Roger Alan Krenzin

Roger Alan Krenzin of Waxhaw, NC passed on to eternal glory, “landing on Runway 36 Gold” on October 11, 2023. He loved God and his family and used his talents as a missionary pilot to serve the Lord with his life. His enthusiasm and smile are remembered by all who knew him. His family said he “never met a stranger” as he made friendships all over the world.

Roger was born in Hutchinson, KS on July 13, 1946 to Ernest Edward Krenzin and Dorene Burns Krenzin. His parents were missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Africa where Roger lived as child. In 1964 Roger attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL to become a second generation missionary pilot. There he met Regina and they married in 1968. Roger was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star for meritorious service.

Their daughter Linnea was born in 1973. They joined Wycliffe/JAARS in 1977, the year of their son Luke’s birth. Their first assignment was with the Helio program in Limoncocha, Ecuador from 1979-1982. In their next assignment he flew Helios for Lutheran Bible Translators in Liberia from 1983-1986. During furlough in 1986 Roger completed his Airline Transport Rating. They moved to Colombia to serve in theDC-3 and Helio programs in Bogota and Lomalinda from 1987-1991. After a short return to Colombia in 1993, the family moved back to NC where Roger served in the Aviation department and in Recruiting. Roger fondly remembered many people from each country in which he served. He flew translators and their supplies to and from remote villages, flew medical emergency flights and delivered newly translated Bibles to indigenous communities. He also enjoyed flying RC (remote-control) airplanes throughout his life and shared his love of RC flying with many people.

In all, Roger and Regina served JAARS/Wycliffe with dedication and excellence for 35 years until Roger’s retirement after his diagnosis with FTD (Frontotemporal dementia). They have always been grateful for the numerous supporters who faithfully uplifted their ministry with prayer and financial support throughout the years.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife Regina Baughman Krenzin of 55 years, siblings Ron Krenzin and Ruth Baughman; daughter Linnea Robinson, son Lucas Krenzin, and 6 grandchildren: Elijah, Esther, Eden, Isaac, Peregrine, and Phoenix.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to JAARS Aviation Training-Simulator needs.

Please make checks out to JAARS and write on the memo line “Aviation Training-Simulator.”

You can also give on the JAARS Website: jaars.org (select Give, Air Operations, Amount, In honor of Roger Krenzin; then at the very end under: “Your Message to the Recipient” put “Aviation Training-Simulator”)