Rhonda S. Zehr

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Professor and head of Physiology and Biophysics Dept., University of Illinois. Also served some years as president of Bethel College, Newton, Kansas
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Dr. John E. Zehr, 88, passed away during the evening of February 5, at his home in Clark Lindsey Village in Urbana, Illinois. He was born December 29, 1929 on a farm near Foosland, Illinois to Rev. Harold and Alma Zehr. On December 7, 1951 he married Betty Louise Birky. Together they were parents of four children: Terry, Randy, Brent and Rhonda.

John was a long time professor and Head of the Physiology and Biophysics department at the University of Illinois as well as giving leadership in many capacities to the Illinois Heart Association. Following his retirement from the University of Illinois he and Betty moved to Newton, Kansas where he assumed the presidency of Bethel College, a 4 year liberal arts college affiliated with the Mennonite Church. These years were very rewarding for John and Betty and involved much traveling and entertaining on behalf of the college and building many friendships across the country.

Education was tremendously important to Dr. Zehr and he took great satisfaction in watching his children and grandchildren as well as many others discover the joy of learning.

As a man of faith he served the local and larger Mennonite Church in many capacities. As someone gifted with a voice for singing, John served as song leader for many years at churches he attended. He and his wife Betty sang in many duets and quartets in their younger years and were often heard singing around the house as their children grew up. As a person of intelligence and kindness of heart, his wisdom, guidance and generosity will be missed by many.

Surviving are Terry (Cheryl) Zehr of Elkhart Indiana, Randy (Cathy) Zehr of Columbus Indiana, Usha Barwale Zehr of Dawalwadi India, Rhonda (Charles) Gibson of Champaign Illinois, and six grandchildren: Brian, Ben, David and Justin Zehr, Emily and Jonathan Gibson. Also surviving are his siblings Allen (Carol) Zehr of Bedford, Indiana, Hazel Yoder of Bloomington, Illinois and Lila (Ron) King of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, his son Brent and siblings Edith, Rachel, Dean and Jay Zehr.

Following his wishes of cremation, a service of celebration and singing will take place at First Mennonite Church in Urbana, Illinois at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the following may be considered for John E. Zehr memorials: the Student Scholarship Fund at Bethel College (Newton, KS), First Mennonite Church (Urbana, IL), or the American Heart Association.

Died:
at his home

Buried:
Location unknown

John married Betty Louise Birky on 7 Dec 1951 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Betty (daughter of John Samuel Birky and Fannie Louise Naffziger) was born on 29 Apr 1930 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 27 Feb 2012 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Complications From Alzheimer’s-Type Dementia

Notes:

Obit: (Pantagraph.com/obits)
URBANA — Betty L. Zehr, 81, Urbana, passed away Monday (Feb. 27, 2012) at her home in Urbana as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s-type dementia.
The Rev. Janet Rasmussen will lead a celebration of life memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana. A private cremation service will be at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory for family and close friends. Visitation for friends wishing to greet the Zehr family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana.
In lieu of flowers, the following may be considered for Betty L. Zehr memorials, the Student Scholarship Fund at Bethel College, the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Association, monetary donations to the food pantry fund at First Mennonite Church or any other charitable organization the donor may choose. If desired, these may be directed to either the Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802, or to First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield, Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.
She was born April 29, 1930, the daughter of John S. and Fannie Birky, Foosland.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. John E. Zehr, Urbana; sons, Rev. Terrence D. (Cheryl Troyer) Zehr, Elkhart, Ind.; and Dr. Randall L. (Cathy Klepack) Zehr, Columbus, Ind.; daughter, Rhonda S. (Charles) Gibson, Champaign; and daughter-in-law, Dr. Usha B. Zehr, Jalna (MS), India.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Brent E. Zehr, Jalna (MS), India.
She is also survived by a granddaughter, Emily Gibson, Champaign; five grandsons, Brian and Benjamin Zehr, both of Jalna, India; David and Justin Zehr, both of Elkhart, Ind.; and Jonathan Gibson, Champaign; a brother, Wayne Birky; and two sisters, Arneitta Birkey and Geneva Good.
Betty was a very nurturing individual and her life was a model for her children, her grandchildren and all who knew her. In addition to a lifetime of dedication to her family and church, she was a gracious and gifted hostess who planned and supervised many events during the years her husband was at the University of Illinois and, later, president of Bethel College, North Newton, Kan.
In earlier years she was a regular volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit outlet for providing income for the poor from around the world. She hosted and entertained international medical students during their visiting clerkship rotations at the University of Illinois, providing them a home away from home during their studies.
After retirement, she and her husband traveled to many parts of the world, frequently to India where their youngest son and his family were engaged in agricultural research and development.

