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Lazarus Project

An expanded obituary project of MennObits.  Includes additional information of obituaries appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers.  
Source of individual obituaries given with each record.  Project managed by Thelma Martin.

 2005 - G


Garber, Jane;   Gingerich, Aldine “Bill,”; Gingerich, Jacob W.;   Gingerich, Jeremiah Joseph “Jerry,”;   Gochenaur, Verna Irene;   Godshalk, Elsie W.;   Good, Ruth H.;   Graber, Lawrence Ed;   Graham, Verna May;   Greenwalt, Naomi Fogelsonger;   Grieser, Ivan R.;  Groff, Arthur K.;  Groff, Fern Louine Shetter;  Groff, Grace E. Hess;   Groff, Lillian H.;   Grosz, Rhoda M.;   Guntz , John B. Jr.;   Guth, Merle D.;  


Garber, Jane
, 56, of 15586 CR 36, Goshen, IN died November 10, 2005 at Goshen, Indiana of cancer.  She was born June 9, 1949 at Goshen, Indiana to Paul & Grace (Martin) Slabaugh.  On August 7, 1976, as Jane Slabaugh, she was married to Jerry Garber, who survives.

Surviving are her mother and children, Joshua (Alisha) Garber, Phoenix AZ and Jordan at home.

Also surviving are siblings, Steve (Alice) Slabaugh, Phil (Rosalind) Slabaugh, and Don (Ruth) Slabaugh.

The funeral was held November 14, 2005 at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with burial in Rock Run Cemetery, Goshen, Indiana.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Karen Troyer@Clinton Frame Mennonite Church
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Gingerich, Aldine “Bill,”
89, of Kalona, IA, died August, 21 2005 at Kalona, IA.  He was born December 13, 1915 near Parnell, IA to Christian & Mary (Zehr) Gingerich.

He was married to Wilma Bender on June 20, 1937.  She is deceased.

Surviving Children: Lucy Hostetler and husband Sanford; Linda Miller and husband Dale; Leland Gingerich and wife Julie; Frances Nafziger and husband Gary;
Twila Miller and husband Edward; Brenda Stauffer and husband Ardell; 22 Grandchildren, and 32 Great Granchildren.

Surviving Siblings: Jeremiah Gingerich; half sister Ruth Miller

Deceased Siblings: Luella Blosser; Leroy Gingerich

Funeral services were held at West Union Mennonite Church on August 21, 2005 with burial in West Union Mennonite Cemetery, Wellman, IA.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by Theresa Blossom
Edited by Thelma Hoover Martin




Gingerich, Jacob W.
, 79, of Arthur, formerly of Arcola, passed away at 12:35 p.m. Sunday; July 3, 2005 at his residence in Arthur.
Celebration of life services were held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday July 6, 2005 at the Sunnyside Mennonite Church in rural Arcola. Rev. Noah Helmuth, Rev. Bill Boaz, Rev. Bill Miller and Rev. Jeremy Ear1e participated.
Visitation was held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sunnyside Mennonite Church. A private graveside committal service was held Thursday, July 7, 2005 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon.
Mr. Gingerich was born June 12, 1926 in Wolford, ND, a son of John C. and Leah (Wagler) Gingerich. He married Ruth Bennett on March 13, 1948 in Charleston. She survives.
Other survivors include one son, Crandall J. Gingerich and wife Kim of Arthur; six daughters, Renie Johnson and husband Clif of Arthur; Terri Slaughter and husband Jim of Arcola; Debbie Anderson and husband Bill of Woodstock, Ga.; Gerie Dunagan and husband Darryl of Arcola; Theresa Budwig of Aviano, Italy; and Stella Stafford and husband Scott of Charleston; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John C. Gingerich and wife Annie of Bloomfield, Ia.; and Abe L. Gingerich and wife Sarah of Arcola; two sisters; Anna Mae Gingerich of Arthur and Fannie Marie Hochstedler and husband Henry of Bloomfield, Ia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, and four sisters.
Mr. Gingerich was an Army Air Corps veteran of WW II, where he served as a staff sergeant. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7862 of Arcola.
Mr. Gingerich retired from Quantum Chemical Corp. of Tuscola in 1990, after 35 years of service. Prior to that he had worked for the Illinois Central Rail Road for four years.
After his retirement he worked as a security guard for Master Brand Cabinets in Arthur for a few years. He was also a carpenter and a shade tree mechanic.
Mr. Gingerich enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.
The Regional [Arthur, IL area]  July 8, 2005
Submitted by: Lizzie Ann Kauffman, Arcola, IL



Gingerich, Jeremiah Joseph “Jerry,”
94, of Bruneau, Elmore Co., Idaho died September 2, 2005 at Bruneau, Idaho of a stroke.  He was born April 23, 1911 at Parnel, Iowa to Christian & Mary (Zehr) Gingerich.  His mother was born May 18, 1881 and died April 29, 1918. 

