Anabaptist World 2026

The obituaries below were published in Anabaptist World, January to December, 2026, Vol. 7. Transcribed by John Ingold.

Alphabetical Index:

Berry, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Hostetler (1939-2026)

Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Hostetler Berry, 86, died March 30, 2026, in Goshen, Ind. She was born Sept. 22, 1939, in Burton City, Ohio, to Harry Mervin Hostetler and Esther Ellen Hostetler. She will be remembered for the many lives she touched over her decades-long career in education, her passion for the Mennonite church community, her generous nurturing spirit and her peace and justice activism. Beth grew up in Burton City, the youngest of four siblings. She was actively involved in her home congregation, Oak Grove Mennonite Church, and was valedictorian of her 1957 Orrville High School   graduating class. She graduated from Goshen College in 1961 and earned a master's degree from The Ohio State University in 1965. She then returned to Goshen as a faculty member with a specialty in early childhood education. In 1967, Beth was asked to direct a summer day camp program in Cleveland, Ohio, for Mennonite Voluntary Service, where she worked alongside Lee Roy Berry Jr. Their friendship evolved into a courtship, and they married at Oak Grove Mennonite Church on July 12, 1969. Church leadership and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion were central parts of Beth's work and life. She was a writer for the Foundation (1979) and Jubilee (1996) Sunday school curricula for children. When she and Lee Roy joined Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in 1980, she taught Sunday school, served as an elder, established Peace Club and served on the Christian Education Commission. She was a member of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference Nurture Commission. The relationships she cultivated are deeply felt and visibly present through the people she inspired. She is survived by her husband, Lee Roy Berry Jr.; her children, Joseph Jonathan Berry (Karin Zemski), Malinda Elizabeth Berry (John Stoltzfus) and Anne Hostetler Berry; two grand-children; and her sister, Doris (James) Miller.
(AW, May 2026, pp. 54-55)
(public obituary here)

Bertsche, Hilary 1929-2026

Hilary Bertsche, 96, died Feb. 10, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen, Ind. He was born Nov. 16, 1929, in Flanagan, Ill., to the late Almon and Vera Bertsche. He married Gladys Long on Aug. 29, 1953, in Sterling, Ill.
  He grew up on a farm near Flanagan, where he attended rural schools and graduated from Flanagan High School. He was baptized, joined and participated at Meadows Mennonite Church. Since retiring from farming, he lived in Goshen and was a member of Assembly Mennonite Church.
  As a conscientious objector, he served his alternative service at Brooklane Hospital in Hagerstown, Md., and Alexian Brothers Hospital in Chicago. Afterwards he farmed with Gladys for 45 years in Flanagan.
  He was active in church council and a longtime volunteer and supporter of Camp Friedenswald, a Mennonite camp in Michigan, as well as various short-term voluntary service activities and Habitat for Humanity. His strong faith led him to work for peace and justice. He was known for his smile, storytelling and wide circle of friends.
  Surviving are a son, Stephen Bertsche (Karmen) of Middlebury, Ind.;
two daughters, Laurie Bertsche (Mary Ann Boyle) of Bellingham, Wash., and Carol Kauffman (Jeff) of Fort Collins, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother John Bertsche and sister Emily Amstutz. He was preceded in death by his wife; son David; daughter-in-law Diane; a brother and four sisters. Memorial contributions can be directed to Camp Friedenswald or Community Peacemaker Teams.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)
(public obituary here)

Brenneman, Clifford Leroy 1931-2026

Clifford Leroy Brenneman, 94, died Feb. 22, 2026, following a fall that resulted in a subdural hematoma. He was born April 7, 1931, in Tofield, Alberta, to Daniel D. and Mary Ellen (Kauffman) Brenneman. He moved with his family to Creston, Mont., in 1942 and lived the remainder of his life under the big sky, framed in the backdrop of the Swan Range. In line with his Anabaptist faith, he served with Pax as a conscientious objector, helping rebuild Europe after World War II.
  On Sept. 9, 1955, he married Shirley Jean Oesch, and together they raised seven children on their dairy farm east of Kalispell. He chose a life of farming because he wanted to have time for his children. He coached Little League teams, refereed basketball games and attended countless Flathead Brave football, basketball and soccer games to support his children and grandchildren. Deceptively competitive at Scrabble, he won more often than he lost, with a gentle smile.
  Clifford showed up for his church and his Creston community. He served as a volunteer fireman and was part of the first group to organize the Creston Auction, which became a fundraising phenomenon. He lived out his Anabaptist faith, showing a deep commitment to learning from scripture and living the principles of love, grace and forgiveness. He was kind and generous, and his family is grateful for the rich legacy he gave them.
  He is survived by his children, David (Lorri), Mary (Lowell) Yoder, Calvin (Twila), Joyce (Doug) Gross, Karen (Jerrold) Moon and Carl (Amber); 21 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister Kathryn Lapp and brother Delbert (Lola). He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; son Joseph Brenneman and granddaughter Erin Brenneman. A celebration of life service will be held June 28 at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Kalispeli.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)

