Anabaptist World
July - September 2024
Mennonite World Review & The Mennonite merged September 2020
Anabaptist World, July 2024, pages 53-55, Vol. 5, No. 7.
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Bartel, Lonnie E.
November 21, 1962 - May 18, 2024
Bartel-. Lonnie E., 61, of Iowa City, Iowa, died May 18, 2024, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Nov. 21, 1962, to Eldon and Ethel Bartel of Hillsboro, Kan. He attended Hillsboro schools and Hesston College in Kansas. There he met Julia Wyse, and they married in 1983. Three daughters — Linea, Hannah and Amanda — joined the family. Grandchildren Elsa and Kit Rochford added to his happiness. His family was his heart and soul and greatest joy. He earned an associate of arts degree in aviation from Hesston College. Over his 38-year aviation career, he worked at Fisher Air in McPherson, Kan., MACAir Corp. and McPherson Flight Center, Air Midwest, Air Wisconsin and United Airlines, where he held offices and was active in the Airline Pilots Association of United Airlines. With integrity, friendliness, positivity, compassion and curiosity, he desired to reflect God's goodness for the good of all. At First Mennonite Church of Iowa City, he served on commissions, taught Sunday school, sponsored the youth group, ran the audio system and offered his talented voice to singing groups. He supported Mennonite Central Committee locally by running the Ebay shop for Crowded Closet. He was the president of Mennonite Men USA for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, Julia; three daughters, Linea (Nick) Rochford of Iowa City, Hannah (Alan) Randall of Eagle, Colo., and Amanda (Zeke) Gunnink of Iowa City; two grandchildren; sister—in—law Darlene Bartel of Hillsboro; brother Lynn (Fran) Bartel of Edmond, Okla.; sister Ellen (Don) Patry of BelAire, Kan.; in-laws Alice and Gene Wyse of Wayland, Iowa; and sister-in-law Jodi Wyse (Allan) Woline of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Daryl Bartel of Hillsboro; and his brother-in-law, Curt Wyse of Mount Pleasant. Donations are suggested to Mennonite Men or Crowded Closet Thrift Shop of Iowa City.
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Nafziger Brunk, Shirley K.
May 14, 1949 - May 24, 2024
Nafziger Brunk-. Shirley K., 75, of Harrisonburg, Va., died May 24, 2024. She was born May 14, 1949, in Hopedale, Ill., the youngest of five children of Vilas and Erma Nafziger. A graduate of Minier High School and Goshen College, she was employed as a production- marketing assistant in the English Broadcasting Department of the Mennonite Board of Missions Media Ministries in Harrisonburg. She was a member of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church and served as an administrative assistant. She loved being part of many women‘s Bible studies there. She was blessed with a large group of friends who supported each other through life and their spiritual journeys. She was an avid reader and loved completing jigsaw puzzles. Traveling with her husband was always a highlight, especially to visit her siblings. She loved the mountains, viewing and hiking, with Peaks of Otter being a preferred vacation spot. She collected crystal figurines and anything representing pandas, which held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Gerald; four stepsons, Daryl (Robyn) of Waynesboro, Steve (Beth) of Rockingham, Kevin (Ruben) of San Antonio, Texas, and Ben (Cynthia) of New Market; six step-grandchildren; her brothers, John (Connie) of Gahanna, Ohio, and Keith of Bloomington, Ill. A dear friend, Retha Baer, was a blessing with caring support the last few years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Marlene and Barb, of Indiana and Illinois, respectively. Memorial contributions may be sent to Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.
