Elizabeth Ehresman

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1835, OH
• Residence: 1844, IL

Notes:

Elizabeth died a highly respected lady who spent her married life fulfilling duties as mother, minister’s wife and Christian lady.

Buried:
Mt. Zion cemetery

Elizabeth married Bishop Jacob Zehr on 21 Apr 1850 in Woodford Co., IL. Jacob (son of Daniel Zehr and Magdalena Unzicker) was born on 17 Sep 1825 in Manried, Bavaria, GR; died on 22 Feb 1898 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Magdalena married Jacob Wolber on 28 Oct 1875 in McLean Co., IL. Jacob was born on 13 Feb 1849 in Konigsbach, Baden, GR; died on 17 Oct 1931 in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer. - Kathrine (Zehr) Oyer was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Apr. 2, 1858; died at her home near Fisher, Ill., Apr. 14, 1921; aged 63 y. 12 d. Sister Oyer suffered a number of years from a complication of diseases. At the age of 16 she confessed her Christ, united with the Amish Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member to the end. On Aug. 27, 1876, she was united in marriage to Christian Oyer. To this union 12 children were born. She leaves 43 grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services conducted in [German] by Bro. Daniel Grieser (Text, II Cor. 5:1), in English by Bro. J. A. Heiser (Text, I Thes. 4:13).


“Jacob and Elizabeth had a daughter, Katherine Zehr Oyer (1858-1921) who "lived a full and active life.” She served as a practical nurse, delivering babies and caring for the sick. Often when her children would arise in the morning, mother would be gone having been called to the home of some sick neighbor. She was also the one who helped 'lay out the dead.' This was before undertakers as we know them today. She practiced in both the Mackinaw Valley and East Bend communities.

“Katherine was good at figures and helped with keeping the family records. she also did a great deal of quilting and was a good seamstress. She was a quiet and patient person and loved by all her family. Her last five years she was ill much of the time which she bore patiently.”

Died:
At her home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Katherine married Christian Oyer on 27 Aug 1876 in Woodford Co., IL. Christian (son of Joseph, Jr Oyer and Anna Peterschmidt) was born on 23 May 1852 in Farmdale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 20 May 1929 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“My father spent his early years working on his father’s farm. When he was in his late twenties, he decided he would like to become a railroad telegraph operator. To receive the necessary training he went to telegraphy school located in St. Paul, Minnesota. One of his classmates with whom he became quite friendly was a Mr. Parker, who a few years later founded the Parker Pen Company....Father was a very kind and gentle person. He was deeply religious and attended church services every Sunday unless prevented by ill health. Father made many friends during his lifetime. Everyone who knew him well loved him dearly. He was truly a fine Christian, one who really lived and practiced his religion.” --Ores E. Zehr

Birth:
On parent’s homestead near Mackinaw River

Buried:
Forest Lawn Cemetery

Christian married Jessie Foster on 26 Feb 1890 in Tazewell Co., IL. Jessie was born on 6 Jul 1870 in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 26 Feb 1958 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Complications Following Gall Stone Surgery

Notes:

“John Zehr grew up on (his father’s) this farm near Goodfield, IL. In 1889, at the age of 27 years, he purchased forty acres of land in East Bend Township, Champaign County, approximately five miles northeast of Fisher, IL....John served as a director of the Dixon School for a number of years and he was one of the early members of the East Bend Mennonite Church....John loved to travel and he took his family to California on two different occasions. In 1909, he and his family stayed in Upland, CA for the winter. In 1911, he and his family journeyed once more to CA and this time resided in the Upland area for a year. During his stay in CA, John worked in the fruit groves picking oranges and lemons.

Resided in Foosland, Illinois.

Birth:
On parent’s homestead near Mackinaw River

Died:
Brokaw Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Lydia Springer on 28 Dec 1890 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Lydia (daughter of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 7 Jul 1867 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 3 Aug 1945 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, November 1939:
"Phoebe, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Zehr, was born in Woodford Co., Ill., June 9, 1864; died at her home in Deer Creek, Ill., Oct. 21, 1939; aged 75 y. 4 m. 12 d. At the age of 15 she united with the Goodfield Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member until her death. Jan. 1, 1891 she was married to Jacob Wolber, who preceded her in death Oct. 17, 1931. She had been in poor health for the past three years, failing more rapidly in the past six months. All through her life and even during her sickness she was always thinking of doing for others rather than herself. She was ready for the Lord's call and expressed a desire to be with Him. She leaves to mourn her departure Lena and Esther at home, Susan Heiser of Morton, Emma Guengerich of Deer Creek, John of Peoria, 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister (Lizzie Werner of Gibson City), two brothers (Chris Zehr of Los Angeles and Jacob Zehr of Fisher, Ill.), and a host of relatives and friends. Those who preceded her in death were her husband, an infant daughter (Ada), a son (Alvin), and a daughter (Lizzie Zehr). "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Funeral was held Oct. 23, in the Deer Creek Baptist Church with Brethren C. Warren Long of Peoria and Harold Oyer of Goodfield in charge."
————————————————
“Phoebe...attended a country school about a mile from her home. she would often tell me how they would sign Gospel songs in school...After the death of her sister Lena, she went to work for her brother-in-law Jacob Wolber, living on a farm at the edge of Deer Creek. He was the father of four children. Later she became his wife. Besides being the stepmother to his children, she later had four children of her own. As I remember my mother she was a quiet, kind motherly person, a very sincere Christian. She was always wanting to help others and was so honest she was almost too much so for her own good. Her love to her stepchildren was as strong as to her own children, always afraid folks might think her partial.”--Esther Wolber

