Anabaptist World
April - June 2024
Mennonite World Review & The Mennonite merged September 2020
Anabaptist World, April 2024, pages 54-55, Vol. 5, No. 4.
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Kaufman, Howard Lee
April 9, 1928 - March 1, 2024
Kaufman-. Howard Lee, 95, died March 1, 2024, at Pine Village in Moundridge, Kan. He was born April 9, 1928, to Christian H. and Lydia (Flickner) Kaufman in rural Moundridge. He attended Peaceful Grade School, graduated from Moundridge High School in 1945 and commuted to Bethel College for a year and a half. He attended Eden Mennonite Church and was baptized upon his confession of faith in 1943. He served as deacon, choir member and chair of the building committee for the Kaufman current church, dedicated in 1990.
On Sept. 4, 1950, he married Neva Stucky at Eden Mennonite Church. For 73 and a half years, they raised a family, maintained a business, weathered many storms and celebrated even more accomplishments. Five children were blessed to be nurtured by them: James (Jim) Howard, Keith Allen, Bernice (Berni) Kay, Jeannie Marie and Larry Dean. Upon their marriage, Howard went into partnership with his dad on the dairy farm. Howard and Neva eventually took over the farm. Howard spent much time volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service, Mennonite Central Committee, Camp Mennoscah, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Pine Village. He served on the boards of Mid-Kansas Cooperative, Bethel College and the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.
He is survived by his wife, Neva, of the home; children Jim, Berni and Larry (Cheri), all of Moundridge; two granddaughters; eight great- grandchildren; and a brother, Del (Ann). He was preceded in death by children Keith Allen and Jeannie Marie; sister Ethel Helmer and brothers Virgil and Leland. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Mennoscah, Mennonite Central Committee and Eden Mennonite Church.
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Kaufman, Donald D.
January 10, 1933 - December 18, 2023
Kaufman-. Donald D., 90, died Dec. 18, 2023, at Kidron Bethel in North Newton, Kan. He was born Jan. 10, 1933, to David and Hulda (Graber) Kaufman and grew up on a farm in Marion, S.D. He graduated from Bethel College and Mennonite Biblical Seminary, where he met Eleanor Wismer. They were married nearly 61 years before her death in 2019. They parented three children, Kendra, Galen and Nathan, who survive, along with three grandchildren. The couple adopted Nathan while serving with Mennonite Central Committee in Indonesia in the 1960s.
Don served as pastor in two churches in Minnesota and at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton. He worked secular jobs after that, including managing housing for disabled people at Wheatland Homes in North Newton. He was a gardener and planted more than 50 trees around Sunset Elementary School near his home in Newton. He will be remembered for his biblical and philosophical study and promotion of conscientious objection to military taxation. He supported peace tax legislation that would provide an alternative fund for taxes assessed to COs. He critiqued Mennonite institutions for their reluctance to break civil law that ordered them to collect the income taxes from employees who felt compelled to resist and redirect war taxes. He wrote two books, What Belongs to Caesar and The Tax Dilemma. He was a founding member of the Heartland Peace Tax Fund group, which affiliated with the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee in the 1990s. He helped plan and host two national meetings in Kansas and served on the administrative committee.
He helped lower his family's tax liability by consolidating medical expenses, large charitable donations and other tax deductions every other year in order to take the maximum deductions then, and then take the standard deduction in the alternate year, while living simply and generously. A tireless promoter of peace and nonviolent social change, he pricked the consciences of those who believed they must obey all laws of their country even if such laws contradicted God's higher law. At times, his was a lonely stance. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. April 13 at Bethel College Mennonite Church.
