Gospel Herald Obituaries - July, 1984

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Gospel Herald - Volume 77, Number 27 - July 3, 1984, page 478.

Bechtold.- Ursula B., daughter of John B. and Mamie (Burkhart) Myer, was born in Coleraine Twp., Pa., Aug. 7, 1904; died at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., May 27, 1984; aged 79 y. On June 12, 1921, she was married to John S. Bechtold, who died on June 17, 1961. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Ruth Mae and Naomi Doris), one son (Jay Mark), 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Barbara Bayshore), and one brother (Amos Myer). She was a member of Blossom Hill Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 30, in charge of Chester Wenger, Mamo Dula, Earl Wert, and J. Nelson Bechtold; interment in New Danville Mennonite Cemetery.

Bender.- Berdella Idell, daughter of Edward and Alma (Stauffer) Hershberger, was born at Milford, Neb., Nov. 26, 1918; died in an automobile accident near Hesston, Kan., May 23, 1984; aged 65 y. On Feb. 8, 1942, she was married to Tobias Bender, who died in the same automobile accident. Surviving are 4 children (Morris, Marcus, Marlin, and Mary Jane). She was a member of Hesston Inter-Mennonite Fellowship, where funeral services were held on May 27, in charge of Waldo E. Miller; interment in East Lawn Cemetery.

Bender.- Tobias, son of Emory and Sylvia (Yoder) Bender, was born at Thomas, Okla., Aug. 13, 1912; died in an automobile accident near Hesston, Kan., May 23, 1984; aged 71 y. On Feb. 8, 1942, he was married to Berdella Idell Hershberger, who died in the same automobile accident. Surviving are 4 children (Morris, Marcus, Marlin, and Mary Jane). He was a member of Hesston Inter-Mennonite Fellowship, where funeral services were held on May 27, in charge of Waldo E. Miller; interment in East Lawn Cemetery.

Haas.- Deborah Lynn, daughter of Melvin Ray and Rose (Orendorff) Shank, was born at Manheim, Pa., Apr. 20, 1956; died at Indiana, Pa., June 4, 1984; aged 28 y. On July 26, 1975, she was married to John Craig Haas, who survives. Also surviving are her parents. She was a member of Lombard Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Manheim Mennonite Church on June 8, in charge of Emma Richards and Phil Bedsworth; interment in Conestoga Memorial, Lancaster, Pa.

Mack.- Jesse M., son of Jesse H. and Mary (Mensch) Mack, was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., May 2, 1904; died at Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa., June 2, 1984; aged 80 y. On June 7, 1924, he was married to Sarah Detweiler, who died on Aug. 23, 1974. Surviving are 3 daughters (Naomi D. Mack, Eunice M.-Mrs. Paul S. Hollinger, and Esther D.-Mrs. Arthur H. King), 6 sons (Abram D., Joseph P., John H., Norman D., Jesse E., and Daniel D.), 31 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one infant daughter (Mary). He was ordained to the ministry on Jan. 29, 1935, to serve the Providence Mennonite Church where he was a member. Funeral services were held at Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, June 4, and at Providence Mennonite Church, June 5, in charge of Norman G. Kolb, Paul J. Glanzer, and Walter Hunsberger; interment in Providence Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Mishler.- Harley F., son of Ed and Mary (Miller) Mishler, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., June 17, 1900; died at Americana Healthcare Center, Kokomo, Ind., May 13, 1984; aged 83 y. On Aug. 29, 1926, he was married to Ruth Miller, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Selina June Stutzman), one son (Glen Mishler), 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Fern Hershberger and Mildred Kauffman). He was preceded in death by one brother and 2 sisters. He was a member of Howard-Miami Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 16, in charge of Lee Miller, Elam Glick, and Keith Miller; interment in Mast Cemetery.

Short.- Rosa E., daughter of Amos and Mary (Short) Wyse, was born at Archbold, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1900; died of a cerebral hemorrhage at Fairlawn Haven Rest Home, Archbold, Ohio, June 7, 1984; aged 83 y. On Oct. 30, 1917, she was married to Jesse Short, who died on May 20, 1962. In 1963 she was married to Seth Short, who died on Jan. 8, 1973. Surviving are 2 sons (Robert and Charles Reynolds), one daughter (Mary Louise-Mrs. Everett Nafziger), 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, one stepdaughter, 3 stepsons, 11 step-grandchildren, and 10 step-great-grandchildren. She was a member of Central Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 10, in charge of Randall K. Nafziger, Dale Wyse, and Jim Bartholomew; interment in Pettisville Cemetery,

Showalter.- Anna, daughter of Robert T. and Jicie (Forrest) Holloway, was born in York Co., Va., Dec. 22, 1892; died at Menno-Haven Nursing Home, Chambersburg, Pa., June 8, 1984; aged 91 y. On Dec. 26, 1913, she was married to George Franklin Brunk, who died on Apr. 20, 1963. On Feb. 26, 1968, she was married to Martin W. Showalter, who died on Mar. 4, 1976. Surviving are one son (Harold R. Brunk), 3 daughters (Mrs. Marie Hodel, Mrs. Irma Ogburn, and Mrs. Emily Mast), 3 stepsons (Laban, Clarence, and Elmer Showalter), one stepdaughter (Mrs. Iva Grove), 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Robert and Hugh Holloway), and one sister (Emily Holloway). She was a member of Bayshore Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Peters Funeral Home, Gettysburg, Pa., June 10, in charge of Dennis R. Kuhns; interment in Manasota Memorial Park, Oneca, Fla.

Somers.- Mary Jane, daughter of Roy and Irene (Ackerman) Baer, was horn at Elkton, Mich., Apr. 1, 1920; died of a cardiacrespiratory arrest at Toledo, Ohio, May 25, 1984; aged 64 y. On Sept. 30, 1945, she was married to Donald Somers, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Judy Farison), one son (David Somers), her mother, 2 grandchildren, and one half sister (Mrs. Lucille Tressler). She was a member of Tedrow Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 28, in charge of Randall K. Nafziger; interment in Tedrow Cemetery.

Yoder.- Joseph A., son of Aaron D. and Mary Esch (Hartzler) Yoder, was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 5, 1898; died at Green Hills Center, West Liberty, Ohio, June 11, 1984; aged 86 y. Surviving is one sister (Bertha Yoder). He was preceded in death by 3 sisters (Nora Owen, Alta Cushman, and Idabel Yoder). He was a member of Oak Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 13, in charge of David L. Gehman; interment in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 77, Number 28 -July 10, 1984, page 494.

Baer.- Leah, daughter of Ephraim and Lovina (Nahrgang) Baer, was born in Haysville, Ont.; died of a heart attack on May 13, 1984; aged 77 y. Surviving are 2 brothers (Allan and Martin Baer), and 4 sisters (Mrs. Vinetta Shipley, Martha Baer, Mrs. Mary Monkman, and Mrs. Viola McKenzie). She was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 3 sisters. She was a member of Wilmot Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 16, in charge of Will Stoltz; interment in the Nith Valley cemetery.

Bender.- Loretta E., daughter of Artemus and Ella Mae (Eash) Yoder, was born in Iowa Co., Iowa, Dec. 11, 1914; died at Oaknoll Retirement Residence Infirmary, Iowa City, June 9, 1984; aged 69 y. On Oct. 15, 1935, she was married to Lloyd E. Bender, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Lloyd, Jr., Larry, and Robert), her mother, 6 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Arnold and Glen Yoder), and one sister (Madena-Mrs. Eldon Schlabaugh). She was a member of West Union Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 12, in charge of Merv Birky; interment in West Union Cemetery.

Bishop.- Florence, daughter of James and Katie (Kindig) Miller, was born at Silverdale, Pa., Sept. 18, 1892; died at Souderton, Pa., June 9, 1984; aged 91 y. She was married to Clayton A. Bishop, who died on Nov. 18, 1957. Surviving are one daughter (Helen-Mrs. Norman Steinly), 2 sons (C. Kenneth and Richard M.), 13 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She was a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 12, in charge of Mark M. Derstine; interment in Blooming Glen Mennonite Cemetery.

Essick.- Forrest W., son of Arthur and Mary (Weiser) Essick, was born in Pottstown, Pa., Nov. 13, 1926; died at Pottstown, Pa., May 30, 1984; aged 57 y. On June 4, 1949, he was married to Ruth Kolb, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Lyle and Jacob), 2 daughters (Sharon-Mrs. Glenn Bechtel and Mary), 3 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Dorothy Faith-Mrs. Warren Shoemaker and Ruth Virginia-Mrs. Ray Buckwalter). He was a member of the Pottstown Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Vincent Mennonite Church on June 3, in charge of Winfield M. Ruth and Elmer G. Kolb; interment in Coventryville Methodist Cemetery.