He was married May 2, 1937 to Letha Slatter, who survives.

Surviving are children: Kermit & Clydene Gingerich, Verlin & Ella Gingerich, Mary Beth & Loren King, Donell & Frances Gingerich, Dolores & Ervin Brubaker, and  Rudy & Colleen Gingerich; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. 

A sister, Ruth (Max) Miller survives.  Three siblings are deceased: Aldine Gingerich, Leroy Gingerich, and Louella Blosser.
 
The funeral was held September 9, 2005 at the American Legion Hall in Bruneau, Idaho, with burial in Owyhee County Cemetery, Bruneau, Idaho.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Kerm Gingerich & Rudy Gingerich
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Gochenaur, Verna Irene
, 89, of Lancaster, PA died August 16, 2005 of an abdominal aneurysm.  She was born June 23, 1916 at Millersville, Lancaster Co., PA to Christian & Ada (Murry) Thomas.  Ada Thomas was born July 11, 1886 and died January 11, 1948.

On October 5, 1938 Verna was married to Robert H. Gochenaur Sr., who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Alma Shultz - Harold B Shultz, Robert Gochenaur Jr.- Naomi Eberly,
Betty Rohrer - Keith Rohrer, 11 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

Surviving Siblings: Helen Harnish - Lloyd K. Harnish and Mary Kilheffer - John Kilheffer.

Predeceased by siblings, Murry Thomas - Laverne Kopp and Clayton Thomas.

The funeral was held August 19, 2005 at New Providence Mennonite Church, New Providence, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Bob/Naomi Gochenaur, Willow Street, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Godshalk, Elsie W
., 81, of Chalfont, PA died October 8, 2005.  She was born November 25, 1923 to J. Paul & Barbara (Wismer) Rush.  On November 3, 1951 she was married to Paul H. Godshalk, who survives.

Surviving are children, Donna Barndt & husband, Steven of Souderton, PA; Judith Martin-Godshalk & husband, Philip of Mishawaka, Indiana; and  Lorne "Lory" Blank & husband,
Steven of Souderton, PA, and seven grandchildren.

Also surviving are siblings Elwood Rush & wife, Shirley, of Blooming Glen, PA; J.Nelson Rush & wife, Bertha, of Hatfield, PA; and Adeline “Addie” Gehman & husband, Robert, of Steinsburg PA.

Predeceased by siblings: Wilmer Rush, Howard Rush, and Mary Emma “Molly” Overholt.

The funeral was held October 11, 2005 at Deep Run Mennonite Church East, Perkasie, Bucks Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Lois Ann Wismer, Perkasie, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

 


Good, Ruth H.
89, of Lititz, PA died March 10, 2005 at Landis Homes, Lititz, PA
She was born in Earl Twp. Lancaster Co., PA to David H. Weaver and Cora (Heller) Weaver.

She was a member of the Hammer Creek Mennonite Church. Lititz, Pa Surviving are 7 Sons, Carl L and Lois Zimmerman Good of Lancaster, PA; Merle and Phyllis Pellman Good of Lancaster, PA;  Luke W. and Marian Byler Good of Lancaster, PA; Leon W. and Elaine Wenger Good of Lititz, PA; Howard D. and Gloria Shenk Good of Litiz, PA; Nelson W. and Betty L. Wenger Good of Washington,D.C., Linford w. and Teresa Enck Good of Milton, PA; 2 , 21 grandchildren, 9 greatgrandchildren; 2 Brothers, Raymond H. and Mabel Sauder Weaver of New Holland, PA; Martin H. and Vera Buchen Weaver of New Holland, PA; 2 Sisters, Etta H. and Jacob H. Musser of New Holland, PA; Susie H. and Charles E. Good of Lititz, PA She was preceded in death by Husband and brother Victor F. Weaver.
Funeral Services was March 14, 2005 at the Hammer Creek Mennonite Church  with Rev. Fred Haller , Rev. Donald Good, Rev. Samuel S. Burkholder and Rev. Linford
Weaver officiating.Interment was in the Hammer Creek Mennonite Cemetery, Lititz, PA.

Source: Obiturary files of Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata
Submitted by: LEON HERTZLER, Newport, NH



Graber, Lawrence Ed
, 90, of Pretty Prairie, Kansas died November 24, 2005 at Hutchinson, Kansas.  He was born December 8, 1914 at Pretty Prairie, Kansas to Peter & Anna (Schwartz) Graber.  Anna was born 2/18/1876 and died 7/17/1933.

On November 23, 1941 he was married to Elsie Juhnke, who survives.

Surviving are children: Mike and Barbara Ann McGowan; Kenneth and Bernice Jo Rutz;  Myron and Donna Graber; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by siblings: Ben, John, Jacob, Lizzie Flickner, Anna Kaufman, Emma Krehbiel, Tillie Morris, Lena Krehbiel, and twin sister Florence Flickner.


The funeral was held November 26, 2005 at First Mennonite Church of Pretty Prairie, Pretty Prairie, Kansas with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Lester Zook, Pretty Prairie, Kansas
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Graham, Verna May
, 76, of Gordonville, PA died December 23, 2005 of a stroke.  She was born to Warren & Barbara (Groff) Graham. 

Surviving are siblings, Norman and Jean Graham.  She was predeceased by siblings: Clair and Dottie Graham.

The funeral was held December 27, 2005 at Kinzer Mennonite Church, Kinzers, PA.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Greenwalt, Naomi Fogelsonger
, 91, of Grandville, Michigan died December 29, 2005  at Grand Rapids, MI.  She was born January 6, 1914 at New Paris, IN to Harvey & Ruth (Whitehead) Milton.  On June 7, 1958 she was married to Leon Greenwalt, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Janet (and William) Idema (Wyoming, MI); Allan (and Diane) Fisher (Rockford, MI);  3grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Predeceased by a sister, June Croop (died June 1, 1999).

The funeral was held December 31, 2005 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen IN  with burial in Violett Cemetary Goshen, IN.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Jason Kauffman Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Grieser,
Ivan R.
 

Ivan R. Grieser
(1916 - 2005)
ARCHBOLD - Ivan R. Grieser, 89, of Archbold, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 1, 2005, at the Fulton County Health Center at Wauseon. He had been failing in health for a number of years.
Born Jan. 14, 1916, near Wauseon, to Rosa (Beck) and Daniel Grieser, he married Kathryn Wyse on April 30, 1941, and she survives. They had lived in the Archbold area, most recently in Fairlawn Village.
During World War II, he served in Civilian Public Service in Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Colorado. He was a carpenter and worked at Archbold Ladder Company until retiring in the early 1980Õs. Since his retirement, he was a volunteer for Fulton County Services providing transportation for people unable to drive.
A member of he Central Mennonite Church, he had served as Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, council member, committee member and as a trustee.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Dan Grieser of San Jose, Calif. and Tim (and wife, Sue) Grieser of Archbold; three daughters, Mary (Chuck Prather) and Elizabeth (Alan Miller), both of Denver, Colo. and Anne (Brian) Rex of Perrysburg; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Marvin (Estelle) Grieser of Pettisville; and four sisters, Dorothy Grieser, Lucile Grieser, Arlene Grieser and Doris Liechty, all of Archbold.
Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant son, David; four brothers, Orland Grieser, Cletus Grieser, Chauncey Grieser and Dale Grieser; and a sister, Florence Grieser.
Visitation will be held Friday from 3-8 p.m. in the Fairlawn Chapel.
Memorial services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Fairlawn Chapel with Pastors Jeffrey Smith, Wanda Stopher and Dale Wyse to officiate. Interment will precede in the Pettisville Cemetery. Short Funeral Home in Archbold is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or the American Heart Association.                        
     [Obituary: Bryan Times, (Ohio),  3 Feb 2005]
Submitted by: Mona Mann

GROFF, Arthur K.,


Born: 12-11-1914, Strasburg Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa.  Died: 3-10-2005, Lancaster, Pa.

Husband of: Miriam H. Sample Groff, died 2003.  Son of: Late Landis Groff and Virgilia Kendig Groff Moore.

Survivors: Children: James R. (Peggy Rutt) Groff of Lancaster, Pa. and Dorothy J.  Melvin) Neff of Ronks, Pa.
Grandchildren: 5   Great-grandchildren: 10.

Preceded in death by a grandson, Kevin Lamar Groff.

He was a member of Strasburg Mennonite Church.  Services: Monday, March 14, 2005 at 1 pm at Strasburg Mennonite Church, 1514 Village Road, Strasburg, Pa. Pastor Stephen S. Weaver, officiating.  Interment in adjoining cemetery


Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, Pa., Sunday, 3-12-2005
Submitted by Peggy Reichard
d



Groff, Fern Louine Shetter
, 87, of Colorado Springs, CO died August 26, 2005 at Colorado Springs, CO of Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2002.  She was born December 23,1917 at Abilene, KS to Peter & Elizabeth Shetter.  On June 9, 1940 she was married to Robert J. Groff, who survives.

Surviving are children, Harold Groff and Carolyn Kanop, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are siblings: Lawrence Shetter and Florence Schneider.

