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.
2025 B2
Brubacher, Jesse H.
August 9, 1934 - February 11, 2025
Jesse H. Brubacher, 90, a resident of Lincoln Christian Home, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. He was the husband of the late Sarah L. (Martin) Brubacher who died in 2022. Born in Brecknock Twp., he was the son of the late Allen K. and Mary S. (Hurst) Brubacher.
Jesse had been employed most of his life as a painter and wallpaper hanger. He was a member of the Martindale Mennonite Church, Lancaster Conference.
Jesse enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. His hobbies included buying, selling and collecting books, Bluegrass music and jigsaw puzzles.
He is survived by five children: Leon (Alta Martin) Brubacher, Fivepointville, David (Ingrid Armbruster) Brubacher, Ephrata, Pauline (Leon) Martin, Fivepointville, Louella (Ernest) Martin, Fleetwood, Susie (Tom) Arthur, Carlisle, eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great-grand-children; a brother, Irvin (Linda) Bru-bacher; and four sisters, Magdalena Shirk, Rebecca Shirk, Catherine (Paul) Ramer, and Sarah (Edwin) Martin. He was preceded in death by a brother Eli Brubacher.
His funeral will be held on Friday, February 14, at 10 AM at Martindale Mennonite Church, 171 Hurst Rd., Ephrata. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held at the church on Thursday from 5 - 8 PM and Friday from 9 - 9:45 AM.
Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to Lincoln Christian Home, 1307 Apple St., Ephrata, PA 17522. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, in charge of arrangements.
Brubaker, Albert P.
November 22, 1923 - May 1, 2025
Albert P. Brubaker, 101, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully surrounded by all of his children on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Landis Homes. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Wayne G. and Lillie (Bard) Brubaker and the loving husband of Betty Breneman, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage before her passing in 2017.
He received his associate's degree from Lancaster Business College before joining the United States Army in 1943. His brother started Brubaker Plumbing and Heating (Inc.) in 1945, and Albert was a co-owning partner from 1950-1983. He worked at Hajoca Corp. for 5 years as he happily phased into retirement.
He was a founding member of Neffsville Mennonite Church, serving as trustee for many years, and raising his family there.
Albert loved time in the natural world, including Sunday hikes and camping trips with his family. Deer hunting was an excuse to sit in the woods to the point that he once forgot to bring his gun on a "deer hunt"; he could call in muskrats during mating season; and he loved dog-mushing in the Alaska wilderness with his daughter, Lois. He and Betty enjoyed countless adventures visiting their children. He donated his time and expertise on international mission trips. His greatest love was his family.
He is survived by his children, Paul A. Brubaker, Rachel A. Brubaker, Lois J. Brubaker, John K. Brubaker (Carol Leaman), Carol J. Brubaker (Luc Martin), and Beth Ann Brubaker (Tommy Johnson); grandchildren, Julian Brubaker, Benjamin Witmer, Laila Brubaker, Hannah, Grace, Jonathan, and Laura Brubaker, Chloe Brubaker, Daniel, Peter, and Leah Johnson.
In addition to his parents and wife, Albert was preceded in death by his sons, Daniel L. and Joseph A. Brubaker; brothers, I. Wayne Brubaker, W. Bard Brubaker; sister, Mary Lou Machen; and son-in-law, Dennis Witmer.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Albert's Memorial Service at the West Bethany Chapel, 1001 E Oregon Road, Lititz, PA on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Brubaker, J. Carl
January 18, 1935 - April 17, 2025
On April 17, 2025, J. Carl Brubaker went home to heaven to meet his Lord and Savior. He was born on January 18, 1935 in Myerstown, PA to Ammon and Earla (Kline) Brubaker. He was married to Leah (Keller) Brubaker, and would have celebrated his 28th wedding anniversary on May 4.
He was a member of South Lebanon Community Church, where he was a lifetime deacon, Sunday School teacher, trustee and served on various other committees. He was fully devoted to serving and using his gifts for the Lord. He enjoyed blessing his family. He was a lifelong dairy farmer.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four sons, Kirby, Mertztown, Dennis (Elaine), Manheim, Ronald (Joy), Lebanon, Jere (Teresa), Myerstown and one daughter Sharon Arnold (Patrick), Myerstown. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren and two sisters survive him, Elizabeth Moore and Millie Fernback.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty (Bashore) Brubaker, in 1992 and enjoyed 36 years of marriage with her. He was also preceded in death by one grandchild and three brothers, Glen, Leon and Eugene Brubaker.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lebanon Rescue Mission, PO Box 5, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Celebration services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 12:30pm at South Lebanon Community Church, 13 Evergreen Road, Lebanon with visitation to follow. Burial will be private at Midway Cemetery.