Fetrow.- Paul C., son of W. Grant and Jennie (Smith) Fetrow, was born at Mechanicsburg, Pa., Apr. 4, 1901; died at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa., June 13, 1984; aged 83 y. On June 12, 1936, he was married to Grace Strong, who survives. Also surviving is one sister (Mrs. Miriam Blessley). He was a member of Slate Hill Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 16, in charge of Samuel J. Troyer, Paul Nisly, and Lloyd Horst; interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Glick.- Jonathan D., son of Alphie S. and Bertha (Kauffman) Glick, was born on Apr. 8, 1925; died of a heart attack at Mont-Laurier, Quebec, June 7, 1984; aged 59 y. He was married to Thelma B. Yoder, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Jane Freed and Darlis Hartzler), 2 sons (Donald J. and Edwin F. Glick), 4 brothers (J. Norman, Paul, Jeff A., and Frank G.), 4 sisters (Verna Morris, Priscilla Yoder, Bessie Peachey, and Sara Ann Yoder), and 5 grandchildren. He was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held, in charge of Leroy Umble and Erie Renno; interment in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Hartzler.- Floyd A., son of Joseph and Emma (Schertz) Hartzler, was born in Waldo Twp., __, Nov. 16, 1917; died at Pontiac, Ill., June 4, 1984; aged 66 y. On Nov. 25, 1943, he was married to Oleta M. Sharp, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Rodney), one daughter (Judy Gaffron), 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Alta Litwiller and Ruth Ann Schertz), and one brother (Paul W. Hartzler). He was a member of Waldo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 6, in charge of Lester Zook and Jack Stalter; interment in Waldo Cemetery.

Miller.- Danny Ray, son of Willis and Eleanor (Warner) Miller, was born at Ft. Wayne, Ind., Feb. 7, 1956; died as a result of a motorcycle accident at Ft. Wayne, Ind., May 24, 1984; aged 28 y. Surviving are one daughter (Tricia), his parents, one brother (Gary), and one sister (Gloria Smith). He was a member of North Leo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 26, in charge of Ken Bontreger and Stan Shantz; interment in Leo Memorial Cemetery.

Mishler.- Robert Alonzo, son of Mose and Katie (Yoder) Mishler, was born at Kalona, Iowa, Jan. 18, 1911; died of cancer at Kalona, Iowa, June 15, 1984; aged 73 y. On Aug. 17, 1941, he was married to Dorothy Miller, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Grant, Stephen, and Fred), 2 daughters (Patricia-Mrs. Michael Patty and Nancy-Mrs. Steven Harrison), 7 grandchildren, one great-grandson, one sister (Sylvia-Mrs. Leo Yoder), his stepmother (Mrs. Ella Miller), and 2 stepsisters (Irene-Mrs. Floyd Yoder and Ethel-Mrs. Vernell Handrich). He was preceded in death by one brother (Jake), 2 sisters (Mary-Mrs. Ernest Swartzendruber and Ida-Mrs. George Keim), and one stepsister (Esther-Mrs. Truman Zook). He was a member of Wellman Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 18, in charge of Ron Kennel; interment in Wellman Mennonite Cemetery.

Saltzman.- Fern Grace, daughter of John P. and Mary (Stauffer) Roth, was born at Milford, Neb., May 28, 1921; died of heart failure at her home in Milford, Neb., June 16, 1984; aged 63 y. On Sept. 21, 1947, she was married to Orville Glen Saltzman, who survives. Also surviving are 7 daughters (Aldora Loepp, Glada Stutzman, Hope Stutzman, Mary Stutzman, Velda Novatny, Joan Mayer, and Joy Ahrens), 6 sons (John, Fred, Victor, Ted, Troy, and Steve), 16 grandchildren, one sister (Phoebe Yoder), and 4 brothers (Chris, Harry, John, and Stanley Roth). She was preceded in death by 2 sons (Donald and Robert). She was a member of East Fairview Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 19, in charge of Cloy Roth and Lloyd Gingerich; interment in East Fairview Cemetery.

Webb.- James, son of John and Erene Banyasz, was born in Czechoslovakia on Oct. 24, 1935; died at Humboldt Hospital on Mar. 28, 1984; aged 48 y. On May 3, 1968, he was married to Jocelyne Therese Gagna, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Allan James and John Raymond), and one brother (John). He was a member of the Sharon Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held in charge of William Bast.

Yoder.- Fanny, daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Schlatter) Yoder, was born in Allen Co., Ind., Aug. 12, 1895; died at Dekalb Memorial Hospital, Auburn, Ind., June 1, 1984; aged 88 y. She was a member of North Leo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 4, in charge of Stan Shantz and Ken Bontreger; interment in Leo Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 77, Number 29 -July 17, 1984, page 510.

Bochmann.- Lauretta, daughter of Allen and Lizzie (Kulp) Walter, was born in Line Lexington, Pa., July 29, 1920; died of cancer at her home in Perkiomenville, Pa., June 4, 1984; aged 63 y. On Sept. 5, 1981, she was married to Gerhard Bochmann, who survives. Also surviving are 3 brothers (Carroll K., W. Henry, and Theodore). She was a member of Line Lexington Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 8, in charge of Richard Moyer, Abram Metz, and Barry Loop; interment in Line Lexington Mennonite Cemetery.

Frey.- J. Melvin, son ol Norman and Esther (Secrest) Frey, was born at Chambersburg, Pa., Nov. 11, 1922; died of a heart attack at Sunbury Hospital, Sunbury, Pa., June 22, 1984; aged 61 y. On Jan. 1, 1942, he was married to Ida Shank, who survives. Also surviving are 2 children (Don E. and Dona), 3 brothers (Merle, Elwood, and Kenneth), and 2 sisters (Margret Cordell and Erma Weber). He was a member of Richfield Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Cedar Grove Mennonite Church on June 24, in charge of Jerry O'Connell and Nelson L. Martin; interment in Cedar Grove Mennonite Cemetery.

Gantz.- John H., son of Leander and Tillie (Hoffman) Gantz, was born in Mt. Joy Twp., Pa., Mar. 6, 1895; died at Leader Nursing Center, Elizabethtown, Pa., June 19, 1984; aged 89 y. He was married to Alice Brubaker, who died in 1976. Surviving are 5 children (J. Marlin, Wilbur, Arthur, Ellen-Mrs. Richard Espenshade, and Verna-Mrs. Elmer E. Espenshade), 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mrs. Tillie G. Miller). He was a member of Risser Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 22, in charge of Paul Ruhl and Ralph Ginder; interment in Milton Grove Cemetery.

Jantzie.- Rudolph E., son of Michael and Magdalena Jantzi, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Jan. 11, 1902; died at Kitchener, Ont., June 17, 1984; aged 82 y. On Feb. 9, 1932, he was married to Susanna Brubacher, who died on Aug. 1, 1975. Surviving are 3 daughters (Naomi-Mrs. Don Weber, Ruth-Mrs. Lyall Shantz, and Ellen-Mrs. Lorne Snyder), one son (Paul), 12 grandchildren, and one brother (Joel). He was a member of Erb Street Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 20, in charge of Wilmer Martin; interment in Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery.

Keim.- Abraham, son of Joseph and Sarah (Heinbuch) Keim, was born at Arthur, Ill., Dec. 20, 1890; died at Goshen, Ind., May 22, 1984; aged 93 y. On Aug. 11, 1911, he was married to Susan Troyer, who died on Mar. 1, 1966. Surviving are 4 daughters (Ellen-Mrs. Donald Lukeman, Katie-Mrs. M. John Kauffman, Elsie-Mrs. Paul Troyer, and Susie-Mrs. Wayne Sommers), one son (Ray Keim), 23 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, one great-greatgrandson, 2 brothers (Jonas and Alvin), 2 sisters (Katie Shrock and Lena Swartzendruber), one half-brother (George), and 2 half-sisters (Mary Ropp and Dorothy Keim). He was preceded in death by one son (A. L. Keim), and one daughter (Leona-Mrs. John Miller). He was a member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Howard-Miami Mennonite Church on May 25, in charge of John Steiner and R. Herbert Minnich; interment in Christner Cemetery.

Kornhaus.- John H., son of Benjamin H. and Fannie (Brunk) Kornhaus was born at Newport News, Va., Mar. 22, 1927; died at Scottdale, Pa., June 22, 1984; aged 57 y. He was married to Elva Tice, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Harold L., K. Kurt, H. Brent, and John H.), one daughter (Evone-Mrs. Ron Miller), 8 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Frank H. and Benjamin H.), and 2 sisters (Leona-Mrs. Bob Schaffer and Anna-Mrs. Roy Driver). He was preceded in death by one brother (Glen H.). He was a member of Scottdale Mennonite Church, where memorial services were held on June 25, in charge of Robert Johnson; interment in Scottdale Cemetery.

King.- Ethel Mae, daughter of Menno S. and Lavina C. (Heiser) Gerber, was born in Groveland Twp., Ill., Dec. 16, 1927; died of cancer at Tijuana, Mexico, June 15, 1984; aged 56 y. On Mar. 7, 1947, she was married to Elmer King, Jr., who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Ray, Edward, Timothy, and Philip), 2 grandsons, and her parents. She was a member of First Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 22, in charge of James Detweiler and Robert Harnish; interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Martin.- Stanley R., son of Romaine and Jennie Mae (Spielman) Martin, was born in Seward, Ill., Dec. 1, 1915; died at Rockford, Ill., June 20, 1984; aged 68 y. On Nov. 1, 1939, he was married to Lucille Buticofer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Judy-Mrs. Nathan Leopold and Bette-Mrs. Robert Pederson), one son (Clifford), 7 grandchildren, and 4 sisters (Mildred-Mrs. Kenneth Meyers, Alice Reeves, Lucile Boomgarden, and Fern-Mrs. Charles Sutton). He was a member of Freeport Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 23, in charge of Robert E. Nolt; interment in Freeport Mennonite Cemetery.

Rufenacht.- Jesse L., son of Amos and Lizzie Rufenacht, was born on Mar. 7, 1905; died at Archbold, Ohio, June 23, 1984; aged 79 y. On Oct. 1, 1929, he was married to Velma Nafziger, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Donald and Lowell), one daughter (Virginia-Mrs. Merle Aeschliman), and one brother (Glen). He was a member of Central Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 26, in charge of Jim Bartholomew and Henry Wyse; interment in Pettisville Cemetery.

