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.
2016 I to K
Jantz, Ramon H., 97, of Reedley, Fresno Co., CA died December 14, 2016 at the same place. He was born April 3, 1919 at Drake, Saskatchewan, Canada to Henry H. and Rachel (Penner) Jantz. On August 4, 1953 at North Newton, KS he was married to Agnes Philipp, who survives.
Surviving are a daughter, Pamela Trammell and a son, Gordon Jantz, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
His siblings, Loyal Jantz; Adelia Schroeder; Lillian Jantz; and Irma Bergen preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held January 4, 2017 at First Mennonite Church, Reedley, CA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Jantz, Wallace Ray, 90, of Hesston, Harvey Co., KS died December 29, 2016 at the same place. He was born March 4, 1926 at Haviland, KS to Solomon B. and Katie (Wadel) Jantz. On August 19, 1955 at Hesston he was married to Sylvia Ruth Andres, who died February 8, 2011.
Surviving are children, Jeff and Teresa Jantz, and Tim and Melissa Jantz; four grandchildren, and siblings, Doris Diller, Dewayne Jantz, and Melvin Jantz.
preceded him/her in death.
Memorial services were held January 4, 2017 at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS with burial in Eastlawn Cemetery, Hesston, KS.
Submitted by: Jasmine Stutzman, Hesston, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
Janzen, Floyd
May 05, 1928 - December 21, 2016
Floyd Janzen, 88, died December 21, 2016 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston. He was born May 5, 1928 in Goessel, the son of Daniel R. and Tena (Schmidt) Janzen. He was a graduate of Walton High School. He worked for Hesston Corporation for many years, was a member of Kingdom Life Ministries, Kansas Mennonite Men's Chorus, Men of Harmony Barber Shop Chorus, and the Gospel Four Quartet. He married Anna Mae Hiebert on April 5, 1951 at Alexanderwohl Church, Goessel. She survives.
Other survivors include 3 daughters; Sheryl Shantz (Kim), Phoenix, AZ, Kayleen Curey (Rick), Jackson, MI, and Amy Durksen (Richard), Newton; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ed Janzen; 2 brothers, Art and Milford Janzen; and a sister, Rosella Jantz.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Kingdom Life Church, Hesston, with Pastor Scott Miller presiding. Burial will follow at Hesston City Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2016 at Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston. Memorial contributions may be made to MCC or New Tribes Misson, in care of the funeral home.
Surviving are two daughters, Brenda (Craig) Gust, and Cindy (Leland) Aman; six
grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Irene (Jake) Gross.
A daughter, June Nancy and a sister, Violet Kaufman preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held April 7, 2016 at Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Submitted by: Amy Waltner, Freeman, SD
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
MIDDLEBURY - Allen J. Kauffman, 84, of Middlebury, died Saturday, April 9.
He was born on March 5, 1932, in Middlefield, Ohio, to Joe C. and Elizabeth (Byler) Kauffman.
He was married on March 22, 1957, to Lydianna Troyer; she died in 1977. He remarried on May 18, 1978, to Judith Hochstetler; she survives.
Other survivors include daughters Mary (Vernon) Miller, Cristina (Lonnie) Miller and Linda (Willard) Raber; sons Elmer (Polly), Joas (Mary Kathryn), Johnnie (Kris), Perry (Jamie), Jessie (Glenda) and Ferlin (Beth) Kauffman; 29 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and sister Martha (Daniel) Fisher.
He was preceded in death by seven sisters, four brothers and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Sunday and all day Monday at his home, 56815 C.R. 116, Middlebury. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at 56865 C.R. 116. Burial will be in Mast Cemetery.
Miller-Stewart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
April 10, 2016
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin
GOSHEN - Alvin D. Kauffman, 94, of Goshen, formerly of Middlebury, passed away Monday, Sept. 19.
He was born Oct. 19, 1921, to David J. and Katie (Jantzi) Kauffman.
He married Mary Zehr; she died March 19, 2015.