Burkholder, Alice W. Horst
October 10, 1942 - March 11, 2025
Alice W. Burkholder, 82, of Mifflinburg, entered into rest on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her residence. Born on October 10, 1942, in Ephrata, Lancaster County, a daughter of the late Walter Horst and Lizzie (Weaver) Horst. On March 11, 1965, in Hinkletown, PA, she married Daniel M. Burkholder, who survives.
Alice was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Vicksburg Old Order Mennonite Church.
Surviving are in addition to her husband, Daniel, are seven children and their spouses, Verna and Edward Zimmerman of Stanley, WI, Wilma and Ralph Zimmerman of Mifflinburg, Warren and Lena Burkholder of Mifflinburg, James and Alma Burkholder of Middleburg, PA, Edna and Elton Martin of Mifflinburg, George and Marlene Burkholder of Shippensburg, Lucinda and Clair Zimmerman of Lewisburg, son-in-law, Ira and wife Arlene Zimmerman of Millmont, fifty-nine grandchildren, eighty-four great-grandchildren, eleven siblings, Earl and Mary Horst of Penn Yan, NY, Anna Horst of Shiloh, OH, George and Martha Horst of Ephrata, PA, Emma and Allen Leid of Orristown, PA, Edna and Harvey Sensenig of East Earl, PA, Amos Horst of Shiloh, OH, Walter and Alta Horst of Ephrata, PA, Lydia and David Horst of Shiloh, OH, Lena Horst of East Earl, Pa, Nora and Elvin Oberholtzer of Shippensburg, PA, Aiden and Mary Horst of Harrod, OH.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ella Zimmerman, a brother, Leroy Horst, two sisters, Mary Ella Horst and Lizzie Mae Horst, a great-granddaughter, Sierra Martin, four great-grandsons, Rylina, Felix, Zachary, and Joey Reiff, her father and mother-in-law, Eli and Hettie Ann Burkholder, and a brother-in-law, Henry Burkholder.
Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the home of Noah Oberholtzer, 615 Beaver Run Road, Mifflinburg. The family service will be at 9 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025. Further services will be held at 9:15 AM on Monday at the Vicksburg Old Order Mennonite Church, with Bishop Lloyd R. Zimmerman officiating.
Interment will be in the Vicksburg Old Order Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Dominick T. Adamo Funeral Home, Mifflinburg.
Burkholder, John G.
May 17, 1945 - May 17, 2025
John G. Burkholder, 80, of Leola, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Ephrata to the late Isaac and Bessie (Gehr) Burkholder and was the husband of Janet (Martin) Burkholder, with whom he shared nearly 56 years of marriage.
He was a member of Millport Mennonite Church, Leola, where he was a trustee. During his working years, John worked as a carpenter, and dairy and chicken farmer. During his retirement years John worked part-time as a property maintenance subcontractor for Wolf & Kline.
John and Janet also enjoyed traveling. They spent their winters in Florida. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, and volunteering. He volunteered at Blessings of Hope, Material Resource Center, and Habitat for Humanity. John loved playing cards with family and friends.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by a son, Gary, husband of Janelle (Hunsecker) Burkholder; a daughter, Wendy, wife of Lorin Zimmerman; seven grandchildren, Darren, husband of Marissa Burkholder, Nolan Burkholder, Larissa Burkholder, Kya Burkholder, Emily, wife of Alex Neustadter, Kathryn Zimmerman, Austin Zimmerman; a brother, Ivan, husband of Gloria Burkholder; a sister, Esther Kreider and sister-in-law, Gladys Haller.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Luke Burkholder and a brother-in-law, Ben Kreider.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 6 to 8 PM, at Millport Mennonite Church, 820 Log Cabin Road, Leola. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 10 to 11 AM, at the church, followed by his funeral service at 11 AM, with Pastor Ryan Burkholder and Nelson Martin officiating. Interment will be held in the Millport Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Gideons International, 2746 N. Colebrook Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Burkholder, Pauline D. Martin
March 7, 1931 - February 22, 2025
Pauline D. (Martin) Burkholder, 93, a resident of Fairmount Homes, Ephrata, formerly of East Earl, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2025. Born in New Holland, she was the daughter of the late Clarence P. and Edna Hollinger Martin and the wife of the late James Witwer Burkholder who passed away in 2003.
Pauline lived a life of kindness, selflessness, hard work, and generosity. She found joy in spending time with her beloved family and friends, preparing home-cooked meals, vegetable and flower gardening, sewing and quilting. She gave selflessly to ministries that meet the needs of others through Jesus.
For more than 25 years, Pauline served customers in the Shady Maple Farm Market cafeteria. She was a member of Petra Church where she served in hospitality and food service.