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Beachy Gingerich, Wilma Jean
October 22, 1934 - May 19, 2024
Beachy Gingerich-. Wilma Jean, 89, died May 19, 2024, in Harrisonburg, Va. She was born Oct. 22, 1934, to Amish parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Beachy) Beachy, in Miami County, Ind. When she was 6 years old, her family moved to Kalona, Iowa. On Aug. 26, 1956, she married Ray C. Gingerich, and they joined the Conservative Mennonite Church. A week later, they left for Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, wherein 1958 she gave birth to twin sons and in 1960 earned an associate of arts degree. From 1961 to 1968, Wilma and Ray served in Luxembourg with Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions. There, two more sons joined the family. Returning to the United States in 1968, Ray pursued graduate studies, and Wilma supported the family on a nurse—aide income. In 1976 she completed a bachelor's degree in nursing at Goshen College. In 1984 she earned a master's degree in community health nursing from the University of Virginia. She worked as a registered nurse at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, in nursing administration at two nursing homes and as a hospice nurse. Upon her retirement, she served for five months at Jubilee Partners. Back home in Harrisonburg, she volunteered with school—age children and people experiencing incarceration, as an English teacher of immigrant neighbors and by reading to people with impaired vision. Surviving are sisters Bertha Beachy and Clara (Ed) Yoder; four sons, James (Barbara) Nelson Gingerich, John Gingerich (Eva Mengelkoch), André Gingerich Stoner and Pierre (Lori) Gingerich-Boberg; and eight grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Ray; her parents; and seven siblings. She was a member of Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, where a memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. July 14. Memorial donations can be made to Jubilee Partners, Comer, Ga.
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Miller, Maurice Lee
January 1, 1932 - May 9, 2024
Miller-. Maurice Lee, 92, died May 9, 2024, leaving a legacy of kindness, love for nature and unwavering dedication to his family and faith. He was born Jan. 1, 1932, in Newton, Kan., to Ernest and Stella Miller. He attended Hesston Academy and Bethel College and earned a master's degree in planning from Kansas State University. As a professional planning consultant, Maurice created plans for cities and towns across Kansas and Colorado. Midcareer, he transitioned into government, focusing on public sector service. His 20-year tenure with the National Park Service was marked by his development of plans for many national parks across the country. His work increased access to our parks, while sustaining them environmentally. He married Marilyn Ferne Kauffman in 1958 and raised three children. A man of strong faith, with a deep devotion to the Mennonite church, he loved greeting people and serving wherever needed. "Mo" served two years with the national alternative service program at the Colorado Mental Health Institute and the Los Angeles Department of Charities. He tirelessly supported Marilyn in her pastoral work. A gentle soul, Maurice had a genuine kindness and selflessness that touched the lives of many. He lived with grace and humility, never seeking recognition or praise, and served as a beacon of patience in a world marked by haste and impatience. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children Michelle (Ky) and Monica (Paul); and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Michael; daughter Stephanie; his parents; and his brother, Don (Colene). Memorial gifts may be sent to Beth-El Mennonite Church, Colorado Springs, Colo., to be shared between Beth-El and Boulder Mennonite Church for nature-related projects.
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Steelberg, Elsie Enns
June 8, 1934 - November 27, 2023
Steelberg-. Elsie Enns, 89, died Nov. 27, 2023, in Buhler, Kan. She was born June 8, 1934, in Newton, Kan., and grew up in Buhler, the daughter of Herman and Margaret (Reimer) Enns. She attended Tabor College and graduated from Northwestern University in 1956. She graduated from Northwestern Medical School in 1960 and completed her anesthesiology residency in 1964. She was an anesthesiologist for 13 years before going back to school for psychiatry, completing her residency in 1981 from SUMMA Health System/Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio. She met Donald Steelberg at an InterVarsity meeting at Northwestern in 1954. They married in Chicago in 1959 and raised four sons in Chicago, Wichita, Kan., and Wadsworth, Ohio. She joined Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church in Wichita when Donald took an associate pastor position there in 1965. They moved to Wadsworth in 1968 when Donald became pastor at First Mennonite and Elsie worked at Wadsworth Rittman Hospital and Akron General Medical Center. She and Donald moved back to Wichita in 1984, where she practiced psychiatry, first with Prairie View and then in private practice, for 36 years. An early supporter of gay marriage and LBGTQ rights, she served on the General Conference Mennonite Church Human Sexuality Committee from 1982 to 1987 and continued to advocate for these rights within the Mennonite church throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Donald; four sons, Jeremy (Caroline) of Chicago, Nelson (Nancy) of McLean, Va., Derek (Maria) of Naples, Fla., and Schuyler (Kathleen) of Cookson, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and a sister, Ramona Binci of Conway, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Margaret; and a brother, Harry.