Brenneman, James Allan "Jim" 1939-2025

James Allan "Jim" Brenneman, 86, died Oct. 22, 2025, in Englewood, Colo. He was born May 23, 1939, in Joetown, Iowa, to Henry and Minnie (Knepp) Brenneman.
  He attended Brush #8 school and Iowa Mennonite School, graduating in 1958. Then he attended the Reisch School of Auctioneering. He served two years in Mennonite Voluntary Service at Frontier Boys Village in Divide, Colo., after which he attended the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs campus, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in social work. He then attended the University of Denver graduating in 1971 with a masters degree in social work with a specialization in psychotherapy. During this time, he married Eunice Yoder Brenneman.
  He worked for the Jefferson County, Colo., school district as a school social worker for 27 years. During his time in the public schools and after retirement he also worked as an auctioneer for Linnebur Auction Co. in Byers, Colo., and was inducted into the Colorado Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2005. He was heavily involved in Glennon Heights Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee and Ten Thousand Villages. He was instrumental in conducting the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale. An avid outdoorsman, he hunted elk, moose and antelope. He and Eunice camped, fished and enjoyed bird watching.
  He is survived by his wife; sister Lois Gugel; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Ada Fisher, Blanche Brenneman, Irene Brenneman and Virginia Ann Ryan; and brothers Dave Brenneman, Dan Brenneman and Wallace "Wally" Brenneman.
(AW, March 2026, p. 55)
(public obituary here)

Brenneman, Shirley Jean (Oesch) 1935-2025

Shirley Jean Brenneman (Oesch), 90, died Oct. 9, 2025, following a brief illness with peritoneal cancer. She was born June 29, 1935, to Harold and Mary (Lapp) Oesch at their home in Creston, Mont. Her early childhood years were spent in the Kalispell area, where she attended Flathead High School. Her senior year she attended Hesston Academy in Kansas, graduating in 1953. She attended CNA training in LaJunta, Colo.. and spent some time working at the county hospital in Kalispell.
  On Sept. 9, 1955, she married Clifford Brenneman. Together they successfully raised seven children while running a dairy farm in the east valley. Shirley was a kind and gentle soul who supported her husband and children in whatever they were doing. A faithful wife and mother, she is remembered for her extensive library and love of reading, which she passed on to her children.
  She was involved in her children's school activities, the dairy association and her church community, Mountain View Mennonite Church. She delighted in watching any sporting event, particularly ones that involved her children or grandchildren. Her family is grateful for the legacy she gave them. She was a beautiful woman in every way.
  She was survived by her husband of 70 years, Clifford; children David (Lorri), Mary (Lowell) Yoder, Calvin (Twila), Joyce (Doug) Gross, Karen (Jerrold) Moon and Carl (Amber); 21 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brothers Don (Mary), Duane (Leona) and Glen (Lois) Oesch. She was preceded in death by son Joseph and granddaughter Erin Brenneman.
  A memorial service was held at Mountain View Mennonite Church.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)

Cender, Milton Lavern (1930-2026)

Milton Lavern Cender, 95, died March 21, 2026, in Goshen, Ind. He was born May 1, 1930, in Dewey, Ill., the second child of nine to Emery and Mattie Cender. He modeled faith in Christ by his care and willingness to help others. He grew up as a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, Ill., and in retirement was a member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen. He grew up working on the farm.  He had a life-changing experience in alternative service with Pax in Germany and Austria from 1953 to 1955. Upon returning, he began working at Cender Gas Co. in Gibson City, Ill., eventually becoming the owner. He married Ruth Wismer on Aug. 18, 1957. They had two children, living in Gibson City for 50 years as active members of their community. Upon retiring in 2007, Milton and Ruth moved to Goshen, where he volunteered at the Mennonite Historical Society and enjoyed working on his antique cars. He was an avid reader, enjoying church history and family genealogy. At 89, Milton took up bicycling with a three-wheeled e-bike. He often rode on the Pumpkin Vine Trail and frequently cycled 22 miles a day. He biked over 12,000 miles in the past six years. He loved being out on his bike in the countryside, surrounded by nature. He lived life to the fullest. He was known for his quiet, jovial nature and sense of humor. Milton is survived by his children, Karl (Kathe Streeter) and Greta Cender-Poplett (James Poplett); six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings Fern Martin, Wilda Otto, Vietta Nofziger, Marlene Kaufman and Mary Jo Oswald. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; brothers Mahlon, Eldon and Lowell; and daughter-in-law Wilma Cender.
(AW, May 2026, pp. 54-55)
(public obituary here)