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Eicher, C. Sam
February 19, 1942 - February 21, 2024
Eicher-. C. Sam, 82, of Albany Ore., died Feb. 21, 2024. Kind, funny, faith-filled and generous, Sam was a cattleman whose legacy is one of devotion to his family, his faith, his love of raising livestock and serving his community. His passion for service was not for personal recognition, but a testament to the values he held dear. It included several local and national boards of directors, committees and volunteer service for faith-based, business and philanthropic benefit. He was a great encouragement to those he mentored and stood beside in times of hardship. His influence will continue to be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Horner; seven children, Marisa (Eicher) DeMasi, Dani (Eicher) Lack, Jaqui Eicher, Tyson (Eicher) Swartout, Travis Eicher, Jay Horner and Kristin (Horner) Adams; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His jelly bean stash and ability to make the great-grandkids giggle were legendary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Ezra Eicher and Martha Gerig) Eicher; his siblings, Shirley Gingerich and Duane Eicher; and his first wife, Roma Jean (Diller) Eicher. A celebration of his life was held March 15 at Albany Mennonite Church, followed by a light meal including his famous Eicher Sausage enjoyed by many at the Mennonite Central Committee and Western Mennonite High School benefit auctions. Donations can be made to Albany Mennonite Church, Mennonite Economic Development Associates, St. Edwards Catholic Church in Lebanon Ore., and Drift Creek Camp.
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Miller, Mary "Pat" Knox Darling
December 4, 1937 - March 2, 2024
Darling Miller-. Mary "Pat", 86, of Goshen, Ind., died March 2, 2024, at Goshen Hospital. She was born Dec. 4, 1937, in Gibson City, Ill., to Earl H. and Catherine L. (Ingold) Knox. A 1955 graduate of Fisher High School, she received her nursing degree from Goshen College School of Nursing in 1959.
On March 24, 1962, she married Wayne E. Darling, of Elkhart County, Ind., in Fisher, Ill. He died Aug. 28, 2010. She later married D. Richard Miller on June 30, 2012. He survives, along with her daughters, Melinda Darling of Holyoke, Mass., and Michele {Terry Golob) Darling of Boston; four step-children, Daniel (Nadine) Miller and Philip (Jean) Miller, both of Goshen, David (Lori) Miller of Wichita, Kan., and Christine M. Miller of Fort Wayne, Ind.; four step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Amanda Osborn of Sebring, Fla., and a sister-in-law, Marta Knox of Paxton, Ill.
Along with her parents and first husband, Wayne, she was preceded in death by a brother, Earl H. Knox Jr. A lifelong healthcare worker, she worked in the office of Dr. M.H. Kesim for 21 years. She continued working at Bristol Street Pediatrics until her retirement in 1998. A former member of First Baptist Church of Elkhart, Mary was active at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, Goshen.
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Buckwalter, Lois Miriam Litwiller
October 2, 1921 - March 8, 2024
Buckwalter-. Lois Miriam, 102, died March 8, 2024, in Goshen, Ind. She was born Oct. 2, 1921, in Chicago to Ada (Ramseyer) and Nelson Litwiller. She grew up in Argentina, where her parents were sent as missionaries by Mennonite Board of Missions in 1925. In 1941 she went to Goshen College, graduating in 1944. On Aug. 22. 1947. she married Albert Shank Buckwalter in Hesston, Kan.
In 1950 they departed for the Argentine Chaco, appointed by the MBM to work among the Toba (Qom) Indians. Over the next decades, they fostered the emergence of an independent Toba church, the Iglesia Evanglica Unida, which they accompanied by regularly visiting its far-flung congregations and by learning the Toba language. After over 40 years of missionary work, during which the New Testament and selections of the Old Testament were translated into Toba as well as Pilaga and Mocovi, Lois and Albert retired in 1993 to Greencroft in Goshen, where they were members of College Mennonite Church. Albert died May 12, 2004.
Lois was a cheerful, curious and sensitive observer of the world around her. She took on the tasks at hand with enthusiasm, impatience and determination. Throughout her life she was an avid correspondent, following up closely on the activities of her friends, children and grandchildren by letter, email and phone. Her faith made her an avid reader of scripture, a critical reader of theological literature and a concerned observer of world events.
Survivors include a sister, Beulah Gonzalez of Goshen; two daughters, Rachel Lois (John) Miller of Lawrence, Kan., and Naomi (Mimi) Rose Buckwalter of El Cajon, Calif.; two sons, Tim A. (Crissie Shank) Buckwalter of Goshen and Stephen E. (Ulrike von Fritschen) Buckwalter of Neustadt, Germany; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sisters Esther Schertz and Eunice Miller and a brother, John T.N. Litwiller.
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Osborne, Millard E.