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Goering Lehman, Evelyn Jane
January 17, 1929 - June 3, 2024
Goering Lehman-. Evelyn Jane, 95, died June 3, 2024. She was born Jan. 17, 1929, in McPherson County, Kan., to Adina and Christian B. Goering. She graduated from Bethel College with a music education degree in 1949. While a student at Bethel, she met Ralph Lehman, and they married in June of 1949. Ralph and Evelyn directed a voluntary service unit at Topeka State Hospital in their first year, and after that, Evelyn taught vocal music in Washington, Kan., schools. Next they moved to Denver, Colo., where Ralph entered graduate school. Sons Joseph Michael and Ralph Stephen were born in Denver. They moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, where Ralph was clinical director of the state hospital. Later they moved to Smithfield, Ohio, where Ralph worked at Boy's Village. Daughter Christine Ann was born there. Later they moved to Wadsworth, Ohio, when Ralph was director of social services at Summit County Family Services in Akron. Daughter Mary Jolene was born in Wadsworth. They moved in 1968 to the St. Louis area, when Ralph became CEO of Edgewood Children's Center. Evelyn completed graduate studies in early childhood education at Webster University. She taught kindergarten in the Webster Groves School District for 21 years. When desegregation efforts began, she codirected Bridging the Gap, which recruited kindergarten teachers and preschool directors to facilitate the changes. Retiring in 1989, Evelyn and Ralph volunteered at Koinonia Farms in Georgia, traveled to Europe, South America and Asia, all provinces in Canada and all 50 states. They moved to North Newton, Kan., in 1992 and enjoyed retirement at Kidron Bethel since 2005. Evelyn volunteered at the Etcetera Shop and Kauffman Museum. She is survived by her children and their spouses, J. Michael and Kathleen Lehman, R. Stephen Lehman and Kathleen Childers, Christine Lehman, and Mary Lehman Neal and Paul Neal; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; five sisters, Elizabeth Wedel, Amanda Goering, Ann Waltner, Melita Goering and Luella Stahly; and three brothers, Erwin, Eldon and Jacob Goering. A memorial service was planned June 29 at Bethel College Mennonite Church.
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Blosser, Carolyn Mae Brooks
November 2, 1933 - June 5, 2024
Blosser-. Carolyn Mae (Brooks), 90, of Goshen died June 5, 2024, at her home. She was born Nov. 2, 1933, in Peoria, Ill., the daughter of Harold and Mae (Hiestand) Brooks. On April 10, 1960, she married Don Blosser, and together they had five children. She graduated from Goshen College and was a supportive partner in pastoral ministry at Freeport, Ill., and Akron, Pa. In 1976 the family moved to the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland, where Don was in Ph.D. studies. Carolyn supported the family by operating a sewing business out of their home. Returning to Goshen in 1979, she became secretary for the college's Music Department. She loved music, singing in the church choir and the Community Chorale. She played piano and the organ in their home and was a better-than-average golfer. She will be remembered for her quiet, solid faith, hosting of church members in their home and her prize-winning home—baked cherry pies. She is survived by her husband of 64 years; their five children, Lois Blosser of Goshen, John Blosser of Joanna, S.C., Kathy (Mark) Plank of Syracuse, Ind., Sandra of Bienenberg, Germany, and Miriam (Winston) Anderson of Portland, Ore.; and seven grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held July 20 at College Mennonite Church in Goshen.
