Lazarus
Project
An obituary project of MennObits.
Source of individual obituaries given with each record.
This file is named for the year the obituary was recorded here, not the
death year.
2026:
I-L
QUICK REFERENCE INDEX
(click on name to jump to obituary)
Kamerer, Virginia
Hershberger
January 8, 1932 - December 6, 2025
Virginia M. Kamerer, age 93, of Uniontown, passed away on
Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Virginia (Ginny) was born in Sugarcreek, Ohio on January 8, 1932 to the late
Catherine Lucinda (Beitzel) and Floyd Eugene Hershberger. She
was raised in the heart of Amish country where she lived with her Mennonite
parents and grandparents during the Great Depression. She often
recalled happy memories of the strong bonds and mutual support of the
Mennonite community especially during harvest season, the smell of her
grandma’s apple ‘snitze’ turnovers and family gatherings around their large
table. Her parents joyfully gave of what they had - a practice she
continued throughout her life.
Ginny was studious and smart, enjoyed journalism, band, singing and class
plays. A 1949 graduate of Sugarcreek-Shanesville High School,
she went on to work in a dental office and earned her dental assistant
certification. Thereafter she managed her own direct sales business, worked
for Sanese Services and later for Appalachian Exploration and Belden and
Blake oil and gas companies.
She had a deep, abiding faith. Following her marriage she was an
active member of Advent Lutheran Church (formerly Grace Lutheran) as Sunday
school teacher, member of the Women’s Martha Circle and choir member for
over 60 years.
Ginny was beloved by many in the community for her service and compassion
for others. She was a charter member of the Hartville Tri-Sesquia
Junior Women’s Club and Hartville Garden Club. She was a founding
member of the Lake Township Fish non-profit, which she remained dedicated to
throughout her life, bringing her grandchildren to serve with her in later
years. Ginny often visited people to satisfy an unmet need, share
scripture or just an empathetic ear. She was active in the YMCA, loved
traveling the US and Canada in her motorhome, and spending winters in
Florida.
Above all she loved her family, and was well loved. She knew when someone
needed her kind touch, a call or note of encouragement, a loaf
of her famous banana bread or a basketful of goodies. Friends and
family will remember her infectious smile and her kind, generous heart.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years William L. Kamerer in
2022, and by her daughter Kathy L. Mautz in 2013. She is survived by
children, Jeffrey Kamerer, Cynthia ( Eric) Stoltz; son-in-law Donald Mautz;
grandchildren Tammy (Daryl) Porter, Mitchell, Eliott and Caroline Kamerer,
Scott, Erin (Andrew) and Callie Stoltz; great-grandchildren Korynn, Steven
and Kelsey Porter; and brother Richard Hershberger. Preceded in death by
sister-in-law Zella Hershberger, other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Advent Lutheran Church in Uniontown,
Ohio on Saturday, December 20th at 11 AM, officiated by Pastor Robert
Cheyney, Jr., followed by graveside services at Mount Peace Cemetery. In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake Township Fish Food Pantry
or to Advent Lutheran Church. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the
Aultman Hospice team for their compassionate care and support during
Virginia’s final journey, and to so many amazing staff at the Village at
Whitewood.
https://www.arnoldfuneralhome.com/obituary/Virginia-Kamerer Accessed
January 14, 2026 by Phil Kniss
Klopfenstein, Gene
December 2, 1941 - January 18, 2026
Gene Klopfentstein, left this earth to walk upon those
beautiful gold and silver steps up to Heaven, early morning of January 18,
2026 at his home in Sarasota.
Birth:
Gene was born on December 2, 1941 in Stryker, Ohio to Roy and Ella
(Stauffer) Klopfenstein.
Childhood:
When Gene was 4 years old his parents divorced. He along with his four other
siblings were taken to the Mennonite Children’s Home in West Liberty, Ohio
on July 16, 1946 by Pastor Phil Frey. From the age of 4-8 years of age, Gene
was at the Children’s Home. During the summertime the kids were put in homes
in the Kidron, Ohio area. At the age of 8 years old, he and his older
brother Richard went to live with a family by the last name of Steiner just
north of Kidron. At 17 years of age he aged out of the foster system. He had
an 8th grade education. He remained in the Kidron and Columbiana, Ohio area.