August 30, 1932 - June 22, 2023
Osborne-. Millard E., 90, died June 22, 2023. He was born Aug. 30, 1932, the youngest of 10 children, to Charles Edmond and Pearl Frey Osborne. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Millard grew up during the Depression of the 1930s and the war years of the 1940s in Howard-Miami counties of Indiana. He was baptized in Howard-Miami Mennonite Church and attended Goshen College. In 1954, he married Joyce Nyce in Doylestown, Pa.
They served in Voluntary Service at Mathis, Texas. In 1959 they moved to Lebanon, Ore., where Millard began his pastoral ministry. He also pastored in London, Ont., Fisher, Ill., and Charlottesville, Va., and served as conference minister for South Central Mennonite Conference. He held a B.A. from Goshen College, a Th.B. from Goshen Biblical Seminary and an M.Div. from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He and Joyce retired in Harrisonburg, Va., and became members at Community Mennonite Church. In 2017, they moved to Kelseyville, Calif., to live with their daughter, Marylin, and family, eventually moving to Clearlake, Calif. Joyce continues to reside there.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Nyce Osborne; daughters Myrna Lapres (Michael), Marylin Wakefield (Brad) and Joanna Masingila (Adamson, deceased); daughter-in-law Naomi Martin (Sheldon); nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His son, Eric, died in 1991. Family fondly remember his many stories, tales, songs and poems. His was a life well lived. There was a memorial service and interment of his ashes on July 29, 2023, at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, May 2024, pages 58-59, Vol. 5, No. 5.
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Foth, Donald Paul
December 17, 1933 - March 27, 2024
Foth-. Donald (Don) Paul, 90, of Harrisonburg, Va., died March 27, 2024, at Sentara RMH Medical Center. He was born on Dec. 17, 1933, in Hillsboro, Kan., to the late Jacob and Mary Plett Foth. Don lived his childhood in Henderson, Neb., but was orphaned at the age of 16. He earned his B.S. from Friends University, Wichita, Kan., with a degree in accounting.
After his graduation, did alternative service as assistant accountant for Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pa., where he met his spouse, Margaret Jantzi. They married in 1957 and soon relocated to western New York, where he began his accounting career with Ernst & Ernst. In 1977, Don and family moved to Virginia. Shortly after the move, he accepted a position as comptroller for Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg. He was happy in his position, forming strong friendships and building close relationships. He earned the respect of his peers for his diligence, attention to detail and work ethic.
Following his retirement from EMU, he started his own tax business doing tax returns and accounting. His passion for helping others often translated into assisting those in need of his accounting skills. He was a member of Park View Mennonite Church, where he formed close relationships and ties with members. When he moved to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, he continued his friendships, often meeting his "coffee buddies" for visits. He also formed new friendships as he took up pool as a hobby.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; and his children, Robert Foth of Colorado Springs, Colo., Ellen White of Stanardsville, Va., Mary Foth Whalen of Rockville, Md., and Janice Foth Headen of Bel Air, Md. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 4 at Park View Mennonite Church.
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Stutzman Janzen, Anna
February 23, 1950 - March 19, 2024
Stutzman Janzen-. Anna Stutzman, 74, died March 19, 2024, in Newport News, Va. She was born Feb. 23, 1950, in Arthur, Ill., to Levi W. and Lydia D. (Yoder) Stutzman and happily grew up on a dairy farm. Following her graduation from Arthur High School, she attended Rosedale Bible institute in Irwin, Ohio, and served with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Jackson, Miss. After her term of service, she resided in Jackson to become a licensed respiratory technician. These skills and experiences helped support her through college at Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Va., where she earned a degree in elementary education. She taught at Warwick River Christian School in Newport News, where her loving spirit, gentle voice and infectious humor endeared her to hundreds of schoolchildren and their parents.