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Boese, Phyllis Jane Thomas
April 27, 1930 - June 10, 2024
Boese-. Phyllis Jane, 94, of Springfield, S.D., died June 10, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Home, Tyndall, S.D. She was born April 27, 1930, to William C. Mary Frances (Adams) Thomas of rural Springfield. She earned a bachelor's degree from South Dakota State College in 1953 and a master of arts degree in library science from the University of South Dakota in 1976. She married Glen L. Boese on Aug. 18, 1951. The young family moved to Chicago, where Glen attended seminary. In 1958 they returned to Springfield to take over part of the farm Glen's father was working. In 1966, she started teaching
home economics at Springfield High School. In the 1970s she spent some time as the head librarian for Freeman Junior College and Academy. Later she taught at Saint Mary's School for Indian Girls in Springfield. In 1984 Phyllis and Glen went to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) under the the General Conference Mennonite Church Commission on Overseas Mission, Africa inter-Mennonite Mission and Habitat for Humanity, returning in 1992. This was followed by four-plus years as volunteers at Hopi Mission School (now Peace Academic Center), Kykotsmovi, Ariz., where she ran the library. In 1997 they retired west of Springfield. A member of Friedensberg Bible Church (formerly Friedensberg Mennonite Church), Avon, S.D., she was a strong woman of faith who served the Lord by serving others. She cared for her home and family healthfully and economically. Time with grandchildren included playing games, lessons in sewing or crafting, gardening, caring for chickens, picking apples or prepping fruits and vegetables for canning or freezing. She demonstrated gentleness, patience and a delightful sense of humor. She is survived by five children, Theodore (Cindy) of Sioux Falls, S.D., Thomas (Doreen) of Rockford, Ill., Dorothy (Jerry) Wood of Imperial, Neb., Vincent of Springfield, S.D., and Steven (Jan) of Ottawa, Kan.; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glen; and her brothers, George and Charles Thomas.
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Erb, Peter M.
June 11, 1957 - March 24, 2024
Erb-. Peter M., 66, of Mount Eaton, Ohio, died March 24, 2024. He was born June 11, 1957, to Sam and Mary (Yoder) Erb. A carpenter by trade, he was known to many in the community through his 30—plus years with Dilyard and Erb construction. For the past three years, he worked at Kidron Electric. He and his wife, Louisa, served with SWAP (Sharing with Appalachian People) as location coordinators in Hindman, Ky., from 2015 to 2019. He was involved in many Mennonite Disaster Service projects, including leading numerous teams of local youth to assist areas hit by hurricanes and other disasters. Pete enjoyed backpacking, working on (more so than riding) motorcycles and telling long, convoluted stories. Known for creativity, he was artful in everything, from gardening to carpentry to cooking. In all he did, he took as much time as necessary to get it right. A man of simplicity and humility, he lived a life of service and was never too busy to help anyone, whether friend or stranger. He was a member of Orrville Mennonite Church in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Louisa Pirozzi-Erb; son Samuel Han Erb; sisters Clara Erb, Fannie (Ed) Miller and Leona (Dave) Hershberger; and in—laws Eleanor Pirozzi, Frank M. Pirozzi, Timothy Pirozzi, Gabrielle (Wulf) Reinicke and Martine Pirozzi. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his child, Meea—Lucas Erb; sister Verna Erb; and father-in-law Frank G. Pirozzi.
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Schrag, Anna Marie "Annie" Thimm
December 28, 1931 - June 18, 2024
Schrag-. Anna Marie "Annie" (Thimm), 92, died June 18, 2024, at Pine Village, Moundridge, Kan. She was born Dec. 28, 1931, to Henry and Anna (Claassen) Thimm in Beatrice, Neb. She attended Bethel College, North Newton, Kan., where she met Gordon K. Schrag, and they were married Aug. 31, 1953. They were blessed with three children, Keith, Barbara and Julia. She participated in activities at Eden Mennonite Church and later at the First Mennonite Church in McPherson. Annie was a substitute teacher, finished woodwork in new homes, cared for the elderly at The Cedars Home in McPherson, worked as a para in special education at McPherson High School and assisted Gordon in his insurance office until they retired. Her mother—in-law, Laura Schrag, taught her to embroider, and she enjoyed that hobby by making quilts, tea towels and other items for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made a scrapbook for each grandchild when they graduated from high school, enjoyed playing piano, gardening, reading and cooking delicious meals for her family. Survivors include her husband, Gordon, of Pine Village; children Keith Schrag (Connie) of Moundridge, Barbara Mayo (Steve) of Hays and Julia Kaufman (Kevin) of McPherson; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sisters Hildegard Jantzen, Martha Hunsicker and Ellen Esau.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, August 2024, pages 50-51, Vol. 5, No. 8.
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Lehman, Eileen Zehr
January 6, 1933 - May 20, 2024
Lehman-. Eileen (Zehr), 91, of Hilliard, Ohio, died May 20, 2024. She was born Jan. 6, 1933, to Elias M. and Martha Widrick Zehr in Lowville, N.Y. She attended Eastern Mennonite College, and taught elementary education near Buffalo, N.Y., from 1951 to 1953. She married Elmer J. Lehman at Lowville on Aug. 29, 1953. They celebrated 70 years of marriage this past August. One year after their marriage, they entered Mennonite Voluntary Service in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, where they administered a children's home. In 1956 they moved to Harrisonburg, Va., where Eileen continued her college studies while teaching elementary school. Both Eileen and Elmer graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1960, she in elementary education. She then taught Bible in Weekday Religious Lehman Education in Rockingham County. They left for Costa Rica in 1961, serving 22 years under Rosedale Mennonite Missions in church planting and pastoral work. They adopted five children in Costa Rica. In 1983 they settled in Harrisonburg, where Eileen graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a master of education degree. They moved to Hilliard in 1986 when Elmer was employed at Rosedale Bible College. Eileen taught special education until retirement in 2000. She assisted on a committee to organize a nonprofit thrift shop, Country Closet, and served as its volunteer manager for 10 years. She and Elmer made numerous trips to teach church leaders in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Kenya, East Africa, New Mexico and Texas. They were part of church-planting teams to establish Agape Community Fellowship and Iglesia Cristiana Hispana, English and Spanish-speaking congregations in Hilliard. Survivors include five children, Emily (Conrad) Mayer of Galloway, Ohio, Elnora (Steven) Widrick of Waxahachie, Texas, Erland (Nicole Weber) of Kingston, Jamaica, Melvin (Sandra Acosta) of San Antonio, Texas, and Marvin of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Pauline Myers, Ralph (Betty) Zehr, Milton Zehr, Margaret (Emanuel) Gingerich, Carolyn (Milford) Lyndaker, Joseph (Malinda) Zehr and Donna (Gerry) Keener; sisters-in-law Pearl Zehr and Pauline Zehr; and brother-in-law Lee Yoder. She was preceded in death by brothers Floyd Zehr and Walter Zehr; sister LaVerne Yoder; brother-in-law Homer Myers; sister-in-law Dorothy Zehr; and infant sister Judith Marie.
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Spicher, John Lee
September 12, 1935 - June 21, 2024
Spicher-. John Lee, 88, of Lancaster, Pa., died June 21, 2024, in his home. He was born Sept. 12, 1935, in Belleville, Pa., the second child of Jonas Phillip and Rachel Ann (Yoder) Spicher. He grew up on a dairy farm during the Great Depression. From childhood, he was intrigued with God's creation, curious about how things function and what his role in the process should be. Frugality, hard work, integrity, acceptance of evolving conditions and respect for others are among the values he learned from his Amish parents. John met Virginia Joy Peachey in seventh grade; they married 12 years later and reared three children in Irwin, Pa. A certified member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, he enjoyed a 30-year career at the Research and Development Division of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Belleville Mennonite School and Eastern Mennonite College and attended the Medical College of Virginia. On retirement, he earned a master's degree in organizational leadership from Geneva College and for 13 years worked in the Science Center at Eastern Mennonite University. He had a deep appreciation for the Mennonite church and enjoyed sharing his time and resources with Scottdale Mennonite Credit Union, Laurelville Retreat Center, Allegheny Mennonite Conference, Eastern Mennonite University and Harrisonburg Gift and Thrift, especially in support of youth camping at Laurelville. He sought adventures, learning and travel for as long as he was able. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Joy (Peachey) Spicher; children James (Carol Burkhart) Spicher of Mountville, Pa., Julia Spicher Kasdorf (Philip Ruth) of Bellefonte, Pa., and Jefferson (Jean Leaman) Spicher of Albany, 0re.; five grandchildren; siblings David (Effie Yoder) Spicher of Belleville, Pa., Salome (Charles) Yoder of Mount Morris, Mich., Rachel (Lee) Hershberger of Whittier, N.C., and Thomas (Sharon Peachey) Spicher of Huntingdon, Pa. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kore, in 1940.
