Reagan Pastor Michael Wenning Dies

Reverend Michael Wenning, Ronald Reagan's pastor, has died of leukemia and kidney failure in Mission Viejo, California.

Pastor Wenning, 75, and his wife, Freda Wenning, became close friends and confidantes of the Reagan family while pastoring the Bel Air Presbyterian Church, where Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan worshipped God and were strengthened through fellowship with other Christian believers.

Michael Wenning attracted global attention in 2004 when he officiated the funeral of former California Governor and U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Simi Valley. Reagan had personally asked Reverend Michael Wenning to oversee the services well in advance.

Around the world, the image of Pastor Wenning holding a devasted, crying Nancy Reagan became an iconic symbol of America's grief and mourning for the beloved governor, president and world leader from California.

"Everyone wanted to put their arms around Nancy, and here was a man holding her on behalf of the nation and just comforting her. He was like that. He was very comforting.  That sort of captures who he was," said Freda Wenning, the pastor's wife of 54 years.

Michael and Freda Wenning, white African-Americans from Cape Town, South Africa, married in 1957 and became Christian advocates for social issues amidst Apartheid.

The Wennings incorporated African ministers of all races and were the first in South Africa to welcome a woman into the Presbyterian Church as an ordained minister.

In the 1980s, the African immigrants became Californians, making their way to the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Hills. In 1995, Michael Wenning became the pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, where the Wennings formed the bonds of friendship with the Reagans.

Freda Wenning remembers her husband's loyalty to the Reagans and the tremendous trust they placed in their church pastor.

"Everybody wanted to interview him on national television, but he refused. He didn't want to divulge any of the family's private matters. That's how he honored that friendship with them."

The pastor's wife expresses gratitude to God for the adventurous California life she shared with her husband, the man with whom she shared world travels, including numerous trips to the Holy Land of Israel.

"Our lives have been so full, and so fulfilling. I could not have asked for anything better. Just to be along side him for these 54 years has been my greatest gift from God. He just was an inspiration to me all of our married lives."

Michael Wenning is survived by Freda, their two daughters, four grandkids, countless friends and billions around the world who became acquainted with the man as a California hero who, on worldwide television, raised up our First Lady during the most devastating moment of her life.