She joined Huntington Mennonite Church, where she found lifelong Christian love and support. Encouragement from the congregation helped her to pursue a master of arts in theological studies degree at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She used her newfound knowledge to serve as a youth minister at Warwick River Mennonite Church and the associate pastor at Huntington Mennonite Church. She also served with the Eastern District of Virginia Mennonite Conference and VMC's Faith and Life Commission. A highlight of her ministries was baptizing young girls when they came to Christian faith. An engaging, loving and forgiving wife and friend, she was courageous in undergoing a liver transplant in 2002. The 22 years since then gave her fulfillment in returning to the teaching profession and time to enter pastoral work.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jay Milton Janzen; stepdaughter Erika Janzen of Kaneohe, Hawaii; stepson Jacob (Tressy) Janzen of Arlington, Va.; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter; sisters Viola Stutzman of Arthur, Mary Ellen (Danny) Rowe of Louisville, Ky., and Sarah (Virgil) Kauffman of Arthur; brothers Willis Stutzman of Arthur, Paul (Carol) Stutzman of Arthur and Nelson (Karen) Stutzman of Conrath, Wis.; and in-laws Lois (Lyle) Preheim of Freeman, S.D., Ruthanne (Leo) Heatwole, James Melvin Janzen and Carla (Sherwin) Jacobs, all of Harrisonburg, Rebecca (Jack) Fullmer of Nampa, Idaho, Deanna (Marlo) Kauffman of Goshen, Ind., and Margaret (Mustapha) Abderrahmane of Oakland, Calif.
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Newswanger, Carl Keeport
May 11, 1941 - March 7, 2024
Newswanger-. Carl Keeport, 82, of Albany, Ore., died March 7, 2024. He was born May 11, 1941, in Bird-in-Hand, Pa., to Willis and Alice Newswanger. He was educated at Lancaster Mennonite School, Eastern Mennonite College and Goshen Biblical Seminary. After graduating with a master of divinity degree, he entered pastoral ministry at Pueblo Mennonite Church in Colorado, eventually moving on to pastor Mennonite churches in Bloomington/Normal, Ill., Orrville and Hartville, Ohio. He completed his ministry at Salem Mennonite Church in Oregon.
He was deeply affected by his experiences in the town of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Canada, where he taught in the local school between his college and seminary studies. Through the rest of his life, he would often be heard singing Newfoundland folk songs and developed a love of stamp collecting specializing in the postage stamps of Newfoundland. He was also passionate about community outreach through the work of the Southeast Keizer Community Center, which he helped to establish during his ministry at Salem Mennonite Church. He was a frequent volunteer at weekly Friday evening sessions, where he loved playing games with children of the Newswanger neighborhood.
He is survived by his wife, Louise (Myers); son Jon (Shawn); daughter Jill (Nathan) Kletzing; seven grandchildren; and brothers Aaron and Galen. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ella Newswanger. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 11 at Salem Mennonite Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Southeast Keizer Community Center, in care of Salem Mennonite Church.
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Roth, Jonathan N.
March 2, 1938 - March 13, 2024
Roth-. Jonathan N., 86, professor emeritus of biology at Goshen College, died March 13, 2024, in Goshen, Ind. He taught at the college for 42 years, from 1962 to 2004. He was born in the Willamette Valley in Albany, Ore., on March 2, 1938. He graduated Goshen College in 1959 before earning his doctorate from Oregon State University. He returned to his alma mater in 1962 and dedicated over four decades to shaping the minds of students and advancing scientific research.
His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he played a pivotal role in establishing Goshen College's marine biology program. His contributions to marine biology and education culminated in the college naming the marine biology station and laboratory in his honor in 2009: the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station. He invented and patented numerous innovative and easy-to-use microbiological testing methods and products. His products, methods and inventions are in use all over the world.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; his son, Geoffrey Roth of Boston; his daughter, Brooke Rothshank of Goshen; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Roth; his parents, Ruth and Urban Roth; and his parents-in-law, Orrin and Blanche Smucker. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. May 5 at College Mennonite Church in Goshen.
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Schloneger, Robert I.
April 17, 1941 - March 25, 2024
Schloneger-. Robert I., 82, of Goshen, Ind., died March 25, 2024. He was born April 17, 1941, in Louisville, Ohio, to Irvin and Irene (Falb) Schloneger. On June 8, 1963, he married Enid Miller in Smithville, Ohio.