Diller, Marcella Ruth (Bare) (1925-2026)

Marcella Ruth (Bare) Diller, 100, died March 27, 2026, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kan. She was born Nov. 15, 1925, to Joseph Harlan and Ida Elnora (Bauer) Bare in Harper, Kan. She attended Harper public schools, graduating with the high school class of 1943. She attended Hesston College in 1943-44, earning an emergency teaching certificate. She met J. Robert Diller at Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church east of Harper, where she was a member. They were married July 28, 1946, and lived in Harper until November 1947, when they moved to Hesston. Bob and Marcella were blessed with three sons and two daughters. Marcella was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest child was in late elementary school. At that time, she began part-time work at Country Gardens, the local flower shop, where she enjoyed working for 15 years. In addition to caring for their children and attending their activities, she enjoyed flower gardening and music, using those hobbies in various ways at Hesston Mennonite Church, where she was a member. She was a charter member of the Hesston Garden Club, organized and directed the Hesston Area Singin' Seniors for five years and was a member of the Newton Christian Women's Club. Survivors include her five children and their families: Mel and Norma Diller of Hesston (Aaron and Ronda Diller, Zane Harder; Mark, Denise, Kyle and Ryan Diller); Marlin and Kathy Diller of Peoria, Ariz. (Amanda, Thomas, Zoe and Silas Shows; JR, Chantel, Brynlee, Everlee and Carson Diller); DeAnn Diller of Newton; Rod and Gwen Diller of Goshen, Ind. (John, Sara, James and Wesley Diller; Matt, Ellie and Ethan Diller); and Darlene and Chuck Buller of Hesston (Craig, Caitlyn and Crosby Buller; Karl, Emmali, Talia and Asher Buller). Also surviving are brother-in-law and sister-in-law Eugene and Donna Diller. Preceding in death were her husband, Bob; brother Olin Bare; sister Olive Bare and brother and sister-in-law Ivan and Ardis Bare.
(AW, May 2026, pp. 54-55)
(public obituary here)

Elias, Lillian Eleanora 1941-2026

Lillian Eleanora Elias, 84, died of leukemia on Jan. 18, 2026, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis. She was born Aug. 20, 1941, in Drake, Sask., to Wilhelm and Gertrude Bartel. On Aug. 24, 1963, she married Jacob W. Elias, and together they enjoyed more than 62 years of marriage.
  Her love of children led to an undergraduate degree at Goshen College, a master's degree at Indiana University South Bend and years spent as an elementary, special education and preschool teacher.
  At 60, she completed her master of divinity degree at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and was ordained as pastor of Parkview Mennonite Church in Kokomo, Ind., where she served for 10 years.
  Lillian practiced hospitality by providing meals and opening her home to others. Foster children, international students, visiting pastors and at-risk youth were all welcome. Some stayed for weeks, months or even years.
  Curiosity and creativity shaped her days. She was a lifelong learner and embraced other cultures, notably during months spent on sabbatical in Israel/Palestine and India. Whether stitching quilts for her children and grandchildren, collecting family recipes, assembling family history or working her way through a stack of library books, she stayed actively engaged. She walked daily in all weather, until she was admitted to the hospital two weeks before she died.
  She is survived by her husband, Jacob; children Laurel (Mark) Crawford of Sydney, Australia, Morlin (Juli VanPelt) of Seattle and Joylin (John) Ykimoff of Horton, Mich.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
  Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)
(public obituary here)

Eshleman, Mabel Horst 1929-2026

Mabel Horst Eshleman, 96, died March 13, 2026. She was born Sept. 23, 1929, in Bareville, Pa., the daughter of the late William S. and Ella Sensenig Horst. She was married to D. Rohrer Eshleman for 71 years.
  Mabel graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School and Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing. She served under Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions in Ethiopia for 15 years and was the first woman to serve on the EMM board. She served on the board of Good Enterprises and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 40-plus years.
  She was a longtime member of Landisville Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania. She enjoyed traveling, reading, making quilts and growing plants and flowers. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren.
  She is survived by her children, Keith (Susan Weaver) Eshleman of Landisville, Pa., Leanne (Steve) Benner of Beaverton, Ore., Louise (Howard) Yoder of London, Ohio, and Rodney (Cindy Herr) Eshleman of Harrisonburg, Va.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Norlene (Jake) Hess of Harrisonburg; and a foster daughter, Itaferu Tamerat (Dr. Solomon Hailemariam) of Ethiopia. She was predeceased by sisters Helen White, Mildred Horst and Elaine Horst and a brother, Linford Horst.
  Memorial contributions may be made to Meserete Kristos College and Seminary in Ethiopia at M.K. College Link, Box 1701, Harrisonburg, Va.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)