Surviving are children Verda (Dale) Beachey, Rich (Bonnie) Kauffman, Kathy (Paul) Culp, Mary Ann (John) Lechlitner, Joy (Scott) Graber, Joyce (Vernon) Themm, Jan Plummer and Penny (Jeff) Bradford; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister Adeline (Sam) Graber.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; four sisters; four brothers; and two granddaughters.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday Sept. 23, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St., Middlebury.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at First Mennonite Church, Middlebury. Burial will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury.
Memorials may be given to Middlebury's Boys & Girls Club or the Middlebury Food Pantry.
Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Sept. 21, 2016
Submitted By: Thelma Hoover Martin
Kauffmann, Ivan J., 94, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died December 24, 2016 at the same place. He was born November 5, 1922 at Minier, IL to John and Alma (Litwiller) Kauffmann. On May 23, 1946 at Hopedale, IL he was married to Lola M. Good, who was born December 23, 1924 and survives.
Surviving are children, Mary (Jon) Kauffmann-Kennel; Ruth (Brian Roots) Kauffmann; Paul (Patti Borom) Kauffmann; John (Susan Wilgus) Kauffmann; and James (Deb Sawatzky) Kauffmann; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Miriam Kauffmann; Warren (Maxine) Kauffmann; and Norman (Sharon) Kauffmann.
A son, Joel Kauffmann; a granddaughter, Angela Mae Kauffmann; a sister, Nadine Kauffmann; and three brothers, Weldon Kauffmann; Merle Kauffmann; and Floyd Kauffmann preceded him in death.
Ivan served as a Mennonite pastor for 50 years in Illinois and Indiana, including Executive Secretary of Mennonite Church General Board, and other church assignments.
Memorial services were held December 31, 2016 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN.
Submitted by: Diana Hershberger, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
MIDDLEBURY — Marion R. Kauffman, 90, of Middlebury, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Aug. 5, 2016 a battle with cancer.
He was with his family at his Middlebury home.
He was born at Goshen Hospital March 8, 1926, to Rudy D. and Fannie (Miller) Kauffman.
On Dec. 31, 1951, he was married to Barbara Ellen Yoder. She passed away April 4, 1981. On March 3, 1984, he married Lydia Mae Riegsecker.
Marion had three sons, Ronald (Tina) Kauffman of Shipshewana, Craig (Diane) Kauffman of Albany, Ore. and Loren (Paula) Kauffman of Columbia City and a daughter, Donna Kauffman, who died in a Jeep accident on July 26, 1981. He also has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. With his marriage to Lydia he gained two sons, Stephen (Waneta) Riegsecker of Middlebury and Larry Riegsecker of Goshen and two daughters, Diane (Ernest) Cross of Wawaka, and Karen Knowlton of Goshen, 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Marion was truly Dad and Grandpa to all of this family.
Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife; daughter; three brothers, Monroe, Milo and Melvin Kauffman; and four sisters, Viola Harshberger, Barbara Gingerich, Ida Mast and Mary Yoder.
In Marion’s early adult life he worked as a carpenter with Twin Lakes Construction along with his business partner Paul Haarer. Marion farmed in Scott and later owned and operated Kauffman and Sons Excavating along with his sons. Marion enjoyed softball and played in the church leagues and really enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren’s ball games.
In his “retirement” years Marion and Lydia enjoyed delivering RVs and trailers and seeing “God’s country.”
Marion was an active member of Marion Mennonite Church for 64 years where he served as a Sunday school teacher, elder and on the building committee.
Marion was always willing to help wherever he saw a need. Marion enjoyed volunteering locally using his carpentry skills and with Mennonite Disaster Service and served as often as possible. His life legacy was in doing God’s will and every day was a great day.
Memorials can be given to Marion Mennonite Church, 5460N 450W, Shipshewana, IN 46565.
Viewing will be at Marion Mennonite Church from 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Burial and graveside service will be in Shore Cemetery, at Shore Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, followed by the celebration of life service at Marion Mennonite Church at 10:30 a.m. Pastors Ron and Char Roth and Pastor Mervin Miller will officiate.
Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, in handling arrangements.
Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Aug. 7, 2016
Submitted By: Thelma Hoover Martin
GOSHEN - Susie M. Kauffman, 93, died early Friday morning, Aug. 19, at Greencroft Healthcare, where she had resided since 2011.
She was born Feb. 11, 1923, in Kosciusko County, to Eli D. and Barbara (Chupp) Hochstetler.
On Sept. 6, 1942, she married Owen E. Kauffman in Elkhart. He died Sept. 30, 1995.
Survivors include three daughters, Anita M. Stalter of White Pigeon, Mich., Geneva J. Miller and Raedene S. (Elva D.) Miller, both of Middlebury; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Ellery Kauffman; six sisters, Barbara Miller, Clara Stutzman, Wilma Miller, Elizabeth Kertes and Ruby Stutzman; and a brother, Raymond Hochstetler.
Susie was a homemaker and lifelong resident of the Middlebury and Goshen area. A member of the New Paris Missionary Church and a former member of the Jefferson Homemakers, she also volunteered at Greencroft delivering mail.
Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, where a 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22, funeral service will be. Pastor David Hackney of the New Paris Missionary Church will officiate.
Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Leukemia Foundation or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.
Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Aug. 20, 2016
Submitted By: Thelma Hoover Martin
Kaufman, Evelyn Louise Schrock
November 12, 1928 - January 5, 2016
Evelyn was born November 12, 1928 in Niverton (Somerset county), Pennsylvania to Alvin (AC) Schrock and Amelia (Miller) Schrock. Evelyn went to be with her Lord January 5, 2016 at the age of 87. Her husband Tilmar preceded her in death, July 23, 2011.
She graduated from Goshen College, Goshen, IN with a degree in Education and taught grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. She married Tilmar C. Kaufman, May 28,1953 in Springs, PA and moved to Kansas where she continued teaching.
Evelyn was known lifelong by family and friends as "Pepper or Pep" (thought to be a reference to her constant energy). She had a lifelong love of all things nature, especially birds and flowers. Much of her time was spent tending to her flower gardens and she could identify birds both by sight and song. Evelyn was deeply involved in their farm, helping to care for livestock, planting, harvesting, and caring for her children. Her energy and passion for others was obvious; she had a loving, gentle spirit. Evelyn loved children and spent many years teaching Sunday School.
She is survived by a son Peter Kaufman (wife Ranita) of Moundridge, a daughter Kathy Wehrman (husband Jim) of McPherson, sisters Orpha Shrader, Ada Schrock and Elnora Schrock, all of Salisbury, PA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Evelyn also had many God given foster grandchildren, whom she came to love, nurture and treat as her own. She spent many hours providing snacks, sharing stories, helping with homework, doing crafts and laughing with them. She opened her heart as well as her home to many of these children. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters Beulah, Anna and Alta Schrock, Naomi Sigler, Emma Kinsinger, and a brother Allen Schrock.
Evelyn was greatly loved and will be missed by her family and friends. We are very thankful that she is now healed and rejoicing with her Lord and Savior in heaven.
He and his wife, Shirley, along with their three sons, Doug, Daryl and Duane, farmed for fifty-seven years which included the dairy farm and a large environmental Swine (hog) facility for 1000 sows built in 1979. In 1985, he built and operated a methane digester until he suffered a stroke in 2006. Operating his first ever working methane digester for Swine in the nation was Harlans greatest accomplishment in farming. This led him to entertain hundreds of guests from other countries and the U.S. who wanted to learn about it. A real highlight was an exchange trip to China.
Active in Agriculture, Harlan was a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Interstate Milk Pro-ducers. He served on the Board of the Soil Conservation Commis-sion and the Advisory Board of the Lancaster County Planning Commission, the SRBC and PECO.