Birth:
Zimmerman Ford on Mackinaw River

Buried:
Mt. Zion Cemetery

Phoebe married Jacob Wolber on 1 Jan 1891. Jacob was born on 13 Feb 1849 in Konigsbach, Baden, GR; died on 17 Oct 1931 in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Census: 1940, Drummer Twp., Ford Co., IL

Notes:

Birth:
On Zehr homestead near the Zimmerman Ford of the Mackinaw River

Census:
The 1940 census of Drummer Township, Ford County shows Joseph Werner, 72, Illinois; Elizabeth, 71, Illinois; and daughter and music teacher Fern, 38, Illinois; and that on April 1, 1935 they had been living at Fisher, Champaign County.

Died:
Thanksgiving Day

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married Joseph Werner on 21 Oct 1897. Joseph (son of David Werner and Katharina Stalter) was born on 11 Nov 1867 in IL; died on 25 Apr 1957 in IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

Family/Spouse: Jacob Zehr. Jacob (son of Daniel Zehr, Sr. and Katherine Heiser) was born on 29 Nov 1875 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 May 1929; was buried in Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Children: Dorothy, Frieda, Infant son, Lester.

Emma married Otto Guengerich on 3 Jan 1907. Otto was born on 3 Oct 1877 in GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Ora Dille on 12 Jun 1912. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Heiser, -- Susan L., daughter of the late Jacob and Magdalene (Zehr) Wolber, was born at Deer Creek, Ill., Jan. 4, 1879; died at the Methodist Hospital, Peoria, Ill., Dec. 8, 1953; aged 74 y. 11 m. 4 d. On Dec. 28, 1903, she was united in marriage to Christian Heiser. Her husband preceded her in death Sept. 27, 1927. She is survived by 3 daughters (Fern:Mrs. Dwight McHenry, Ada:Mrs. Willis Eigsti, and Mable:Mrs. Clayton Eigsti, all of Morton, Ill.), 7 grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Otto Guengerich, Deer Creek, Ill.), and one half sister (Esther Wolfer, Eureka, Ill.). Two brothers and 2 sisters preceded her in death. In early life she became a member of the Morton Mennonite Church in which she faithfully served her Lord until death. Funeral services were held at the Morton Mennonite Church on Dec. 11, in charge of Kenneth G. Good. Burial was made in the Deer Creek Cemetery.

Buried:
Mount Zion Cemetery

Susan married Christian D. Heiser on 28 Dec 1903 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. Christian (son of Christian W. Heiser and Elizabeth Zehr) was born on 7 Mar 1879 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 27 Sep 1927 in Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mount Zion Cemetery

Jacob married Elizabeth Zehr on 8 Mar 1900. Elizabeth (daughter of Daniel Zehr, Sr. and Katherine Heiser) was born on 13 Oct 1877 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Jul 1952 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Unzicker.-Anna, daughter of Christian and Kathryn (Zehr) Oyer, was born July 9, 1878, near Kruger, Woodford Co., Ill.; passed away at her home in Fisher, Ill., Oct. 3, 1948; aged 70 y. 2 m. 24 d. She had been bedfast for thirteen months. On Jan. 2, 1902, she was united in marriage to William Unzicker at Roanoke, Ill. One infant son preceded her in death thirty-eight years ago. Surviving are 7 children (Ervin and Dorothy, Chicago, Ill.; Clara Springer, Aibonito, Puerto Rico; Alvin, Oris, and Ellis, Fisher, Ill.; and Esther, at home), 12 grandchildren, 5 brothers (Jacob, Morton, Ill.; Peter, Congerville, Ill.; Joseph, Samuel, and Manuel, Foosland, Ill.), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Lena Birkey, Manson, Iowa; Mrs. Kathryn Birkey, Lowell, Mich.; and Elsie, Fisher, Ill.). Her parents, 2 sisters, and one brother predeceased her. In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church, remaining a member until death. Funeral services were held at the home and at the Fisher Church of Christ in charge of Harold Zehr and J. A. Heiser. Text: II Cor. 5:1-4. Burial was made in the East Bend Cemetery.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Anna married William Unzicker on 2 Jan 1902 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. William (son of William (Wilhelm) Unzicker and Barbara Gungerich) was born on 12 Jan 1880 in Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 8 Jun 1963 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Bertha Zimmerman on 25 Nov 1909. Bertha (daughter of John Baecher Zimmerman and Martha Fahsbender) was born on 25 Oct 1889; died on 14 Oct 1952; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Peter married Ada Sann on 5 Jan 1909. Ada was born on 22 Mar 1891. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married Joseph D. Birkey on 17 Dec 1903. Joseph (son of John G. Birkey and Catherine Schrock) was born on 11 Nov 1880 in Woodford Co., IL; died on 25 Sep 1971 in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI; was buried in Alto, Kent Co., MMI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Baptism: 25 Oct 1903, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer, Samuel, son of Christian and Katherine (Zehr) Oyer, was born on May 7, 1886; died at Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City, Ill., Nov. 23, 1983; aged 97 y. On Nov. 7, 1913, he was married to Elmira Naffziger, who died on Feb. 10, 1972. Surviving are 2 sons (Vilas and Verle Oyer), one daughter (Leta Eichelberger), 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters. He was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 26, in charge of Paul O. King; interment in the East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

In 1902 Samuel was busy working in the timber cutting poles for the framework of the new barn his father Chris was building on their new farm. The Oyer family had moved from Roanoke to the Stormer farm that they had purchased in the spring.