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Siebert, Merle M.
August 31, 1924 - June 4, 2024
Siebert-. Merle M., 99, of Reedley, Calif., died June 4, 2024. He was born Aug. 31, 1924, to Cornelius and Frieda (Friesen) Siebert of Henderson, Neb. He married Florence (Fast) Siebert on May 31, 1949. He graduated from Bethel College in 1951 and earned a master's degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1959. In 1951, he began his career as a mathematics teacher in Cheney, Kan., and continued teaching in California after moving there in 1959, teaching for many years at Reedley High School, where he also coached basketball and track. Late in his career and after "retirement," he taught part-time at Reedley College and returned to farming for several years. Merle and Florence were devoted to each other, their children and extended family. The immediate family traveled back to the Midwest to visit relatives, sightseeing along the way in the Desert Southwest. They also took the family on fishing trips in the Sierra Nevadas. They rarely missed any of their children's concerts, musicals, games and swim meets. This continued after their children made homes of their own. They often visited their children and grandchildren. This sometimes involved traveling halfway or completely across the continent. Merle and Florence were active members of First Mennonite Church of Reedley. He served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, deacon, church board member and church board chair. For several years, they led weeklong backcountry hikes in the Sierras for the Camp Keola Retreat Program. He is survived by four children, Joleen Siebert of Reedley, Ron (Kerry Noble) Siebert of Clovis, Calif., Bradley (Kay Preheim) Siebert of Topeka, Kan., and Jeff Siebert (Michael DiBianco) of New York, N.Y.; five grandchildren, four grandchildren-in-law and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Florence in 2022, two sisters and two brothers.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, September 2024, pages 54-55, Vol. 5, No. 9.
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Hofer, Darlene Pauline Waldner
December 8, 1937 - August 11, 2024
Hofer-. Darlene Pauline, 86, of Freeman, S.D., died Aug. 11, 2024. Born Dec. 8, 1937, she grew up on a turkey farm west of Freeman, the third of four daughters of Paul and Tillie Waldner (nee Hofer). She cherished her childhood, filled with the love and companionship of her sisters, Violet Terveen, Ardella Gross and Sharon Waltner. She began her education at a country school close to home and later attended Freeman Academy and Freeman Junior College. At Freemaan Academy she met her future husband, Norman Hofer. Both pursued teacher's training prior to their marriage on Aug. 18, 1957, at Hutterthal Mennonite Church, which marked the beginning of a lifetime together.
Darlene's faith was a central part of her life. Baptized at Hutterthal Mennonite Church in 1956, her deep faith guided her throughout her life. In their early years of marriage, Darlene and Norman lived in a trailer on Norman's parents' farm, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. They later chose to serve in 1-W service in Lancaster, Pa. For their voluntary service, Norm worked in the pharmacy of the Lancaster General Hospital, and Darlene worked at Stauffer's Market of Kissel Hill, where they formed lifelong friendships with members of the Stauffer family.