Pauline is survived by six children: Galen (Marie Landis) Burkholder of Landisville; Jeanette Sauder of Mooresville, NC; Brenda (Dave) Harnish of Landisville; Dale (Thelma Leaman) Burkholder of Leola; Doris (Dean) Sauder of Lancaster; Darlene (Randy) Blank of East Earl; daughter-in-law Pam (Graybill) Burkholder of Carlisle; sister Arlene Peifer of Lancaster; eighteen grandchildren and twenty great-grand-children.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by son Ronald Burkholder, infant granddaughter Andrea Burkholder, son-in-law Calvin Sauder, brothers Lester Martin and Richard Martin, and sister Elva Newswanger.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 4 PM at Petra Church, New Holland. Friends are invited to visit with the family between 3 and 4 PM. Interment in the Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pauline's name to Global Disciples (www.globaldisciples.org) or to Fairmount Homes Retirement Community Sharing Fund.
Burmeister, Henry Frank
May 27, 1929 - February 20, 2025
Henry Frank Burmeister was born May 27, 1929 at home in Los Angeles, California to Adolph and Jessie (Criss) Burmeister. Henry served in MCC Voluntary Service from 1953-1955 as a Counselor with the Department of Public Welfare in Washington D.C. where he worked with boys ages 7 to 14. It was during this time he met Ruth.
Henry married Ruth Brubacher on Sept. 5, 1954. They were married 70 loving years. He attended both Long Beach City College and Cal State University, L.A.; graduating with a Sociology Degree in 1975. He was a Machinist for Pioneer Motor Gearing, Excel Weld, Mack Trucks and Peterbuilt.
Henry was a loving husband and father who cared deeply about his family. He cherished them and was a respectful gentleman who thought about others and tried to make their lives better. He enjoyed wood-working: refinishing and building furniture, taking photographs of his family and friends, and gardening. He attended Calvary Mennonite church in Los Angeles for many years. He was always active in church serving on various boards, teaching classes and actively participating at the local churches Ruth and he attended. Henry loved to make people smile and lived an honorable life loving and serving God and others.
Three daughters survive him: Rebecca (Louis) Robles, Sharon (Bruce) Munn, and Cynthia (Rory) Comstock; five grandsons; and four great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his wife Ruth, his brother George Burmeister, half-sister Helen Radcliff and son-in-law Louis Robles.
A visitation will take place Friday, March 7, 2025 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. until the 12 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Anthony Cottrell will officiate.
Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery.
Buschert, Joyce Elaine Stutzman
August 12, 1930 - May 2, 2025
Joyce Elaine Stutzman Buschert was born August 12, 1930. She entered life eternal on May 2, 2025, at the age of 94 years, 8 months and 20 days.
Joyce spent the earlier part of her life with her parents, Esther (Eicher) and Earl Stutzman and her four siblings, Lawrence, Verba, Pauline and Cloy, growing up on a farm in rural Milford, Nebraska. She considered her farm upbringing a valuable part of her lifelong education. She appreciated the practical homemaking skills her mother taught her, and the value of hard work and perseverance from her father. She knew life’s demands were sometimes great and chose to take a year off from high school to help care for a newborn sibling. She graduated from Milford High School in 1948.
From there she was motivated to study at Hesston College in Hesston Kansas. It was there she met David Buschert. They were married on December 28, 1954. To this union were born two daughters, Beth and Jill.
Soon after their marriage Joyce and David spent a short time in David’s community in Kitchener, Ontario. Here, Joyce studied at Galt Business College. Her training there served her well, doing clerical work in various offices during her years of employment. Over the years they lived in Goshen and Fort Wayne, Indiana; Columbus and Toledo, Ohio; South Bend and then again Goshen, Indiana.
Their final move to Goshen found them at home in the Greencroft retirement community. She soon became involved as a volunteer and attended a wealth of Life-Long Learning seminars. She leaned heavily on musical events at Goshen College Music Center to enrich and entertain herself during her retirement years.
Joyce enjoyed planning family vacations and events. A highlight of travel was visiting her sister and family in Bangkok, Thailand. She also enjoyed keeping financial and historical records for her family. One of her many accomplishments was writing and assembling photos for her memoir entitled “My Life’s Journey”.
Joyce contributed as generously as possible to Mennonite churches and schools and to a variety of charities. She especially loved giving to Mennonite Central Committee which she believed was working toward a more peaceful world, free of disease, war, and hunger.
Joyce cared deeply for her immediate and extended family and her many friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Beth (Mark) Hooley and Jill (Conrad) Lehman; granddaughter Nadia (German Otero) Zaid; two great granddaughters, Avril and Isabella Otero Zaid; brother Cloy (Linda) Stutzman; and sister Pauline (Harlan) Hochstetler. Later in life she enjoyed the addition of step-grandchildren Dan (Natalie) Hooley, Doug Hooley, Mandi (Lane) Kaufmann, Kyle Spencer, Diana Lehman, and Zach Lehman; and step-great grandchildren James and Robert Hooley, and Emri and Avett Kaufmann.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Buschert; parents, Esther (Eicher) and Earl Stutzman; brother, Lawrence (Ruby) Stutzman; sister, Verba (Lyle) Wilson.
A memorial service will be held honoring her life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana. Visitation will precede the service from 2:00-4:30 p.m. at the same location. Joyce’s name, along with her husband’s, are inscribed in the Greencroft Memorial Garden. Her ashes will be interred at Olive Cemetery at a later date in a private buriel. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Memorial gifts may be given to Mennonite Central Committee or to College Mennonite Church.
Byler, Priscilla Sue Ann Miller
December 18, 1937 - February 23, 2025
Priscilla Sue Ann (Miller) Byler, 87, died at 1:48am on Sunday, February 23, 2025 in Goshen, Indiana. She was born December 18, 1937 in Shipshewana, IN, to Irwin and Mildred (Yoder) Miller. She graduated from Shipshewana High School in 1955. She completed a one year secretarial program at Goshen College in 1956 and held several secretarial jobs during her life. In 1962 she graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute.
She then served a year of voluntary service in Indianapolis, in the home of Nellie and Cleo Mann, pastor at First Mennonite Church. In Indianapolis she met Ezra Byler, who was also doing voluntary service as part of the 1W program, and married Ezra in 1963.
Her children were born in 1968 (James Jay), 1970 (Jennifer Dawn) and 1975 (Janine Renee). Sue was a full-time homemaker for 22 years. She was known for her hospitality, cooking and volunteer work.
She was part of a group of women who started a fair trade store in Bloomington, IL, called Crossroads which marketed goods made by international artisans to help them provide for their families. After moving to Goshen in 2005, she volunteered for many years at a similar store, Ten Thousand Villages.
Her husband Ezra preceded Sue in death on January 7, 2003 in Normal, IL. She was also preceded in death by her parents and four of her siblings and their spouses: Ernest (Ruth) Miller, Waneta (Payson) Miller, Richard (Lois) Miller, Kenneth (Bertha) Miller, brother-in-law Dennis Buerge, and sister-in-law Barbara Miller.
Surviving are 3 siblings: Betty (Vernon) Roth, Cambridge, Ontario; James Lee Miller, Shipshewana; Joann Buerge, Indianapolis. Three children: Jay (Inge) Kaufmann, Berlin, Germany; Jennifer Youngberg, Goshen; and Janine (Jason) Byler, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Eight grandchildren: Ani and Simon Kaufmann; Elaina (Martin Gerig), Kelby, and Rebekah Youngberg; Isaac, ZaQuavia, and Varselli Byler. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
She was a faithful contributor to the churches to which her family belonged, beginning at Shore Mennonite Church in Shipshewana. Ezra and Sue were in a group of families that started Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, VA, that made small groups an important element in the life of the church. She taught Sunday School and summer Bible School. They attended Aurora Mennonite Church near Kent, Ohio while Ezra was getting his doctorate. For over 20 years, Sue and Ez were active members of Mennonite Church of Normal, Illinois. In Goshen, Sue was a long-time member at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, serving in the Fellowship Commission for several years.
Visitation was on Friday, February 28 from 4-7pm at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.
A 9:30am graveside burial service took place on Saturday, March 1 at Shore Church Cemetery, Shipshewana.
A memorial service was held at 11am on Saturday, March 1 at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) or Center for Healing and Hope in Goshen, Indiana. Fond, funny or moving memories of Sue can be emailed to the family at sabyler(at-symbol)gmail.com or posted on Sue's Facebook page.
Submitted by son, Jay Kaufmann
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Priscilla Sue Ann Byler, 87, of Goshen, passed away at 1:48 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
Sue was born to Irwin and Mildred (Yoder) Miller on Dec. 18, 1937, in Shipshewana, where she graduated high school in 1955. She completed a one-year secretarial program at Goshen College in 1956. In 1962 she graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute.
Sue served a year of voluntary service in Indianapolis, where she met and married Ezra Byler in 1963.
Ezra preceded her in death on Jan. 7, 2003, in Normal, Illinois. She is survived by three children: Jay (Inge) Kaufmann, Berlin, Germany; Jennifer Youngberg, Goshen; and Janine (Jason) Byler, Kalamazoo, Michigan; and eight grandchildren. Also surviving are three siblings: Betty (Vernon) Roth of Ontario, James Lee Miller of Shipshewana and Joann Buerge of Indianapolis.
She moved often during her married life and was active in many different Mennonite churches, including Community Mennonite of Harrisonburg, Mennonite Church of Normal and Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship.
Sue was a full-time homemaker for 22 years while raising her three kids. She also held several secretarial jobs. She was known for her hospitality, cooking and volunteer work.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.
A 9:30 a.m. graveside service will take place Saturday, March 1, at Shore Church Cemetery, Shipshewana.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Center for Healing and Hope, Goshen.