Faith:
He was baptized at the Chestnut Ridge Mennonite Church, Orville, Ohio at the
age of 18. He attended the Pettisville Missionary Church, Pettisville, Ohio
during the summertime in Ohio and the Bethel Mennonite Church, Sarasota,
Florida during the winter months.
Gene loved the LORD and caught glimpses of Heaven several times while here
on earth...51 years ago and in the past couple weeks.
Marriage:
Gene met, Ruth Eash, at a church get together in Kidron Ohio in 1960. When
she went home to Archbold, Ohio they continued to date (with many flying
trips by airplane (friend Jr. Horst flying in small plane) and car!) Gene
and Ruth were married on September 15th, 1962 at Central Mennonite Church,
Archbold, Ohio.
Life can change in an instant:
In September 1974, Gene’s life was changed forever when he stayed late after
work to help tighten up a few bolts on the underside of a new belt conveyor
section being placed at Lyon’s Redi-Mix. While working under the section, it
was dropped by the crane on him and broke his back causing permanent
paralysis from the waist down. Even though he lost the use of his legs, Gene
has helped many with his hands over the past 51 years!
His Legacy:
Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth, daughter: Lori (Tom) King of
Archbold, Ohio and son: Lynn (Lory) Klopfenstein of Wauseon, Ohio. His
Grandsons: Nicholas (Samantha Keeling) King and Isaac (Courtney Miller) King
all of Sarasota, Florida. His precious Great Grandchildren: David,
Katherine, Alice, Mary, Elizabeth and Isaiah King. Siblings: Clifford
(Carolyn) Klopfenstein of Archbold, Ohio and Eileen Adams of Oakland,
Florida.
Those who have gone before him are his parents, brothers Robert
Klopfenstein, Richard Klopfenstein and beloved grandson, Jacob T. King.
Gene donated his body to United Tissue Network of St. Petersburg, Florida.
A Family, Friends and Fellowship, remembering the life of Gene Klopfenstein
will take place at Bethel Mennonite Church, (2985 Bethel Lane, Sarasota,
Florida 34240) on Wednesday, January 21 from 4:00-6:00pm.
A Family, Friends and Fellowship/Memorial Service will take place at
Pettisville Missionary Church, Pettisville, Ohio at a later date this year.
Memorials can be made to: Gator Wilderness Camp, 44930 Farabee Road, Punta
Gorda, Florida 33982.
https://www.shortfuneralhome.com/obituary/gene-klopfenstein -
Accessed January 23, 2026 by Amy Stauffer-McNutt
Kniss, Edna Elizabeth
(Luther)
June 23, 1904 - March 25, 1998
KNISS - Edna Elizabeth, 93, of Harrisonburg, Va., died
March 25, 1998, at Oak Lea Nursing Home. Born June 23, 1904, in Johnstown,
daughter of the late Robert M. and Ella Weaver Luther. On June 29, 1924, she
married Bishop Lloy Anson Kniss, who preceded her in death on June 7, 1979.
Mrs. Kniss and her husband were missionaries in India from 1926 to 1942, in
church ministry, evangelism, medical work and midwifery. They were engaged
in church work and teaching in the Mennonite Church in Ohio, Pennsylvania
and Maryland for some 40 years. Her patience and caring spirit were marks of
her deep faith. She is survived by three sons, Paul G. Kniss, and his wife,
Esther Mast; Mark A. Kniss, and his wife, Betty Marie Martin, Harrisonburg,
Va.; and David L Kniss, and his wife, Esther Leaman, Gulport, Miss.;
daughter, Esther K. Augsburger, and her husband, Myron S., of Harrisonburg,
Va.; brothers, Martin Luther, Kouts, Ind.; Sam Luther, Sarasota, Fla.; and
George Luther, Johnstown; sister, Lydia Belle Caldwell, Johnstown; 11
grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from
7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Kyger & Trobaugh Funeral Home, Harrisonburg,
Va., from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, where funeral service will be held at
1:30 p.m., the Revs. Myron S. Augsburger, Richard Early, Phil Kniss, Daniel
Smucker and John Kiblinger. Burial, Weavers Cemetery, the Rev. Melvin Delp
officiating. Memorial contributions may be designated for India, made to the
Mennonite Board of Missions, Box 370, Elkhart, Ind. 46515
Obituary taken from findagrave.com, attributed to The Johnstown
Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA, Friday, March 27, 1998
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/62470394 - Accessed January
19, 2026 by Phil Kniss
Koehn, Joyce Berdine
(Schneider)
March 25, 1939 - July 8, 2025
Our dear mother and grandmother, Joyce Berdine Schneider Koehn,
was born on March 25, 1939, to Howard and Ruth (Haynes) Schneider near
Ithaca, Michigan. She quietly slipped away on July 8, 2025 at the Maple
View Retirement Community near Ithaca, Michigan.
Mom grew up on a farm in rural Gratiot County, with one brother and one
sister. She grew up in the depression years, and her memories of early
days were about hard work. She attended the Kellogg School, just a quarter
mile from where she grew up. In her teenage years, she had an accident of
being run over by a tractor, which resulted in much lifelong back pain.
Mom accepted Christ as her Savior and Friend and was baptized into the
Church of God in Christ, Mennonite when she was 12 years old. At the age
of 26, she had a reconsecration experience, and she never wavered from
that commitment.
Mom worked at Ithaca Roller Mills, Redman Trailer Company in Alma and then
later at Michigan Chemical Company and Pizza Sam’s. A highlight in her
life was a trip to the Holy Lands and Switzerland in the summer of 1961
with her Grandpa Schneider and Betty Seiler. On a trip out west in 1964,
she met our father, Pete Koehn, from Montezuma, KS. They were married in
an evening wedding on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1966. They spent two years
on the farm in Western Kansas before moving to Greeley, Colorado in 1968.
While in Greeley, she was employed in the computer department of a bank,
and Mom often talked about how at that time, a computer filled an entire
room. She and Dad loved the mountains and sunshine, but because of a
concern for the welfare of raising two boys in a city setting, they moved
to Ithaca, Michigan in 1976. They bought a farm on Pierce Road, which
became the home place.
One of the deepest heartaches of Mom’s life was the sudden passing of her
son, Andy, in July of 2013. Although her life was filled with heartache
and pain, God gave her a special grace to quietly endure.
Some of the moments that brought Mom and Dad special joy were the 4th of
July chicken BBQs – an annual tradition for 39 years – and Saturday night
pizza shared with the family. Her grandchildren were so very special to
her and she showed her love for them by making each of them a quilt. It
was very important to her that she finished the last one for the youngest
grandchild. She made many quilts in her later years and gave many of them
away. She loved her roses and flowers, and working in her garden brought
her joy and satisfaction. She helped Dad on the farm for many years until
they retired in 2017 for health reasons. Mom was such a hard worker her
whole life, and she stayed active and busy as long as her health allowed.
Mom and Dad moved off the farm in November of 2021 and joined the Maple
View Retirement Community. She appreciated the care she received and she
enjoyed the connections she made with her caregivers. A couple months
before Mom’s passing, she caught a vision of Dad standing on the other
side of the river, waving at her and saying “Come on, Joyce, come on!”
From that time on, Mom’s focus on earthly life changed and she longed to
join him. In the last hours before her passing, she talked to most of her
grandchildren and encouraged them to live for the Lord and meet her in
Heaven. We will miss her quick wit and humor and all the ways she helped
us.
Left behind are her children: daughter-in-law, Jackie Koehn, Garden View,
Kansas; son, Greg and Laura, Carson City, Michigan; daughter, Audrey and
Jeff Litwiller, Ithaca, Michigan; daughter, Nada and Mike Schrock, Moore,
Idaho; 15 grandchildren: Cheyenne (Morgan Bronson), Dillon (Renae), Tori,
Madison (Nathan Ziegler), Rockie (Laura), Zanna (Marty Redger), Amber
(Quinton Isaac), Layne, Lee, Brennen (Abigail), James, Caleb, Lanae, Jace,
and Drew; five great-grandchildren: Max, Skylar, Brett, Colton, and
Hayden; brother-in-law Dean Litwiller, Eden, Utah; Pete’s siblings: Henry
Koehn Jr., Montezuma, Kansas, David John and Janet Koehn, Dodge City,
Kansas, Betty Rose and Clayton Wiebe, Durham, Kansas; and many nieces,
nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; son, Andy; sister, Carolyn
Litwiller; brother, Larry Schneider; nephew, Brent Litwiller; and many
others.
Family will receive friends on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00
PM in the chapel at Maple View Retirement Community, 4396 S. Luce Rd.,
Ithaca, MI 48847, and from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Mt. Calm Mennonite
Church, 315 N. Gratiot St., Carson City, MI. Funeral Services will be held
on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Mt. Calm Mennonite Church,
with Ministers Darin Litwiller, James Leid, and Jeff Litwiller
officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral
in the Mt. Calm Mennonite Cemetery.
Those desiring to make contributions in Joyce’s memory may do so by
donating to Maple View Retirement Community, 4396 S. Luce Road, Ithaca, MI
48847.
https://www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com/obituaries/joyce-koehn
Accessed 1/11/2026 by Kevin Miller
Koehn, Pete Melvin
February 2, 1941 - January 25, 2023
My dear husband and our father, Pete M. Koehn, was born
on February 2, 1941, to Henry B. and Nettie E. (Unruh) Koehn near
Montezuma, Kansas. He slipped away ever so quietly on January 25, 2023,
just shy of his 82nd birthday, at the Maple View Retirement Community near
Ithaca, Michigan.
Dad grew up on a farm in southwest Kansas as the 7th in a family of nine
children. As a boy, he was a talented artist and loved to play basketball.
He accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized into the Church of God
in Christ, Mennonite in January of 1954. At the age of 19, he
re-consecrated his life to the Lord and never wavered from that
commitment. He spent two years in 1-W service in Denver, Colorado, where
he acquired his love of the mountains. Dad often talked about his service
years and the good friendships and memories made during that time.
On April 10, 1966, Dad married our mother, Joyce Schneider. They lived on
their farm in Kansas for two years before moving to Greeley, Colorado, in
1968. He worked as a typewriter repairman and later for Kodak as a
mechanic. Dad loved his job, but because of a concern for the welfare of
raising his two boys in a city setting, they moved to Ithaca, Michigan, in
1976. He was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a farmer when they
purchased a farm on Pierce Road, which became the home place. As a way to
help make ends meet, Dad took up carpentry and earned the nickname “Picky
Pete” because of his meticulous craftsmanship.
One of the greatest sorrows in Dad’s life was the sudden passing of his
son Andy in July of 2013. He mourned him deeply and God graciously gave
him a vision of Andy and how happy Andy was. He claimed this and thanked
God for answering his prayers.
Some of the moments that brought Dad special joy were the 4th of July
chicken BBQs- an annual tradition for 39 years; Saturday night pizza
shared with family; and tinkering in his shop. Dad was a caring grandpa
and was very invested in his grandchildren’s lives. As an avid farmer, he
loved planting his fields and watching the crops grow. Mom helped Dad on
the farm for many years until he retired for health reasons in 2017.
Dad and Mom moved off the farm in November of 2021 and joined the Maple
View Retirement Community. They were always so thankful for the care they
received and the love they felt from the caregivers. One week prior to
Dad’s passing, God so graciously answered our prayers and gave Dad a
vision of Heaven and he shared it with everyone he could. Although he
couldn’t really describe the wonders he saw, he said it was beautiful and
he wanted to go there. From that moment on, Dad was completely at rest
emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. While our hearts ache
at his quiet and peaceful passing, we rejoice that his vision of Heaven
became reality. We will miss his gentle, soft- spoken demeanor and kind
heart that reached out to others.
Left behind is his wife of 56 years, Joyce; a daughter-in-law, Jackie
Koehn, Carson City, Michigan; one son, Greg and wife, Laura, Carson City,
Michigan; daughter, Audrey and husband, Jeff Litwiller, Ithaca, Michigan;
daughter, Nada and husband, Mike Schrock, Moore, Idaho; 15 grandchildren:
Cheyenne (Morgan Bronson), Dillon (Renae), Tori, Madison, Rockie (Laura),
Zanna, Amber (Quinton Isaac), Layne, Lee, Brennen, James, Caleb, Lanae,
Jace, Drew; three great-grandchildren: Max, Skylar, Brett; his siblings:
Henry Koehn, Jr., Montezuma, Kansas; David John Koehn and wife, Janet,
Dodge City, Kansas; Betty Rose and husband, Clayton Wiebe, Durham, Kansas;
Joyce’s sister Carolyn and husband, Dean Litwiller, Eden, Utah.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Andy; nephews, Brent
Litwiller and Bob Koehn; niece, Robin Wedel; two brothers, Robert Koehn
and Paul Dean Koehn; three sisters, Violet Schneider, Helen Smith, and Mae
Wedel; two sisters-in-law, Betty Mae Koehn and Corrine Koehn; and three
brothers-in-law, Earl Schneider, Errol Wedel, and Larry Schneider.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at 10:30 A.M.
at the Mt. Calm Mennonite Church with Ministers James Leid, Doug
Schneider, and Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive
friends on Saturday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the Maple View Retirement
Community 4396 S. Luce Road, Ithaca, MI 48847 and from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at
the Mt. Calm Mennonite Church. Burial will take place at the Mt. Calm
Mennonite Cemetery.
https://www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com/obituaries/pete-melvin-koehn
Accessed 1/11/2026 by Kevin Miller
Kornhaus, Hertha Isaac
September 19, 1939 - April 2, 2020
Hertha Isaac Kornhaus became a victim of COVID-19 and
passed on to her Heavenly Home into the arms of Jesus on April 2, 2020.
She was a loving and devoted wife of surviving husband, Harold for the last
ten years of her eighty years. She is also survived by stepson, Craig
Kornhaus and stepdaughter, Cindi Martin; brother, Rudy Isaac and sister,
Linda Yates.
Everyone that knew her thought of her as a very kind and sweet lady that had
a huge servant heart.
She was a member of Sarasota Community Church, where the Celebration of Life
memorial will be held at a later date.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sarasota-fl/hertha-kornhaus-9108467
- Accessed January 25, 2026 by Phil Kniss
Layman, Anna Marie
(Hollingshead)
November 18, 1937 - May 3, 2025
Anna Marie (Annie) Layman, age 87, of Fairview passed away
at home on May 3, 2025.
Annie was born on November 18, 1937, to Mary (Troy) and Fred Hollingshead in
a lumber camp in Lavender Corner, Seney, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Annie was the eleventh child in a family of twelve children.
Annie married DeVere Layman on September 12, 1959, and they spent the next
64 years together. Annie and DeVere met when she attended the Michigan
Mennonite Bible School, a young adult Bible School held at the Fairview
Mennonite Church.
Annie was a long-time member of the Fairview Mennonite Church, where she
served in numerous activities, including children’s ministries and food
service.
Annie enjoyed listening to music and dancing. She loved attending Open Mike
Productions with her friends on Sunday afternoon. Annie enjoyed
reading and learning. When she took time to relax, she usually had a book in
her hands. She graduated from Kirtland Community College in 1992 with an
associate in arts. She also enjoyed traveling with the senior group from the
Comins Community Church.
Annie was an avid walker even into her seventies and eighties, sometimes
walking the four-mile section into Fairview. She also won numerous medals
for her age level in the AuSable Valley Home Walk/Run.
Annie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was never more content than when holding one of her grandbabies or
great-grand babies.
Annie excelled as a homemaker. She had a huge garden where she grew all
kinds of vegetables, which she canned for her family. She also canned
peaches and pears, made her own applesauce and jam, and made tomato juice
from tomatoes grown in the garden. Annie earned family fame for her
delicious dinner rolls which she made from scratch and brought to every
family event. Additionally, Annie worked at Fairview Area Schools as a
para-professional for 23 years, a job she truly enjoyed.
In addition to her parents, Annie was preceded in death by all her siblings:
Coleen Williams, Marion Wiertella, Almina Iery, Velma French, Pearl Baker,
Patricia Marks, Margaret Maxon, Elmer, George, and Rueben Hollingshead.
Annie is survived by her husband DeVere; daughters, Carla (Darren) Rhoads
and Kami (Marc) Winton; sons, Brian (Jenni) Layman and Rodd (Lynn) Layman;
grandchildren Heidi (Jason) Spangle, Tyler (Grace) Layman, Heather Layman,
Katelyn (Tyler) Laben, Whitney (Garrett) Naffien, Nona (Justin) Rhoads,
Bradley (Sarah) Rhoads, Garrett (Mackenzie) Rhoads, Logan (Sultan) Winton,
Alyson (Nolan) Hadder, and Jaedyn (Joseph) Winton, and Christian Winton.
Annie is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren (number 20 arriving in
September); two sisters-in-law, Faith Hollingshead and Laura Hollingshead.
Visitation will be held at the Fairview Mennonite Church on Wednesday, May
7, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a service and luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice Compassus,
Alpena; or to the Oscoda County Council on Aging.
A private family interment of ashes will take place at a later date at the
Fairview Cemetery in Fairview, Michigan. Arrangements were handled by
Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.
https://www.lashleyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/anna-layman -
Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller
Layman, Brian DeVere
November 10, 1961 - November 22, 2025
In Loving Memory of Brian DeVere Layman - It is with
great sorrow that we announce the passing of Brian DeVere Layman on November
22, 2025, at the age of 64.
Brian passed away from a heart attack doing what he loved the most, he just
finished his walk through the woods checking his trail camera and enjoying
the nature that surrounded him.
Brian was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend
whose life reflected his steadfast faith, humble heart, and gentle spirit.
Brian was born November 10, 1961 to DeVere and Annie Layman. He was preceded
in death by his mother and is survived by his father, DeVere Layman, sister
Carla (Darren) Rhoads, brother Rodd (Lynn) Layman, and sister Kami (Marc)
Winton.
Brian married the love of his life Jenni Hershberger on December 26, 1981,
sharing a life filled with devotion, partnership, and grace. He was a proud
and loving father to Heidi (Jason) Spangle, Tyler (Grace) Layman, and
Heather, and he found immense joy in walking alongside his children through
every season of life.
One of Brian’s greatest blessings was being a grandfather. He dearly
cherished his grandchildren—Savanna, Grant, Jacqueline, Livvy, Abram,
Indigo, Annie, Case, Rhett, Luke, Elizabeth, Cameron, and Mackenzie. His
love for them was boundless, and he delighted in every moment spent with
them.
Brian was a humble man who dearly loved the Lord. He shared his love for
Jesus not only through his words but through the quiet, steady way he lived
each day. His kindness, patience, and sincere interest in others were a
testament to his faith. Brian never met a stranger—he welcomed everyone with
warmth and genuine curiosity, always eager to hear their story.
His devotion to his church family was an important part of his life. Brian
faithfully served the Fairview Mennonite Church, where he most recently
fulfilled the role of Elder. His leadership was gentle and steady, marked by
prayer, compassion, and a sincere desire to serve others. He considered it a
privilege to walk alongside his church community, offering encouragement,
wisdom, and a Christlike example.
Brian also found deep peace and joy in nature, seeing God’s fingerprints in
every part of creation. Whether walking in the woods, watching wildlife, or
simply soaking in the beauty around him, Brian loved sharing that sense of
wonder with others.
He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the love
he poured into his amily, his church, and his community. His legacy
continues in the countless lives he touched with his compassion, humility,
and joy.
Visitation will take place on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 4 - 8 PM at the
Fairview Mennonite Church, Fairview, Michigan. Brian will also lie in state
from 10:00 AM until the Funeral Service on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at
11:00 AM, also at Fairview Mennonite Church, with Pastor David Price
officiating. Interment will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery,
Fairview, Michigan.
https://www.lashleyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brian-layman -
Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller
Litwiller, JB (“Jay”)
October 4, 1930 - October 7, 2025
JB Litwiller was born to William (Earl) and Sabina (Betty)
Stier Litwiller on the old home place in Newark Township on October 4, 1930.
On October 7, 2025, as the morning light filled the room, he peacefully took
his last breath. He lived his entire life in the same familiar home where he
was born.
JB, named after his grandfather Jacob Buerge Litwiller, was the middle child
of ten siblings. He loved his family well and shared a special bond with
each one. He recalled pleasant memories of the Smith Allen School and the
lifetime friends that attended there with him.
As a child, Jay learned early to work hard; milking cows on the family dairy
and pulling weeds by hand across “The Twenty” for five cents a row. In later
years, he diligently drove his tractor across those same fields.
Cultivating, planting, and harvesting were in his blood.
Jay served his two years of 1-W service in Flint, Michigan where he
performed public service jobs. He would drive home on weekends to work on
the family farm. He recalled paying eighteen cents a gallon for gas during
these times. Again, he made lifetime friends during these years.
Jay gave his heart to God and was baptized by Minister Jesse Johnson on
January 27, 1947, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ,
Mennonite. The old Newark Church was just down the road, and Jay told of
walking there barefoot as a boy and sitting on the wooden porch railings
listening to the service. Jay loved attending church and helping in the
various work projects.
A private, quiet man with practical ways, Jay had a generous heart. Many
friends will remember his collection of cars and enjoyed riding with him.
His nephews and nieces received special attention.
Jay lived with his parents on the family homestead for many years until
their passing. A great host, he served Pepsi and popcorn to the crowd on the
porch or in the living room. He appreciated farming with his dad, saying,
“He was the best helper a man could ever have.”
With the passing of his parents, living in the big house was lonely. He
asked me, Susan Toews, to be part of his life. He freely shared all his
hard-earned resources with me. He was a ready presence in the kitchen,
preserving fruit, making meals and always washing my dishes.
We welcomed a son, Matthew, into our lives to complete our small family.
Matthew’s gentle strength and helpfulness in these last days was beautiful
to watch.
Retiring from farming several years ago, Jay accepted aging with grace and
stoicism. He loved the different seasons and watched the crops closely.
After several recent hospital stays this year, he requested to come home and
stay. We are so thankful his wishes could be granted and thank the Care
Team, especially Adam, for their help. Home is where Jay loved to be.
Matthew and I will miss him every day but look forward to meeting him “just
inside the gates.” Sharing in our loss are his siblings; brother, Ardis;
sister-in-law, Joan; sister, Erla and Alvin Schneider; brother, Galen and
Evie; brother-in-law, Bob Seiler; and brother-in-law, Joe Krezan with
Carylon Ozolins. Susan’s family: Ronald and Frances Unruh, Laurence and Ling
Toews, and Annette Toews. Also, a host of many nieces and nephews (who love
to share their Uncle Jay stories), and so many relatives and friends.
Gone before him are five sisters, one brother, one sister-in-law, and one
brother-in-law.
The family will receive friends during a time of visitation at the Newark
Mennonite Church, 3446 S. Alger Rd., Ithaca, MI, on Saturday, October 11,
2025, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Sunday,
October 12, 2025, at the church at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at the
Hayes Road Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in JB’s memory to either Maple View
Retirement Community, 4396 S. Luce Rd., Ithaca, MI 48847, or to Gospel Tract
& Bible Society, c/o Newark Mennonite Church, 3446 S. Alger Rd., Ithaca,
MI 48847.
https://www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com/obituaries/jb-litwiller -
Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller
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