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.
2020
T to V
Thomas, Amanda Cross
February 24, 1929 - May 21, 2020
Amanda Thomas, 91, of Goshen, died on Thursday, May 21 at Waterford Crossing Health Care, Goshen. She was born on February 24, 1929 in Middlebury, to Mahlon and Edna (Bontrager) Cross. On September 27, 1947 in Griner Mennonite Church, she married Alvin J. Thomas; he died October 22, 1994.
Survivors are two daughters, Sandy Fisher of White Pigeon, MI, Norine (Brett) Troeger of Syracuse; four grandchildren, Chris Fisher, Sonya (Ron) Schmucker, Andre (LouAnn) Fisher, Cody Troeger; five great-grandchildren, Samantha (Justin) Sweitzer, Shelby (Chad) Tepen, Hannah Fisher, Colton Fisher, McKenna Fisher,; two great-great grandchild, Blakelynn Tepen, Preston Tepen; four brothers, Alvin "Sonny" Cross of Prescott, Arizona, Ken (Inez) Cross of San Antonio, Texas, Jim Cross of Elkhart, Alan J. (Wanda) Cross of New Paris.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Rex Thomas; three brothers, Mahlon Cross, Howard "Chap" Cross, Mel Cross; sister, Sylvia Ann Frey; son-in-law, Denny Fisher.
Amanda was a homemaker and had worked at the Goshen Auction and Sale Barn and the Topeka Livestock Auction. She was a member of Clinton Brick Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school. She was also a charter member of the Elkhart County Homemakers Extension Club. She was an avid bowler and was inducted into the Goshen Bowling Hall of Fame. She was part of the Mennonite Women's Sewing Circle and had pieced and quilted many quilts for the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale. Amanda loved spending time with her family and made every effort to attend all of her grandchildren's events. She was known as a grandma to everyone. She enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially Indiana University, Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts. She loved to cook and enjoyed gospel hymns and country music.
Family and friends may gather at 12:00 pm noon on Wednesday, May 27 at Thomas Cemetery, Goshen, for a graveside service. Services will be conducted by Pastor David Hathaway. Memorials may be given to Sonshine Daycare, Millersburg, where she had served on the board of directors or the Elkhart County Homemakers Extension Club; the family requests memorial contributions be mailed to Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury, IN.
Thomas, Dorothy Mae Kropf
March 15, 1935 - December 6, 2020
Dorothy Mae Thomas, 85, of Middlebury passed away at 5:40 am on Sunday, December 6, at Courtyard of Goshen. She was born on March 15, 1935 in LaGrange County to Jacob J. and Sarah M. (Yoder) Kropf. On February 22, 1953 in Townline Mennonite Church she married Vernon S. Thomas, he survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are two daughters, Shirley (Merlin) Miller of Middlebury, Doris (Thomas) Johns of Topeka; five sons, Larry Thomas of Middlebury, Richard (Trula) Thomas of Middlebury, Norman Thomas of Middlebury, Don (Cheryl) Thomas of Middlebury, Mark (Susan) Thomas of Middlebury; 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one on the way; two sisters, Norma Schrock of Middlebury and LaVerda (Devon) Bechtel of Goshen; a brother Omer (Sue) Kropf of Syracuse.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter; sister, Mary Ellen Bontrager and brother, Orvin Kropf.
She was a homemaker and a member of Townline Mennonite Church.
Due to the national pandemic, the family will be holding private funeral services. Services will be conducted by Andrew Eversole. Burial will be in Townline Cemetery, Shipshewana. Memorials may be given to Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry.
Troyer, LaMar Eugene
January 9, 1951 - December 23, 2020
LaMar Eugene Troyer peacefully passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 10:25 am after a 17-year battle with cancer.
He was born January 9, 1951, in Goshen, Indiana, to Lester and Orpha (Thomas) Troyer. LaMar was raised in Goshen and was active with youth groups and teaching vacation Bible School. He graduated from Clinton Christian School in Goshen and worked for Middlebury Church Furniture. LaMar felt a call to missions and spent 2 years at Ludwig-Steil-Hof; a children’s orphanage in Germany. Upon his return to the States he attended Rosedale Bible Institute in Ohio and graduated in 1975. LaMar was Assistant Director at Teen Haven Youth Center in Goshen where he met Dorothy Alger, the receptionist. LaMar and Dorothy were married August 6, 1977, in Broadway, Virginia, at Dorothy’s family’s home. They lived in Goshen for several years and then in 1980 moved to Stone Lake, Wisconsin, where LaMar became a minister at Sand Lake Chapel. He also did carpentry and various jobs from home remodeling to making custom furniture. He continued his ministry at Grace Bible Church in Stone Lake. In the late 1980’s LaMar began Country Wood Shop where he found fulfillment in creating custom and rustic furniture requested by his customers. LaMar treasured his family and enjoyed being a father and grandfather.
LaMar is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dorothy; five daughters, Monica (Jesse) Rensberry, Long Prairie, MN; Carissa (Conroy) Loewen, Stone Lake, WI; Melinda (Austin) Yoder, Nappanee, IN; Charity (Bronson) Yoder, Southeast Asia; and Anna Troyer, Hayward, WI; one son, Timothy (Amy) Troyer, Stone Lake, WI; fourteen grandchildren; sister Gloria (Morris) Yoder, Hutchinson, KS; brother, Marvin (Margaret) Troyer, Goshen, IN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one sister, Verda Troyer
A funeral service celebrating LaMar’s Life will b held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 28th, at the Northwoods Mennonite Church in Hayward, WI. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 27th, and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in the Northwoods Mennonite Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Good Life Ministries, PO Box 382, Plain City, OH 43064.
Troyer, Lee E.
May 28, 1932 - December 1, 2020
The Troyer family is mourning the loss of its great patriarch.
Lee E. Troyer, of Goshen, succumbed to kidney failure on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the age of 88.
We will miss his strength and his amazingly steady family leadership. And we will miss his silly side that led to pranks, impromptu made-up songs and rhyming of names of new friends and old.
He leaves behind his loving wife Rachel (Lambright) Troyer of 65 years, son Jeffrey Troyer (Sherri) of Westfield, daughter Jolene Bilinski (Bill), South Bend, along with grandchildren Jenna Mrozinske (Jared), Michael and Ellen Troyer and Shane Bilinski.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Viola (King) Troyer, his sister Margaret Borns and grandson Nate Bilinski.
Lee, born in Harper Kansas, May 28, 1932, attended Hesston and Goshen College. He was a devoted member of the North Goshen Mennonite Church and owner of Lee E. Troyer, Builder. Lee took great pride in his craftsmanship, building more than 200 custom homes in the Goshen-Elkhart area, and was a member of the Elkhart County Home Builders Association.
One of Lee’s great passions was traveling the globe -- Lee and Rachel visited all 50 states and 45 countries. But Lee’s favorite place was their winter home in Siesta Key, Fla.
Lee was a Meals on Wheels volunteer and a big fan of Notre Dame sports. Later in life Lee fell in love with the Chicago Cubs and rarely missed watching a game.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, services will be limited to immediate family only.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Window, 223 South Main Street, Goshen, IN 46526.
Troyer, Levi C.
May 22, 1945 - November 7, 2020
Levi C. Troyer, 75, of Middlebury, passed away at 4:35 pm on Saturday, November 7, at his residence. He was born on May 22, 1945 in Holmes County, OH, to Crist A. and Susie (Yoder) Troyer. On June 19, 1969 in Middlebury he married Viola Miller, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are four sons, Larry (Mary) Troyer of Shipshewana, Lloyd (Rhoda) Troyer of Middlebury, Devon (Marietta) Troyer of Middlebury, Cristy (Rosetta) Troyer of Goshen; daughter, Mary Kathryn (Calvin) Miller of Middlebury; 29 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; four sisters, Lydia Ann (Sam) Kauffman of LaGrange, Mary (Daniel) Schrock of Shipshewana, Amanda (John) Miller of Fort Wayne, Fannie Troyer of Sarasota, FL; two sisters-in-laws, Mary Troyer and Ruby Troyer both of Shipshewana.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a great grandson, Lyndon Jon Troyer; two brothers, Andy Troyer and Eli Troyer; a sister, Katie Troyer.
Levi had worked most of his life in area factories, working the longest at Victorian Homes. He was currently working at Pumpkin Patch Market, Middlebury and he was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 8, and all day Monday, November 9, at the family's residence, 56667 County Rd. 116 Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Tuesday, November 10, also at the family's residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Norman Lehman and the home ministers. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury is in charge of arrangements.
Troyer, Marion E.
May 28, 1930 - July 28, 2020
Marion E. Troyer, 90, Goshen, died Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Goshen Hospital. He was born May 28, 1930 in Goshen, to Ezra S. & Mary E. (Miller) Troyer. On March 5, 1955 in Pontiac, Michigan, he married Dorothy May (Wise) Troyer.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy May, Goshen, children, Stephen (Tonya) Troyer, Elkhart, Elaine Egging, Etna Green, Teresa (David) Neff, Nappanee, Ralph Eugene Troyer (Tim Truesdell) Naples, Florida, grandchildren, Terry, Noah, Courtney, Adam, Ashley, Mary, Carrie, Sarah, Rachel, Michael, Grace and Dakota, 22 great-grandchildren and a brother, Mervin (June) Troyer, Millersburg.
Preceding him in death are his parents; son-in-law, Bert Egging, grandson, Christopher Troyer, brothers, Omer Troyer, Melvin Troyer, Elmer Troyer, sisters, Edna Gingerich and Gladys Christner.
Marion was owner/operator of the Clinton Center Sawmill; owner/operator of Troyer Studio of Goshen, purchased in 1963 from Ned Lacey, business partner, Lyman (Sherry) Hug took over when Marion retired.
A member of 8th Street Mennonite Church, Goshen, Marion served on the church board and was an usher for 30+ years. He was a member of the Evening Exchange Club for over 30 years and a member of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. Marion served on the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Board, was a past Parade Marshall, director of the Elkhart County 4-H Museum and was the official Fair Photographer for 40+ years. He received Exchange Club Golden Deed Award and was historian of the year. As a member of the Goshen Historical Society, Marion donated all his historical negatives dated back to the WWI era.
Private family visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2020 and one hour prior to the 2 p.m. private family funeral service on Saturday, August 1, 2020, all at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen. Mike Hertsel, grandson, will officiate along with Pastor Brenda Sawatzky Paetkau. Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Elkhart County 4-H Historical Museum.
Troyer, Ralph Gaylord
June 19, 1928 - March 17, 2020
Ralph Gaylord Troyer, age 91, of Burr Oak, Mich., passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at The Birches in Leonidas, Mich. He was born June 19, 1928 in Lagrange, Ind.., son of the late Jerry and Orpha (Miller) Troyer. He grew up in Lagrange County, Ind., and attended Shipshewana School. He also attended Fairview Bible School. Ralph married Esther Carpenter on October 30, 1948 at Locust Grove Mennonite Church near Findley, Mich. He and Esther spent 13 years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan working in a church planting/mission program.
Ralph grew up on a family farm near Emma, Ind., and spent most of his adult life farming near Engadine, Mich., and then at the current family farm in Nottawa Township near Nottawa, Mich., where he developed one of the top dairy herds in St Joe County. He spent several years running a sawmill business near Rexton, Mich., in the early 50’s and had a one-year stint working at Fan Coach (a travel trailer manufacturer located in Lagrange, Ind.) in 1964-65. After his retirement in 1996, he set up a wood shop on the Nottawa Township farm where he built and refinished furniture for many friends and family members. He and Esther continued living on the farm until moving to the Birches in 2018.
Ralph was a member of Calvary Chapel.
He is survived by three sons, Leon (Rebecca) Troyer of Three Rivers, Lennis (Nancy) Troyer of Burr Oak, and Brian (Teresa) Troyer of Coldwater; and daughter Valerie (Lavon) Yoder of Mendon; five grandchildren: Karen (Iman) Serna, Keith (Resa) Troyer, Gayle (Mark) Forrester, Nicholas (Kathryn) Troyer, and Courtney Troyer; 12 great-grandchildren; sister; Mary Louise Neff of Shipshewana, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Esther; his parents; two brothers, Wilbur and Clarence Troyer; and one sister, Shirley Neff.
Due to current meeting and travel concerns, a private/family visitation and committal service will take place. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel in the future.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Chapel Kids Club.
Troyer, Tyler Cade
November 6, 2017 - May 23, 2020
Tyler Cade Troyer, two year old son of Marion and Jolene (Eash) Troyer, of Millersburg, died at 8:53 am on Saturday, May 23, [2020] at Riley Children's Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born on November 6, 2017 in Fort Wayne.
Surviving in addition to his parents are two brothers, Ethan Jabez and Jordan Cole Troyer; sister, Audrey Elise Troyer all at home; grandparents, Dennis and Dorothy (Helmuth) Troyer of Nappanee, Glen and Anna Mae (Knepp) Eash of Goshen; great-grandparents, Lovina Helmuth of Nappanee, John and Elizabeth Knepp of Shipshewana.
The family will hold private funeral services. Services will be conducted by Bishop Rudy Bontrager and the home ministers of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in Timber View Cemetery, Millersburg. The community is encouraged to support the family by
mailing sympathy cards to 14192 CR 44, Millersburg, IN 46543.
Umble, Harold M.
March 7, 1919 - September 7, 2020
Harold M. Umble, age 101 years & 6 months, formerly of Atglen, passed away peacefully at Landis Homes on Monday, September 7, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Lena Mast Umble, who also passed away on Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Born in Gap on March 7, 1919, he was the son of the late Edgar and Susan Smoker Umble. Harold was a life-long member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church where he served as treasurer and taught Sunday school. He established Glen Valley Farm Registered Holsteins, was a member of Brandywine Valley Breeders and was awarded the PA Holstein Hall of Fame award. He retired from farming in 1981, after which he and Lena traveled to several different countries. He also provided transportation for the Amish community. He was the last of the original members of the Whippoorwill Hunting Camp in Cedar Run, PA. He was a generous supporter of many Christian organizations.
Harold is survived by 3 children: Loretta married to Don Sharp of Lancaster, Ken married to Marilyn (Rheinheimer) of Atglen, Joanne married to Dennis Weaver of Mansfield, 12 grandchildren, 24 great- grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and a brother Vernon husband of Mildred Landes Umble of Christiana.
In recent years, Harold often expressed his wish to be reunited in heaven with his family members who predeceased him: his wife, sons Dennis & Galen, daughter Twila and her husband Bob Charles, grandson Jordan Umble, sister Mildred Kennel and brother Earl Umble.
Harold was deeply loved and admired by his family for his steadfast Christian faith and positive attitude even after experiencing many heartaches in life. He was humble & generous, always grateful for any acts of kindness shown to him. He was blessed with an amazing memory and could recall dates and events with great accuracy.
The family thanks Landis Homes staff for the compassionate, personal, and professional care shown to Harold.
An outdoor celebration of life service will take place at the Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 549 Swan Road, Atglen, PA, on Sunday, September 13th at 1:30pm, with Pastor Mike Clemmer officiating. A private viewing and burial for the immediate family will take place prior to the public service. There will be a visitation time with the families following the public service. Face coverings are suggested. Please bring your own chair for seating outdoors. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Tel Hai Camp & Retreat, 31 Lasso Drive, Honey Brook, PA 19344.
Umble, Mabel E. Mast
August 3, 1927 - April 30, 2020
Mabel E. Umble, age 92, formerly of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at the Brethren Village of Lititz. She was the wife of the late Earl L. Umble who passed away on March 3, 2010. Born in Atglen, PA, she was the daughter of the late David C. and Mamie Stoltzfus Mast and a member of the Lancaster Church of the Brethren.
She worked at the Amish Barn Restaurant for 23 years, retiring in 1993, and enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, doing crossword puzzles and sewing. Her main hobby was making comforters. In her lifetime, she knotted over 250 comforters and donated them to MCC and the homeless shelters in Lancaster.
Surviving are four children: Beverly wife of Jeffrey Campbell of Oak Harbor, WA, Judy wife of Michael Hisey of Gettysburg, PA, Donald Alwine husband of Martha Stoltzfus Alwine of Lancaster, PA, and Robin wife of Danny Volker of Ephrata, PA; two step children: Curtis husband of Janet Mast Umble of Landisville, PA, and Malinda wife of Larry Powell of Elko, MN; seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, ten step-great-grandchildren; two siblings: Annabelle Hoylman of Gettysburg, PA, and Donald husband of Erma Rohrer Mast of New Holland, PA.
She was preceded in death by 3 siblings: Beulah Bumstead, Isaac Mast and Lena Umble, late wife of Harold Umble of Lititz.
A private family service will be held with interment in the Maple Grove Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mabel’s memory to the Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 or Maple Grove Cemetery Fund, PO Box 480, Atglen, PA 19310.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Brethren Village for the excellent care our mother received as a resident at their facility for the past few years. We are forever grateful.
Urban, Arthur Bert
June 19, 1951 ~ December 17, 2020 (age 69)
Arthur Bert Urban, of Atwood, Illinois passed away at 6:52 P.M. on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
Arthur was born on June 19, 1951 in Oak Park, Illinois. He was a son of Arthur James and Muriel Edwina (Kalbec) Urban. He married Dianne Mary Gari on September 3, 1972
She passed away on January 30, 2004.
He is survived by one daughter, Anna Urban of Port Huron, MI; three grandsons, Eian, Arthur Bert, and Dennis Urban; one brother, Daniel Urban Sr., and sister Sharon Roach.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dianne, his son Arthur James Urban and two sisters Carol Ann Faught and Gayle Gondeck.
Arthur was a 1970 graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School in Riverside, IL. He attended Triton College and earned his master’s degree in social work.
He was a retired US Coast Guard Veteran.
Arthur also retired as a Police Officer for the town of Cicero, in Cook County IL. After retiring from the police-force he worked as a Code Enforcement Official for the town of Cicero, IL. He moved to Atwood, Illinois in 2009.
He was a member of the Vine Street Mennonite Church in Arthur, IL, the Atwood American Legion James Reeder Post 770.
Arthur was always very active in mentoring young people, starting with his own children in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He really enjoyed Aerospace and Science and he enjoyed a good art project as well as a good woodworking project.
He served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the Civil Air Patrol. He was also an Ambassador for NASA STEM Engagement.
VanPelt, Jacob D.
September 26, 1938 - May 10, 2020
Jake died peacefully in the early morning of Mother's Day 2020 at Hillside Place. A stroke had dimmed his sight and limited his ability to care for himself. This wasn't an easy adjustment for a man who had spent most of his life working hard and serving others in various ways. In his final months, Jake spent many hours sitting in his chair listening to the sweet harmonies of "A Few Good Men Music Ministries". Some of his favorite songs are playing in the background as you visit this site.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ida (Widmer) VanPelt; siblings, Perry and Elsie VanPelt; and child, Marc.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn VanPelt; children, Janelle VanPelt (Juan Jose Jenkins Cruz), Juli VanPelt (Morlin Elias), and Mikel (Rebekah) VanPelt; grandchildren, Liam and Craig Elias, Keenan, Lucy, Judah, and Bennett VanPelt; siblings, Arthur (Viola) VanPelt, Willard (Charlene) VanPelt, Mary Good, Alice Helmuth, Albert (Lana) VanPelt; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A private family service will take place at Zion Mennonite Church in Hubbard, Oregon and a covid-19 limited open house will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Lincoln City, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Western Christian School, 9045 Wallace Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304.
Vincent, Norman W., 95, of Lansdale, PA died April 7, 2020. He was born November 23, 1924 at Hatfield, PA to John and Jennie (Hanna) Vincent. On May 19, 1967 he was married to Janet Clemens Landes, who was born April 21, 1936 and survives.
Surviving are children, Michael Vincent (Gloria); Susan Vincent (Bill); Brenda Delp (Lowell); Beverly Williams (Dale); Brian Alderfer (Patti); David Vincent; and Beth Alderfer; ten grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; a brother,Robert Vincent (Sue); and a sister, Doris Hilgner.
Due to COVID-19 no services are being held at this time.
Voth, Arlo Lee, 87, of Whitewater, Harvey Co., KS died January 20, 2020 at North Newton, Harvey Co., KS. He was born May 3, 1932 to Leo Lee Sarah (Kliewer) Voth. On August 6, 1957 he was married to Ann Jost, who survives.
Surviving are children, Lynn Voth, Vern Voth, and Lori Kennell (Brian); two grandchildren, and a sister, Lola Schmidt.
Memorial services were held January 23, 2020 at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, KS with burial in the adjoining cemetery.