Gunden, Gabrielle (born Gabriel James) 2004-2025

Gabrielle Gunden (born Gabriel James), 21, of Sellersville, Pa., died unexpectedly Nov. 10, 2025, in Goshen, Ind., leaving family and friends devastated. She was deeply beloved and a good friend to many. Her friendliness and contagious sense of humor brought joy to the lives of those around her. Born Jan. 22, 2004, in Sellersville, Pa., Gabrielle grew up the youngest of three siblings. She enjoyed many happy times with her family in Pennsylvania and Indiana and looked forward to annual family vacations in Maine.
  Gabrielle was a junior at Goshen College, majoring in social work. She wanted to pursue a career where she could make a positive change in people's lives. Before Goshen, she studied history at Temple University in Philadelphia, and in 2022 she graduated magna cum laude from Dock Mennonite Academy, where she earned an award in technology and made many lifelong friends. Gabrielle had many hobbies, including listening to music on vinyl records, shooting hoops with friends, analog film photography and learning about ancient history. She enjoyed cooking and eating delicious food and was often found cooking late-night batches of fettuccine alfredo. She spent a lot of time gaming with friends on the computer she designed and built.
  Gabrielle worked and volunteered in humble ways, including cleaning at the Souderton Ten Thousand Villages store and Dock Mennonite Academy. She also volunteered at both places and participated in service projects at Bethany Birches Camp in Vermont and Academia Menonita Betania in Puerto Rico. She was a baptized member of Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton, Pa. and enjoyed fellowship and activities with friends at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church in Hilltown Township, Pa.
  She is survived by parents James and Suzanne Gunden; siblings Erica and Michael Gunden; grandmother Esther (Martin) Clymer; uncles Eric Clymer, James Marshbank and Geof Landis; aunts Elizabeth Gunden and Mary Jean Gunden; and cousins Andrew, Ashley (Joyce) and Finn Landis. The service will be at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 3 at Zion Mennonite Church. Livestream: zionmennonite.org/worship/live-stream. 
(AW, January 2026, p. 50)
(public obituary here)

Hochstetler, Daniel E. (1935-2026)

Daniel E. Hochstetler, 90, died March 16, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen, Ind. He was born May 11, 1935, seven miles east of Goshen in Clinton Township, to Elam S. Hochstetler and Eliza A. (Bender) Hochstetler. Dan spent nearly 66 years married to Arie (Miller) Hochstetler, who survives. Dan was born into an Amish farm family and baptized in the Amish church. Traveling to Hillcrest, Ark., at the age of 17 and working at Hillcrest Home for two years in Alternative Service nourished his lifelong interest in getting to know new places and people. After he graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1960 with a degree in Bible and philosophy, he and Arie married. In 1967 they and their children moved to the Gospel Lighthouse and since 1978 took active part in East Goshen Mennonite Church. He was active in Gideons International. Dan spent most of his working life as a schoolteacher, first for Clinton Christian School and then in Montana in two Hutterite colonies. After the family returned to Goshen, he taught at York Elementary School and Heritage Middle School. He completed a master's degree, helped pioneer regional outdoor education at Amigo Centre in Sturgis, Mich., in 1971 and spent a year teaching in a public school in Brownsville, Texas, as part of Mennonite Voluntary Service. Church and family history came to occupy more of Dan's time after he retired in 1994. In 1988 he cofounded the Jacob Hochstetler Family Association, named after his Swiss immigrant forebear, who came to the United States in 1738. He was on its board and edited its newsletter for several decades and helped organize national meetings of the group. Among other travel, he made two treasured visits to Jacob Hochstetler's starting point near Bern, Switzerland. He wrote and edited several books of family genealogy and history. A charter member of the Michiana Anabaptist Historians, he became the conference historian for the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference from 1996 to 2002, and he was East Goshen's congregational historian for many years. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are their children, Ken (Sue) Hochstetler, Kathy Hochstetler (Roger Hoover), Linda Hochstetler (Richard Clark), Lois Hochstetler and Cheryl (Steve) Hochstetler Shirk; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
(AW, May 2026, pp. 54-55)
(public obituary here)

Huber, Lois Kae (Friesen) 1950-2025

Lois Kae (Friesen) Huber, 75, who served God and her community in ministries of music and education, died Nov. 14, 2025, in Hutchinson, Kan. She was born Oct. 14, 1950, in Fowler, Kan., to Isaac (Ike) L. and Kathryn M. Friesen, and grew up on a dairy and wheat farm and attended church in Meade, Kan.
    She was preceded in death by older brothers Lloyd and Clyde who both died in infancy. Her father died in 1951, two weeks after her first birthday, and she and her mother formed an inseparable bond.
    Lois was baptized at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Meade, where already in junior high she began accompanying congregational singing and performing special music on organ and piano. She would share these God-given talents for the rest of her life. She enrolled at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., in 1970, where she met her partner in music and life, Jay Huber. They were married Aug. 19, 1973, in Meade. After graduating from Tabor with degrees in music and education in 1974, she began her career teaching at schools in western Reno County, Kan. The couple moved to South Hutchinson in 1978.
    Lois taught 1,004 children, including her sons, in her kindergarten classroom at South Hutchinson Elementary School. She introduced students to letters, numbers, Stone Soup, teddy bear picnics, churned butter on Kansas Day, basic concepts in treating others as you would like to be treated and Christmas programs she directed and accompanied on piano at the same time.
    She retired after three decades but couldn't stop teaching, graduating to junior high as a paraeducator assisting in math and English classrooms. At South Hutchinson Mennonite Church, now known as Journey Mennonite Church, Lois could be found at the organ and piano for four decades. She accompanied hymns and choirs, shared preludes and special music and planned worship services and Christmas programs.
    She was preceded in death by her brothers and parents and is survived by her husband, Jay; sons Tim (Heidi) in Newton and Jonathan (Jessica) in Wichita; and three grandchildren.
(AW, January 2026, p. 50)
(public obituary here)

Kauffman, Sherman 1943-2025

Sherman Kauffman, 82, died Dec. 6, 2025, at his home in Goshen, Ind., after along battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born June 5, 1943, in Fairview, Mich., to Ira and Glada Kauffman, one of six children.
  After graduating from Fairview High School, he left for Voluntary Service through the Mennonite Church in Anzac, Alberta. There he worked for the Northland School Division that served children in some of the northernmost parts of Alberta, as well as community development. There he met his lifetime partner, Betty Yoder, from Kokomo, Ind., also serving in VS. Following his first pastorate in Three Rivers, Mich., Sherm attended Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries and Goshen College, receiving a bachelor degree and certification.
  For the remainder of his life, Sherm served the church in Sarasota, Fla., as associate pastor at Bayshore Mennonite Church and in Goshen as executive secretary and executive conference minister for Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. During this time, he completed a master's degree in nonprofit administration at Notre Dame. He also served on the boards of Sarasota Christian School and Goshen College. After retirement he served as a transitional minister in Ohio, Indiana and Nebraska. He also volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service in Florida.
  In retirement, he enjoyed wood-turning, creating wood bowls and vases. He loved the church and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a man of strong faith with a deep sense of justice and the importance of caring for God's creation.
  He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Shana (Marty) Hodel; son Jeff; six grandchildren; and siblings Polly Kauffman, Sandy Kauffman, Kathy (Wayne) Hochstedler and Bert Jacklitch. He was preceded in death by brother Merrill, sister-in-law Linda Kauffman and brother-in-law Jim Jacklitch. He maintained a strong bond with Jerry Boucher, considered family through lifelong connection. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen. 
(AW, January 2026, p. 50)
(public obituary here)

Kraybill, Jean M. (1929-2026)

Jean M. Kraybill, 97, died March 25, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare, Goshen, Ind. She was born Jan. 8, 1929, in Lansdale, Pa., the only child of the late Aaron Bower Metz and Mamie Frederick (Kulp) Metz. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in education. She married Paul N. Kraybill on Dec. 22, 1951. She raised five children in Landisville, Pa., while her husband traveled extensively overseas, first for the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities and then for Mennonite World Conference. When the children were older, she traveled with Paul on many of his overseas trips, visiting Europe, Africa, India, Asia and Central and South America. After Paul's death, she continued to travel with friends, both in the United States and internationally. She worked as a secretary for various organizations and retired from Mennonite Foundation, Goshen, in 2003. She was a member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen, where she was active as a volunteer and sang in the choir. She loved traveling, music, gardening, cooking and spending time with her family. She is survived by four daughters, Mary Jean (Daniel Meyer) Kraybill of Chicago, Linda (James) Histand of Goshen, Carol Krebiehl of Amelia, Ohio, and Karen (Andrew) Linn, Topeka, Kan.; daughter-in-law Ann Kraybill of Glenfield, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her faithful cat companion Solomon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, in 1993 and her son, Dale Kraybill, in 2024.
(AW, May 2026, pp. 54-55)
(public obituary here)

Krehbiel, Ronald 1931-2025

Ronald Krehbiel, 94, of Hesston, Kan., died Dec. 9, 2025. He was born to Olin and Dorothy Krehbiel on his grandparents' ranch in Porterville, Calif. He spent his childhood in Lansdale, Pa. In high school, the family moved to Berne, Ind., where he met Cynthia Kirchhofer. They were married June 3, 1951, and were blessed with 73 Wonderful years of marriage. They taught many marriage seminars and followed these practices where they were in love and dating all their lives.
  He graduated from Bluffton College and the Mennonite Seminary in Chicago. The General Conference Mennonite Church asked him to start a congregation in Markham, Ill., and he accepted, going door to door until he gathered a diverse group of people. After leading Markham Mennonite Church, he pastored Deep Run Mennonite Church in Bedminster, Pa.; Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, Minn.; Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church in Goessel, Kan.; West Zion Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kan.; and Salem Mennonite (South) Church in Freeman, S.D., as well as an interim pastoral position with Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge.
  Known for his engaging sermons, he was never afraid to speak his mind and always emphasized love and empathy. He wasn't just a preacher; he was a great listener. He loved nature and was an avid reader, especially of history and science. He was never rigid; his understanding and sympathy grew with the years. He wasn't afraid to change his mind or broaden his vision.
  He traveled the world, pastored in Lesotho, joined a Mennonite delegation to the Middle East and served as vice president of the General Conference Mennonite Church. He earned his doctorate in pastoral ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
  Ron was a devoted husband and father who loved to laugh and play with his children. He was deeply loved by the many friends and family members whose lives he touched and enriched.
  He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children Deb (George) Lehman, Tom (Susan) Krehbiel, John (Rita) Krehbiel and James (Melissa) Krehbiel; daughter-in-law Rhonda Krehbiel; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  
  He was preceded in death by son Tim Krehbiel; daughter-in-law Julie Waltner Krehbiel; sister Beverly (Glen) Grandlinard; and sister-in-law Jean Kirchhofer.     A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Memorials may be made to Hesston Mennonite Church and Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Fund.
(AW, February 2026, p. 46)
(public obituary here)

Leatherman, Mary E. (Landis) 1941-2026

Mary E. (Landis) Leatherman, 84, of Doylestown, Pa., died Jan. 26, 2026, at her residence. She was the beloved wife of the late William C. Leatherman, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. She was born in Harleysville, Pa., to the late Dayton C. Landis and the late Mattie H. (Landes) Landis.
  A 1959 graduate of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, she graduated from Grand View Hospital School of Nursing in Sellersville in 1962. She devoted her professional life to nursing, serving as a Registered Nurse at Doylestown Hospital for 55 years. She was a faithful member of Doylestown Mennonite Church and served as a board member of Rockhill Mennonite Community (now known as The Community at Rockhill).
  She cherished her roles as a devoted wife, mother, Nana and friend. She will be lovingly remembered for her sincerity, kindness, generosity, gentle spirit and remarkable ability to listen and care deeply for those around her.
  She is survived by three daughters, Victoria Kim Leatherman of Palatine, Ill., Jennifer B. Gidley of Doylestown and Bonnie Sue Leatherman of Doylestown; and four grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons Douglas W. Leatherman and Michael James Leatherman; and siblings Stanton Landis, Heber Landis, Minerva Godshall, Henry Landis, Floyd Landis, Dayton Landis Jr. and Mark Landis.
(AW, March 2026, p. 54)
(public obituary here)

Lehman, Julia Nelson 1959-2026

Julia Nelson Lehman, 66, of Dallas, Texas, died Jan. 7, 2026. She was born June 6, 1959, to Lloyd and June Nelson in Forest City, Iowa.
   In 2002, she married Lynn Ray Lehman. Their family includes four children, two spouses of children and four grandchildren: Aaron Lehman of Buchanan, Mich.; Kareem, Katherine, Aspen and Josephine Lehman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Sonja Stutzman, Stewart, Evelyn and Lilia Master of Dallas, Texas; and Alex Stutzman of Costa Mesa, Calif.
  Julie loved nature, wildlife and birds. She loved to find rocks and feathers. She totally enjoyed camping. For eight consecutive years, she and Lynn went on six-to eight-month RV trips around the U.S. and Canada. She spent part of her retirement volunteering in various states and countries.
  Julie was well loved for her joyful spirit and empathetic heart. She was a respiratory therapist and physician assistant. While working and away from the job, she was a wonderful listener.
  Her life will be celebrated at 4 p.m. April 18 at Peace Mennonite Church of Dallas.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)

Penner, Alvin I. 1935-2026

Alvin I. Penner, 90, of North Newton, Kan., died Feb. 18, 2026. He was born Dec. 8, 1935, at home in McPherson County, Kan., to Anna (Pauls) and Isaac Penner.
  After graduating from Inman High School in 1954, he worked at Culvert Manufacturing Co. in Hutchinson, in addition to farming. In 1955 he registered as a conscientious objector and served two years with Mennonite Central Committee at Denver General Hospital, where he learned that he had a passion for hospital administration. At First Mennonite Church in Denver, he met Sue. Both enrolled at Bethel College, and they were married in 1958.
  After graduating from Bethel in 1961, he worked six years for a certified public accounting firm in Newton. Beginning in 1966, he served 20 years in administration at Bethel Deaconess Hospital, loving every minute. He oversaw the transition of Bethel Home for the Aged into the Kidron Bethel Retirement Community. He received additional education in hospital administration at St. Louis University.
  In 1986 he was recruited to be Chief Operating Officer at Hutchinson Hospital. This was a bit like coming home, as the area was close to where he grew up. Beginning in 2003, he worked five years in fund development at Schowalter Villa. Later he learned laser engraving, starting a small business.
  Al chaired the Harvey County United Way, the Harvey County Blood Drive, the Newton USD 373 School Board and the Bethel College Board of Directors. He served as mayor of North Newton. Having a passion for the church, he served on the board of the Western District Conference of the General Conference Mennonite Church. He enjoyed traveling the country with the Kansas Health Policy Council.
  He coached Little League teams, facilitated family gatherings and trips. He enjoyed time in his workshop, coffee with friends, playing weekly tennis matches and riding his bike on the North Newton trails.
  Surviving are his wife; son Keith (Sharon) Penner; daughter Connie (Jerl) Banning; daughter-in-law Marlene Penner; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were a son, Kevin Penner; brother Elmer; sisters Sara Irene Penner and Elizabeth Thomas; brother-in-law Charles Thomas; and sister-in-law Joetta Penner.
  A memorial service was held at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)
(public obituary here)

Preheim-Bartel, Dean A. 1946-2026

Dean A. Preheim-Bartel, 79, died Feb. 5, 2026, in Goshen, Ind. He was born to Henry and Dora Ewert Bartel on Oct. 30, 1946, in Hillsboro, Kan.
  After graduating from Tabor College in 1968, he did Voluntary Service at the Colorado State Home and Training School for the Mentally Retarded. He continued to work for the Colorado Department of Institutions and Social Services in Denver. In 1978, he moved to Elkhart, Ind., to attend Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. There he met and married Gwendolyn Preheim. A year later he became a consultant for the Developmental Disabilities Program of Mennonite Health Services. By 1988 he became the manager of church relations and advocacy programs at Mennonite Mutual Aid. He also coordinated the Mennonite Health Assembly national conference for health professionals. He graduated with an MSA in nonprofit administration from Notre Dame in 1988.
  Eager to use his skills in an ecumenical setting, he developed a new program for Catholic Charities in Red Wing, Minn., in 1999. Called back to Indiana in 2005, he was the director of Church Community Services in Elkhart until his retirement in 2011 due to Parkinson's disease. Work with the disenfranchised was dear to his heart. Known for his kind and gentle spirit, he enjoyed woodworking and gardening as well as studying his genealogy. His volunteer efforts included helping to develop God's Eye Art, working at The Depot, Mennonite Archives and Greencroft.      
  Surviving are his wife; sisters-in-law Nina Preheim, Elizabeth Osborne, Anita Preheim, Justina Neufeld and Delores Bartel; and brothers-in-law William Preheim and Michael Preheim. Preceding him in death were brothers Floyd, Alfred and Marvin; sisters-in-law Pearl Schroeder Bartel and Dorothy Preheim; and brothers-in law Gary Goertz, Kirk Preheim and Mark Osborne. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 7 at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen.
(AW, March 2026, p. 54)
(public obituary here)