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Died:
Gibson City Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Samuel married Elmira M. Naffziger on 5 Nov 1913 in IL. Elmira (daughter of John William Naffziger and Mary Nellie Springer) was born on 17 Feb 1888 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 10 Feb 1972 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 12 Feb 1972 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Baptism: 25 Oct 1903, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:

Oyer.- Manuel, son of Christian and Kathryn (Zehr) Oyer, was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Mar. 19, 1888; died of cancer, Oct. 2, 1967, in Champaign, Ill., aged 79 y. 6 m. 13 d. On Oct. 2, 1913, he was married to Elizabeth Bender, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Elsie K., Bessie E., and Mary A.), 2 brothers (Peter and Samuel) and one sister (Elsie L. Oyer). He was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Oct. 4, with Alton Horst and Harold Zehr officiating.

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Manuel married Elizabeth Baecher on 2 Oct 1913 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph Baecher and Mary Zehr) was born on 17 Nov 1891 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; died on 17 Dec 1978 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 19 Dec 1978 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey. ---Lena M., daughter of the late Christian and Katherine Oyer, was born in Woodford Co., near Roanoke, Ill., Jan. 29, 1890; passed away at her home south of Manson, Iowa, on April 3, 1950; aged 60 y. 2 m. 5 d. On Jan. 31, 1907, she was united in marriage to John E. Birkey, who survives. Also surviving are 13 children (Edward R., Jolley, Iowa; Simon A., Manson, Iowa; Clarence R., Dewey, Ill.; Elsie-Mrs. Ralph Yoder, Alpha, Minn.; Anna Mae-Mrs. Jay Showalter, La Junta, Colo.; John C., Elmer E., and Samuel C., all of Manson; Alvina, Pearl, Pauline, Jacob and Joseph at home), 14 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Levi Birkey, Lowell, Mich.; and Elsie Oyer, Foosland, Ill.), 5 brothers (Jacob, Morton, Ill.; Peter, Congerville, Ill.; Joseph, Samuel, and Manuel, Foosland), and a large number of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one daughter (Katherine) and one son (Orville Dale), one grandson, her parents, one brother, and 3 sisters. In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church of which she remained a faithful member until death. The first six years of her married life were spent on a farm near Manson, Iowa, where she lived until her death. She had been in ill health for a number of years, being bedfast the last three months. Death was caused by a stroke. She was a kind and loving companion and mother always concerned for the spiritual welfare of her family. Funeral services were held at the home and at the Manson Mennonite Church, in charge of Nick Stoltzfus, assisted by John David Zehr. Interment was made in the Rose Hill Cemetery.

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Magdalena married John E. Birkey on 31 Jan 1907 in Champaign Co., IL. John (son of John G. Birkey and Catherine Schrock) was born on 15 Mar 1882 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 15 Aug 1980 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried on 18 Aug 1980 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Heart attack

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey - Katherine, daughter of Christian and Katherine Oyer, was born Feb. 26, 1892, in Woodford Co., Ill.; died March 10, 1960, at her home, Lowell, Mich.; aged 68 y. 13 d. In 1910, she was married to Levi Birkey, who died in 1951. Surviving are 4 children (Raymond E., Ludlow, Ill.; June--Mrs. Anthony Stormzand, Lowell; Ralph O., Brimley; and Velma--Mrs. Lowell Birkey, Amboy, Ind.), 13 grandchildren, one sister (Elsie, Foosland, Ill.), and 5 brothers (Jake, Morton, Ill.; Joe and Manuel, Foosland; Pete, Congerville; and Samuel, Gibson City). Two sons and one daughter died in infancy. She was a member of the Bowne Mennonite Church, Clarksville, Mich., where funeral services were held on March 13, in charge of T. E. Schrock.

Katherine married Levi F. Birkey on 1 Mar 1910 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL. Levi (son of John G. Birkey and Catherine Schrock) was born on 7 Mar 1884 in Metamora Twp., Woodford Co., IL; died on 7 Sep 1951 in Grand Rapids, MI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer.- Elsie L., daughter of Christian and Katherine (Zehr) Oyer, was born at Roanoke, Ill., Jan. 23, 1894; died at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Ill., Oct. 8, 1977; aged 83 y. Surviving is one brother (Samuel). She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 11, in charge of Wilbur Nachtigall and Phil Helmuth; interment in East Bend Mennonite Cemetery.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Baptism: 19 Feb 1911, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
OYER.--John R., son of Christian and Katherine Oyer was born at Roanoke, Ill., June 7, 1896; died very suddenly at his home near Foosland, Ill., Saturday morning, Oct. 4, 1930; aged 34 y. 3 m. 27 d. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 15, united with the East Bend Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member until death. On Dec. 6, 1921, he was united in marriage with Mary Springer. To this union 5 children were born--4 of whom died in infancy. He leaves a sorrowing wife, one son (Wilmer), 5 brothers (Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, Manuel, and Peter), 4 sisters (Mrs. Wm. Unzicker, Elsie, John Becky, and Mrs. Levi Birky), and a host of other relatives and friends. Two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Mennonite Church, in charge of Bro. J. A. Heiser, Text, John 11:25. Interment in the East Bend Mennonite Cemetery.
"All is over, hands are folded
On a calm and peaceful breast;
All is over, sufferings ended,
And dear John is now at rest."

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Mary A. Springer on 6 Dec 1921. Mary (daughter of Valentine W. Springer and Emelia (Millie) Katherine Unzicker) was born on 16 Jun 1901 in Rantoul, Champaign Co., IL; died on 26 Dec 1992 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 29 Dec 1992 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Ores married Isabel Willey on 27 Oct 1917. Isabel was born on 3 Aug 1894; died on 31 Jul 1934. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ores married Lucille Long on 26 Jan 1936. Lucille was born on 5 May 1902. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Jacob married Lovina C. Ropp on 19 Dec 1929 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. Lovina was born on 15 Nov 1897; died on 29 Aug 1993; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
ZEHR, Silas - The funeral of SILAS P. ZEHR, 93, of Gibson City, will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, the Rev. Cal Kaufman and the Rev. Michael Dean officiating. Burial will be in East Bend Memorial Gardens, Fisher. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. today at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, and for one hour prior the service Wednesday at the church. He died at 5:15 p.m. Sunday 1-26-1997 at the Gibson Community Hospital Annex, Gibson City.
Memorials may be made to East Bend Mennonite Central Committee.
Survivors include his wife, Mabel B. Zehr; and two sons, LaVern Zehr, Fisher, and John Russell Zehr, Foosland. Also surviving are three grandsons, Stephen Zehr, Chicago; Douglas Zehr, Santa Crus, Bolivia; and Kevin Kuykendall, Orlando, Fla.; and one granddaughter, Amy Hayden, rural Fisher. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Mr. Zehr was born 12-12-1903, in rural Foosland, a son of John and Lydia Springer Zehr. He married Mabel B. Litwiller 2-10-1932 in rural Hopedale.
Mr. Zehr farmed for 69 years, retiring in 1989. He lived in rural Foosland most of his life, moving to Gibson City three years ago. He was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, and Champaign County Farm Bureau. Pallbearers: Rich Schrock, Phil Hayden, Steve Zehr, Don Unzicker, John Cender, Doug Zehr.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Silas married Mabel Litwiller on 10 Feb 1932 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Mabel (daughter of Amos Litwiller and Barbara Ann Naffziger) was born on 2 Aug 1906; died on 29 May 2001 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 1 Jun 2001 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
2 months

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr.- Rozina, daughter of John and Lydia (Springer) Zehr, was born in Foosland, Ill., Sept. 7, 1907; died in Gibson City Hospital on Oct. 19, 1987; aged 80 y. Surviving is one brother (Silas Zehr). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 22, in charge of Millard Osborne; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Remained single.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Notes:

Obit: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=19145254

Birth: Apr. 2, 1902
Death: May 20, 1998


Family links:
Spouse:
David Louis Schiavo (1909 - 2002)

Note: Double marker with David Louis Schiavo

Burial:
Valley View Cemetery
Clarkdale
Yavapai County
Arizona, USA
Plot: Section S

Created by: Debbra
Record added: Apr 29, 2007
Find A Grave Memorial# 19145254

Buried:
Valley View Cemetery

Alice married David Louis Schiavo on 29 Jun 1940. David was born on 30 Sep 1909; died on 21 Sep 2002 in Cottonwood, AZ; was buried on 25 Sep 2002 in Clarkdale, Yavapai Co., AZ. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Harold married Ruth Olive Springer in Aug 1967. Ruth (daughter of Valentine Springer and Katie Litwiller) was born on 29 Feb 1912; died on 16 Sep 2002; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Fairview Memorial Park

Walter married Eunice Louise McCune on 22 Jun 1935. Eunice was born on 26 Jul 1907 in IA; died on 17 Jun 1941 in Albuquerque, Bernalillo Co. NM; was buried in Albuquerque, Bernalillo Co. NM. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Walter married Sarah Edith Heatwole on 14 Jan 1942. Sarah was born on 11 Dec 1914 in La Junta, CO; died on 22 Feb 2002. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: High School, Teacher Training
• Occupation: Teacher
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Moved to the Fisher community in 1911. For eight years she taught school at the Walker, Center and Allison schools. Died at age 42. Mable was bedfast most of the time during the 28 months before death from cancer.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Mabel married Elmer Raymond Schrock on 29 Jun 1932 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Elmer (son of Albert Elmer Schrock and Josephine L. Yordy) was born on 26 Jan 1909 in Fisher, Newcomb Twp., Champaign Co., IL; died on 11 Dec 1989 in Montgomery, Montgomery Co., AL; was buried on 16 Dec 1989 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Fort Prince Memorial Gardens

Ellis married Helen Asbury on 19 Aug 1933. Helen was born on 7 Dec 1907 in Parke Co., IN; died in Jun 1985 in Lyman, Spartanburg Co., SC; was buried in Wellford, Spartanburg Co. SC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Cardiac arrest

Notes:

Obit:
Good, Mildred, daughter of Jacob and Emma (Miller) Zehr, was born at Fisher, Ill., Feb. 13, 1914; died of a cardiac arrest at Champaign, Ill., May 13, 1978; aged 64 y. On Dec. 18, 1935, she was married to Joseph C. Good, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Delmar and Byron), 2 daughters (Phyllis - Mrs. Steve Senesi and Eileen - Mrs. Brian Smucker), and 3 brothers (Chester, Ellis, and Walter Zehr). She was preceded in death by one son (Paul) and one brother (Harold A. Zehr). She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 15, in charge of Wilbur Nachtigal and Phil Helmuth; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens, Fisher, Ill.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Mildred married Joseph C. Good on 18 Dec 1935. Joseph (son of Peter Good and Mary A. Naffziger (Nofzinger)) was born on 21 Jan 1906; died on 4 Sep 1987 in Goshen, IN; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Chester married Marian Good on 29 Dec 1938. Marian (daughter of Leroy E. Good and Leah Eichelberger) was born on 26 Aug 1917 in Ludlow, Champaign Co., IL; died on 24 Jul 2006 in Paxton, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 29 Jul 2006 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Worked at Maple Lawn Homes from 1939-1982

Notes:

Buried:
Mount Zion Cemetery

Arthur married Opal Weaver on 28 Dec 1935 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Opal (daughter of Avery Thomas Weaver and Magdelina Kathryn (Lena) Ingold) was born on 16 Jan 1913 in White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., MI; died on 21 Nov 2002 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Kendallville, Noble Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Mennonite
• Ordained: 23 Oct 1949

Notes:

Ordained:
Newcastle Mennonite Church

Buried:
Mount Zion Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Barbara Jane Reuber. Barbara was born on 21 Jun 1911; died on 28 Sep 1966; was buried in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Howard married Edna Elizabeth Good [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Dwight McHenry. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Ada M., daughter of Christian and Susan (Wolber) Heiser, was born in Goodfield, Ill., Mar. 17, 1910; died at Morton, Ill., Sept. 18, 1981; aged 71 y. On July 6, 1934, she was married to Willis Eigsti, who survives. 

Also surviving are 2 sons (Ronald and Kenneth), 4 grandchildren, and one sister (Mabel-Mrs. Clayton Eigsti). 

She was preceded in death by one sister. She was a member of Trinity Mennonite Church. Memorial services were held in charge of Mahlon D. Miller and Sanford K. Yoder.

Buried:
Roberts Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Willis M. Eigsti. Willis was born on 10 Oct 1909 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 26 Oct 2003 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Clayton Eigsti. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mount Zion Cemetery

Lester married Esther Katherine Birkey on 20 Jun 1929. Esther (daughter of Andrew C. Birkey and Elizabeth Litwiller) was born on 9 Oct 1907 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; died on 24 Mar 1995 in Indianola, IA; was buried on 27 Mar 1995 in Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y

Harold married Goldie Miller on 27 Apr 1930. Goldie was born on 15 Feb 1908. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery

Wilford married Bessie Sutter on 11 Aug 1936. Bessie (daughter of Christian Sylvester Sutter and Idella Mae Miller) was born on 24 Jan 1912 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 15 Sep 1998 in Kouts, IN; was buried in Kouts, IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Willard married Viola Pearl Birkey on 22 Dec 1938. Viola (daughter of Andrew C. Birkey and Elizabeth Litwiller) was born on 17 Sep 1913 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; died on 11 Aug 1989 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elvin Schlappi. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Unzicker.- Ervin, son of William and Anna (Oyer) Unzicker, was born at Dewey, Ill., Mar. 21, 1904; died of a heart attack at Gifford, Ill., Feb. 18, 1979; aged 74 y. Surviving are 4 daughters (Pearl Lamb, Jean Rhodes, Carol Van Camp, and Patricia DeLuca), 2 sons (Robert and Tom), 20 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Alvin J. and Ellis), and 2 sisters (Clara Springer and Esther Unzicker). He was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 22, in charge of Wilbur Nachtigall and Clyde Ingold; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ervin married Velma Smith on 28 Sep 1930. Velma was born on 28 Aug 1911. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Unzicker.- Esther K., daughter of William and Anna (Oyer) Unzicker, was born at Fairview, Mich., Aug. 18, 1906; died at Eureka (Ill.) Community Hospital, Eureka, Ill., Oct. 22, 1988; aged 82 y. Surviving are one brother (Ellis Unzicker) and one sister (Clara Springer). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 25, in charge of Millard Osborne; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Single.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
Springer-. Clara Unzicker, 95, Glendale, Ariz., died Feb. 20. Spouse: Elmer Springer (deceased). Parents: William and Anna Unzicker. Children: Frederick, Theodore; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 24 at Glencroft Community Church, Glendale.

Buried:
Glendale Memorial Park

Family/Spouse: Elmer R. Springer. Elmer (son of Valentine W. Springer and Emelia (Millie) Katherine Unzicker) was born on 29 Jun 1906; died on 19 Jul 2000; was buried in Glendale, Maricopa Co., AZ. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Alvin married Emma Zehr on 16 Oct 1939 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. Emma was born on 28 Feb 1913; died in 2000 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ores married Margaret Zehr on 28 Jun 1940. Margaret was born on 6 Feb 1917; died on 10 Feb 2000; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
UNZICKER, ELLIS W. "FRITZ"
b. 5-30-1921, Fisher, Champaign County, IL
s/o William and Anna Katherine Oyer Unzicker
m. Mildred M. Jacoby, 3-20-1943 at Chicago; she survives
d. 4-2-1998, Provena Medical Center, Urbana, Champaign County, IL
bur: East Bend Gardens, Fisher, Champaign County, IL.

Died:
Provena Medical Center

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ellis married Mildred Marie Jacoby on 20 Mar 1943 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. Mildred was born on 21 Mar 1921 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL; died on 27 Nov 2001; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
OYER, WALTER R. - 84, a two-year Gibson City resident and a retired farmer, formerly of Fisher will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Gibson City Bible Church, Gibson City. The Rev. Earl Sandifer will officiate. Burial will be in East Bend Memorial Gardens, rural Fisher. Mr. Oyer died at 1:15 p.m. Monday 8-1-1994 at Gibson Community Hospital.
He was born 4-29-1910 at Foosland, a son of Joseph and Bertha Zimmerman Oyer. He married Elizabeth Yoder who died 3-5-1944. He marrried Freda A. Teuscher 12-4-1945, at Fisher. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Marilyn Miller, Hillside; Jean Cray, Flanagan; and Linda Oyer, Lamorlaye, France; two sons, Richard, Goshen Indiana., and Ronald, Laguana Beach, Calif; two sisters, Ruby Birkey, Rantoul, and Dorothy Parsons, McAllen, TX; three brothers, Elmer J. and Leslie, both of Fisher; and Merle, Champaign; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. One son, one daughter and two sisters preceded him in death.
Mr. Oyer, a retired farmer, was a past member of the board of directors of the Fisher National Bank. He was a member of the Gibson City Bible Church and had served as elder of the church. Pallbearers: Charles Teuscher, Monty Teuscher, Norman Oyer, Everett Heiser, Larry Birkey, Joe Birkey [Contributed by Gail Hahn Hutchcraft]

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Walter married Elizabeth L. (Betty) Yoder on 31 Mar 1931. Elizabeth (daughter of Edwin G. Yoder and Lucy Ann Blough) was born on 20 Feb 1909; died on 5 Mar 1944; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Walter married Freda A. Teuscher on 4 Dec 1945. Freda (daughter of John S. Teuscher and Mary Ann Roth) was born on 18 Jul 1909 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; died on 16 Jun 2001 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 27 Jun 2001 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Kidney abscess

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer.--Earl R., second son of Joseph and Bertha Oyer, was born near Foosland, Ill., Sept. 2, 1911; died at his home Oct. 28, 1932; aged 21 y. 1 m. 26 d. Earl accepted Christ as his personal Savior, united with the East Bend Mennonite Church at the age of 14, and remained a faithful member to the end. He leaves his father and mother, four brothers (Walter, of Fisher, Ill., Elmer, Leslie, and Merle at home), four sisters (Ruth, Ruby, Dora, and Dorothy, also at home), one grandfather, and a host of other relatives and friends. One sister and one brother preceded him in death, having died in infancy. Death came very unexpectedly after an illness of about a week, with an abscess on his kidney. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Mennonite Church with Bros. Roy Unzicker (acting pastor of the Saybrook Mennonite Church), and J. A. Heiser, in charge. Text, Eccl. 9:12. Interment at East Bend Cemetery.

Died:
at his home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Elmer married Ida Jane Yoder on 19 Jun 1938. Ida (daughter of Edwin G. Yoder and Lucy Ann Blough) was born on 20 Feb 1914; died in 1998; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: (Pantagraph)
FISHER — Leslie C. “Leck” Oyer, 89, of Fisher, died at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday (May 8, 2007) at the Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City.
Service: 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dewey Evangelical Mennonite Church, Dewey.
Burial: East Bend Memorial Gardens, rural Fisher.
Visitation: noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church.
Survivors: four daughters, Carolyn (Jim) Miller, Wauseon, Ohio; Nan (Bill) Cagle, Kandy (Greg) Beesley and Kathy (Mike) Dennemann, all of Fisher; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Birkey, Rantoul, and Dorothy Parsons, McAllen, Texas; and one brother, Merle Oyer, Champaign.
Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, is in charge of arrangements.

Died:
GC Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Leslie married Ruth Velma Hieser on 25 Feb 1941 in Champaign Co., IL. Ruth (daughter of John Emil Hieser and Mary Cender) was born on 30 Nov 1917 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 28 May 2008 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ruth married Raymond Joseph Birkey on 1 Jun 1946. Raymond (son of Joseph Christian Birkey and Ida Barbara Zehr) was born on 21 May 1917 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 22 Dec 1993 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 27 Dec 1993 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Raised her family and worked as a residential housekeeper
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2013-06-19/ruby-birkey.html
RANTOUL – Ruby Belle Birkey, 93, of Rantoul died at 9:50 a.m. Sunday (June 16, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Both the visitation and funeral will be held at the East Bend Mennonite Church, CR 3300 N, Fisher. Visitation will be held Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m. The funeral will then start at 4 p.m. Rev. Jeff Ressler will officiate. Burial will follow in the East Bend Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.

Ruby was born on March 16, 1920, in Foosland to Joseph and Bertha (Zimmerman) Oyer. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She married Harlan Birkey, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Joy Marie Birkey, four brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by her son, Joe (Celeste) Birkey of Rantoul; a brother, Merle Oyer of Champaign; a sister, Dorothy Oyer Parsons of McAllen, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruby accepted Christ at an early age and attended East Bend Mennonite Church all of her life. During Ruby's working years, she raised her family and worked as a residential housekeeper. Her husband, Harlan, was a mechanic at Springer Ford in Rantoul.

She was an excellent cook and her family especially enjoyed her famous angel food cakes, butterscotch pies and homemade candies which she often brought out at family and church gatherings.
She was active in different East Bend Mennonite activities and ministries, especially the Mennonite Women's ministry and the church's annual Vacation Bible School.

Ruby helped with sewing, quilt making and cooking for the Mennonite Women and she cooked for church events. She served as a bell ringer for years in the annual church's Vacation Bible School. She brought many friends and neighbors' children to church and VBS throughout the years.

Ruby was active in TOPS of Rantoul. She knew many people in Rantoul and the surrounding areas. She knew most of her neighbors who lived on her street plus kept track of some of them through the years. She was the family historian.

Ruby's philosophy was that a stranger was a friend she had not yet met. She was sensitive to the needs of those around her even in the later years of her own poor health. She had a special friendship with her caregiver, Paula Ashby of Rantoul. For many years she provided a friendly home and environment to her niece, Sharon Birkey.
Ruby loved flowers and rides through the countryside. She loved to play Uno and other table games.
She will be missed by all.

Died:
Carle Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ruby married Harlan Daniel Birkey on 14 Feb 1946. Harlan (son of Joseph Christian Birkey and Ida Barbara Zehr) was born on 4 Oct 1918 in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 18 Oct 1996 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 21 Oct 1996 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Missionary in Panama, Mexico, Papua New Guinea and Australia

Notes:

Obit: http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2018-05-13/dorothy-oyer-parsons.html
McALLEN, Texas — Dorothy Oyer Parsons, 95, went to be with our Lord on Friday (May 11, 2018) at Pax Villa Hospice, McAllen, Texas.  

She was a true gift of God and exemplified the meaning of her name. She was the only one in her family to complete a university degree in her 30s. She then was a single missionary in Panama before meeting her husband, Herman "Hap" Parsons, a Pearl Harbor veteran, in dental school, after which they embarked on a missionary journey together to Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Australia and later again throughout Mexico. She was a true model of strength, faith, integrity, grace, determination, courage and persistence. She had the heart of a true servant and spent her life giving of herself and ministering to others. Along with her husband, she shared God's love with all and impacted all who met her. She was a prayer warrior and a rare woman in this world who touched the lives of many across the globe.  
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Herman "Hap" Parsons; four brothers; three sisters, including her twin sister; as well as three siblings who passed away in infancy.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Pamela T. Parsons; brother, Merle Oyer; and numerous extended family and friends. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 15, 2018, from 5 to 9 p.m. with the celebration of life at 7 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Chapel of Remembrance.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel, 3611 Taylor Road, Mission, TX 78573

Buried:
Unknown

Dorothy married Herman Parsons on 8 Jan 1964. Herman was born on 10 Jan 1922; died on 22 Aug 2017 in McAllen, TX; was cremated in Aug 2017 in McAllen, TX. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Dora married Mervin Earl Sutter on 18 Sep 1948 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL. Mervin (son of Lawrence Sutter and Sarah Mae Birkey) was born on 14 Mar 1924 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 11 Feb 2009 in Sarasota, FL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Died:
Carle Foundation Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Merle married Edith Jackson Mandréll on 18 Mar 1979. Edith was born on 7 Apr 1922 in Newman, Douglas Co., IL; died on 9 Dec 2011 in Champaign, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Roy married Gladys Birkey [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Neva married John Yordy on 12 Jun 1941. John was born on 13 Jan 1913 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 10 May 1991 in Lansing, MI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Bellflower Township High School
• Occupation: Dairy And Grain Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Gibson City - Vilas J. Oyer, 88, of rural Gibson City died at 11:55 pm Friday ( March 17, 2006) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Gibson City. Memorial services will be 7 pm at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher. The Rev. Michael Dean & the Rev. Jeff Ressler will officiate. Burial will be at 3 pm Monday in East Bend Memorial Gardens, Fisher.
Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7 pm Monday at the Church. Lamb Funeral Home, 303 N. Church St. Gibson City, is handling arrangements.
Mr. Oyer was born Oct 3, 1917, in rural McLean County near Foosland, a son of Samuel and Elmira Naffziger Oyer.He married Viola Stauffer on Oct. 4, 1944 in Peoria. She survives.
Survivors also include two sons, Jerry S. Oyer of Gibson City and Kenneth R. Oyer of Mahomet; two daughters, Anna Marie Oyer of Ephrata, Pa, and Helen Mae Amberg of Anaconda, Mont.; a sister, Leta Eichelberger of Lakewood, Colo; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother. (Verle) Mr. Oyer attended Prairie Cottage and Caledonia grade schools in Bellflower Township and Foosland High School. He graduated from Bellflower Township High School in 1938 and was a dairy farmer and grain farmer north of Fisher. He moved to rural Gibson City in 1965 and was a lifetime member of East Bend Mennonite Church in Fisher. Memorials may be made to East Bend Mennonite Church.

Birth:
Near Foosland

Died:
Heritage Manor

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Vilas married Viola Stauffer on 4 Oct 1944 in Peoria, Tazewell Co., IL. Viola was born on 3 Nov 1919 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 11 May 2010 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 15 May 2010 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Died:
Meadows Mennonite Retirement Home

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Verle married Margaret Vera Birkey on 29 Aug 1945 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL. Margaret (daughter of Alvin Rudolph Birkey and Amelia Alberta Zehr) was born on 19 Sep 1924 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 3 Jul 2010 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried on 7 Jul 2010 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Crown Hill Cemetery

Leta married John E. Eichelberger on 4 Sep 1952. John (son of Joel Valentine Eichelberger and Katie A. Lauber) was born on 4 Apr 1927; died on 12 Feb 1969; was buried in Wheat Ridge, Jefferson Co., CO. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer, Bessie Elizabeth, daughter of Manuel and Elizabeth (Baecher) Oyer, was born at Foosland, Ill., Feb. 17, 1917; died of cancer Sept. 19, 1990; aged 73. Surviving are 2 sisters (Mary Oyer and Elsie Oyer). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Sept. 21, in charge of Millard Osborne; interment in East Bend Cemetery.