Sutter.- John P., son of Rudy and Lena (Nafziger) Sutter, was born in Stuttgart, Ark., Jan. 11, 1901; died at Albany, Ore., June 8, 1984; aged 83 y. On Jan. 27, 1927, he was married to Ada May Hartzler, who survives. Also surviving are one son (David), one daughter (Ida Louise-Mrs. Wayne Gingerich), 4 grandchildren, one brother (Jake), and 4 sisters (Mrs. Susie Hartzler, Mrs. Lizzie Scheffel, Katie-Mrs. Levi Eichelberger, and Louise Sutter). He was a member of Portland Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Fairview Mennonite Church on June 12, in charge of Maynard Headings and Sterling Roth; interment in Fairview Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Thomas.- Bessie M., daughter of David and Martha Jane (Deitz) Weaver, was born in Davidsville, Pa., May 5, 1895; died at Cambria County Nursing Care Center on June 23, 1984, aged 89 y. She was married to J. Wesley Thomas, who died on Jan. 19, 1970. Surviving are 2 sons (R. Glenn and Gerald L.), 2 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 2 brothers (Freman and Ray), and 5 sisters (Lela Schneider, Edith Berkey Tracy Myers, Vera Hoffman, and Carrie Griffith). She was preceded in death by one son (Richard), twin daughters (Arlen and Irene), 3 sisters, and 3 brothers. She was a member of the Thomas Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 26, in charge of Donald Speigle and Aldus Wingard; interment in the church cemetery.

Troyer.- Glenn S., son of Urvan and Adie (Miller) Troyer, was born in Lagrange Co., Ind., July 28, 1914; died at his home on June 12, 1984; aged 69 y. On June 2, 1935, he was married to Louella Christner, who survives. Also surviving are 5 daughters (Roberta-Mrs. Richard Steider, Janet Weaver, Dorothy Troyer, Carol-Mrs. Freeman Schrock, and Nancy-Mrs. Chris Yoder), 4 sons (Gerald, David, James, and Dennis), 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and 2 sisters (Wava-Mrs. Clarence Troyer and Bernice-Mrs. Ora Schrock). He was preceded in death by one sister. He was a member of Shore Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 15, in charge of Orville G. Miller and Aden J. Yoder; interment in Shore Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 77, Number 30 -July 24, 1984, page 527.

Erb.- Paul H., son of Tillman M. and Lizzie (Hess) Erb, was born at Newton, Kan., Apr. 26, 1894; died of cancer at Mt. Pleasant, Pa., May 7, 1984; aged 90 y. On May 27, 1917, he was married to Alta Mae Eby, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Winifred-Mrs. Milford Paul), one son (J. Delbert), 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters (Mabel Kauffman, Mrs. Amy Yoder, Mrs. Ruth Ebersole, and Mrs. Leah Yordy). He was ordained to the ministry on May 18, 1919, and served the Pennsylvania congregation, Zimmerdale, Kan.; North Scottdale, Scottdale, Pa.; and Bridgewater Corners, Vt. He was a member of Kingview Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 10, in charge of Peter Dyck, Myron Augsburger, and Daniel Hertzler; interment in Scottdale Cemetery.

Paul Erb -- see also:

Kulp.- Jacob B., son of Enos D and Marietta (Berthold) Kulp was born in Franconia Twp., Pa., Feb. 21, 1902; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., June 26, 1984; aged 82 y. He was married to Ada S. Moyer, who died on Dec. 1, 1983. Surviving are one daughter (Dorothy-Mrs. J. Paul Wenhold), one son (Robert M.), 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Lillian K. Moyer and Ada K. Douglass), and one brother (Norman B.). He was preceded in death by one son (Linneus). He was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 29, in charge of Earl Anders, Jr., Floyd Hackman, and Curtis Bergey; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Reschly.- John, son of Joseph and Barbara (Nebel) Reschly was born at Wayland, Iowa, Apr. 10, 1908; died at Bethel Deaconess Hospital, Newton, Kan., June 27, 1984; aged 76 y. On May 19, 1935, he was married to Alice Roth, who survives. Also surviving are 4 daughters (Jeannene Mast, Jane Diller, Linda Schrock and Lois Stauffer), 9 grand-children, and 2 brothers (Ervin and Henry). He was a member of Hesston Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 30, in charge of Jerry Quiring and Dan Johnston; interment in East Lawn Cemetery.

Young.- Anna, daughter of Peter D. and Sarah (Unruh) Reimer, was born at Lehigh Kan., Jan, 28, 1899; died at Schowalter Villa, Hesston, Kan., June 30, 1984; aged 85 y. On Dec. 28, 1927, she was married to Harry L. Young, who died in 1932. Surviving are one son (Wilbur), 3 daughters (Aline Bachman, Arline Bachman, and Stella Stull), 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, one sister (Sarah Sommerfeld), and one brother (David P. Reimer). She was a member of Hesston Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 3, in charge of Jerry Quiring and Wesley Jantz; interment in Spring Valley Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald, July 24, 1984, pages 514-523.

Paul Erb remembered

Paul Erb, editor of Gospel Herald from 1944 to 1962, died on May 7, 1984, just past his 90th birthday. For his survivors the mourning process continues. A part of mourning is the drawn-out reflection on the meaning of the departed to the lives of those who remain. Some persons who had studied with Paul Erb and/or worked with him were asked to write on the theme "The Paul Erb Legacy." Here are their responses plus several which came in spontaneously.

He could disagree agreeably.
As I read in the Herald of the death of Paul Erb, I wept in grief, but also in the joy of thankfulness for the privilege of having known this great brother.
My wife, Linda, and I were youth workers for Allegheny Conference from 1973 to 1979. Each year we had an MYF Rally at Cape Henlopen, Delaware. Part of the weekend offerings were seminars, and Paul Erb was a favorite seminar leader on the subject of Bible prophecy or eschatology.
One year when I attended Paul's seminar, I very openly disagreed with some things he presented . . . even in the presence of the youth. Paul listened graciously and allowed me the right of disagreeing. But what took place an hour or so later is what I shall never forget.
Before Paul left to return to Scottdale, he made a point of finding Linda and me. With deep feeling he shook our hands and said, "I want you to know how much I appreciate what you are doing for the youth of our conference, and I also want to say how much I love and appreciate you as persons, as a brother and a sister. " And beyond that, Paul even quoted me in a positive way several times as he spoke on prophecy in other places!
Paul was so filled with the love of Christ that he could disagree agreeably and keep on loving those who did not see eye to eye with him. I pray that the rest of us can do the same as we follow his noble example.
To me Paul Erb will forever be a hero of faith!
-Jim Armstrong, Valparaiso, Ind.

A model of good will.
When my wife, Mary, and I moved to Scottdale in 1952, Paul and Alta were already there. In the thirty-two years since we have had many meaningful relationships. Perhaps it was because both Paul and Mary had roots in the South Central Conference. Perhaps it was because the Erbs were well acquainted with Mary's and my parents. Perhaps it was because we were employed by the same institution. In any case, we look back on our experiences with the Erbs with gratitude and deep satisfaction.
During these years, several of Paul's characteristics were quite evident. Paul did not back away from difficult issues. At mid-century eschatology had become a divisive issue. In the midst of this Paul prepared the Conrad Grebel lectures on eschatology (published as The Alpha and Omega). I recall the days of preparation and presentation. Though he did not resolve issues between "A's" and "Pre's," he did rescue classical premillennialism from the excesses and distortions of dispensationalism. Having given premillennialism renewed credibility and reasonableness the church moved on to more pressing business.
Second, Paul's voice was always that of moderation and affirmation. Paul filled places of responsibility that were often criticized, especially as editor of Gospel Herald and executive secretary of General Conference. Yet he had the rare gift of openness, authenticity, and patience. He never played games. He avoided the posture, "If you knew what I know, you would do as I do." Though Paul was often dissatisfied with occurrences in the church, to my knowledge, he did not use misleading innuendos, nor did he pronounce dire judgments on persons or actions with which he disagreed. He avoided bitter criticism. Instead Paul expressed hope. He seemed confident that the Lord of the church would work things through.
Third, Paul's overriding interest was the progress and welfare of the church. This was illustrated in his attending the 1983 sessions of Allegheny Conference at Greenwood, Delaware, three hundred miles from his home. Many younger than he felt unable to make the trip. But Paul went demonstrating his continued interest and support. I'm glad the conference took time to express gratitude to him for his presence and his many years of service.
Paul Erb is gone. However, he leaves behind a model, not only of effective service to the church in the prime of life, but also of lively interest, support, and goodwill in retirement years. "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith" (Heb. 13:7).
-Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale, Pa.