Died:
at her home

Buried:
Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Farmer, School Teacher, Minister
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Heart Attack
• Ordained: 1931, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: Dec 1952, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr, Harold, son of Jacob E. and Emma (Miller) Zehr, was born at Goodfield, Ill., Oct. 15, 1903; died of a heart attack on Dec. 15, 1975; aged 72 y. In 1926, he was married to Alma Unzicker, who preceded him in death in 1966. In 1967, he was married to Ruth Schertz, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Jay, John, Dean, and Allen Zehr), 4 daughters (Edith, Rachel, Mrs. Hazel Yoder, and Mrs. Lila King), one sister (Mrs. Mildred Good), and 3 brothers (Walter, Ellis, and Chester). He was preceded in death by one sister (Mrs. Mabel Schrock). He was ordained to the ministry in 1931 and served as a pastor in Illinois and Ohio. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, Ill., Dec. 17, in charge of Carl Newswanger and Edwin Stalter.

Ordained:
East Bend Mennonite Church

Residence:
Became Executive Secretary of the Ulrich Foundation and Director of PR for Ulrich Manufacturing Co.

Died:
from March 1978 Mennonite Heritage

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Harold married Alma P. Unzicker on 30 Jun 1926 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. Alma (daughter of Samuel Ernest Unzicker and Sarah L. Steider) was born on 5 Nov 1903 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; died on 18 Apr 1966 in Normal, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Obit:
ZEHR, Alma P., daughter of Samuel E. and Sarah (Steider) Unzicker, was born at Roanoke, Ill., Nov. 5, 1903; died of cancer at Normal, Ill., April 18, 1966; aged 62 y. 5 m. 13 d. On June 30, 1926, she was married to Harold Zehr, who survives. Also surviving are 8 children (W. Jay, John, Dean, Allen, Edith, Mrs. Hazel Yoder, Rachel, and Mrs. Lila King), 15 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Roy and Archie), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Katherine Hostetler and Mrs. Edna Teuscher). She was a member of the Bloomington Church, where her husband is pastor. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Church, April 20, with Alton Horst, Roy Bucher, and Richard Yordy officiating.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Feb 9, 1974
Birky, John S., son of Christian and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Aug. 21, 1895; died at Foosland, Ill., Jan. 17, 1974; aged 78 y. 4 m. 27 d. On Oct. 4, 1916, he was married to Fanny Naffziger, who preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 1972. On Aug. 11, 1973, he was married to Stella Berkey, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Wilbert and Wayne), 3 daughters (Arneitta-Mrs. Harold Birkey, Geneva-Mrs. Ellis Good, and Betty-Mrs. John Zehr), 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Bill and Alvin). He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 20, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and James Dunn; interment in the East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

John married Fannie Louise Naffziger on 4 Oct 1916 in Champaign Co., IL. Fannie (daughter of John William Naffziger and Mary Nellie Springer) was born on 16 Dec 1893 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jan 1972 in Sarasota, FL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - February 29, 1972 - pages 207,208
Birky, Fannie L., daughter of John and Mary Naffziger, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 16, 1893; died of a stroke at Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 28, 1972; aged 78 y. 1 m. 12 d. On Oct. 4, 1916, she was married to John S. Birky, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Wilbert and Wayne), 3 daughters (Arneitta - Mrs. Harold Birky, Geneva - Mrs. Ellis Good, and Betty - Mrs. John Zehr); 21 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one brother (Alpha Naffziger), and 2 sisters (Elmira - Mrs. Samuel Oyer and Leah- Mrs. Theodore Springer). She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, one sister, and one grandchild. She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 31, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and Harold Zehr; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Notes:

