomish, WA), and St. Peter Lutheran Church (Medford, OR).

On June 28, 1959, Charles and Joan Elizabeth (Wisch) were married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL.  They have three children, Daniel Symmank, Celeste Allsberry, and David Symmank, two daughter-in-laws, one son-in-law, and five grandchildren.

During his retirement years he served as interim pastor 13 times for congregations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii.

He was a high school and collegiate athlete, competing on varsity basketball and tennis teams.  During his ministry years he coached youth basketball and tennis teams. 

He was a poet and hymn writer, writing over 500 hymns, 360 of which were published. 

Chuck lived with the certain hope of eternal life through the forgiveness of sins won by Christ’s death on the cross. Thanks be to God the Father who created him, God the Son who redeemed him, and God the Holy Spirit who sanctified him in the water of Holy Baptism. This same Triune God has now received Chuck into the company of the saints and angels to await the resurrection and live in the light of His glory forevermore.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to any of the following:

Check Payable to:

Redeemer Lutheran Church - Fire Relief Fund

Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church

750 Moss Ave

Chico, CA 95926

St. John Lutheran School

Eagle Point, OR

St. Peter Lutheran Preschool

Medford, OR

Perl Funeral Home & Siskiyou Memorial Park

2100 Siskiyou Blvd

Medford, OR 97504