She survives, along with three sons, Craig (Ann) Schloneger of Lititz, Pa., Kevin (Lisa) Schloneger of Indianapolis and Mark (Sarah) Schloneger of Goshen; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters Sandra (Jim) Brenneman of Newburgh, Ind., and Faye (Marty) Brenneman of Orrville, Ohio; a brother, Keith (Bev) Schloneger of Dundee, Ohio; and a brother-in-law, Russ Hochstetler of Goshen. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Tricia Schloneger; a sister, Catherine Hochstetler; and a brother, David Schloneger.
He was a retired Mennonite pastor, teacher and mentor and had many hobbies and interests. He adored his wife and cherished time with his family. He was always happy to help others with his handyman skills. He was a master wood turner and enjoyed turning with friends Sherm Kauffman and Marion Yoder. He also enjoyed working on other woodworking projects and playing and watching sports. With Enid, Bob served two years with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Puerto Rico, and he volunteered with Meals on Wheels in his retirement. He was an active member of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen.
A memorial service was held March 30 at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship's Outdoor Sanctuary Fund or Meals on Wheels, Goshen.
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Wiebe, Leonard Carl
March 29, 1930 - April 3, 2024
Wiebe-. Leonard Carl, 94, of Goshen, Ind., died April 3, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born March 29, 1930, in Newton, Kan., to Henry J. and Eliese (Regier) Wiebe of Whitewater, Kan. He married Joan E.(Banman) Wiebe on May 28, 1957, in North Newton, Kan. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Bethel College in North Newton. He paused college two years to serve at a polio hospital in Los Angeles with the national alternative service program, and it was through this service assignment that he felt called to become a pastor. He earned a bachelor of divinity degree from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a master of sacred theology degree from Union Theological Seminary.
He and Joan pastored three churches over nearly 40 years. Two were urban church plants: Maplewood Mennonite in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Peace Community Mennonite in Aurora, Colo. In between, they served at Faith Mennonite in Newton. He also served the wider church in various roles. After retirement, he served six churches as either interim pastor or congregational coach, working in some pastoral capacity until age 90. Leonard was an encourager, a good listener, a man of daily Bible reading and prayer, and beloved by many. He enjoyed gardening, camping, skiing, road trips and time with children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his children, Karen Wiebe (Anna Dennis) of Minneapolis, Brian (Brenda) Wiebe of Goshen and Jan Wiebe (Jonathan Andreas) of Bluffton, Ohio; six grandchildren; and his brother, Wilbert Wiebe of Whitewater. He was preceded in death by his wife in July 2023, as well as his brother Alfred Wiebe and sister Gertrude Roten. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. May 5 at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen. Memorial gifts may be given to Mennonite Mission Network or Mennonite Central Committee.
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Gross, Irene E. Geiser
June 20, 1933 - April 4, 2024
Gross-. Irene E., 90, died April 4, 2024, at Goshen Hospital in Indiana. Born June 20, 1933, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to Walter and Jeanne (Geiser) Geiser, she embarked on a remarkable journey that included marrying T. Leonard Gross on April 9, 1957, in Switzerland. Her extraordinary gift was connecting with people. She embraced every moment with a spirit of adventure, infusing joy and warmth into the lives of those around her. Blending her Swiss heritage with the welcoming embrace of American life, she was active in the Goshen community since 1957.
She shared her passion for languages and cultures as a beloved German teacher at Bethany Christian High School for 29 years, where she was fondly known as "Frau Gross." She also taught French at Goshen College for three years. A member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen, she shared her time and talents, serving on various committees. She exemplified the spirit of service and compassion. She demonstrated her commitment to strengthening community by dedicating a decade to serving on The Window's board, with a three-year tenure as president.
Leonard survives her, along with their daughters, Suzanne (Robert Kirchner) Gross of Edmonton, Alberta, and Valerie (Tri Nguyen) Gross of Berkeley, Calif.; three grandchildren; sister Liliane (Paul) Widmer of Geneva, Switzerland; and brother Jean Walter (Marie-Christine Nabben) Geiser of Cabrieres d'Aigues, France. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 25 at College Mennonite Church. Memorial donations may be made to The Window (thewindowofgoshen.com) or Mennonite Central Committee.
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Zehr, Florence I. Eigsti
February 17, 1931 - March 30, 2024
Zehr-. Florence I., 93, of Waverly, Iowa, died March 30, 2024, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. She was born Feb. 17, 1931, to Ira and Esther Eigsti in Princeton, Ill. She graduated from Hesston Academy in 1949 and attended one year at Hesston College in Kansas, where she met Marvin Zehr. They were married on Feb. 17, 1951, and Manson, Iowa, was their home for 61 years before moving to Waverly. She enjoyed being on the farm and tending her large garden. She developed a passion for sewing and made many outfits for the Manson school and community singing groups. She also made many wedding and bridesmaid gowns. She was passionate about making school bags and tying comforters for Mennonite Central Committee and was working on these projects until a week before her death.
Florence was a member of Manson Mennonite Church. She and Marvin were part of the church plant in Fort Dodge for seven years. She was active in the church, teaching Sunday and Bible School, serving as an elder and being involved in the sewing circle. For the last four years she enjoyed attending the service at Willow Springs Mennonite in Tiskilwa, Ill., via Zoom. Willow Springs was the church she attended as a child.
She is survived by her children, Barbara (Sanford) Yoder, Julia (Alan) Cowan, John (Jane) Zehr, Calvin (Carol) Zehr and Stanley (Jennifer) Zehr; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; and infant daughter Elaine. Memorials can be directed to Mennonite Mission Network.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, June 2024, pages 54-55, Vol. 5, No. 6.
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Shenk, David William
October 10, 1926 - April 17, 2024
Shenk-. David William, 97, of Nampa, Idaho, died April 17, 2024, at his residence in Caldwell. He was born to Daniel and Nancy Boyer Shenk on Oct. 10, 1926, in Cottage City, Md. He married Harriett Shank on Nov. 6, 1949, and they were married for 71 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He especially loved and cherished any time he was able to spend with his family, as well as his church family.
He spent his growing up years in the Mennonite colony in Newport News, Va., and, like many young men in the area, worked on the cattle boats after World War II. A highlight of his life occurred when he and his father and brothers were privileged to accompany a boatload of horses to Poland and Iceland in 1946.
He is survived by five children, Myron Shenk (Sylvia), Joyce Jones (Neil), Donna Thompson (Dan), Carolyn Keen (Damon) and Pamela Shenk; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters Elizabeth Brunk and Alice Nice (Daniel); and a brother, Maurice Shenk. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriett; brothers Paul and Donald; sisters Lois and Louretta; and granddaughter Jennifer.
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Diller, Maxine Frey
September 25, 1929 - April 20, 2024
Diller-. Maxine, 94, of Traverse City, Mich., died April 20, 2024, in her home. She was born Sept. 26, 1929, in Archbold, Ohio, to Mattie and P.L. Frey, one of five daughters. A lifelong learner, she was devoted to her career as a public school teacher. She earned undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees, from Goshen College and Siena Heights University. She met her husband, Paul Diller, in college, and they were married in 1952.
She is survived by her husband, Paul; four sons, Phillip (Lynn), Jonathon (Cindy), Samuel (Victoria) and David (Laurel); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial celebration was planned for May at a Frey family reunion in Onekama, Mich.
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Horst, Eric Eugene
May 6, 1971 - February 12, 2024
Horst-. Eric Eugene, 52, of Birmingham, Ala., died at his home Feb. 12, 2024. He was born May 6, 1971, in Goshen, Ind., to Oren and Arlene (Sauder) Horst. At the age of 16, he surrendered his life to Jesus. He graduated from Bethany Christian High School in 1989; Hesston College, with an associate degree in Bible; and Eastern Mennonite University, with a bachelor's degree in Christian ministries and youth ministry.
God's call on his life to be involved in pastoral ministry was revealed and developed during these years. An ordained pastor, Eric served Cornerstone Mennonite Church in Hartville, Ohio, Boynton Mennonite Church in Hopedale, Ill., and Swamp Mennonite Church in Quakertown, Pa. Before, moving to Alabama, he worked as director of adult and family ministries at Spruce Lake Retreat, Canadensis, Pa. He modeled servant leadership, working long summer nights to provide experiences that pointed people to Jesus. He served as a speaker, worship leader and concert artist for camps and congregations.