Married:
By Peter Zehr, at home of bride’s parents

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• Naturalization: 5 Oct 1858, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: until 1904, Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1904, Near Bloomington, IL
• Residence: 1911, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr. --- Jacob E., son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Ehrisman) Zehr, was born near Goodfield in Woodford Co., Ill., Aug. 9, 1872; died at his home in Fisher, Ill., Aug. 11, 1950; aged 78 y. 2 d. On Feb. 13, 1902, he was married to Emma Miller, of Carlock, Ill. To this union were born 4 sons (Harold, Rantoul, Ill.; Walter, Albuquerque, N. Mex.; Ellis, Rockville, Ind.; and Chester, Fisher, Ill.), and 2 daughters (Mabel Schrock, Fisher, Ill.; and Mildred Good, Rantoul, Ill.). Early in life he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church. He maintained a keen interest in spiritual things and was a dovoted Bible student throughout life. He lived at the place of his birth until 1904, when he moved to a farm near Bloomington in McLean Co., Ill., and from there in 1911 to a farm west of Fisher. In 1941 he retired and moved into Fisher. He was a loving husband, an understanding father, and a Christian citizen. Surviving are his wife, 6 children, 22 grandchildren, and a large number of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the East Ben Mennonite Church, in charge of A. J. Metzler and J. A. Heiser.

Transcriber's note: The author of the obituary misspelled "devoted."

Residence:
in the home of his parents

Residence:
Attended East White Oak Mennonite Church

Residence:
Purchased the Joseph Yordy farm near Fisher

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Jacob married Emma A. Miller on 13 Feb 1902. Emma (daughter of Christian Miller and Rachel Sharp) was born on 20 Mar 1876 in Carlock, McLean Co., IL; died on 23 Oct 1955 in Rantoul, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XLVIII , Number 46 - November 15, 1955 -- page 1101, 1102.

Zehr, -- Emma, daughter of Christian and Rachel (Sharp) Miller, was born on March 20, 1876 near Carlock, Ill.; passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joe Good, near Rantoul, Ill., on Oct. 23, 1955, as she was listening to the strains of the hymn, "Lord, I Am Coming Home." She was married to Jacob E. Zehr on Feb. 13, 1902, and they made their home near Goodfield, Ill. Later they moved Yukon, Ill., and in Feb., 1911, they moved to a farm near Fisher, Ill., where they lived until retirement in 1941, when they moved to Fisher. She had been in failing health for the past several months. She is survived by one daughter (Mildred Good), 4 sons (Harold, Roanoke, Ill.; Walter, Albuquerque, N. Mex.; Ellis, Rockville, Ind., and Chester, Fisher, Ill), 28 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters and two brothers (Elizabeth-Mrs. Frank Irons, Congerville, Ill., Mrs. Mary Basting, Bertha and Rufus of Bloomington-Normal area, and Clarence, Stanford, Ill.). She was preceded in death by her husband in 1950; one daughter Mabel Schrock, and one sister who died in her youth. Early in life she accepted Christ as Saviour and had an active interest in the work of her church until her death. Funeral services were held at the Eat Bend Mennonite Church, of which she was a member, by Howard J. Zehr and Ivan Birkey, on Oct. 26. Interment was made in the East Bend Mennonite Church.

Birth:
(8 Aug? FAG)

Died:
at home of her daughter Mrs. Joe Good

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite (Lynn Township Congregation) Served As Deason For Over Thirty Years.