Born November 11, 1932 on a farm in Rapho Township, Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Clarence K. and Sadie H. (Nissly) Keener. A Christian, Harlan was an active member of the Lampeter Church of the Brethren, where he served on the Administrative Board, was Deacon with his wife and was a Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of Gideons International-Lancaster South Camp and was always impressed with the great expanse and variety of Gods created Universe.
Harlan Knew he Loved and Served an Awesome God!
Also surviving in addition to his wife, Shirley, are three children: Douglas L. Keener married to Debbie, of Lampeter; Daryl L. Keener married to Kathy, of Lancaster and Duane L. Keener, of Lancaster, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one on the way! One sister: Martha N. married to Ivan H. Thomas, of Lancaster. He was also preceded in death by two siblings: Roy Keener and Ruth Mellinger and a great-grandchild: Grace May Mellinger.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Harlans Service to be held at the Lampeter Church of the Brethren, 1900 Lampeter Road, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Monday afternoon, February 1, 2016 at 2PM. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday afternoon following the service.
There will be a private family viewing held at the Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home Sullivan Home, 121 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 (on-site parking with attendants). The interment will be held in the Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery, Willow Street, PA at the convenience of the family.
Intelligencer Journal - 1/28/2016
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish
LAGRANGE - Enos J. Knepp, 82, of LaGrange, died at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, at his residence.
He was born on July 29, 1933, in Yoder, Kan., to John Ralph and Anna (Yoder) Knepp. On July 21, 1954, he married Ella N. Hershberger in LaGrange.
Survivors in addition to his wife are daughters Mary (Ira) Bontrager and SueAnna (Larry) Lambright, both of Topeka; sons Glen (Minerva) Knepp of Topeka and Ralph (Pauline) Knepp of LaGrange; 19 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; brother John (Elizabeth) Knepp of Shipshewana; sisters Cora (John) Helmuth of Nappanee, Clara Yoder of Waukon, Iowa, and Katie Schrock of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Roy, Chris, Daniel and William Knepp; sisters Susan Yoder and Anna Mae Farmwalt; half-brother Fred Yoder; grandchildren Chris and Elmer Knepp.
Visitation will be after 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, and all day Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the family's residence. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the family's residence. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery in LaGrange.
Miller-Stewart Funeral Home in Middlebury is in charge of arrangements.
The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Jan. 4, 2016
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin
WEST SALEM -- Edwin Andrew Koppes, 78, of West Salem, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 at the Crystal Care Center in Ashland.
Edwin was born Jan. 19, 1938 in Chester Township and was the son of the late Andrew J. and Elizabeth Lehman Koppes. He had worked on the Carl and Dorothy Swinehart Farm and later did odd jobs around the farming community until his health wouldn't allow. He had made his home with Dale and Marti Imhoff and family, his nephew, for the past 36 years and attended the House of Prayer in Mansfield. Edwin lived his Christian faith daily and read his Bible and shared the message joyfully with everyone he came in contact with. He was bold in his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. At the age of six, Edwin battled spinal meningitis and because of his illness, he was a special person to friends and neighbors. In later years he enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with the family dog.
Surviving are a sister, Myrtle (Mervin) Brubaker of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; nephews, Allen Imhoff, Dale Imhoff, Bruce Imhoff, Lloyd Koppes, John Koppes and Steve Brubaker; and a niece, Susan Koppes Lee; numerous great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lloyd Koppes; a sister, Elsie Imhoff; and a nephew, Glenn Imhoff.
Services will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at Fairhaven Mennonite Church, 7731 N. Elyria Rd., West Salem with Allen Imhoff officiating. Burial will be in the Chester Eight Square Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Murray Funeral Home in Creston is handling arrangements.
Published: January 24, 2016
The Daily Record, Wooster, OH
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin
She was born June 21, 1919 at Wayland, Wayne Co., Iowa to Samuel Joseph and Minnie (Gerig) Sutter. Samuel was born January 21, 1883 and died August 28, 1925. Minnie was born February 10, 1890 and died June 1, 1981.
On November 9, 1941 at Wayland she was married to Vincent Joseph Krabill, who was born January 8, 1918 and died March 5, 1996.
Surviving are children, Ann Burkholder (Richard-deceased); Rebecca Hauder (Larry); and Martha Detweiler (Dave); eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Rosemary Lee (died 1950, age 6) a brother, Joe Sutter, and two sisters, Aldine Meyer and Ruth Rediger
preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held September 17, 2016 at Albany Mennonite Village Chapel, Albany with burial in Sugar Creek Mennonite Church Cemetery, Wayland, Iowa. Graveside Service planned for April 22, 2017 at Sugar Creek Mennonite
Submitted by: Rebecca Hauder, daughter, Boise, ID
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
She was born July 4, 1926 at Freeman, SD to Henry J. and Ella (Heckenlaible) Preheim. Henry was born July 12, 1900 and died March 30, 1987. Ella was born December 19, 1903 and died September 4, 1998
On June 14, 1946 at Freeman, Turner Co., SD she was married to Glendon Kramer, who was born April 10, 1923 and died April 21, 2011.
Surviving are children, Wallace (LaRuth) Kramer, Anita Preheim, and Marlene (Lynn) Flamming; ten grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren.
A brother, Calvin Preheim, and a sister, Verona Rock preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held August 8, 2016 at Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Submitted by:Amy Waltner, Freeman, SD
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
Surviving are a son, Lawrence M. Kratz and wife Clarice; daughter, Lorraine M. Kulp and husband Samuel; and daughter, Naomi Shaw and husband Craig; a6 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Naomi Krall and Kathryn Halteman.
Memorial services were held October 13, 2016 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA with burial in Franconia Mennonite Church Cemetery, Telford, Montgomery Co., PA.
Submitted by: Barb Moyer, Telford, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
ELKHART - Jeffrey James "Jeff" Krawiec, 56, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday afternoon, June 23, after a heroic 16-month battle with stage 4 cancer.
Jeff was born Sept. 14, 1959, in Elkhart, to Frank Albert Krawiec and Doris Jean (Oakes) Krawiec.
He married the former Deb Homes on April 6, 1985, in Goshen.
Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Deb Krawiec; son Duncan Alexander (Alisa) Krawiec of Elkhart; daughter Allison (Mitchell) Krawiec of Madison, Wis.; two grandchildren, Amanda and Dorothy June Krawiec of Elkhart; his mother and stepfather, Doris and Bill O'Brien of Elkhart; two brothers, Ron (Rita) Krawiec of Sanford, Mich. and Steve (Melanie) Krawiec of Oshkosh, Wis; and two sisters, Sharon (Tim) Brown of Elkhart and Carol (Dan) Pessefall of Elkhart.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Frank A. Krawiec, brother Dave Krawiec and his beloved border collie, Shelby.
Jeff was the owner and operator of Paragon Cleaning Services. He was a member of Southside Fellowship in Elkhart. Jeff enjoyed sharing his gift of playing piano, collecting and restoring old Toyotas, fishing, gardening and most of all, spending time with his two granddaughters.
Visitation for Jeff will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 27, at Southside Fellowship at the Chapel of the Sermon on the Mount at AMBS, 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, with calling one hour prior to the services. Pastor David Moser will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.
The family kindly request memorials in Jeff's name are given to Church Community Services Food Pantry.
Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
June 25, 2016
Submitted By: Thelma Hoover Martin
Born in York County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph B. and Ruth (Gish) Zimmerman. Her three husbands, John C. Forry, Claude A. Heistand, and Wilmer G. Kraybill, all preceded her in death.
Rachel graduated from Elizabethtown Collage and the former St. Joseph's Hospital School of Medical Technology. She later worked as a Supervisor in the laboratory at the former State Hospital for Crippled Children in Elizabethtown.
She was a member of Landisville Mennonite Church and Rissers Mennonite Church and was a woman of faith and cherished Bible truths.
Surviving is a daughter, Ruth A. (Forry), married to John R. Fullerton of Elizabethtown; two step sons, Donald B., married to Frances (Mellinger) Kraybill of Elizabethtown, and Mark B., married to Ferne (Ruth) Kraybill of Elverson; a step daughter, Dorcas B., married to Douglas Hutton of Baltimore, MD; six step grandchildren; and seven step-great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death is a brother, Simon L. Zimmerman.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 8 at 2 pm at Landis Homes East Bethany Chapel, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543 with Pastor Mark Kraybill officiating. Interment will be in the Goods Mennonite Cemetery. Viewing will be held in the Chapel on Friday from 1-2 pm. If desired, contributions may be made to the Landis Homes Caring Fund, (address above), or to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.
Intelligencer Journal - 4/5/2016
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish
Kreider, Jacob L., 83, of Gap, Lancaster Co., PA died December 31, 2016 at Ephrata, Lancaster Co., PA. He was born August 31, 1933 at Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA to LeRoy H. and Evelyn (Landis) Kreider. On June 25, 1955 he was married to Esther Nolt, who survives.
Surviving are a son, Barry (Joyce) Kreider; and a daughter, Jacqueline (Don) Nelson; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Doris (Clyde) Martin; and Edith (David) Yoder.
A sister, Mae Winters and a brother, Leon Kreider preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held January 5, 2017 at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, Leola, Lancaster Co., PA with burial in Paradise Mennonite Cemetery, Paradise, Lancaster Co., PA.
Robert Ora Kropf, 64, of Blue River, died Thursday, August 18, 2016 in Kingman, Arizona. Robert was born August 5, 1952 in Princeton, Illinois, the son of Owen and Lily (Hostetler) Kropf. In 1975 Robert married Karen Marie Hostetler, in Muscoda WI, enjoying 41 years of happy married life. Robert was a member of the Pleasant Valley A.M. Church. Through his many years of trucking he was able to touch many lives, and was an inspiration to those he worked with and met with from day to day.
Robert is survived by his wife Karen; his mother Lily; sons: Lyndon (Wava) Kropf of Russelville, KY, Scott (Cherie) Kropf of Afton, IA; daughters: Marsha (Steven) Hostetler of Montrose, CO, Tonia (Dustin) Kropf Tampico, IL; brothers: Don (Rita) Kropf of MO, Gordon (Lily) Kropf of WI, Rodney (Rhoda) Kropf of MO, Jason (Elsie) Kropf of MO; sisters: Leona (John) Hostetler of MO, Rita (Leslie) Swartzentruber of AR, Jewell (Donald) Headings of MO, Margaret (Jonathon) Headings of MO, Melodee (Stanley) Hostetler of MO; 18 grandchildren; many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and many, many friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his father Owen, his granddaughter Sheila, sister Marjorie, and brother Lester.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Pleasant Valley Amish Mennonite Church in Muscoda with burial to follow in the Pleasant Valley Amish Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Pleasant Valley Amish Mennonite School on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service
Richland Center, WI
Submitted By: Thelma Hoover Martin
Kropf, Ruth Elizabeth Stewart, 97, formerly of Harrisburg, OR, died peacefully on August 10, 2016, at Albany Mennonite Village, Albany, Oregon. She was born April 15, 1919, to Oscar and Viola (Hostetler) Stewart at Harrisburg, Oregon. The eldest of seven children, Ruth from an early age often served as interpreter for her deaf parents. In order for Ruth as a small child to learn to speak, her parents made special efforts for her to associate with hearing families. Ruth married Lloyd Kropf on December 31, 1939, at Harrisburg, Oregon, carrying out the many responsibilities of a farmer's wife and mother, serving as a tireless hostess and full participant in the activities of the church.
Ruth and Lloyd modeled for their children the practice of stewardship, hospitality and maintained a keen interest in missions, both national and international. For a six year period (1952-58), Ruth and Lloyd served, along with several other families, at the Sacramento Rock of Ages Rescue Mission (CA). Many nights Ruth could be found in the mission kitchen preparing bologna sandwiches and coffee to serve the skid row regulars. In addition, Ruth and Lloyd opened their home to many visitors and churchmen passing through Returning to the farm in 1958, Ruth continued her role as minister's wife when Lloyd accepted pastoral responsibilities at the Brownsville Mennonite Church. There, too, she practiced generous hospitality and was known for lending a helping hand in both the church and local community. She also volunteered in correcting Bible correspondence courses in a prison ministry. Ruth made many quilts and was active in the sewing circle until her health curtailed those activities at Brownsville. When she became a resident of Albany Mennonite Village and no longer able to quilt, she found satisfaction in cutting out quilt pieces for others to assemble the quilts.
Ruth was preceded in death by Lloyd on October 3, 1993; by twin sons Donald and Ronald, who died shortly after birth in 1941; her parents and siblings Elwyn Stewart, Melvin Stewart, Pauline Scheffel, Lafe Stewart, and Mildred Kropf.
Surviving are six children: Lela Fern (Delbert) Snyder of Harrisonburg, Virginia; Mabel (Ken) Snyder of Salem, Oregon; Carol (Wallace, deceased) Graves of Sweet Home; LeRoy (Anita) Kropf of Harrisburg; Linda (Marvin) Strubhar of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Lowell (Jeanette) Kropf of Harrisburg. Ruth is also survived by one brother, Danny Stewart of Albany and sisters-in-law, Ruth Stewart, Bobetta Stewart and Berniece Schmucker. Ruth's twenty-four grandchildren are Lori (James) Garrett, Judith (James) White, Jennifer (Richard Beyler) Snyder, Jeffrey (Stacy Spier) Snyder, Esther (Lee) Piety, Nathaniel (Monica) Graves, Peter (Kimberly) Graves, Seth (Kimberly) Graves, Andrew (Angela) Kropf, Janna (Timothy) Swigart, Barnabas (Nicole) Kropf, Benjamin (Emily) Kropf, Angela (Vincent) Enyart, Brian (Beth) Strubhar, Carrie Strubhar, Darren (Lisa) Strubhar, Edwin (Bethany) Strubhar, Faith (Jeremiah) Jansky, Grace (Josiah) Schroeder, Howard Strubhar, Ivanna Strubhar, Joel Strubhar, Preston (Heather) Kropf, and Spencer Kropf. Ruth is also survived by 47 (including 2 foster) great-grandchildren.
Ruth will be missed by those who knew her as a devoted mother and a woman of faith with a servant heart, even as Parkinson's took its toll in the last years. The family wishes to thank the Albany Mennonite Village and Hospice staff for their kindnesses and care.
Surviving in addition to her husband are children, Elvin husband of Elva Kurtz of Scipio Center, NY; Alta wife of Menno Wenger of Beavertown, PA; Vera wife of Isaac Newswanger of Carson City, MI; Lloyd husband of Nancy Kurtz of Fleetwood, PA; Mark husband of Darlene Kurtz of Mifflinburg, PA; John husband of Arlene Kurtz of Beavertown, PA; Norman husband of Mary Ann Kurtz of Colby, WI; Mary wife of Lester Martin of Loyal, WI; Anna wife of Abraham Shirk of Hagerstown, MD; Mabel Kurtz of Myerstown; Sarah wife of Alvin Martin of Unity, WI; Ella wife of Nelson Ray Zimmerman of Loyal, WI; 79 grandchildren; 124 great grandchildren; siblings, Elizabeth wife of Paul Martin of Ephrata, PA; Katie wife of Phares Newswanger of Newmanstown; Mabel wife of Ivan Horst of Ephrata; Martha wife of the late Raymond Martin of Mt. Aetna; Mary wife of Ivan Hurst of Ephrata; Ezra husband of Marion Martin of Myerstown; Nora wife of Willard Hackman of Wellsboro. She was preceded in death by brothers, Aaron Martin, Reuben Martin, John Martin; sister, Esther Martin; grandchildren, Norman Newswanger, Adrian Newswanger, Lynelle and Lynette Zimmerman; great grandchild, Elvin Martin.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 9:30 AM in the Martins Mennonite Church, Church Road, Womelsdorf, PA. Interment will be made in the adjoining church cemetery. Viewing on Tuesday from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM at the Fairview Mennonite Reception Center, 141 Jackson Road, Lebanon, PA. PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS. Clauser Funeral Home, Inc. is handling her arrangements.