Great stretch and strong convictions
There would have been "safer" ways for a well-established churchman in his late seventies to spend his summers. But Paul Erb joined our experiment at Dutch Family Festival a decade ago, working with us as we investigated our own faith-life and interpreted our people to visitors. Apart from Paul, none of us had hit thirty. We were rich in fire and innovation; we were only beginning to learn patience and seasoning! It was an energized setting for all of us. The wonder for me now is that Paul never offered us advice, tried to restrain us, or stepped in to buffer the churchly concerns that came our way. He had an easy presence. Yet that grace of his never dimmed his principles. We knew them as well as we liked him.
In fact it was his popularity as a dinner guest that made me first see him as a person rather than a veteran of Mennonite committees and publications. Toward the end of the summers, many of our staff (some of whom freely described themselves as skeptics) began jockeying for his time during the supper hour. I went exploring to see what kind of interchange could happen between such unlikely pairs. I met a man with great stretch and strong convictions. That lively combination kept him in the fray until he left us last Monday evening.
Somehow Paul learned to belong to the church without being possessive of it; somewhere he found a way to not be bitter-or embarrassed-about the fact that things he had once deplored (drama, Mennonites spending more than $10,000 for their homes, neckties), the church and even he could now accept. (He even played the role of a grandpa in our film, Hazel's People.) Yet those changes didn't keep him from being clear about what his own beliefs, and their expression in living, were. The threat of change never fuzzied his convictions.
Last Sunday night, Merle and I and our daughters detoured from the turnpike and our trip west to go to the Frick Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, where Paul was a patient. He took my hand with a startling grasp. His eyes were warm. And although he couldn't speak, his life had.
He had given the church front row support when his generation was no longer holding the power and making the speeches. "I don't have to take the attitude that when I'm no longer here things are going to go to pot," he said once when I was interviewing him for the book, Paul and Alta. "We don't have to draw lines for twenty years from now. Someone else will take care of that," he went on.
But those statements should not lead anyone to believe that Paul saw the faith-life as a series of trade-offs. "You can't draw lines for other people, but you're lost if you don't for yourself," he stated firmly. "A person who can't get angry doesn't have a very keen moral sense," he continued.
"I want to be where the brave minority is," he once reflected. He lived most of his years in that uneasy spot, but he did it with his partner, Alta. That partnership fed his faith, nourished his humor, and kept him primed intellectually and spiritually. "I never believed any of this business about the inferiority of women," he said with utter certainty. It was another tenet of his life and another reason I shall miss him deeply.
On that last night of his life when I saw that he recognized me but that we couldn't really visit as before, I decided to read Psalm 25 to him. I felt somewhat awkward, presuming to do something for him that he had done so skillfully for many others. But he held my hand with real strength and when I finished I kissed him on the forehead. I hadn't planned to, but Paul had often greeted me with a hug and a kiss, so it seemed right. The next day, God did "redeem" him, "out of all his troubles."
-Phyllis Pellman Good, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

A brother for all seasons
God, in his grace, enriches the church in each period by calling persons to levels of faith and service which enrich us all. Paul Erb was one so called by God, a brother whose 90 years has meant nearly 70 years of service in the kingdom. Paul and Alta, as we have known them as a team, have blessed Esther and me with their warm and gracious spirit, their commitment to the mission of Christ in prayer and service, and their practical stewardship that enabled them to be participants with so many in the programs of the church.
At the end of the 60s and early 70s, as president of Eastern Mennonite College, I felt led to invite church statesmen to serve on the campus. This included J. D. and Minnie Graber, and Paul and Alta Erb. When I invited Paul I reminded him of our budget concerns, and that since he was retired I would pay him what Social Security allowed. His answer, with his inimitable humor was, "I'm old enough that Social Security has no limit for me, and since I've never been a millionaire this is my chance!" Paul's gift in teaching endeared him to students and faculty. And scores of students packed into their apartment weekly to listen to Paul read the Scriptures. We are the better for his gentle but straightforward sharing of Jesus Christ.
I am thankful to God for the privilege of having been enriched by such an outstanding group of church leaders who are now among the church triumphant: Harold S. Bender, Orie O. Miller, J. D. Graber, C. K. Lehman, and Paul Erb. As the church has made adjustments in style and program through these years I have rejoiced in the way in which Paul Erb was a model of adjusting to each season of life without compromising his commitment to Christ. His words, in an editorial that remains with me, are a clear call for us to "behave our beliefs." In him, God gave us a brother for all seasons.
-Myron S. Augsburger, Washington, D. C.

A versatile person
I became acquainted with Paul Erb in 1938 when with a carload of young people from Oregon I drove onto the campus of Hesston College. In the two years that I was there, I learned to know Paul as a versatile person. As dean of the college, he helped plan my college program. As a teacher, he taught me public speaking and world literature. As director of the college choir, he led us students on a tour of Mennonite churches, including far-off Ohio and Pennsylvania.
In the fall of 1940 when I moved to Goshen College, I found Paul Erb there, a teacher of literature. Though I took no classes with him, he gave me good counsel and helped me make some difficult personal adjustments. Also, I knew him through Miriam, who later became my wife, who studied literature with him. He introduced both of us to the Hopewell Mennonite Church, Kouts, Indiana, where he had preached regularly in addition to his teaching duties, and where Miriam and I then ministered for four years.
When Miriam and I moved to Scottdale, Pennsylvania, in 1947 to work at the Mennonite Publishing House, behold, Paul Erb was there, this time as editor of Gospel Herald. I worked closely with him when as head of the editorial department he asked me to edit Christian Living magazine. I also worked closely with Alta Erb who was on the editorial staff of that magazine.
Since leaving Scottdale, I have contacted Paul and Alta here and there throughout the church. I shall remember him above all as a church person, as a writer of editorials and books, as a preacher whose enthusiasm and service for the church spanned across all the adult years of a long and fruitful life.
- Millard C. Lind, Elkhart, Ind.

Full of hope and joy
Paul Erb will be remembered long by many people for a variety of reasons. One will certainly be that he was a man of God, full of hope and joy. His sermons and his editorials were filled with both.
He was a happy person and his happiness was contagious. One enjoyed being around him. He was an encourager of people. How well I remember the times he stopped by to see us during our days as married students at both Hesston and Goshen colleges. He was one of the persons we always wanted to see during our furloughs from Japan. He took time to listen and always with an understanding heart and mind. I imagine that whenever I hear the song "Speed Away" sung, in my mind I will always see Paul Erb leading it at a commissioning service for church workers. The first "speed away" being that of the sending congregation, then the conference, and then the total Mennonite Church.
Yes, Paul Erb will be remembered by many as a churchman, preacher, professor, and editor, but also as a friend. We will miss him, but we rejoice in his homegoing. I am sure his entry into heaven will be one of triumph and victory!
-Barbara K. Reber, Goshen, Ind.

Congenial, considerate, supportive
The year was 1927. I was thirteen and General Conference was in session at Belleville, Pennsylvania. One of the evening speakers was a handsome, gifted young man from Kansas. His name was Paul Erb. This was my first knowledge of and acquaintance with Brother Erb-he on the platform, I on a plank seat.
Occasionally, since then, I have heard of Paul. And on a Sunday morning, probably about 1940, I met him personally. The Hesston College men's chorus, with Paul directing, gave an excellent program at the Belleville Mennonite Church. I was impressed with his friendliness, leadership, and directing.
Further acquaintance developed through his editorship of the Gospel Herald, and the moving of the family to Scottdale.
It was my joyous privilege to work together with him in various conference activities, programs, and committees. He was always congenial, considerate, positive, and supportive. It was a learning experience to work with him. Even though there was a difference in our education and ability, Paul never showed an air of superiority. And as I learned to know him I found him to be understanding, loving, caring, and encouraging.
Paul Erb was my delightful friend and beloved brother.
-Elam Glick, Kokomo, Ind.

For Prof Erb
(Written when Paul Erb moved to Scottdale in 1945.)

So now you 're leaving Goshen.

You've packed your dishes, desk, and
bed,
You've packed the books you love, and
said,
"No more I teach, for God has called
And I must go."

As though a life could breathe and move
And touch and change with Christian
love,
Then say, "Farewell, for God has called
And I must go."

Ah no, you can't leave Goshen!
Your things may leave, your family go,
But you live not in houses-no,
You live in hearts.

You'll get your mail in Scottdale, yes,
For folks must have a street address,
But myriad places, countless hearts
Will be your home.

For your short stay has richly blessed
Each soul who turned to you in quest
Of those eternal truths. We saw them
Shining in your life.

Let Scottdale claim you if you will,
And doubtless Kansas owns you still,
But you and we shall not forget
You live in Goshen!

-Dorothy McCammon, Goshen, Ind.,
in the Goshen College Record, Aug. 5, 1945.

One of the best preachers
I remember Paul Erb's early interest in missions. He spent at least one summer and several Christmas vacations at the Kansas City mission when I was a boy. This concern and commitment continued strong throughout his career. He was a close friend of my father and remained a friend of my family. He was among the first to telephone me after my wife, Mary, died on August 27,1983.
Paul Erb was my teacher in numerous courses when I was a student at Hesston College between 1924 and 1930. I remember a crucial time when he expressed confidence in me and my gifts saying, "I am sure the Lord will use your gifts somewhere in the church. "
During the early 1940s he was a colleague and my neighbor while we were both teaching at Goshen College. He was an innovative educator. He introduced and supervised a program for teaching English composition which placed the responsibility upon all teachers in the college to examine the students on their use of English in their written work rather than having a separate course in English composition.
Paul Erb was one of the best preachers in the Mennonite Church. He maintained the confidence of most parts of the church and was probably most influential as a writer, editor, and preacher. The students who knew him as a teacher of English and American literature are convinced that the students who have gone through our colleges for the past forty years without having had Paul Erb as a teacher have missed an important part of their education.
-Paul Mininger, Goshen, Ind.

Exemplary faithfulness
What I remember most about Paul Erb as editor of the Gospel Herald was his optimism and his continuous openness to change even at some personal risk. Walking into his office I would always be welcomed with a smile and a twinkle in his eye ready to share his counsel and help. His love for words and literary quality and his deep and ardent commitment to the spiritual welfare of his readers brought forth interesting and challenging editorials-the kind that later could appear in book form. Even in my younger years while he was still at Hesston College he was not afraid to encourage and support me personally in my writing interests. I shall ever be grateful for his life and his interest not only from a personal standpoint but for his exemplary faithfulness to the church he loved, a faithfulness all who knew him could well emulate.
-Ellrose D. Zook, Goshen, Ind.

