Daniel Wandersleben, 88, of Cleveland, went to peaceful sleep surrounded by family at home on May 24, 2012.

He was born Jan. 1, 1924, at home near the shores of Lake Colico in the Province of Cautin, Chile, South America. His schooling began in Pitrufquen and culminated as Daniel graduated from the Universidad Adventista the Chile with a major in Theology in 1946.

On Dec. 15, he married his sweetheart of two years, Nelia Soto Valencia. He accepted a call to serve as a teacher at the Universidad Adventista de Bolivia in Carcajes and served for two years. He then served as director of Colporteurs in Cochabamba for one year.

In 1949, the Universidad Adventista de Bolivia was relocated to Vinto and he helped to build the physical facilities and also served as a teacher there for two years. After the five years in Bolivia, he entered the ministry and served as pastor in Ecuador — three years in Quito, three years in Manta, and one year in Ambato.

He relocated with his wife and three children in 1959 to the United States, enrolled at Andrews University and graduated in 1963 with a bachelor of arts degree in theology. He accepted a call to serve as pastor for the Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Aventists serving in Gary, Valparaiso, Logansport, Rochester, Plymouth, Seymour, Scottsburg, Madison, Kendallville, Angola, Wolcottville, South Bend and Indianapolis.

His official total 35 ½ years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination ended with retirement and a move to Cleveland in 1985. He was a member of the Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church and served in various lay capacities.

His devotion and faith in God was evidenced in his love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and appreciated all things beautiful. He loved the outdoors and had a sincere passion for the joy of living. His sensitivity and compassion was demonstrated in his devoted service and love for his fellow man. He was a faithful friend and will be missed by all who were touched by him.

Those left to cherish his memory ar: his wife of 65 years, Nelia Soto Valencia Wandersleben; daughter, Nancy Lockwitz and husband, Dr. Bruce Lockwitz; grandson, Patrick Lockwitz and wife, Jamie; great-grandchildren: Hailey and Ethan; grandaughte,r Susan Neese and husband, Adam Neese; grandaughter, Lynnette Lockwitz-Raypole and husband, Travis Raypole; grandson, Michael Lockwitz; son, Elton Wandersleben; daughter, Joyce Salyers and husband Fred Salyers; grandson, Daniel Salyers and wife, Marinda; and grandaughters: Kate Salyers and Claire Salyers.

He was the youngest and last survivor of 10 children. There is a large extended family in South America, North America and various parts of this world who also share in his loss and cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life service for Daniel Wandersleben, officiated by Companion Funeral Home, will be held at Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church on June 3. Family visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the service from 11 a.m. to noon.

It was his wish that in lieu of flowers, any donations in his memory be made for education to the Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist School.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Daniel and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page at www.companionfunerals.com

Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Cleveland was honored to assist the Wandersleben family with these arrangements.