Intelligencer Journal - 2/29/2016
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish
Born on November 7, 1913, Arlene was a daughter of the late Phares B. and Martha (Groff) Landis who resided on Hartman Station Road, Lancaster.
Arlene was a graduate of East Lampeter High School Class of 1932. She was a homemaker, a member of Churchtown Mennonite Church, and attended Conestoga Mennonite Church. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, raising and drying flowers, and attending flea markets.
Arlene is survived by two children, Kathleen M. Weaver of Bowmansville and Arlan J. Kurtz, husband of Louise (Horning), of Morgantown; a sister, Gladys Brubaker of Little Britain; 5 grandchildren: Justin L. Kurtz, Matthew L. Kurtz, husband of Jennifer, Heidi L. Kurtz, Josiah L. Kurtz, and Joshua L. Kurtz, all of Morgantown; and Kathleen's 3 children by guardianship: John B. Weaver of Bowmansville, Anna Kelley, wife of John, of Ankeny, IA, and Joseph Weaver, husband of Jody, of Dubai, UAE.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her son Norman Lee Kurtz, her son-in-law Eugene H. Weaver, her brothers Marvin, J. Carvell, Harold G., and Raymond Landis, and her sister Miriam Eckman.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 11 AM at Conestoga Mennonite Church, 2779 Main St., Morgantown, PA 19543. Interment will be held in the adjoining church cemetery. Visitation will occur at the church on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 6-8 PM and on Thursday from 10-11 AM. The family would like to thank the Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation for all its support and would ask that individuals consider a donation in Arlene's honor to the foundation, 248 E. Chestnut Hill Rd., Suite #4, Newark, DE 19713. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.
Intelligencer Journal - 5/23/2016
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish
Kurtz, Susie Ellen Miller
April 10, 1948 - December 11, 2016
Susie "Sue" Ellen, 68, of LaGrange, died at 7:30 am on Sunday, December 11, at her residence. She was born on April 10, 1948 in LaGrange to Albert D. and Lydia Mae (Lambright) Miller. On May 19, 1973 in Middlebury she married Andy J. Kurtz, he survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are a daughter, Carol (Nathan) Yoder of Middlebury; three sons, Dewayne (Kendra)
Kurtz of Goshen, Leon Kurtz of Winesburg, OH, Kevin (Maeggon) Kurtz of Farmville, VA; 10 grandchildren; three sisters, Barbara (Richard) Frey of Topeka, Mary (Freeman) Bontrager of Millersburg, Clara (Elvie) Frey of Shipshewana; five brothers, Daniel (Inez) Miller of Shipshewana, Raymond (Christina) Miller of LaGrange, Joe Miller of Middlebury, Ernie (Erma) Miller of
Goshen, Ervin (Nettie) Miller of Shipshewana.
She was preceded in death by her father, Albert D. Miller and an infant brother, David Miller.
Sue was the co-owner/operator with her husband of Kurtz Custom Canvas, LaGrange. She was currently working at Alpha Building Center, where she has worked for over 15 years. She was a member of Roselawn Conservative Mennonite Church, Middlebury and was always known for making time to spend with her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 13, and 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 14, at Fairhaven Mennonite Church, 13513 State Road 4 Goshen.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 15, also at the church. Services will be conducted by the Roselawn Ministry. Burial will be in Thomas Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorials may be given to World Missionary Press. Online condolences may be sent at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.
Miller-Stewart Funeral Home. Middebury, IN
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin