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
H1
Haller, Mary Jane Horning
February 5, 1941 - March 11, 2025
Mary Jane Haller, 84, of Ephrata, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital. She was the wife of the late Roy E. Haller who died in 2011. Born in Denver, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Ziemer Horning.
Mary Jane had been employed as a deli clerk at Weaver's Markets for over 30 years. She was a member of the Bowmansville Mennonite Church and had been a Children's Sunday School teacher. She enjoyed watching the Phillies, NASCAR and game shows.
Surviving is a daughter, Sheila wife of Sheldon Brubaker of Ephrata; three sons, Kary husband of Audrey (Wise) Haller of Bowmansville, Matthew Haller of Ephrata, and Thomas husband of Joy (Zimmerman) Haller of Denver; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Grace Zimmerman of New Holland, Susan wife of Clarence Weaver of New Holland; a brother, Herbert husband of Mildred Horning of Mohnton; and a sister-in-law, Mary wife of the late Richard Horning of Adamstown. She was preceded in death by infant twins James and Julia Haller and by a brother Richard Horning.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church, 129 Pleasant Valley Road, East Earl, with Pastor Ken Becker officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. Viewings will be held at the church on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Bowmansville Mennonite Church Brotherhood Fund. To send an online condolence to the family visit www.GroffEckenroth.com. Arrangements by the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, PA.
Herschberger, Eli A.
April 6, 1934 - February 17, 2025
Eli A. Herschberger, 90, of Arthur, Illinois, passed away at 11:30 PM on Monday, February 17, 2025, at his residence.
Visitations will be held any time after 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and any time after 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, all at the HCK West Building, 1 mile south of Arthur. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the HCK West Building. Bishop Nelson Diener will officiate. Burial will follow in the Otto Cemetery in rural Arthur, Illinois.
Eli was born on April 6, 1934, in rural Arthur, Illinois. He was a son of Chris E. and Amelia J. (Bontrager) Herschberger. He married Ruby Ellen Yoder on January 26, 1956, in Arthur, Illinois; to this union seven children were born. Ruby Ellen passed away on May 12, 1990. He later married Anna Marie Stutzman on June 6, 1991, in Sullivan, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie Herschberger of Arthur IL. six children: Kenneth Herschberger and his wife Ruby of Arthur IL, Alma Fern Stutzman and her husband Edward of Arthur IL, Delores E. Schrock and her husband Larry of Tuscola IL, Paul Herschberger and his wife Dorothy of Arthur IL, Treva Ann Herschberger and her husband Dwayne of Arcola IL and Leona Kay Farmwald and her husband Steve of Sullivan IL. A son-in-law Christian Helmuth of Arthur IL. 48 grandchildren, 95 great grandchildren. Eight siblings: Ella Diener and her husband Ben of Arthur IL, Lydia Mae Yoder and her husband Levi of Wautoma WI, Monroe Herschberger and his wife Verna of Sullivan IL, Fannie Helmuth of Statesville NC, Chris Herschberger and his wife Sarah Mae of Bloomfield IA, Viola Jess and her husband Andy of Humboldt IL, Mary Yoder and her husband Andy of McBain MI, and Oba Herschberger and his wife Barbara of Sullivan IL, and a sister-in-law Esther Herschberger of Humboldt IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ruby Ellen Herschberger, one daughter Dorothy E. Helmuth, two grandsons Darrin Stutzman and Matthew Herschberger, four great grandchildren: Marlys Helmuth, Emily Gingerich, Heather Helmuth, and Jared Miller. five siblings: Ervin Herschberger, Sarah Graber, Levi Herschberger, Katie Miller, and Irma Schrock.
Eli was a retired farmer and a member of the Old Order Amish Faith.
Herschberger, Nelson M.
October 25, 1946 - January 19, 2025
Nelson M Herschberger, 78 of Arcola, Illinois passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 5:20 A.M. at his residence.
Nelson was born on October 25, 1946, in Arthur, Illinois to Menno D & Esther (Beachy) Herschberger. He married Clara C. Bontrager on November 26, 1970, in Tuscola, Illinois.
Visitation will be held any time after 2:00 P.M. on Monday, January 20, 2025, and any time after 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, all at the HCK Building, 1 mile south Arthur, Illinois. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the HCK Building. Bishop Daniel Rocke will officiate. Burial will be in the Otto Cemetery, Arthur, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife Clara and 10 children. Larry Herschberger of Arcola IL, Allen Herschberger and his wife Saloma of Chouteau OK, Louise Herschberger of Arcola IL, Lorene Schrock and her husband Harvey of Sullivan IL, Esther Herschberger of Arcola IL, Carolyn Slabaugh and her husband Allen of Arthur IL, Darrell Herschberger and his wife Wanda of Arthur, IL, Richard Herschberger of Arcola, IL, Treva Helmuth and her husband Tyson of Lovington IL, Eldon Herschberger and his wife Kierra of Shelbyville IL: 23 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; 1 sister Marie Schrock of Warsaw OH and 3 brothers Samuel Herschberger and his wife Dorothy, Edwin Herschberger and his wife Katie, Lester Herschberger, all of Arthur, IL and a sister-in-law Dorothy Hostetler of Arcola IL
He was preceded in death by his parents, Menno & Esther, 2 sons Eugene & Steven, 1 daughter- in-law, Edna Herschberger, 2 brothers Abraham & Junior, 2 brothers-in-law Dan Schrock & Ervin Hostetler.
Nelson was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Hershey, Clair M.
December 4, 1931 - January 9 2025
Clair M. Hershey, 93, of Landis Homes, Lititz, went home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2025. He was married to Kathryn (Kitty) Esbenshade Hershey for 66 years. He was born in Salisbury Township, Pa to the late Maurice S. and Mary K. Martin Hershey.
He was a member of Strasburg Mennonite Church where he served in many ways including trustee, S.S. Superintendent and teacher. Clair enjoyed volunteering at Black Rock Retreat and served as the Board President. Most recently he volunteered his time at Landis Homes.
After marriage Clair and Kitty owned and operated Hershade Holstein Farm for 19 years. He also was President of the Lancaster County Holstein Association. He later was a realtor with Town & Country Realty and in retirement he was an Escort Driver for High Transit. He enjoyed traveling, and outdoor activities such as golf, walking, swimming and hunting. Clair also enjoyed time in San Juan Puerto Rico, and Florida each February.
Surviving in addition to his wife, is a brother-in-law Merle (Nancy) Groff and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are two brothers, Glen Hershey and Melvin (Susan) Hershey. As well as two sisters, Ruth (Daniel) Denlinger and Jean (Merle) Groff.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Clair's memorial service at Strasburg Mennonite Church, 1514 Village Road, Strasburg, PA 17579 on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service at the church. Interment will be private in the adjoining church cemetery.
Those desiring may send contributions in Clair's memory to Landis Homes Caring Fund, https://www.landishomes.org/give/, or to Black Rock Retreat.
Hershey, Helen May Hostetter
August 30, 1947 - February 15, 2025
Helen May Hershey, 77, of Gordonville, PA peacefully went home to Jesus on February 15, 2025, following recent kidney failure. She was the daughter of the late Harvey and Mary Hollinger Hostetter and the loving wife of Glenn C. Hershey for 57 years.
Helen was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, where she served on the elder team. She earlier attended Hersheys Mennonite Church, serving there as a pastors wife for over 20 years.
Helen was a 1965 graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School. She worked at Nolts Ponds, Silver Spring and Spatz Brothers, Millville, NJ. She also worked at Locust Grove Mennonite School and LMHS as a learning support aide for 10 years. Later, she established Herstein Farm Vacation Home where she delighted in hosting guests and hearing their stories. Currently she was serving on the Welsh Mountain Home board of directors.
Helen faithfully supported her husband in farming and ministry. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School, refugee resettlement, hospitality, drawing, painting, creating Fraktur art, Gods creation, daylilies, word games, her grandchildren, and the beloved family dog, Prince.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children: Corinne Denlinger (Mike), Dwayne (Viviana Waechter), Jason (Kimberlee Vivian), and Timothy; Sixteen grandchildren; Eight great-grand-children. Also, sisters Carolyn Martin (Gerald) and Kathy Mast (Doug) and sister-in-law Luann Hostetter.
She is preceded in death by a brother David Hostetter, infant sister Linda, and two grandchildren, Gloria and Honor.
The family wishes to thank Penn State Lancaster Medical Center and Compassus for recent excellent care. They are also grateful to the loved ones of the liver transplant donor who blessed Helen through organ donation in 2004.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lighthouse Vocational Services, 144 Orlan Road, New Holland, PA 17557 or Welsh Mountain Home, 567 Springville Road, New Holland, PA 17557, or bless someone with a smile today. Helen had a beautiful smile reflective of her joy in Jesus.
Groffdale Mennonite Church, 168 North Groffdale Road, Leola will be hosting a memorial service with Pastor Tom Eshleman officiating on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM. Visitation will be held 12:30 3:00 PM and following the service. A private burial in Hershey Mennonite Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.
Hochstetler, Marvin C.
September 14, 1947 - March 14, 2025
Marvin C. Hochstetler, age 77, of Nappanee, IN, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10:30 am at his residence surrounded by loved ones. Marvin was born on September 14, 1947 in Middlebury, IN to Cletus L. and Fannie (Whetstone) Hochstetler. On June 5, 1969, Marvin married Ida J. Chupp in Nappanee.
She survives along with their children: Floyd M. (Linda) Hochstetler of Nappanee, Karen (Omer) Mullet of Leesburg, Lamar M. (Rosanna) Hochstetler of Syracuse, Rosetta (Vernon) Mullet of Etna Green, and Richard (Angela) Hochstetler and Keith Hochstetler both of Milford; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jake (Ines) Hochstetler of Goshen, William (Dorothy) Hochstetler of Nappanee, John Hochstetler of Etna Green, Mary Hochstetler of Goshen, Levi Hochstetler of Etna Green, Jerry Hochstetler of Elkhart, and Emma Short of Goshen.
Marvin was preceded in death by a grandson, Anthony Wayne Mullet; brother-in-law, Charlie Short, and sister-in-law, Mary Hochstetler.
Mr. Hochstetler had worked at ADM Feed Mill in Nappanee and was a member of the Old Order Amish Church, of which he has served as Deacon for 52 years.
Visitation will be held after 2 pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025 and all day, Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the family residence (30273 US 6 W, Nappanee, IN 46550). A funeral service will be held at 9:30 am on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Jerry Miller residence, 72036 CR 100. Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will take place in Weldy Cemetery, Nappanee, IN. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, IN.