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Lazarus Project

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

 2007  -  I to K


 Isaak, Laura Warkentin Janzen, Gary;   Janzen, Jeffery;   Janzen, Walter;    Johns, Dewayne Joseph;  Kanagy, Regina MarnerKauffman, James Arthur;   Kauffman, Ruby JoKaufman, Adeline Boese;   Kaufman, Dr. Dawn Erin Crocker;   Kaufman, Walter J.;  Kennel, Earl J.;  Kennel, Vernon I.;  King, Amos Christian Klassen, Walter J.;   Knight, Kara Lorraine Murphy ; . . Kniss, Esther Mast     Koehn, Earl Dwain;   Koerner, Loray D.;   Kos, Faye C. Damhoff;   Kriebel, Sallie "Mae" Landes;  Kroeker, Verna Quiring;   Kropf, Karen Cynthia Neuschwander;   Kurtz, Martha M. Wengerd;  


Isaak, Laura Warkentin, 95, of Reedley, CA died December 23, 2007 at Reedley, CA from natural causes.  She was born March 27, 1912 at Halpstadt, Ukraine, Russia to Isaac and Kathe (Wilmsen) Warkentin.  On June 25, 1932 at Reedley, CA she was married to James  Isaak, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Virginia (Dwight) Carlson, Robert (Heather) Isaak, Dathleen (Lary) Rothchild, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

 A daughter, Winifred Arthur, brothers, Hans and Irwin, sister, Hedwig Christ, and granddaughter, Heidi Joelson preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held December 31, 2007 at Cairns Funeral Home, Reedley, CA with burial in Reedley Cemetary, Reedley, CA.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Dee Patrick

Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Janzen, Gary, 54,
of Henderson, NE died February 20, 2007.  He was born May 4, 1952 to Walter and Elva (Siebert) Janzen.  He was married to Pam Friesen.

Surviving are his wife, his parents, children, Kevin, Kyle, Carissa (Brad) Nietfeldt, Carlee, and one grandchild.

Memorial services were held February 23, 2007 at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, NE with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Janzen, Jeffery, 42, of Boise, Idaho died August 19, 2007 at Boise, Idaho.  He was born June 25 1965 at Newton, KS to Robert and Judy (Regier) Janzen. 

Surviving is his mother.  His father was born August 26, 1938 and died February 13, 2005.

Memorial services were held August 24, 2007 at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, Kansas with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Debbie Claassen Whitewater, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Janzen, Walter, 80, of Henderson, NE died September 11, 2007 at Henderson, York Co., NE.  He was born to Jacob D. and Helena Peters Janzen. He was married to Elva Siebert, who survives.

Surviving are children, Royce (Carol) Janzen, Rebecca (David) Dolezal, daughter in law Pam Janzen, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A son, Gary Janzen preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held September 14, 2007at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, York Co., NE.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Tammy Ott, Henderson, NE
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Johns, Dewayne Joseph
, 91, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died January 18, 2007 at Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN.  He was born February 28, 1915 at Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN to Ray and Fannie (Byler) Johns.  On June 5, 1938 he was married to Gladys Yoder, who survives.

Surviving are children, Joan (Merle) Mullet, Bonnie (Bob Hodge) Johns, John (Carolyn Gingerich) Johns, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Stanley and a brother, Ward Johns.

Memorial services were held January 22, 2007 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN with burial in Violett Cemetery, Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Kanagy, Regina Marner
, 57, of Centre Hall, PA died January 6, 2007 at Danville, Pennsylvania of a bacterial infection.   She was born February 5, 1949 at Ornogo, Missouri to Vaughn and Thelma (Smith) Marner.  She was married to Ronald Ross Kanagy, who survives.

Also surviving are her parents, children, Teretha Kanagy, Vaughn Kanagy, wife Bethani, four grandchildren, and her brothers and sisters: Ramona Byler (Belleville); Wesley Marner (Eufaule, Ala.); Ranita Kauffman (Moundridge, Kan.); and Wyatt Marner (Gulfport, Miss).
       
Memorial services were held January 13, 2007 at Christ Community Church, State College, PA.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: David B Miller, State College, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Kauffman, James Arthur

James Arthur Kauffman, 80, son of Roy (N.L.) and Anna Grace (Snyder) Kauffman was born November 22, 1926 at Creston, Montana and died November 7, 2007 at Libby Care Center, Libby, Montana. He was united in marriage to Lenora Eash at Harrisburg, Oregon on April 5, 1951. After her death he married Naomi Mast on September 1, 1961 at Kalispell, Montana.

Jim was a lifetime logger, enjoyed Bible reading, singing and a job well done. He was a member of the Mennonite Church and pastored the Manicke Community Church for twenty years.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Lenora; his parents, Roy and Anna; brothers, Reuben and Aldine; sisters, Mabel Miller, Mary Slater and Ruth Stutzman; a son, Thomas; a grandson, Norman Kauffman and a granddaughter, Annie Wagoner.

He is survived by sons, Elton and Gayla, Jay and Angie, Willard and Dawn, Ted and Natalie, Jeremiah and April, Vernon and Anna Dachs, Jerry and Katie Dachs; daughters, Anita and Bill Stinde, Nettie and Steve Wagoner, and Renee and Jon Sanford; brothers, Paul, David, Norman and Joe; sisters, Berniece Reimer, Lillie Weber, Rosella Eby and Gladys Reimer; 22 grandsons, 26 granddaughters, and one great granddaughter.

Funeral services were held at Mountain View Mennonite Church on November 13 with Gary Wayne officiating. Burial in Creston Cemetery.

Submitted by: Margaret Kauffman



Kauffman, Ruby Jo, 75, of Englewood, Colorado died July 4, 2007 at Englewood, Arapahoe County, Colorado.  She was born April 17, 1932 at LaJunta, Otero
County, Colorado to Sherman Christian and Martha (Hershey)  Kauffman [03/10/1900-07/01/1993]. 

Surviving  are sisters: Phyllis Kauffman, Fern Seibert (spouse's name unknown), Mary Ellen Friesen (spouse's name unknown), Shirley Sager (married to Don Sager), and Janice Parks (married to Jim Parks).
       
Served as Dietician at Goshen College; went on 3-year MCC assignment in Haiti; worked as Dietician at St. Luke's Hospital (Denver, CO) until retirement; enjoyed traveling, baseball (Colorado Rockies), and playing Scrabble.

Memorial services were held July 8, 2007 at First Mennonite Church, Denver, Denver County, Colorado with burial in the adjoining Memorial Garden.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Connie Rempel Denver, CO
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Kaufman, Adeline Boese, 104, of Marion, SD died May 12, 2007 at Marion, SD from natural causes. She was born March 27, 1903 at Avon, SD to Abraham and Helena (Buller) Boese.  On April 23, 1925 he was married to Harry Kaufman, who died April 12, 1984.

Surviving are children, Lorraine Ortman, Maynard Kaufman, Alice Suderman, Anette Eisenbeis, S. Roy Kaufman, 25 grandchildren, and 53 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held May 15, 2007 at Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in Freeman, SD.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Sharon Birkey
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Kaufman, Dr. Dawn Erin Crocker, 63, of Freeman, SD died September 9, 2007 at Sioux Falls, SD from cancer.  She was born August 1, 1944 at Bangor, Maine to Richard F. and Edith (Lyon) Crocker, Jr. She was married to Dr. LeRoy Kaufman, who survives along with two sons, Erik Kaufman and David Kaufman.

She was a leader and pioneer for women in optometry serving as the first woman president of the South Dakota Optometric Society, first woman president of the North Central States Optometric Council, and was elected to the Board of Trustees of the 26,000 member American Optometric Association.

Memorial services were held September 13, 2007 at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Elizabeth, Freeman, SD
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Kaufman, Walter J., 101, of Freeman, SD died January 2, 2007 of natural causes.  He was born to Jacob and Anna (Gering) Kaufman. He was married to Anna Miller, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Duane Kaufman, Gene Kaufman, LeAnne Gross, Loren Kaufman,
nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held January 8, 2007 at Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, Hutchinson Co., SD.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Kennel, Earl J., 93, of New Holland died December 4, 2007 at New Holland, Lancaster Co, PA from a cerebrovascular event.  He was born April 9, 1914 at Atglen, Chester Co, PA  to Joseph and Annie (Mast) Kennel.  On July 21, 1945 he was married to Ann Mae Honsaker, who was born November 8, 1919 and survives.

Surviving are children, Kathy K., wife of Robert Espenshade, Carol A., wife of Doug Ginder, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
 
Two brothers, Vernon Kennel, and Ira Kennel, two sisters, Marion Zook, and Lena Stauffer preceded him in death.

Earl owned the former Kennel Garage for 40 years. He also was an insurance agent for Tri County Mennonite Mutual for 47 years. He enjoyed hunting.

Memorial services were held December 8, 2007 at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen Chester Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: RuthAnn Bruner,  Atglen, PA

Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Kennel, Vernon I., 89, of Atglen, PA died August 16, 2007 at Lancaster, PA from ventricular fibrillation. He was born February 3, 1918 at Atglen, PA to Joseph and Annie (Mast) Kennel.  On January 14, 1946 he was married to Mildred Umble, who was born May 12, 1922 and survives.

Surviving are children, Larry & wife Marilyn Kennel, Deryl & wife Miriam Kennel, Don Kennel, Arlin & wife Lois Kennel, ten grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a brother, Earl Kennel.  He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother, Marian Zook, Lena Stauffer, and Ira Kennel.

He was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen, PA where in the past he was the
church Treasurer and Historian for many years. Vernon sang in the Maple Grove Quartet.

During W.W. II he served in Civilian Public Service for four years.  Vernon owned and operated the former Rare Metal Products Company of Atglen. He was a graduate of the former Parkesburg High School and served on the Tel Hai Camp and West Fallowfield Christian School Boards. He was part of the forming committee for the Lan Chester Medical Center. He was a member of the Whippoorwill Hunting Club of Cedar Run and enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf.

Memorial services were held August 20, 2007 at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen, Chester County, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: RuthAnn Bruner, Atglen, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



King, Amos Christian, 97, of Westover, MD died November 27, 2007 at Westover, MD from natural causes.  He was born October 5,1910 at Coulee, ND to Harry and Rosa King.  He was married to Martha Wert, who died in 2000.  His first wife, Agnes Ogburn King passed away in 1946.

Surviving are children Elmer & Esther King, Walter & Miriam King, Ruby Dorsey, Miriam & Wilmer King, Dan & Jeannette King, Roas King, Bill & Deb King, A. J. & Crystal
King, Rosemary King dau.-in-law, 25 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a brother, Frank & Lydia King.  A son, Harry King, a sister and four brothers preceded him/her in death.

He was Pastor of Holly Grove Mennonite Church 1936-63 and served at Snow Hill Mennonite Church 1967-92.


Memorial services were held December 2, 2007 at Holly Grove Mennonite Church, Westover, Maryland with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Jean Walter, Marion Station, MD
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Klassen, Walter J., 84, of Hopedale, IL died February 21, 2007 at Pekin, IL.  He was born November 28, 1922 to Jacob and Katherine Klassen.  On March 23, 1951 he was married to Dorothy Litwiller, who survives.

Surviving are children, Stanley, Steven, Sherrill, Ray, Wanda,, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Also surviving  are two sisters, Ella Deines, and Esther (Harold) Thieszen.       

Memorial services were held February 24, 2007 at Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, IL  with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Julie, Hopedale, IL
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Knight, Kara Lorraine Murphy, 74, of Bellefontaine, OH died July 26, 2007 at Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio from cancer.  She was born December 30, 1932 in Champaign County, Ohio to Charles E.  and Live M. (Nawman) Murphy.  On September 22, 1968 at DeGraff, Logan Co., Ohio she was married to Perry Vincent Knight, who died September 12, 1992.

Surviving is a brother, Elton L. Murphy.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Reva Ann Schultz and a brother, William Murphy.

Memorial services were held July 31, 2007 at Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio with burial in Greenwood-Union Cemetery, DeGraff, Ohio.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Marla Longenecker West Liberty, Ohio
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

 

Kniss, Esther Mast
January 6, 1923 - October 28, 2007

Esther Mast Kniss, 84, a resident of 1549 Hillcrest Drive, Harrisonburg, VA, died October 28, 2007 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness.

Mrs. Kniss was born on January 6, 1923, in Morgantown, PA, and was the daughter of the late John and Rebecca Hartz Mast. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1949. Mrs. Kniss and her husband Paul served as missionaries in India for 45 years under the Mennonite Mission Network. In the last five years, they served shorter missions in India under the Missionary Church and short terms of mission in Trinidad under Virginia Mennonite Missions. Mrs. Kniss spent much of her time teaching literacy to the village women. She also managed Christian bookstores and served as the treasurer of the Bihar Mennonite Mission. She was an active member of the Ridgeway Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. She will be remembered for her faith, her cheerful spirit and her ready smile.

On August 23, 1947, she married Paul G. Kniss who survives.

Also surviving are five sisters, Edna Mae Good and husband James, Lancaster; Ida Swartley of Harrisonburg, VA; Ruthanna Otto and husband Darrel, Denver, CO; Naomi Sensenig and husband Chester, Warwick, NY; Selena Horning and husband Kenneth, Oley; one brother, Albert Mast and wife Marilyn, Buffalo, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Kniss was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Henry Swartley.

Pastors Ben Risser, Myron Augsburger, and Phil Kniss will conduct a memorial service Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Park View Mennonite Church. Her body was donated to medical science through the Virginia Anatomical Board.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, November 2, 2007 from 7p.m until 8:30p.m. at the Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA and prior to the memorial service from 1p.m. until 2p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions, 901 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

LancasterOnLine, Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Koerner, Loray D., 88, of Flanagan, IL died August 14, 2007 at Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL of old age/pneumonia.  He was born October 6, 1918 at Cullom, Livingston, Co., IL, to Henry and Sadie (Shantz) Koerner.  On June 10, 1944 at Flanagan Mennonite Church, Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL he was married to Nettie F. Eigsti, who survives.

Surviving are children, Bonnie (Roger) Stucky, Gridley, IL; Rebecca Koerner, Westbrook, MA; David (Rose) Koerner, Kalona, IA, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a brother, Orie (Emma) Koerner, Kempton, IL.        

Loray was the owner and operator of Cullom Bus Service, serving the Cullom School District. He later worked as a mechanic at various places and lastly was a representative for Snap On Tools from 1957-1981. He was an avid fisherman and did volunteer work at the Spare N Share in Gridley. He also was involved in several CPS camps.

Memorial services were held August 17, 2007 at Prairieview Mennonite Church, Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL with burial in Waldo Township Cemetery, Gridley, Livingston, IL.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Doug King, Flanagan, IL
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Koehn, Earl Dwain, 85, of North Newton, Kansas died March 25, 2007 at North Newton, Kansas.  He was born November 10, 1921 at Pawnee Rock, Kansas to Lawrence and Martha (Schultz) Koehn.  On October 14, 1950 he was married to Louise Duerksen, who survives.

Surviving are children, Dennis, David, Brent, and three grandchildren.

Memorial services were held March 30, 2007 at Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton, Kansas with burial in BCMC Columbarium, North Newton, Kansas.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Kos, Faye C. Damhoff, 60, of Wellman, Johnson Co., IA died February 17, 2007 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She was born December 14, 1946 at Morrison, IL to Gilbert and Frances (Buikema) Damhoff).  On October 6, 1973 she was married to Gary Kos, who survives.

Surviving are her mother and children, Shane Kos and wife Shanon, Melissa Kos, Cami Kos, and Caitlyn Kos.

Also surviving are her siblings; Russ Damhoff and wife Jackie; Rod Damhoff and wife Lynn;
Bill Damhoff and wife Lynette; Mike Damhoff and wife Kim; Sue Damhoff Eyrich and husband Dan; and Sally Damhoff Johannsen and husband Rick.

She was preceded in death by her father

Memorial services were held February 21, 2007 at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, Kalona, Johnson Co., IA with burial in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona, Washington Co., IA.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Marcia Miller, Kalona, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Kriebel, Sallie "Mae" Landes


Sallie Mae (Landes) Kriebel, 94, of Souderton, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, where she lived since 2000. She had resided in Virginia with her daughter, Marilyn and her husband, John Ritchie, for four years. She was the widow of the late Warren R. Kriebel.

Born [May 1, 1912] in Skippack Twp., she was a daughter of the late Henry and Lizzie (Smith) Landes.

She had been an employee of the former Sauter-Sparks Corp. in Souderton.  Mrs. Kriebel was an excellent flower gardener and enjoyed humor, singing, reading, word search puzzles and playing games with her grandchildren.  She was a longtime member of Souderton Mennonite Church.

Survivors include four daughters, Lorraine Landis and her husband, Jacob G., of Sellersville, Marilyn Ritchie and her husband, John, of South Boston, VA, Audrey Villanueva and her husband, John, of Florida, NY and Virginia Deeds and her husband, Donald, of Bridgewater, VA; four sons, Wilbur Kriebel and his wife, Marilyn, of Souderton, Glen Kriebel of Fountain Hill, and Arlin Kriebel and Floyd Kriebel, both of Telford; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, six brothers and six sisters.

A funeral service will held at 2 PM, Saturday, Jan. 20 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, 207 W. Summit St., Souderton.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:45 PM, Saturday, in the fellowship room of the Homes. Burial will take place at Souderton Mennonite Cemetery in Souderton. `Arrangements are by the Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home in Souderton.

Submitted by daughter, Marilyn K. Ritchie



Kroeker, Verna Quiring, 85, of Henderson, NE died January 1, 2007. She was born to Peter J. and Helena (Dalke) Quiring. She was married to Norman Kroeker, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Elaine Schroeder, Gladys (Chris) Christopherson, Glen (Bonnie) Kroeker, Doris (Bob) House, Don (Sandy) Kroeker, Max (Patty) Kroeker, and six grandchildren.

Memorial services were held January 11, 2007 at Henderson Care Center Chapel, Henderson NE.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Kropf, Karen Cynthia Neuschwander, 72, of Canby, Oregon died December 8, 2007 at Oregon City, Oregon.  She was born April 27, 1935 at Lebanon, Oregon to the late Arthur Franklin and Ruth Elizabeth (Fisher) Neuschwander.  On August 21, 1953 at Hubbard, Oregon she was married to Dale Kenneth Kropf, who died April 21, 1994.

Surviving are children, Son: Kenneth Eugene Kropf and daughter-in-law Kimberly Kropf of Oregon City, OR; Daughter: Darlene Jo Anderson and son-in-law Mark Anderson of Hartland, Wisconsin, and 4 grandchildren.

Memorial services were held December 15, 2007 at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Oregon
with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Gloria Gingerich, Hubbard, OR

Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Kurtz, Martha M. Wengerd, 91, of Sarasota, FL died December 4, 2007 at Sunny Side Nursing Home, Sarasota, FL from pancreatic cancer.  She was born August 17, 1916 at Hartville, Ohio.  She was married to John Kurtz, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Ray D. of Ft. Wayne, IN, Robert L. of Leo, IN., Karen A. Berschausr of Sarasota, FL, Joan F. of Carson, NM, & daughter-in-law, Lynne I. Kurtz, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a sister, Susan Yoder of Sugar Creek, Ohio.  A son, Larry Kurtz, preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held December 8, 2007 at Bay Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota, FL  with burial in Palmes Memorial Park, Sarasota, FL.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Judi Mullett,  Sarasota, FL

Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



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