The funeral was held August 31, 2005 at Beth-El Mennonite Church, Colorado Springs, CO,  with burial in Colorado Springs, CO.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Jeanette Martin, Colorado Springs, CO
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Groff, Grace E. (Hess)
, 81, Died January 24, 2005 Born in Conestoga Twp. Lancaster Co., PA to Amos and Mary Hess. She was married  to Melvin S. Groff. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on November 30, 2004.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening and going to market. She enjoyed crocheting, and made blankets for each grandchild.

She was a member of Masonville Mennonite Church, Washington Boro, PA

Surviving is her husband and sons: Paul H. & Janet Groff, Mountville, PA and Marlin H. &Jean Groff, Lancaster, PA; 4 grandchildren, a step granddaughter and a great grandson. Also, brothers: Walter & Dorothy Hess, Willow Street, PA; David & Betty Hess, Willow Street, PA, W. Melvin & Hazel Hess, Conestoga, PA; sisters: Ida & Louis Hostetler, Mattawana, PA, Mary Kathryn Good, Millersville, PA and Helen & Gene Crawl, Strasburg, PA. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Anna Ruth Hess and Suie Hammer.

Funeral services were held January 29, 2005 at Masonville Mennonite Church with  Rev. Robert Kanagy and Rev. J. Wilmer Eby officiating.
 
She was a member of Mennonite Church USA
Submitted & Edited by Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH
 


Groff, Lillian H.
94, of  Lancaster, PA died March 8, 2005 She was born April 20, 1910, in Providence Twp. Lancaster Co., PA to Irwin B. and Mary (Hostetter) Stauffer. She was married to Ira C. Groff, who died in 1998.

She was a member of the New Danville Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA

Survied by sons: Robert & Louella (Sangrey) Groff, Willow Street, PA, Ira & Esther (Becker) Groff, Willow Street, PA, Donald & Marian (Sangrey) Groff, Lititz, PA, Harold & Patsy (Bear) Groff, East Petersburg, PA and Richard & Carolyn (Ehst) Groff, Lancaster, PA; 14 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and 11 step great grandchildren. One great grandchild preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held March 11, 2005 at the Gundel Funeral Home, Lancaster, PA with Rev. Curtiss L. Kanagy officiating with burial at New Providence Mennonite Cemetery New Providence, PA
 
She was a member of Mennonite Church USA
Submitted & Edited by Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH
 


Grosz, Rhoda M.
, 98, of Manorcare Health Services, died Jan. 15, 2005. She was born February 6, 1906, in Middlesex, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Charles A. and Minnie Gutshall Grosz. She attended Falling Spring Reformed Mennonite Church Franklin Co., PA. She is survived by one niece, Peggy Pilgrim of Marion, Pa., and two nephews, Joseph Hoover of Chambersburg, PA and Thomas Hoover of Gainesville, Fla.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Hoover, Alma Grosz and Sara Grosz.

Service was Jan 20, 2005 at Robert G. Sellers Funeral Home in Chambersburg, PA. The Rev. Glenn Gross will officiate. Burial will be in LeTort (Kutz's) Cemetery in Carlisle, PA.

Source: The Herald-Mail    http://www.herald-mail.com
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler



Guntz , John B. Jr., 89, of Souderton, PA died October 21, 2005 at Sellersville, PA  of natural causes.  He was born July 28, 1916 at Lower Providence Twp, PA  to John & Elizabeth (Bean) Guntz, Sr.  

On May 2, 1942 he was married to Katie Freed, who survives.

Surviving are children, Wilma Hathaway (wife of Glendon Hathaway), Palmyra, MO; Dolores Hathaway (wife of Howard Hathaway) Souderton, PA; J. Lester Guntz (husband of Martha) Pennsburg, PA; Anna Kathryn Frederick (wife of Dale Frederick) Souderton, PA; Miriam Leatherman (wife of Herbert Leatherman) Ottsville, PA; Merle Guntz (husband
of Patricia) Harleysville, PA; David Guntz (husband of Beth) Souderton, PA; 15 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by siblings: Henry Guntz (husband of Erma - deceased), James Guntz (husband of Lizzie - surviving spouse), Anna Guntz, Perle Halteman (wife of Wilmer Halteman -
surviving spouse).

The funeral was held October 26, 2005 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA with burial in the Vincent Mennonite Cemetery, Spring City, PA.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Deb Guntz, Spring City, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Guth, Merle D., 73, of Washington, IL died September 24, 2005 of cancer.  He was born to Chester & Fern (Sharp) Guth.  On November 27, 1954 he was married to Hannah Hohstadt, who survives.
Surviving are children, Karen(Aaron) Beyer, Janet(Jim) Zehr, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Surviving sisters are Marilyn Quinn and Jean (Randy)Chapman.
He was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Guth Linder.
The funeral was held September 28, 2005 at Calvary Mennonite Church, Washington, IL with burial in Hillcrest Memory Garden Burial City, Morton, IL.
He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Carol
 Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



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