A keen mind and a winsome spirit
Paul Erb was a unique gift to the church. He possessed a rare combination of gifts as a writer, teacher, preacher, and church statesman of distinction. Though he was twenty years my senior, it was my privilege to become involved in the activities of the larger church when Paul Erb was at the peak of his usefulness. He was blest with a keen mind and a winsome spirit which endeared him to the hearts of many people.
-George R. Brunk II, Harrisonburg, Va.

Looking for the new
Paul Erb was one of two persons who visited our family in all of the major homes we lived in from 1944 to 1983. We considered him a special caller, not because he was a former college teacher of mine and now a well-known churchman on the road, but because he was an enjoyable affirming guest.
When he visited us in the Philippine Islands in 1949 we were living in a Mennonite Central Committee Unit House in Bangued, Abra, a town of about 6,000 persons painfully recovering from the destruction of war. Successful, methodical, block by block bombing by the U.S. had destroyed all but three houses and most of the trees. People told us that in a desperate effort to find enough food to stay alive they had even eaten the songbirds. So when Paul Erb, who was a birder most of his life, asked if we saw any birds, I told him that, alas, the birds had been eaten.
Later he went with us on a trip to Villaviscocia (village of the bad woman) to distribute material aid. As we drove through the green mountainous country early in the morning in an open army-surplus jeep, he pointed out the birds flying in the woods and alerted us to the songs of those we couldn't see.
I recall the joy of that ride, the kind of renewal of hope that Paul's presence and optimism brought. I think that experience typified his person, finding life where there was reported to be none. I saw that long after he retired he was still looking for the new.
-Helen Alderfer, Pittsburgh, Pa.

A blessing to the church
A number of traits stand out in Paul Erb. Here are a few:
1. He was a New Testament Christian, one who took seriously the revelatory and redemptive work of Christ. His book, Old Testament Poetry and Prophecy, 1936, speaks effectively to this point. Few Mennonite leaders had the training and the ability to read the poets and the prophets of the Old Testament as did Paul Erb.
2. He was deeply concerned for the peace of the church. As a young man he had seen Christians tear themselves from one another over a radical doctrine of holiness which included the rejection of medicine. He therefore feared the charismatic movement, fearing that they might be like the holiness people he knew when a youth, but he was determined to be a brother to all believers including the charismatics.
3. He was a man who enjoyed humor, and he could laugh heartily-which he often did.
4. He was honest to the point of being transparent. He sometimes preached at the North Goshen congregation, and he confessed the severity of his temper as a young man. With tears he told how he cut off his patient father: "You and I never can agree!"
5. He loved his family: Alta, the children, and the grandchildren. He was a strong family man.
Paul Erb was a blessing to the church, and I am deeply grateful to God that I could know him well.
-J. C. Wenger
, Goshen, Ind.

He wanted no petty differences
I have only admiration for the memory of Paul Erb. My first significant contact was as he weighed leaving teaching at Goshen College to edit the Gospel Herald. Teaching was his first love, but he accepted this call from his church. He chose to do what the church asked him to do.
Paul was multi-gifted. He was equally at home in education or missions, in writing or speaking, as well as offering gifts in administration. His contributions covered a wide spectrum of interests and addressed a broad panorama of needs. He never confused the church with his own image-a common temptation of gifted persons! The church was also larger than his own vision and life.
Throughout his years he could never forget the harsh wounds of the schisms he witnessed in his youth. He wanted no petty differences to become hateful scars in the body of Christ. His breadth of understanding and his horror of disunity enabled him to reach across a wide spread of viewpoints in the church. He skillfully defused the millennial issue by lifting up the common core of Christian hope while denying us the presumptuous indulgence of personally programming God and history.
Paul Erb, through God's Spirit and grace, spelled out his life in rich poetry, much of it set to music, garnished with a joy and humor that added rather than negated Christian character.
-John H. Mosemann, Goshen, Ind.

Both artist and statesman
Paul Erb is one of a group of Mennonite Church leaders of the 1940s and 1950s whom I had occasion to know quite well, and each of whom has impacted my life a different way. But Paul Erb was unique among them. Who else among his peers was both artist and church statesman? And reader of poetry?
Ah, to hear the poetry, to listen to the jokes which he loved to tell, to be warmed by his friendliness, to be stimulated and nurtured by the spiritual insight and theological understanding of his writings and preaching! What a gift Paul Erb has been to the Mennonite Church! And what a gift he has been to me.
-Lois Kanagy, Corvallis, Ore.

A fruitful ministry
I first observed Paul Erb, when I was a young Christian, as a model of churchmanship. I learned to know him better as a member of the Commission for Christian Education and Young People's Work. Then, as a congenial staff associate in Young People's Institutes, I found him most supportive of group activities. When we shared in General Conference leadership his judgments and visions were usually on target.
As a colleague in various teaching assignments his voice of affirmation came through as a repeated encouragement. While he was editor of Gospel Herald, I quickly turned to his editorials. They were crisp and insightful expressions of fact and fortune.
As a preacher, Brother Erb kept his message alive with biblical truth carefully illustrated with well chosen graphic phrases, touches of humor, restrained emotional fervor, and occasional quotations from poetry.
As a churchman he projected visions, analyzed issues, offered mediations, proposed innovations with caution, and summarized discussions with moderating proposals.
As a servant of Christ he spent himself for others. He demonstrated the benefits of frugality, the strength of loyalty in kingdom activities, and the practical aspects of the meaning of Christian consecration.
We will not soon forget his literary skills in interpretative readings, dramatic emphases of truth, and his careful use of "the King's English."
Who among us have exercised such versatility of gifts, such unassuming strength of influence, such beautiful congeniality, and such genuine humility, all for the glory of God?
-John R. Mumaw, Harrisonburg, Va.

Forward looking, but firm
I remember Paul Erb as a totally committed Christian who gave himself without reserve to whatever task was his special assignment. His life radiated a deep love for Christ and the building of his church. He had a particular love for the Mennonite Church, which he faithfully served as preacher, teacher, editor, writer, and older statesman.
He was a warm, caring person interested in others, readily encouraging and affirming them. His disarming smile, together with the individual attention he showed to them inspired confidence in him as a trustworthy friend and mentor. Then, too, he had a way of keeping relationships intact over the years.
I respected him for being forward-looking and able to adjust to change while remaining firm in his beliefs. I appreciated his optimistic enthusiasm and his straightforward manner. His unassuming acceptance of a servant-hood role will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.
-Lois Gunden Clemens, Lansdale, Pa.

He simply gave
My father was a liberal giver.
He didn't save much money because he gave throughout his lifetime. I remember that he gave to students at Hesston so they could go to school-either by boarding in our home, rooming in our home and cooking in the basement, working in our home, or interest-free loans.
In the summers he helped his wife's parents harvest their peach crop and later supported them at Goshen and Scottdale. He gave money to his children and grandchildren for housing and education. Always he gave lots of time to church work, often with little remuneration.
The last 40 years he did not own a house. The last ten years while he lived with us he contributed liberally toward food and utilities. He and mother always gave to church funds. He was not a person who kept track of every dollar.
Accumulating and saving was not an important part of his life. He simply gave where money was needed.
- Winifred Paul, Scottdale. Pa.

The legacy of Paul Erb
Paul Erb was my English teacher at Hesston as an academy freshman in 1919 and was my instructor in four other English courses from 1919 to 1923. He also served as director of the men's chorus and the mixed chorus in which I participated for four years. Since that time our association has been close as our paths have intertwined in many church, professional, and social activities. Paul Erb's life and work have been a great inspiration to me personally and certainly to the Mennonite Church.
1. He was an excellent, enthusiastic, creative teacher who helped hundreds of students at Hesston and Goshen to appreciate and love the fine arts. He showed us how to articulate and communicate effectively.
2. He gave proof that one could move with the times without sacrificing Christian principles and priorities. Early in his career Paul Erb was slightly provincial and somewhat doctrinaire. In the late thirties, he became more closely involved with the broader Mennonite Church and became a trusted leader by looking to the future without ignoring the past.
I believe that his move in 1941 from Hesston to that of chairman of the Division of Language, Literature, and the Fine Arts at Goshen College was a historical event. This gave Paul Erb an extended base for understanding the Mennonite Church and a greater opportunity for the church to understand and appreciate him.
3. Paul Erb recognized the potential of younger Christians and their needs to be involved in the work of the church. In the mid-forties he was responsible for organizing Mennonite Youth Fellowship.
4. While not a trained historian or a professional researcher Paul Erb knew how and was able to synthesize the research of Mennonite and other scholars and communicate the material to the "common people" of the church. He was the "great communicator."
5. Paul Erb was the man for his time. I can think of no other person who could have effectively followed Daniel Kauffman as editor of the Gospel Herald and have led the Mennonite Church to accept the reality of changes in practice without alienating so-called "progressives" and "conservatives."
6. Paul Erb had a great sense of humor, not so much in articulation as in the appreciation of humorous situations, particularly as he found them in literature. He could laugh merrily as others related comical tales
7. As I served the church on various boards, Paul Erb gave me great personal support. He was the president of the Mennonite Board of Education when I was president of Hesston College (1959-1968). He showed great understanding and gave excellent counsel.
He was my mentor, to him and for him I shall always be grateful.
-Tilman R. Smith, Goshen, Ind.

Paul Erb's era
by Leonard Gross

Anno Domini 1944. For the Mennonite Church, the year 1944 was a watershed ushering in a new era and bringing changes of which the effects are still being worked at among us.
During that one year, 1944, Paul Erb succeeded Daniel Kauffman as editor of the Gospel Herald; Daniel Kauffman died; Guy F. Hershberger published War, Peace, and Nonresistance; J. D. Graber was named executive secretary of the Mennonite Board of Missions; Mennonite Mutual Aid was called into existence; Harold S. Bender published his "Anabaptist Vision" in the Mennonite Quarterly Review; and in a special session of the Mennonite Church's General Conference, through the efforts of S. C. Yoder, reconciliation took place among brethren, some of whom for years had been fiery crusaders on matters of theology, doctrine, and dress.
In that amazing year, the number and type of radical changes seemed suddenly to impel the denomination into a new course. However, it is my thesis as a historian that the 1944 changes were a corrective. To me the years 1898 through 1943 appear as an interlude when history tended to be played down and specific teachings played up.
In my view, what many people had come to know as "what we have always believed," can now be seen as a doctrinal interlude. Its heyday came in the 1920s and 1930s, the years lying between the First and Second World Wars. By the time of the 1940s, however, some of its aspects were beginning to be regarded as impeding the work of the kingdom by those who believed each member of the church was to be a thinking disciple within a gathered church.
In 1944 and following the above-named leaders and others helped initiate new programs at the church's very center. Authoritarianism in doctrine and dress was in the process of being replaced by a new approach to a faith, rooted in holy history. This new spirit and substance we are only beginning to understand-just as we are only beginning to understand the nature of the doctrinal period of 1898-1943.
None of these younger leaders alone could have recast the Mennonite structures. Yet together they helped a new wholeness to appear. Harold S. Bender gave us back our long-standing vision of faith rooted in holy history. Guy F. Hershberger granted us rational definitions in areas of peace and social justice. J. D. Graber helped us to broader understandings of mission. S. C. Yoder was the noble and gracious gentleman who dared to call theological bickering, intrigue, and suspicion each by its true name. And Paul Erb, Shakespearean authority and man of letters helped, through the Gospel Herald, to smooth the way to our broader, classical Mennonite approach of faith rooted in history.

Editor Paul Erb. In January 1944, Paul Erb assumed his new position as editor of the Gospel Herald. In an interview with him on February 6, 1984, . . . he remembered: "It was entirely unexpected. I didn't take it with alacrity. I wasn't sure that I had editorial abilities. I didn't think of myself primarily as a writer, but I did take it because I felt it was a call to something different, something that nobody else seemed to be ready or willing to take, and so I did the best I could with it. And I enjoyed it. I felt that it was an opportunity to do something that I hadn't done, and I felt fulfilled and I felt that I did something in a constructive way."
A decisive change Paul Erb made in 1951 was to begin a new column, "Our Readers Say." What we take for granted in 1984 was a radical innovation in 1951. Here is Paul Erb in his own words (March 12, 1982): "When I was editor I carried a pretty strong feeling that I'm speaking for the whole denomination, and I had my finger out all the time to get the pulse of the general body. I think the Gospel Herald has functioned pretty well in speaking for the whole group-being open to different points of view. This has been largely since my day-in open letters. It is significant that we have points of view like that in the church, and that we are willing to listen to them.
"Daniel Kauffman wouldn't have done that, I don't think. . . . He would never have had letters to the editor or that sort of thing published to give variant points of view. There would have been some pretty hot responses in his day, but he wouldn't expose those to the light."

Attitudes toward change. By the time of the 1960s, the church was ready, formally, to consider a concept of change. In 1963, at the end of his years as editor of the Gospel Herald, Erb was asked to address the Mennonite Church General Conference in Kalona, Iowa, on "A Christian Philosophy of Change." (It appears also in Gospel Herald, Nov. 19, 1963, p. 1025). This essay, written by one already in his "retirement years," is still so current that it would merit republication in 1984. It was the genius of Paul Erb to find the heart of any given issue, and get right to the point. In his characteristic manner, Erb noted that the church must be at the creative edge of change: "Many changes have come about through the initiative of the church. The church must continue to be that kind of a stimulant to godliness and righteousness. It is the responsibility of the church to point the directions of change, to set up the targets of reform or action."

Faith, rooted in history and doctrine. Paul Erb was at the visible helm of the church, as editor of the Gospel Herald, from 1944 to 1962, when he graciously "retired," passing on the editorship to John Drescher. Erb's 18 years of editorship have been surpassed in length by the 22 intervening years since 1962.
How do we assess the era 1944-62? To compare the Mennonite Church in 1984 with the church in 1962, not to speak of 1944, would seem on the surface to be almost impossible. Who would dare underestimate the power of the unruly, revolutionary beast called the Vietnam War? Student unrest, inner-city riots, antiwar protests: the Mennonites were also caught up in the totality of this unexpected and earthshaking worldwide happening that signaled an end to a seven-century-old modern era, ushering in our postmodern times. The revolutionary times themselves began in 1963 with the death of President John F. Kennedy, and continued until about 1978, when a sort of new normalcy slowly reestablished itself for North American society in general.
The historical newness of the 1960s has also affected to the core the structures and culture of the Mennonite Church. These changes need careful analysis and interpretation in the coming years.
Yet we still live in the era also begun in our own revolutionary year of 1944. Our common faith continues to revolve around Jesus' command to enter into the spirit and substance of the Sermon on the Mount as obedient disciples. To be able to carry out such "impossible" demands, we still know we need to gather in the spirit of Christ, the master peacemaker, who gives us, his body of the faithful, the strength to respond.
We also experience divine grace, where we stumble and fall. We still gratefully acknowledge God's tabernacling among us, and look to our own past interaction with God for answers, knowing our faith is rooted in God's acts among us.
To round out this essay, especially to be fair to such loyal leaders as Daniel Kauffman, we need to set what have been posed as opposites into a more reconciliatory setting, and suggest how the two ideas, doctrine and faith-rooted-in-history can find synthesis.
To complete the picture, therefore, still another phenomenon needs to be acknowledged, in an attempt to show historical cause and effect within the Mennonite scene over the past century or so: Just as there had been a reaction to programmatic doctrine, especially in the 1920s, with individuals and groups leaving the Mennonite Church for this reason, so also after 1944 a number of individuals and groups found it necessary to form their own bodies in order to remain faithful to their specific vision of Christianity-in most cases, centering in doctrinal approaches.

Both doctrine and history. Can we have the best of both? It seems-the bias of a historian-that history has carried us well over the centuries. Mennonites from the Swiss-South German tradition have tended, for example, to delve into doctrinal approaches to theology only when certain theologies from without were threatening ongoing Mennonite faith and life. It is significant that a well-defined Anabaptist Christology was not developed in Upper Germany until the 1650s, when anti-trinitarian theology made inroads into Anabaptism.
In any case, the moment is here where in addition to history as carrier of our faith, both doctrine and theology need Mennonite attention as well, in our ongoing dialogue among ourselves, and with others. We still have a tremendous amount of work to do on the Sermon on the Mount-our doctrinal center in the nineteenth century and earlier. As an example of this approach, Ontario Bishop Benjamin Eby's 1841 book on Mennonite faith and history began with an interpretation of the abiding message of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Matthew, with special emphasis on the Sermon on the Mount and the command to love as the doctrinal center of faith and life. His book had many reprints: in Lancaster, Pa., in Elkhart, Ind., and in Kitchener, Ont., as late as 1919.
Ours is a Christ-centered faith; we need to understand, interpret for our day, and promote the teachings of Jesus as an essential part of this faith. We so undergird our own faith, built as it is on doctrine (Christ's eternal message reinterpreted for our day), discipleship (our obedient response to Jesus), and building up the kingdom (our gathering together in the spirit of the prince of peace as committed disciples with a witness).
Paul Erb's own involvement in this era, especially from the 1940s through the 1960s, therefore becomes in many ways a model for us today. For Erb helped out on both sides of what heretofore in this essay, in order to make an essential point, has been contrasted too markedly. Erb was a theological interpreter, both in the discipline of history (South Central Frontiers, 1974) and in doctrine (The Alpha and the Omega, 1955). We are the richer, as a denomination, to be able to incorporate in our heritage both approaches to truth. We will continue to need God-fearing disciples in our midst to help us, historically and doctrinally-"looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith" (Heb. 12:2).

Leonard Gross is executive secretary of the Mennonite Church Historical Committee.

Paul Erb on his times
An interview with Daniel Hertzler

Editor's Note: In the fall of 1980, I had an interview with Paul Erb covering a variety of topics related to his service in the Mennonite Church. The following is an edited version of the interview.

Dan: I'd be glad to know about your experience of becoming a Mennonite churchman. How did you get into this role?
Paul: I just sort of took it for granted. For instance, my first summer of graduate work was in English at the University of Kansas. One of my teachers was enthusiastic about my work in her courses and she must have spoken to the head of the department about me. He called me in and offered me a position in the English department at the University of Kansas. That wasn't the least bit of a temptation to me.
Dan: Why not?
Paul: Because I wanted to work for the church. I had already by that time become a thorough churchman in my attitudes.
Dan: What led you to this?
Paul: Well, take my growing up in the home of a Mennonite bishop. Not only was he a Mennonite bishop but my father, Tilman, was a leading churchman of the West. I absorbed his attitudes, heard him talk about the church, and sensed his loyalties and his objectives as a churchman. I just accepted this as the kind of person I wanted to be, too. And I didn't see how I could be a scholar teaching English in a secular university with no church affiliation.
Dan: So really for you it was a clear choice, a kind of personal vocation.
Paul: I first of all asked what was the Lord's will and what the church wanted me to do. Only in a less important way did I think of professional advancement.
Dan: Maybe we could get some dates in mind.
Paul:
I was married in the spring of 1917; I graduated from Bethel College in 1918. In the fall of 1918 I began teaching full time at Hesston College. I kept on with my graduate work but I didn't get my master's degree at the State University of Iowa until the summer of 1924. In 1923 J. D. Charles died suddenly, probably of cancer, and Noah Oyer moved to Hesston. He was well thought of and was well qualified to take J. D. Charles' place as dean. But I had been there longer than Noah had and in a way you could say that I deserved that promotion to dean. But I've had some problem all through my life of not being a very popular person. Noah was a much more popular person. (It didn't interfere at all with the very best of relationships between us.)
Then when they reopened Goshen College in 1924 Sanford Yoder asked Noah to come to Goshen to be the dean. In the meantime Edward Yoder had come along, so they thought of him as the dean and, in fact, appointed him dean, and me as acting dean. I served as acting dean at Hesston for three years while Yoder was going to school. He kept a very remote hand on things as dean. I was careful to keep my place, signed all diplomas as "acting dean."
When he got his doctor's degree in 1932 he came to Hesston. But that year we didn't have any college students. Ed could only teach college students since he was not certified as a high school teacher. So after one year at Hesston without teaching because there were no students, Noah Oyer persuaded him to come to Goshen, and suggested me at that time as the logical person to be dean.
Dan: When did you go to Goshen?
Paul: In 1941 and I moved here to Scottdale in June of 1945.
Dan: So your professional life was from 1918 to 1941 at Hesston, 41-45 at Goshen, and 44-62 as Gospel Herald editor. Was it a hard decision to go from teaching to editing?
Paul: That was the most difficult decision I ever made.
Dan: Why?
Paul: Well, by that time I was well established professionally. I was a favorite of Harold Bender, you could say. He persuaded me to come to Goshen from Hesston. It had been hard to leave Hesston after all those years. I stayed there all through the 30s and helped Hesston get on its feet.
Dan: Things were tough?
Paul: I got $35 a month in 1932-33 and many of our churchmen, including my brother, Allen, thought Hesston might just as well give up the ghost. But I decided that I would stay. My wife was thoroughly agreeing with me. We stayed and the Lord used us as a kind of rallying post. So we built up a faculty, gradually built up students, and got our accreditment back.
Dan: So you had to give that up to go to Goshen?
Paul: Yes. But having made that decision, sold my home at Hesston, bought a home at Goshen, I had nothing else in mind than that this is where I spend the rest of my days. The very day that I bought the house at Goshen, Otis Johns from the publication board executive committee, came asking me to become editor of the Gospel Herald. At first I said that I couldn't let myself do that especially since I had achieved some success as an English teacher. I had gone through all those summers of graduate work, and as I said at that time, "Throw all that away to go to
Scottdale and edit the Gospel Herald?"
Then I had A. J. Metzler to deal with and he kept coming back. They tried to find someone else but couldn't find anybody who filled the bill and kept asking me. So by 1944 I was willing to consider it, particularly since Harold Bender supported the move. I never heard him say this, but as I look back on it, I believe he saw that with him at Goshen and me at Scottdale we had the Mennonite Church going in the right direction.
When I became editor of the Gospel Herald following Daniel Kauffman I felt a real obligation to carry on what he had begun. The worst thing I could do in those early months of my editing would have been to attack Daniel Kauffman. I said in one of my first editorials that I had committed myself to carry on the principles which Daniel Kauffman represented in the church.
Dan: Did you, at a certain point, become conscious that you were moving on from there?
Paul: We were right in the days of the second World War with Civilian Public Service and I had to speak on this for myself. Daniel Kauffman never spoke on this issue.
Dan: You're saying that by that time events had passed him up?
Paul: Yes, and the people here at Scottdale had tried to get him to resign. He didn't hold on to the editor's job from any ambition. Rather, I think plenty of people in the church told him things would go to pieces if he would resign. But some things had sort of run downhill. Other people were thinking that the editorial page of the Gospel Herald didn't represent front-line thinking anymore. I had to make a reputation on that for myself.
Dan: What were some of your most discouraging experiences in the church?
Paul: I'd say that one of the disheartening things was the way in which I was always fighting a financial battle. As dean at Hesston, during the depression, I was teaching for $35 a month and just barely making things go personally. More than that I was trying to keep the college on top, keeping the bills paid. Also I was elected secretary-treasurer of the Commission for Christian Education when it was first organized. It was new, and some people looked at it sideways. So it was hard to get sufficient funds.
Too often the church isn't ready to support its program. One feels it now in our missions. We have a great mission board and a great mission program but they have to say no to a lot of the things they would like to do because the church isn't paying the bills. I have been on that kind of a grindstone all my life.
Dan: Well, now, on the opposite side, what were some of the things you reflect with most appreciation?
Paul: One is my conviction that the Mennonite church is right. We have a theology and we have a practice. We have a program that I'm proud to be a part of. When Harold Bender came along and uncovered for us all the facts about the Anabaptist awakening, it really made my blood run faster. These were my fathers and I take satisfaction in saying that I think my church loyalty was not centered in a few people (I did think highly of Harold Bender, for one), but that it was primarily because of what we stood for and I could teach my students and my children and my congregations where I preached the bigness of the position of the church.
Dan: You think of the church in your younger days or when you were teaching at Hesston College, and as it is now. Do you see what seem to you important differences?
Paul: One I've had to think about more than any other probably is the attitude toward the theater. When I was at Hesston, I delivered a chapel speech against the theater. And that was the platform on which we stood at Hesston and even at Goshen for quite awhile. Harold Bender gave me the assurance that dramatics was not going to sweep things at Goshen College.
Dan: You're talking not only about the movies but also dramatics?
Paul: Yes, a dramatics department. Putting on plays. I never did that and I taught English and I taught Shakespeare without surrendering on that.
Dan: You never played it?
Paul: No. Then some years ago Merle Good asked me to play the silent part of an old man to give atmosphere to their Christmas party in the movie Hazel's People. By that time I had quit fighting and I thought if you can't beat them, join them. So I said yes, I'll do that. But a lot of people were tremendously shocked to see me on the stage on display. Obviously our church has accepted dramatics as an effective teaching instrument and it would be suicide for anybody to conduct any kind of propaganda against it. Goshen College has its dramatics building. EMC doesn't have a building yet but they'll have one and Hesston, of course, has its dramatics. I was thoroughly whipped on that but I still see some reasons for what I said.
I still don't have any enthusiasm over drama attendance and particularly the movies. I can't see why Merle Good ever issued a list of current movies. Some of them he admits are bad, so why list them? I used to say that's not our world.
Dan: Do you want to comment on the harmful effect of the theater?
Paul: Where are you going to draw the line? You can't. Drama must have conflict, so it has to have a villain. It has to have people who say and do wrong things. I can see how you can read that and talk about it. That's the way I did use it in teaching. But to act it out, I saw as something quite different.
Dan: Any other?
Paul: Of course, the garb question, the plain suit and a necktie. I never campaigned for getting rid of those, but by silence I suppose I was giving my influence toward the changes. Then in 1960 when I was going to South America to visit my son Delbert, a missionary with the Argentine Mennonite Church, I asked him if I should wear my plain coat in Argentina. It was the only coat I had. He said, "I wish you wouldn't." The church there had decided that it would be bad for them to be continually identified as fathers in the Catholic church. Delbert knew that I would be better accepted by the church there if I didn't wear a plain coat. For me, to come without a plain coat also meant to come with a necktie.
So the first morning I was in David Hostetler's home in Brazil, I put on a tie that I had brought along. I had joined the church in 1912 and between 1912 and 1960 I never wore a necktie. I always did put a great deal of stress on what the church was saying and what would be the expressed or implied advice of the church for me.
Dan: Suppose I asked you to give advice or express some concerns about the church of today. What would you say we ought to look out for? Where are we in danger that we ought to take note of?
Paul: I've never cultivated in my life looking at and pointing out the things about the church that I don't like. I suppose I just ignored them. Take, for instance, our affluence. I have strong convictions, as Orie Miller has said, that affluence is the greatest enemy in the Mennonite Church. I think I've preached rather faithfully on that theme, but yet I've never had the reputation of being a fighter against a second car.
Dan: Did you somehow have a feeling that it's a dead end to pursue this kind of business?
Paul: I think I helped some people get more strict convictions in the making and spending of money. I think I've helped give a good example on spending money. I hope so, but I've never felt that I can tell people just what that is.
Dan: As a Mennonite Church, we are a small group and sometimes seem a little confused. What would you say is the glue that holds the Mennonite Church together?
Paul: Up to a certain point, it was custom, the practice of the fathers, pretty much what holds the Amish together. That was true in our church through a good part of my life. Less and less do matters of custom have very much influence in our church. We don't ask how our fathers did this. It's almost a subject for laughter-making fun of the way we used to do, the way we used to be. But I don't think of my background as being unfortunate at all.
I think we have a good deal more of theology now than formerly. I think that we are Anabaptists more than Mennonites. And it's easy to rally people to an Anabaptist standard. If you simply ask them to be good Mennonites, there's no enthusiasm about that, except as it does represent what we feel the Anabaptists represented in history.
Dan: Do you have observations about schism? Did you experience schism in the church at any time?
Paul: Yes, I went through schism. It was a bad one at the Pennsylvania Mennonite Church in Kansas. This congregation was touched by the holiness movement of the first decade of the century, a movement which developed into the Nazarene Church.
George R. Brunk I and other young leaders in that part of the country found satisfaction of a kind in attending Free Methodist Camp meetings held around Kansas. They heard the "deeper life" stressed and there were plenty of people in the Mennonite Church who needed to hear that. So they emphasized it in our community. My father as a young minister and others got to having what they called "teacher's meetings." They would get together to prepare to teach the Sunday school lesson, but actually it was a place in which they could talk of things related to their Christian experience.
Some of the people went to extremes and by 1903 they were getting out of touch with what Father as a bishop of the church stood for. As a result there was a separation. About six or eight families withdrew from the church and started a mission in Newton. Every one of them then wanted to be a preacher, but none of them had the gifts or the education for it. My uncle Jonas Eby thought he was called to preach, but he would just stand up and say, "Alleluia, bless the Lord." That kind of trite vocabulary was all that he was capable of. Others weren't much better.
Then about 1912 J. B. Smith came to teach at Hesston College, next door to our church, and heard this second work of grace being taught. He was horrified and began to speak against it. It turned most of our congregation against Hesston and became a conference matter. At a conference session a statement was made against the second work of grace. As a result our preacher, D. D. Zook, got up, walked out, got in his buggy, and drove home. He was done. So he led quite a considerable faction from our congregation. J. M. Weaver joined with him and there was a split in the church-fully half the members.
So that's the experience I've had with schism and it gives me a deep horror of it, so much so that I cannot be comfortable with the charismatic renewal movement even today. Now a basic difference between our holiness movement in the beginning of the century and this charismatic emphasis is that of "tongues." The holiness people did not believe in speaking in tongues. And the Nazarenes are strongly against it even today. But most of the signs I recognize as similar to what happened to our church in Newton and it scares me to death.
Dan: How do you feel about Mennonite institutions today? Are we serving the church? Institutions, some say, are trying to have the church serve them instead of the other way around.
Paul: That was said against all our boards, I guess, especially the mission board. I don't know how else we can do the work of the church without having institutions do it. I also say that the institution should serve its purpose and if it's clear at that point that its purpose has been completed, give it an honorable burial. But many times if you get rid of one institution, you're simply making room for another one.
Dan: What would be your dream for the Mennonite Church in the 1980s?
Paul: I would hope that we can get a better way of financing our missions. I believe that missions is a function of the church, the very life of the church, and so it hurts me to hear reports that our missions are suffering. I know that a part of the solution is to have less giving to fly-by-night causes such as the electronic churches. I suppose that if we knew it some of these big radio preachers are getting enough money from us to keep our mission board going along very well.

Some highlights of Paul Erb's life

Paul Erb was born near Newton, Kansas, on April 26, 1894, and died at Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on May 7, 1984, just past his 90th birthday. He studied at Hesston and Bethel colleges, the University of Kansas, the State University of Iowa, and the University of Chicago.
He was married to Alta Mae Eby in 1917. He taught at Hesston College from 1918 to 1941 and at Goshen College from 1941 to 1945. He was editor of Gospel Herald from 1944 to 1962 and book editor of Herald Press from 1959 to 1964.
He was executive secretary of Mennonite General Conference from 1958 to 1961 and field worker of Allegheny Conference from 1966 to 1969. He served also as pastor of the Pennsylvania Mennonite Church, Newton, Kansas, and of the North Scottdale (Pa.) Mennonite Church.
His books include The Alpha and the Omega (1955); Don't Park Here (1962); We Believe (1969); Orie O. Miller (1969); South Central Frontiers (1974); Bible Prophecy: Questions and Answers (1978). See also obituary, p. 527.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 77, Number 31 - July 31, 1984, page 542.

Hamilton.- Mary Esther, daughter of William and Emma (Stuckey) Roth, was born at Laman, Mo., Jan. 22, 1901; died at Harper, Kan., July 7, 1984; aged 83 y. On Oct. 20, 1929, she was married to John S. Hamilton, who died on Dec. 2, 1972. Surviving is one sister (Zelma-Mrs. Clarence Kreider). She was preceded in death by one son (William James Hamilton). She was a member of Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 9, in charge of Elmer J. Wyse; interment in Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Hunsberger.- Enos B., son of Walter N. and Clara (Barndt) Hunsberger, was born at Chalfont, Pa., Jan. 18, 1921; died of a heart attack, July 4, 1984; aged 63 y. On Oct. 4, 1941, he was married to Sara Detwiler, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Marian-Mrs. Curtis Alderfer), 2 sons (Clyde and Glenn), 6 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Esther-Mrs. Marvin Detweiler and Grace-Mrs. Robert Bown) and 2 brothers (Henry and Wilmer). He was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 7, in charge of Earl Anders, Jr., Otis Yoder, and Floyd Hackman; interment in adjoining cemetery.

King.- Rebecca S., daughter of David M. and Elizabeth K. (Stoltzfus) Mast, was born in Berks Co., Pa.; died at Tel Hai Retirement Community, Honey Brook, Pa., June 30, 1983; aged 89 y. She was married to Isaac S. King, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Elizabeth M. King, Ada Nancy King, and Miriam-Mrs. Earl Graybill), 2 sons (David M. and Naaman E. King), a foster son (Harold Mast), 19 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Nancy M. Martin and Sara K. King), and one brother (A. D. Mast). She was a member of Millwood Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 3.

Kratz.- Marietta L., daughter of Jonas H. and Emma (Landis) Kratz, was born in Franconia Twp., Pa., Sept. 10, 1899; died at Eastern Mennonite home, Souderton, Pa., July 5, 1984; aged 84 y. Surviving are 4 brothers (Raymond, Elmer, Jonas, and Abram). She was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Eastern Mennonite Home, July 9, in charge of Paul Glanzer and Floyd Hackman; interment in Franconia Mennonite Cemetery.

Martin.- Charley N., son of Lester and Esther (Swope) Martin, was born at Kouts, Ind., Dec. 25, 1938; died of pulmonary-cardiac failure at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind., aged 45 y. He was married to Norma Peffly, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Sandra K. Martin), one son (Jeffrey A. Martin), his stepmother (Adeline Martin), a grandmother (Selina Swope), 3 brothers (Kenneth, Sam, and Owen), and 2 sisters (Betty Adkins and Dorothy Coe). He was a member of Bonneyville Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 3, in charge of Firman Gingerich; interment in Rice Cemetery.

Steiner.- Bruce Alan, son of Clayton and Ruth (Geiser) Steiner, was born at Goshen, Ind., Mar. 17, 1972; died in an automobile accident near the Washington-Oregon state line, July 6, 1984; aged 12. Surviving are his parents, 2 brothers (Kevin and Duane), one sister (Kimberly), grandparents (Homer and Bertha Steiner), grandmother and step-grandfather (Mr. and Mrs. Clare Mumaw). His grandfather (Lester Geiser) preceded him in death. He was a member of Kidron Mennonite Church. Memorial services were held at Kidron Mennonite Church, in charge of Elno Steiner, Joe Gerber, and Richard Wolf; interment in Kidron Church Cemetery.

Teets.- Mildred L., daughter of Charles and Sarah (Hershberger) King, was born at Springs, Pa., Feb. 10, 1908; died of cancer at Springs, Pa., on June 1, 1984; aged 76 y. On Apr. 18, 1930, she was married to Walter H. Teets, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Shirley Teets and Darlene Burkholder), 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mrs. Edna Maust). She was preceded in death by one son (Carl). She was a member of Springs Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 4, in charge of Steven Heatwole and Walter Otto; interment in Springs cemetery.

Troyer.- Bertha, daughter of Christian and Rosina Schindler, was born at Hartford, Kan., Oct. 20, 1896; died at the Harper Hospital, Harper, Kan., Apr. 2, 1984; aged 87 y. On Jan. 30, 1921, she was married to Fred Troyer, who died on Feb. 25, 1965. Surviving are one son (Ted), 2 daughters (Evelyn and Eunice Troyer), 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Crystal Springs Mennonite Church, Apr. 5, in charge of Ed Robbins; interment in Crystal Springs Cemetery.

Troyer.- Martha Nila, daughter of John and Lillie (Beachy) Kendle, was born at Trail, Ohio, July 27, 1908; died of cancer at Union Hospital, Dover, Ohio, June 27, 1908; aged 75 y. On Aug. 15, 1925, she was married to Malvin Troyer, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Robert D. Troyer), one daughter (Lillian T.-Mrs. James Brady), 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, one brother (John Miller), and 3 sisters (Mary-Mrs. Loren Hostetler, Sara Ila-Mrs. Wayne Hostetler (her twin), and Eva Hostetler). She was a member of Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 16, in charge of Alvin Kanagy; interment in Walnut Creek Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Vance.- Harry F., son of Clarence and Lilly (Mardock) Vance, was born at Gutherville, Pa., Sept. 18, 1911; died of a heart attack at Malvern, Pa., June 10, 1984; aged 72 y. On Nov. 27, 1952, he was married to Margaret S. Jones, who survives. Also surviving are 2 brothers (George and Everett Vance), and one sister (Evelyn Miller). He was a member of Frazer Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Ralston and Bredickas Funeral Home on June 13, in charge of Irvin Engle; interment in Providence Mennonite Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana


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