Most recently, he worked as operations manager for the Harbert Center in Birmingham. He provided invaluable help to clubs and civic organizations as audio-visual specialist. He used his knowledge and leadership skills to bless Grace & Truth Church as media director. Many remember his passion to share Jesus with others, his willingness to sit with people in their hardest moments, his playful sense of humor and hearty laugh and his love for playing Rook. He was passionate about helping people found freedom in Christ. This message was expressed as he wrote songs and poems. He began a ministry, "Cry 4 Freedom," helping people find freedom in Jesus.
He is survived by his father, Oren Horst of Pinson, Ala.; and a brother, Doug (Becky) Horst of Pinson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene (Sauder) Horst; maternal grandparents Roy and Selma Sauder; and paternal grand-parents Melvin and Elizabeth Horst.
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Zehr, Dorothy Leora Wissler
August 17, 1939 - February 10, 2024
Zehr-. Dorothy Leora (Wissler), 84, died Feb. 10, 2024, in Goshen, Ind. She was born in 1939 in Rothsville, Pa., the eldest of eight children of Roy H. and Martha (Byer) Wissler. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 1957 and Eastern Mennonite College in 1966 with a degree in biblical studies. in 1968, she married Milton J. Zehr, and in 1969 they moved to Lowville, N.Y., where Milton began his pastorate at Lowville Mennonite Church. Dorothy served as a partner in ministry with Milton at Lowville for 22 years and then with New York Mennonite Conference until retirement.
Later in life, she became a credentialed spiritual director. Many considered her a mentor, inspiration and friend. She welcomed into her home adopted children, foster children, international students, immigrants and many seeking a safe place to land. She responded with love and encouragement, offering a listening ear, prayer, counsel and practical help. Growing up in Lititz, Pa., she loved working with her papa at his car dealership and was an expert in the cars of the '50s and '60s.
When she moved to Lewis County, she learned how to garden, can vegetables, bake and pluck chickens. She drove the tractor in the family sugar bush and marketed maple syrup on the East Coast. At their farmette in Martinsburg, she enjoyed operating the Alger Place Bed and Breakfast. She and Milton traveled to Costa Rica, Vietnam, India, Switzerland and Egypt. She will be remembered for her warm hugs, huge heart and genuine care.
She is survived by her husband, Milton J. Zehr; their children Kirkwood (Kristin) Shank Zehr, Lucinda (Eric) Zehr White, Adam Zehr, Yolanda (David) Zehr Omes and Marcus (Robin) Ebright Zehr; and seven grandchildren.
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Duerksen, Harold K.
April 29, 1925 - April 1, 2024
Duerksen-. Harold K., 98, died April 1, 2024. He was born April 29, 1925, in Goessel, Kan., to Abraham R. and Katherine Klassen Duerksen. He grew up on a farm near Hillsboro and graduated from Goessel Rural High School in 1943. In 1944 he was drafted into 1-W service and assigned to the Civilian Public Service Forest Service unit in North Fork, Calif. He was later transferred to the VA hospital in Roseburg, Ore., where he directed a mental health unit.
Afterward, he enrolled at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., and graduated in 1951. After graduation, he took the position of public relations assistant at Bethel. He and Rosella Reimer were married at Bethel College Mennonite Church and then both served on the faculty. He received ordination from General Conference Mennonite Church. Harold and Rosella moved to New York City for graduate school at the Union Theological Seminary. In 1956 he earned a bachelor of divinity degree and a master's degree in theology and counseling.
His career spanned three universities: the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa and the University of Arkansas. He was faculty in the School of Religion and Office of Religious Affairs. Later he was the associate registrar and then registrar, computerizing the registration processes at Iowa and Arkansas.
The Duerksens moved to Tucson, Ariz., in 2000 to be near their daughter Kathleen. Harold kept busy working in Kathleen's medical 0ffice and volunteering in pastoral services at Tucson Medical Center. Even at the end, music was "always good to him."
He is survived by daughter Kathleen (Kevin Finnegan) of Tucson; son Thomas of Tucson; a grandson; and brother Roland (Mary) of Oxford, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Rosella; and daughter Kristina.
Transcribed by: John Ingold