Their first child, Galen Jay, was born in Pennsylvania, and soon after, they returned to Freeman to live in Darlene's childhood home. There they raised their three children: Galen, Lori Ann and Vicki Sue. Known for her boundless hospitality, Darlene's home was a welcoming place for all, from friends to strangers. Without exception, those that visited the home of Darlene and Norman felt the love and warmth of her hospitality.
She is survived by her husband, Norman; children Galen Hofer, Lori Ortman and Vicki Hofer-Holdeman; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother Martin and sister Sharon Walther; her parents-in-law; stepfather-in-law; and in-laws Archie Terveen, John Gross, Angie and Jonathan Mendel, Baylor Hofer, Leo Tschetter and Percy Brockmueller.
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Kaiser, Jerry Lee
July 1, 1950 - August 18, 2024
Kaiser-. Jerry Lee, 74, died Aug. 18, 2024. He was born July 1, 1950, in Phillipsburg, Kan., to Gus and Evelyn Kaiser. He was raised on a farm and had fond memories of raising and selling watermelons. He attended Colby Community College and found his calling to become a minister, which led him to Grace College in Omaha, Neb., where he met his wife, Allene Wiens. They were married in her hometown of Meade, Kan. They found their way to Marion, S.D., where he was pastor of Bethesda Mennonite Church for 11 years. While in South Dakota, Jerry and Allene had their first and only child, Matthew. Jerry's next pastorate was at Inman Mennonite Church in Kansas, where he served 18 years. He was very involved in the community, especially as a regular attendee of Ruthie's Cafe for morning coffee. He drove the same old John Deere he drove as a kid 30 years earlier to visit his church members around town. His last pastorate was in Aberdeen, Idaho, where he had to learn how his parishioners farmed potatoes instead of wheat. While in Idaho, he enjoyed trips to the nearby Tetons with his family. His time in Aberdeen was cut short by a stroke, and he then moved to be with his son in Eugene, Ore., where he enjoyed making new friends in town and the company of his grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Allene; son Matthew (Hang Pham); two grandchildren; and a sister, Judy McLean.
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Horsch, James Everett
November 1, 1939 - August 11, 2024
Horsch-. James Everett, 84, Goshen, Ind., died Aug. 11, 2024. He was born Nov. 1, 1939, in Foosland, Ill., to Henry L. and Esther (Litwiller) Horsch. He married Ruth Emerson on July 11, 1958, at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, Ill. A graduate of Hesston College, Goshen College, Goshen Biblical Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh, he first served as a pastoral intern in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Ordained by South Central Conference and Pacific Coast Conference of the Mennonite Church, he was an assistant pastor at Hesston Mennonite Church in Kansas for two years. In 1968, he was invited to join the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa., where he served for 41 years editing church and Herald Press publications such as The Mennonite Yearbook and Purpose. He took a two-year hiatus as executive program director for Laurelville Mennonite Church Center. He was a member of the Committee on the Uniform Series, the Association of Statisticians of the American Religious Bodies, Associated Church Press and Evangelical Press Association. In 2001, James and Ruth moved to Goshen, where he continued working for Mennonite Publishing House/MennoMedia until retirement. He was a member of College Mennonite Church. A gentleman and gentle man, James is remembered for his warmth, kindness, optimism, sense of humor and easygoing demeanor. A quiet man, he radiated a steadfast aura of openness, compassion, strength and calm throughout his service to the church, the community and his family. In addition to his passion for editing, he loved nature, music, food, laughter and playing Scrabble and was always eager to spend time with others. His welcoming heart, sense of humor and cheerful disposition were some of the reasons he was a much loved, cherished resident at Greencroft Health Care. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son Anthony (Rhonda Ensz) Horsch of Newton, Kan.; daughter Janet (Janet Stout) Horsch of Pittsburgh; son Jon (Maria Rodriguez) Horsch of Goshen, Ind.; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and sister LuEtta (Weldon) Friesen of Goshen, Ind. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 7 at College Mennonite Church in Goshen. The service will stream live at collegemennonite.org/watch.
Transcribed by: John Ingold