Santiago, Patricia Ann 1931-2026

Patricia Ann Santiago, 94, died Jan. 18, 2026, in Lancaster, Pa. She was born Aug. 24, 1931, in Elida, Ohio, to Timothy H. Brenneman and Rowena Leedy.
  In 1938, when she was 7, her family moved to Argentina, where her parents were Mennonite missionaries. The family returned in 1945 when she was 13. In Argentina, she learned to play piano, a skill she applied later as accompanist in church services, choirs and weddings in Puerto Rico.
  She graduated from Sarasota High School and went on to Goshen College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She taught first graders in Fruitville public school in Sarasota County for two years.
  In 1955, she moved to Puerto Rico and taught third and fourth graders at Escuela Menonita Betania. She married Fidel Santiago in 1956 and began an 18-year career as a social services technician, managing thousands of cases in Cidra, Cayey and Aguas Buenas. She taught Sunday school children who loved her engaging teaching style. In the 1970s, she managed a self-help project that allowed rural women to earn a modest income stitching traditional Puerto Rican scenes on table cloths, table mats and cloth napkins.
  She retired in 1978 and in 1982 moved with Fidel to Glendale, Calif. She served as church secretary for the Glendale Church of the Brethren. She also was secretary, treasurer and newsletter editor for the Glendale Branch of the American Association of University Women.
  In 2001, Patricia and Fidel moved to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Va. In 2018, they moved to Woodcrest Villa in Lancaster, Pa.
 She is survived by a son, Rolando Luis; daughter-in-law Raquel Trinidad; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Brenneman She was preceded in death by her husband, Fidel; son Ricardo David; and sibling Donald Brenneman.
  Memorials may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Goshen College.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)
(public obituary here)

Schrag, Myron Dave 1937-2025

Myron Dave Schrag, 88, pastor and follower of Jesus, a sojourner whose ministry carried him from India to Indiana, died Dec. 6, 2025, at his home in Goshen, Ind. Born Jan. 10, 1937, in Norwich, Kan., he was the fifth of six children of Dave and Adina Schrag.
  He credited his rural upbringing for shaping his character and work ethic. His faith was nurtured at Bethany Mennonite Church, where he was baptized as a teenager. In later years, he described baptism as the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship, rooted in Jesus call to peacemaking, justice and the "upside-down kingdom" of the Sermon on the Mount.
  At Norwich High School, Myron excelled in football, basketball and track. At Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., he initially prepared for a career in teaching and coaching but developed a deepening interest in Bible and religion courses, while also setting a school record in the 120-yard hurdles. After graduating in 1959, Myron served through Mennonite Voluntary Service in Ontario, working with troubled youth.
  A summer with Mennonite Central Committee in Nashville and time at Koinonia Farm with Clarence Jordan strengthened his commitment to a gospel-rooted faith expressed through racial justice, nonviolence and shared community. These experiences led him to Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. There he met Ericka "Rickey" Koop. Married in 1965, they shared more than 60 years of partnership in life and ministry.
  Myron served congregations in Kansas, India and Minneapolis, where he helped found People of Faith Peacemakers, and concluded his pastoral career at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen. In retirement, Myron and Rickey continued to serve, including teaching in China. Following a second cancer diagnosis, Myron lived fully and faithfully until his death.
  He is survived by his wife, Rickey; three sons; seven grandchildren; siblings; and extended family. Myron will be remembered for his humility, warmth, love of sports, devotion to family and enduring witness to the peaceable way of Jesus. 
(AW, January 2026, p. 50)
(public obituary here)

Soth, Barbara Jane 1939-2026

Barbara Jane Soth, 86, of Wichita, Kan., died Feb. 26, 2026, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Wichita. She was born Nov. 9, 1939, in Newton, Kan., the daughter of Elmer D. and Gladys Unger Balzer. She graduated from Newton High School in 1957. On March 11, 1958, she married James L. Soth at the rectory of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newton. 
  Barbara began her career at Railroad Savings and Loan in Newton, where she worked for 20 years. She later served another 20 years with the City of Newton Water Department, retiring as a supervisor. She also worked part-time at Maxwell Flowers, where she discovered and nurtured her lifelong love of floral arranging.
  She was a devoted member of Bethel College Mennonite Church for 70 years. She taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school and mentored many high school students. She attended St. Mary's Catholic Church and actively participated in many church activities alongside Jim.
  Barbara and Jim were founding members of The Compassionate Friends of Harvey County. She enjoyed baseball, basketball, auto racing, boating and fishing. She shared her love of cooking and baking with son Tim and grandson Brycen. For 20 years, she and Jim were part of the Pig Roast Group, hosting annual gatherings that brought friends together for evenings of laughter and fellowship. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her great-nieces and great-nephews.
  Survivors include her son, Terrance L. Soth (Patricia) of Wichita, four grandchildren and her brother, Francis Balzer. She was preceded in death by her husband, son Timothy and sister-in-law Jacqueline Balzer. The family requests memorials to Good Shepherd Hospice, The Compassionate Friends of Harvey County or Bethel College Mennonite Church.
(AW, April 2026, p. 56-58)
(public obituary here)



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