Notes:

Obit:
Unzicker, Samuel Ernest., son of August and Elizabeth (Birkey) Unzicker, was born near Morton, Ill., March 17, 1876; died at the Eureka (Ill.) Hospital, Nov. 21, 1963; aged 87 y. 8 m. 4 d. On Dec. 23, 1902, he was married to Sarah Streider, who died April 28, 1959. Also preceding him in death were one daughter, one grandson, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. Surviving are 2 sons (Roy and Archie), 3 daughters (Alma - Mrs. Harold Zehr, Katherine - Mrs. Amos Hostetler, and Edna - Mrs. Daniel Teuscher), 30 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one brother (Julius), and 3 sisters (Mrs. V.W. Springer, Mrs. Andrew Ulrich, and Mrs. Prosper Heppard). He was one of the first members of the Linn Township Amish Mennonite congregation, and served there as a deacon for over 30 years. Funeral services were held at the Linn Township Amish Mennonite Church, Nov. 23, in charge of John Hostetler, assisted by Dan Hostetler and Harold Hostetler; burial in Harmony Cemetery, Metamora, Ill.

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Samuel married Sarah L. Steider on 23 Dec 1902. Sarah (daughter of Peter Steider and Katherine Garber) was born on 19 Feb 1878 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL; died on 28 Apr 1959 in Tampico, IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume LII, Number 23 - June 9, 1959
Unzicker, Sarah L., daughter of Peter and Catherine (Garber) Steider; born Feb. 19, 1878, near Metamora., Ill:; died suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Amos Hostetler, near Tampico, Ill., April 28, 1959; aged 81 y. 2 m. 9 d. On Dec. 23, 1902, she married Samuel E. Unzicker, who survives. To this union were born 2 sons and 4 daughters. One daughter preceded her in death two years ago. Surviving are 3 daughters and 2 sons (Alma- Mrs. Harold Zehr, Roanoke, Ill.; Catherine- Mrs. Amos Hostetler, Tampico, Ill.; Edna- Mrs. Dan Teuscher, Fisher. Ill.; Roy, Roanoke; and Archie, Eureka), 30 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Sam, Washington, Ill.; and Henry, Metamora), and a sister (Mrs. Barbara Springer, Longmont, Colo.). Three sisters and 4 brothers also preceded her in death. She was a member of the Linn Township Amish Mennonite congregation since its organization. She was especially known for her service to others, opening her home to several other relatives in time of special need. Services were held at the Linn A.M. Church, in charge of John E. Hostetler and Harold Hostetler; interment in Harmony Cemetery.

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 31 - October 28, 1920 - page 605

Birky.--Christian H., oldest son of Christian and Katie Birky, was born near Tremont, Ill., May 13, 1847; died Sept. 25, 1920; age 73 y. 4 m. 13 d. He was married to Barbara Wittrig of Wayland, Ia., Feb. 17, 1878. To this union were born 10 children 2 of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He also is survived by 26 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. Early in life he united with the Amish Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member until the end. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale, Ill., church, Sept. 28, conducted by Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill.

From Elm Grove, moved to Delavan, IL. Christian was registered as a Democrat.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Barbara Wittrig on 17 Feb 1878 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Wittrig (Vitrich) and Anna Nancy Gascho) was born on 24 Apr 1854 in Ontario, Canada; died on 4 Feb 1939 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Complications Following A Hip Fracture Sustained In A Fall In Her Home

Notes:

Obit: March 9, 1939 - Vol. XXXI, No.49 - pages 1062, 1063, 1064
Birky.-Barbara, daughter of Joseph and Anna Wittrig, was born in Ontario April 24, 1854; died at the Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington, Ill., Feb. 4, 1939; aged 84 y. 9 m. 10 d. Death was caused by complications following a hip fracture sustained in a fall in her home. When but a small child her family moved to Wayland, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. At the age of 23 she came to Hopedale, Ill., where she spent the remainder of her life with the exception of six years that she and her family lived in Kansas. On Feb. 17, 1878, she was married to Christian H. Birky. To this union were born 10 children, 4 of whom preceded her in death, namely: Joseph, Emma, Mrs. Lydia Nafziger of Nampa, Idaho, and Mrs. Anna Springer. Father also passed away in 1920. The remaining children are: Chris, John, Alvin, Mrs. Lizzie Heiser of Fisher, Ill., and Will and Lewis of Louts, Ind. On Feb. 23, 1928, she was united in marriage to Chris J. Birky who remains to mourn her departure. She also leaves 6 stepchildren, 36 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Pete Wittrig of Washington, Iowa, and Daniel Wittrig of Hopedale), and 1 sister (Mrs. Susan Augsburger of Tremont, Ill.). In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church and she was a faithful member throughout life. Of a quiet disposition, she lived an exemplary Christian life. She was a kind and devoted wife and mother, always exercising a spirit of trust and patience. Mother has gone but her influence lives on and some day we can all be united again. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Funeral services were held Feb. 7 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by the brethren, Simon Litwiller and Ben Springer. Text, Rev. 14:13. Burial in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

Died:
Mennonite Hospital

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald March 30, 1939 - Vol. XXXI, No.52 - pages 1107, 1108

Naffziger.-John William, son of Peter J. and Magdalena Naffziger, was born Oct. 20, 1854, near Metamora, Ill.; died at his home in Foosland, Ill., Jan. 20, 1939, from complications of old age; aged 84 y. 3 m. In February, 1856, he moved with his parents to Panola, Ill., and in 1870 removed with his parents to Hopedale, Ill. In May, 1876, he made his vow with God and united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill. In 1902 they moved to Fisher, where he transferred his membership to the East Bend Mennonite Church where he remained faithful to the end. On March 7, 1882, he was united it marriage to Mary Springer. To this union 9 children were born (Lena L., at home; Alphia P. of Rockwell City, Iowa; Reuben J. of Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Elmira Oyer, Mrs. Fannie Birkey, Jesse D., and Mrs. Leah Springer all of Foosland, Ill.). Levi W. passed away at 6 weeks of age and 1 son died in infancy. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers. He leaves his sorrowing wife, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 20 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; also 2 brothers (Sam and Henry of Michigan) and 2 sisters (Mrs. Kate Kauffman and Mrs. Amos Litwiller of Hopedale), and a host of other relatives and friends. He was a kind and loving husband and father, much concerned about the welfare of the Church. Funeral services were held Jan. 23 in the home by Bro. Harold Zehr and at the East Bend Mennonite Church by Bros. Samuel Zehr and J. A. Heiser. Texts, Psa. 116:15; II Tim. 4:7. Interment in the East Bend Cemetery.

"Father, dear, your wish is granted,
Sorrow, pain and grief are o'er;
By the grace of God we'll meet you,
Over on the peaceful shore."

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Mary Nellie Springer on 7 Mar 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 25 May 1862 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 13 Oct 1950 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Naffziger. --- Mary N., daughter of John and Elizabeth Springer, was born May 25, 1862, near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill.; passed away Oct. 13, 1950, at the home of her daughter (Mrs. John S. Birky) near Foosland, Ill.; aged 88 y. 4 m. 18 d. At the age of fourteen she received Christ as her Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill., transferring when they moved in 1902 to a farm near Fisher. She remained a faithful member until death. On March 7, 1882, she was united in marriage to John W. Naffziger. To this union were born 9 children . Her husband, one daughter (Lena), 2 sons, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, and on granddaughter, preceded her in death. Surviving are 3 sons and 3 daughters (Alphia, Rockwell City, Iowa; Mrs. Elmira Oyer, Foosland, Ill.; Reuben, Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Fannie Birky, Foosland, Ill.; Jesse, Foosland; Mrs. Leah Spring, Saybrook, Ill.), 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one brother (David V. Springer), and a large number of other relatives and friends. She was a kind and loving mother, much concerned about the spiritual welfare of her family and the church. Funeral services were conducted at the East Bend Mennonite Church Oct. 15, with Harold Zehr in charge, assisted by J. A. Heiser.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery