Back to MennObits Index Page
Lazarus Project

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

1976  S


   Schrock, Daniel J. Sr.;   Schrock, Minnie Plank;   Sensenig, David H.;    Short, Elmer;    Stoltzfus, Edna Ellen;   Swantz, Katie J.;   Swartzentruber, Enos C.;  


SCHROCK.- Daniel J. Sr.
, son of Jacob D. and Elizabeth (Swartzentruber) Schrock, was born Oct. 25, 1906, near Arthur, Ill. He died very suddenly of an apparent heart attack on Jan. 20, 1976, in his home, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 25 days. He was a member of the O.O. Amish Church. He was married to Nancy Schlabach Oct. 25, 1927, she died Feb. 4, 1937. To this union were born six sons: Frederick D. of Arthur; twin sons who predeceased him; Henry D. of Sarasota, Fla.; Jacob D. Jr., of Tuscola, Ill.; and Edwin N. of Arthur.
Daniel married the second time to Ada D. Mast, on Oct. 12, 1939. To this union were born 4 sons and 2 daughters: David D., Daniel Jr., and Mrs. Lonnie (Martha) Yoder, all of Arthur; Samuel D. of Tuscola; Mrs. Roy (Elizabeth Ann) Beachy, and Jerry D. of Kalona, Iowa. He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his widow, 8 sons, 3 daughters and 46 grandchildren. His parents, 2 sons and 2 grandchildren preceded him in death. Services were held Jan. 23, 1976, in his son's home by Min. Henry J. Hostetler, Bloomfield, Iowa, Bishop Elmer T. Miller, Kalona, Iowa, and the home bishop, Henry A. Miller. In the base-ment by Min. Levi J. D. Herschberger and Bishop Abe C. Gingerich. Burial in Yoder Cemetery southeast of Arthur.
From: Amish-Mennonite Church, Herold der Wahrheit, April 1976, p. 81
Issue donated by: Chris Yoder, Saugatuck, Michigan
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin



SCHROCK.- Minnie (Plank) Schrock, of R.R. 2, Arthur, Ill; daughter of Jonathan J. and Katie (Slaubaugh) Plank, was born Sept. 16, 1889; and died Dec. 21, 1976. Aged 87 years, 3 months and 5 days. She was married to Mike J. Schrock Feb. 2, 1911; he preceded her in death Sept. 23, 1969; living in matrimony over 58 years. Surviving are twins, Ella of Arthur, and Walter of Farmers City, Ill., Ida, Jonas and Henry of Arthur; two sisters, Mrs. Jonas L. (Sadie) Mast, Arthur, Mrs. Sam. (Lena) Barkman of Indiana; 1 brother, Eli Plank of Washington, Iowa; 3 half-sisters, Mrs. Joe J. (Lizzie) Schrock, Humboldt, Ill., Mrs. Elmer J. (Fannie) Schrock, Arcola, Ill., Mrs. Christian J. (Susie) Yoder, Tuscola, Ill., Mrs. Fred J. (Katie) Kauffman, Arthur; 2 half-brothers, John L. Plank of Wisconsin, Steve Plank of Arizona; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded by her parents, one infant son, 1 brother, 4 sisters, 2 half-brothers, 1 grand-son, 1 great-grandson. Services were held Dec. 24, 1976, in the home, by Min. Levi G. Miller and Bish. Menno S. Miller. Burial in Miller Cemetery, 3 1/2 miles east of Arthur.
From: Amish-Mennonite Church, Herold der Wahrheit, March 1977, p. 57
Issue donated by: Chris Yoder, Saugatuck, Michigan
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Sensenig, David H.
, Furniture Store Founder, Dies

David H. Sensenig, 77, New Holland R1, died Friday [Oct. 30, 1976] at 7:30 p.m. at Ephrata Community Hospital.  He had been a patient there for 11 days.

Born in Earl Township he was a son of the late John and Anna Hoover Sensenig.  He was the husband of Emma H. Zimmerman Sensenig.

A life-long resident of Earl Township, he was the founder and owner of Sensenig's Furniture, Inc.

Besides his widow at home, he is survived by five sons and seven daughters: Ivan Z., Stevens R1; Mary Z., wife of Aaron W. Hurst, Ephrata R3; John Z., New Holland R1; Emma Z., wife of Paul M. Zimmerman, Lititz R1; Vera Z., wife of Elmer W. Hoover, New Holland R1; Anna Z., wife of Jonas S. Nolt, Peach Bottom R2; Nora Z., wife of Isaac W. Martin, Ephrata R2; Ella Z., wife of Ammon H. Hoover, Manheim R2; Adam Z., and Earl Ray, both of New Holland R1; Earla Mae, wife of Allen G. Burkholder, Ephrata, and Loyd Z., New Holland R1.

Sixty-seven grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren also survive.  He was the last of his immediate family
Obituary from an unknown source
November 1, 1976
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Short, Elmer

Elmer Short
, son of Joseph B. and Christina (King) Short, was born near Archbold, Ohio, on March 16, 1895 and passed from this life on April 14, 1976 at the Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon, Ohio, where he had been a patient for three days. His age was 81 years and 29 days.
    As a young man Elmer was involved in farming, and he also did some carpenter work. In about 1929 he began working on track maintenance for the New York Central Railroad. In 1937 the family moved to Holland, Ohio, and Elmer continued with the Toledo Division of the N.Y.C. working as section foreman.  In 1960 he retired after almost 31 years with the company. In 1972 he and his companion moved to Archbold, Ohio. The last years he has suffered failing health and
needed to be hospitalized several times.
    On March 25, 1917 Elmer accepted Jesus Christ as his personal saviour and became a  member of the Mennonite Church. When the Bancroft congregation was begun in Toledo, Ohio, he became a charter member and worshiped there until 1972 when he transferred to the Central Mennonite congregation at Archbold, Ohio. He was faithful and took an acctive interest in the church.
    On April 10, 1917 Elmer was united in marriage to Jeanette Yoder. Together they shared 59 years of married life. Their union was blessed with five children: two sons and three daughters.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, eight brothers, and six sisters.
    He leaves to mourn his passing: his companion, Jeanette; two sons, Joseph of Monclova, Ohio and Alfred of Maumee, Ohio; two daughters, Margaret (Mrs. Leonard Klopfenstein) of  Brainerd, Minn. and Evelyn (Mrs. Richard Smith) of Healy, Alaska; 16 grandchildren; 31 great- grandchildren; one brother, Ira Short of Wauseon, Ohio; one sister, Mrs. Leah Werder of West Unity, Ohio; his nieces and nephews, many other relatives, neighbors and friends.
    Funeral services were held at the Central Mennonite Church on Saturday, Apri117 at 10:30 a.m., conducted by Rev. Charles H. Gautsche and Rev. John Ray Miller.  Burial in the Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. 

God called you from your earthly cares
To His kingdom of the blest.
He knows that you were weary
And longed for home and rest.

We miss you since you left us.
Our hearts are sad with grief,
But we know that in God's house you find
Eternal rest and peace.

Card of Thanks
    We sincerely thank each one who shared with us in our bereavement. All of your expressions of sympathy, the kind deeds, flowers, food and memorial gifts were greatly appreciated. Our special thanks to Rev. Charles Gautsche and Rev. John Ray Miller of Toledo for their many comforting words; also Dr. Neal and Sengupta and nurses at Fulton County Health Center.
Mrs. Elmer Short and Family
Obituary: Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, 1976
Submitted by: Mona Mann



STOLTZFUS. - Edna Ellen (14), daughter of Amos B. and Hannah (Stoltzfus) Stoltzfus Jr., Leola, Pa., died July 17, 1976, at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, after a long illness; she had been under the care of a physician since birth. Mary Ellen attended Weavertown Mennonite School and recently finished the eighth grade there. She also attended Sum-mit View Amish Church. In addition to her parents, she is survived by 5 brothers and sisters: Daniel, Katherine, Ruth Ann, Alvin and Samuel, all at home; paternal grand-father Amos B. Stoltzfus, Leola; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary Stoltzfus, Ronks; paternal great-grandmothers, Mrs. Sarah B. Stoltzfus, Bird-in-Hand, and Mrs. Rebecca Smucker, Gordonville; and maternal great--grandmother, Mrs. Fannie Stoltzfus, Ronks. Funeral services July 19, at the Summit View Amish Church; burial in the adjoin-ing cemetery.
From: Amish-Mennonite Church, Herold der Wahrheit, August 1976, p. 177
Issue donated by: Chris Yoder, Saugatuck, Michigan
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin



SWANTZ. - Katie J., daughter of John C. and Elizabeth (Miller) Bender, was born March 4, 1896, and died Nov. 24, 1976, at the age of 80 years, 8 months and 20 days. She was baptized upon her confession of faith, and became a member of the Old Order Amish Church in 1911, and remained faithful to her end. On June 16, 1918, she was married to John R. Swantz by Bishop Jacob F. Swartzendruber. They lived on the same farm at rural Kalona most of their married life. John preceded her in death on June 4, 1968. She is survived by one son, Lester of Kalona; 5 grandchildren: John Harvey of Kalona, Henry, Jamesport, Mo., Samuel, Ruth and Amos at home; 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 sister, Mary (Mrs. Sam T. Miller). She was preceded in by 1 infant son; 2 sisters, Mrs. Ed (Martha) Zook, and Naomi Bender. Services were held in the home by Bishop Henry B. Mil-ler of Kalona, and Pre. Ora W. Bontrager of Middlebury, Ind., in the large house; and Adin C. Miller, Kalona, and Elmer C. Miller, Ligonier, Ind., in the small house. Burial in South Gingerich Cemetery near Kalona. Ia.
From: Amish-Mennonite Church, Herold der Wahrheit, December 1976, p. 273
Issue donated by: Chris Yoder, Saugatuck, Michigan
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin



SWARTZENTRUBER. - Enos C., son of Christian J. and Susan (Beachy) Swartzentruber, was born September 14, 1895, at Midland, Virginia, and passed away Dec. 13, 1976, in the Washington County Hospital in Washington, Iowa, after a three weeks' illness which followed numerous strokes in the past year. He had attained the age of 81 years, 2 months and 29 days. In his youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and united with the Old Order Amish Church, remaining in that faith un-til death. At the age of five he moved with his parents to Plain City, Ohio, and 10 years later to Crystal City, Texas, where they lived two years, then they moved to Nor-folk, Va. At the age of 21 he came to Iowa, living in the Kalona area the remainder of his life. On June 2, 1918, he was united in marriage to Magdalena, daughter of Samuel W. and Lovina (Swartzendruber) Bender. To this union were born 3 sons and 4 daughters: Mrs. Emanuel (Barbara) Borntrager, Mrs. Turman (Lovina) Miller, both of Kalona; Chriss of Arenal, Costa Rica, Central America; Eldon of Kalona; Mrs. Moses (Sadie) Mast, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Paul of Kalona; Katie at home. Also surviving are 35 grandchildren, 11 great--grandchildren; three brothers: Norman of Dover, Del., Jonas of Montezuma, Ga., Eli of Grantsville, Md.; two sisters: Annie and Mrs. Simon L. (Amanda) Yoder, both of Montezuma, Ga.; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded by his com-panion on Jan. 18, 1973, his parents, four brothers and one sister. On Oct. 27, 1930, he was ordained a minister, and bishop April 10, 1944; he served in this ministry as long as health permitted. Services were held in the home Dec. 16, by Min. Alton D. Yoder of the home church, and Bishop Chriss E. Otto of Sullivan, Ill., in the large house, and Min. Sam Mast of Kalona, and Philip Yoder of Fairbank, Iowa. Burial in Peter Miller Cemetery northeast of Kalona.
From: Amish-Mennonite Church, Herold der Wahrheit, January 1977, p. 9
Issue donated by: Chris Yoder, Saugatuck, Michigan
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Return to MennObits Main Menu

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved - Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee & Archives
Permission granted to private family researchers to use selected portions of these files to tell their family stories.
May not be mass-produced in any form for commercial purposes.