Rev. Ricardo Magtanong

Date of Birth

Aug 27,1946

Date of Death

Jul 10,2005

Rev. RICARDO V. MAGTANONGAge 58 of Kaneville, IL, formerly of Pampanga, Philippines, was released from his battle with cancer, to claim the promise of his Savior, Sunday, July 10, 2005 at Rush-Copley Hospital, Aurora where he had recently been a patient.BORN/ EARLY YEARSHe was born August 27, 1946 in Pulungmasle, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines. At an early age, "Ric" was wounded deeply by the tragic deaths of both his parents. In search of peace, he came to know Christ and that relationship lead him to the ministry. "Ric’s" fearless faith would later make him a figure in the battle against his country’s dictatorship. He was involved in the "Parliament of the Streets" and stood firm against the onslaught of tanks and troops to whom he held up his Bible, ready to lay down his life for his faith. EDUCATION: In pursuit of a life in ministry, "Ric" earned his bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Philippine Christian University, a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary, Philippines and a Master of Theology at Southeast Asia Graduate School. He was ordained on April 21, 1973, became and Elder, May 28, 1978, served a number of churches in Pampanga and was District Superintendent for nearly a decade in Zambales and West Pampanga. In his thirty-seven years in ministry he held many other positions in the United Methodist Conference including Conference Secretary, Council on Ministries, Youth Council, Missions, and Evangelism. He also served on the faculty of the Mt. Zion Theological Seminary for Tribal Filipinos. In 2002, he began doctoral studies at Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL and was currently Chairperson of the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministries and a member of the District Committee on Superintendency. Locally, he was also a member of the Kaneland Ministerial Association.MARRIAGE & FAMILY In his late twenties, he was united in marriage to Amelita Dagdag and they were blessed with three children. Then in 1986, Amelita was stricken with cancer and again, grief walked in. The following year, however, life would begin anew as he was united in marriage to Jewel M. Antonio, a Deaconess in their local church. They continued to make their home in Guagua where they were appointed to a church in Pulungmasle, and in 1990, Jewel and "Ric" were blessed with a daughter, Rachagne "Shane". MINISTRY / Life NotesThe ensuing years would see "Pastor Ric" become superintendent of the United Methodist District in in Zambales and Pampanga where he served in that capacity for nine years. During those years, tragedy struck his community when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. Eleven of the twenty three churches in his district were wiped out. This young pastor, so personally acquainted with grief, understood both the sorrow of his people their need to restore their places of worship. "Ric’s " zeal for this call to rebuild made him a forthright and outspoken leader and many churches were built with his guidance. In 2000, with the encouragement of his good friend, the Rev. Noah Panlilio, they brought their family to the U.S. and came to make their home in Kaneville, IL. To the residents of this quiet country farming community, "Pastor Ric" became a familiar and welcome figure about town. Few would have guessed either the triumphs or tragedies of his life, for he quietly, came, served and loved in a way that simply captured the heart of the community. Though his life took him half a world away from his native home, his voice continued to win hearts and souls in the Philippines. On the first Sunday of every month he would preach on the Methodist Hour via phone to radio station GVAM 792khz, Philippines. He also continued his mission work for the Aetas, a native minority in Pampanga. "Ric" always loved to fish, and in could often be found at nearby Shabbona Lake. Occasional trips took him to two of his favorite spots, Moline, IL and New London, WI. These places, among others, reminded him of home and afternoons when there was once time to spend sleeping near the water beneath a Mango tree. Those times brought solace and solitude to this "fisher of men" who perhaps loved the sport of real fishing, almost as much as the ministry itself. He also enjoyed Golfing and tried to teach it to his teenage daughter, Shane. Though she confessed to mostly enjoying the chance to drive her father’s golf cart, the best thing about golfing with dad was just being alone with him! Above all, "Pastor Ric" enjoyed the beauty and majesty of the mountains. As much as he was a devoted husband, loving father and zealous leader, "Ric" was also a solitary man who had learned the art of walking and talking with his Lord in the wilderness. SURVIVORS In addition to his wife Jewel, of Kaneville, ILHe is survived by four children:Richiemel "Richie" (Pamela) Magtanong of Daly City, CARameses "Ram" Magtanong of Aurora, ILRoma Rose "Roma" (Lorenzo) Abrajano of Manila, PhilippinesRachagne "Shane" Magtanong of Kaneville.Seven siblings:Medardo, Milagros, Eleonor, Samuel, Elizabeth, Arthemio and Aurelio Jr., all of the Philippines.Two grandchildren:Reinnel Ram Magtanong andRizen Zoella AbrajanoMany nieces and nephews and a world-wide family of friends. PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his parents, Aurelio and Melania (Valencia) Magtanong and his first wife, Amelita Dagdag.MEMORIAL A memorial fund in his name has been established to benefit his family and ministry. Checks may be made to the Rev. Ricardo Magtanong Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Personal tributes and memories may also to the same address or forwarded to the family through www.conleycare.com. For information call Conley Funeral Home at 1-800-8-CONLEY (630) 365-6414.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held at the Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St. Road, Kaneville, IL from 3pm Tuesday through an all night vigil until Wednesday morning at 10am.A prayer service will be held at 7pm Tuesday evening. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30am. The Rev. Danita Anderson-Wilkins, Aurora District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church and the Rev. Noah Panlilio pastor of the United Methodist Church of Sandwich will officiate.

Rev. Magtanong will be laid to rest in his native Phillipines at the Eternal Peace Memorial Park, SanFernando, Pampanga, Philippines.

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