Elder Dieter Wolf Bergstrasser, 79, passed into eternal life on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at Carrington of Shafter due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Dieter is survived by his wife of 56-1/2 years, Linda (Keeling) Bergstrasser; daughter, Barbara (Bergstrasser) Parcel; grandson, Zachary Jones and wife Wendie, and great granddaughter, Jaisyn; granddaughter, Christa Parcel; daughter-in-law, Tamera Bergstrasser; grandson, Martin Bergstrasser and wife Christina; great grandchildren, Nathaniel and Adira; grandson, Lawrence Bergstrasser; sister, Gisela Siedler; sister, Eleonore Dosier; and sister, Ursula Wittren and husband Ron; and many close relatives and friends. Dieter is predeceased by his parents Ernst and Emma Bergstrasser; brother, Erich Bergstrasser; son, Mark Bergstrasser; and grandson, Sean Bergstrasser. Dieter was born in Kirchheimbolanden, Germany on November 21, 1938. He and his immediate family immigrated to the United States from Germany on February 5, 1954. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in Walla Walla, Washington, on May 27, 1957. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 14, 1958. He served our country until February 1962. While in the Air Force, he served as an Airman First Class in the Strategic Air Command. He met the love of his life, Linda Keeling, in September 1961. They later married April 7, 1962, after a whirlwind romance of seven months. After brief employment at Bakersfield Pacific Southern Foundry, they moved to Lancaster and was employed by North American Rockwell as an Aircraft Electronics Technician Leadman. He later transferred to their facility at the Los Angeles International airport. He left their employment in November 1971. Dieter felt the calling of the Lord to preach God’s word, and he entered the California Missionary Baptist Institute in Bellflower in September of 1968. He obtained a Bachelors Degree in Theology, Master of Theology Degree, and a Doctorate of Theology Degree. His first pastorate was at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Lynwood while he was attending the seminary. In November 1971, he accepted the pastorate of Central Missionary Baptist Church of Wasco, serving as their pastor for 37 years. During that ministry, he was the principal of Central Missionary Baptist School for 13 years. After retirement, he continued God’s work as a missionary for the California Department of Corrections preaching and teaching inmates at Avenal, Corcoran, Kern Valley, North Kern, and Wasco facilities for several years until his failing health with Alzheimer’s forced him to retire completely from publicly spreading God’s word. Dieter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was dedicated to the teaching and preaching of God’s word in every aspect. He enjoyed spending time with his family and dogs. His grandchildren gave him great pleasure, and he loved doing everything he could for them. Especially the latest addition, Jaisyn, who continuously entertained him and brought him great joy. He was a great supporter of veterans and children in various ministries. His ultimate goal has always been to hear from our Lord, “Well done though good and faithful servant.” He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him as Opa. A celebration of life service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29 at the Shafter Missionary Baptist Church, 202 Golden West Avenue in Shafter, California. Pastor Robb Gonzales will officiate. Dieter was respected, admired, and loved by his family and friends. One of his favorite verses which he iterated many, many times as well as lived is Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He was one of a kind and we will all miss him so very, very much. Our hope is in God; therefore, we know we will all be together again one day in Heaven. What a glad reunion day that will be!!