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer.- Mary Anna, 83, Dewey, Ill., died Sept. 16. Parents: Manuel and Lizzie Oyer (both deceased). Funeral: Sept. 19 at Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, Ill.

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Edward, son of John E. and Lena (Oyer) Birkey, was born at Dewey, Ill., Aug. 3, 1908; died at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 8, 1979; aged 71 y. On Feb. 14, 1932, he was married to Ruth Yoder, who survives. He is also survived by one daughter (Dores-Mrs. Paul Achterhof), 4 sons (Jenison, Dale, Norman, John), 10 grandchildren, his father (John E. Birkey), 7 brothers (Simon, John C., Elmer, Jake, Sam, Clarence, Joe), 5 sisters (Alvina, Pearl-Mrs. Marvin Garber, Pauline-Mrs. Del Kingery, Elsie-Mrs. Ralph Yoder, and Ann-Mrs. Jay Showalter). His mother, one brother, and one sister preceded him in death. He was ordained to the office of deacon, June 14, 1942, and to the office of bishop, July 4, 1948, and served as pastor of West Liberty cong., Inman, Kan., Nov. 1961-1977. He was a member of Manson (Iowa) Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Oct. 10, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum; interment in Rosehill Cemetery.

Buried:
Rosehill Cemetery

Edward married Ruth Yoder on 14 Feb 1932. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Clarence R. Birkey, 69, died Friday, 11 September 1981.

Born on Friday, 1 March 1912, he was the son of the late John E. Birkey formerly of Manson, Calhoun Co., IA and the late Magdalena M. (Oyer) formerly of Manson, Calhoun Co., IA.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Velma Mae (Heiser) Birkey, daughter of the late Manuel Heiser formerly of Fisher, Champaign Co., IL and the late Barbara (Good) formerly of Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

Clarence R. is survived by four children, Maynard Roy, Charlene Mae, Dennis Jan, and Mark Lee; eleven siblings, Simon, Alvina, Pearl Mable Garber and her husband Marvin Samuel Garber of Manson, Calhoun Co., IA, Elsie Yoder and her husband Ralph Yoder, John C. and his wife Carol Tensie (Garber) of Manson, Calhoun Co., IA, Anna Mae Showalter and her husband Jay Showalter, Elmer E. and his wife Hazel (Swartzendruber), Pauline Kingery and her husband Delbert Kingery, Samuel and his wife Rozetta (Shearer), Jacob and his wife Lois (Snyder), and Joseph and his wife Virginia (Bute).

Clarence R. was preceded in death by three siblings, Edward of Des Moines, IA, Katherine, and Orville Dale; four grandparents, Catherine (Schrock) Birkey of Manson, Calhoun Co., IA, Christian Oyer of Fisher, Champaign Co., IL, John G. of Manson, Calhoun Co., IA, and Katherine (Zehr) Oyer of Fisher, Champaign Co., IL.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Clarence married Velma Mae Heiser on 24 May 1944 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL. Velma (daughter of Manuel Heiser and Barbara Good) was born on 28 Sep 1915 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; died on 7 Dec 2011 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 10 Dec 2011 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Notes:

Secondly married Leonard Lichti.

Died:
MENNONITE FAMILY HISTORY, OCT 2005, PG. 165.

Pearl married Marvin Samuel Garber on 26 Dec 1958 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Elsie Marie was born on December 15, 1918 in Manson, Iowa to John and Lena (Oyer) Birkey. She passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at her home in Adair at the age of 95 years and 3 days. 

Elsie was married to Ralph Yoder in 1944 and they had six children. They made their home in Iowa for a few years then moved to Alpha, Minnesota where they lived for 15 years. In 1963, they moved to rural Pryor then later to Adair and then Big Cabin. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son Danny and 8 siblings. 

Funeral services for Elsie Yoder, 95 of Adair, will be held on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 11:00 am at Zion Mennonite Church in Pryor. Rev. Duey Matthews will officiate with burial following at Zion Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 pm. Services are under the direction of Key Funeral Home in Pryor.

Buried:
Zion Mennonite Cemetery

Elsie married Ralph Yoder on 31 Aug 1944. Ralph was born on 27 Nov 1911; died on 18 Jun 2001; was buried in Pryor, Mayes Co., OK. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

John married Carol Tensie Garber [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anna married Jay Showalter [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Elmer married Hazel Swartzendruber [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Pauline married Delbert Kingery [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Samuel married Rozetta Shearer [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jacob married Lois Snyder [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Virginia Bute [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Raymond F., son of Levi and Kate (Oyer) Birkey, was born at Dewey, Ill., Mar. 29, 1911; died at Gibson City, Ill, of arteriosclerosis, Feb. 8, 1968; aged 56y. 10 m. 10 d. On Aug. 18, 1939, he was married to Lela Zehr, who survives. Also surviving are 6 children (David, Virginia-Mrs. Roman Gingerich, Louann, Kay-Mrs. Henry Gingerich, Reta, and Connie), one brother (Ralph), and 2 sisters (June Stormzand and Velma Birkey). He was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Feb. 10, with Alton Horst and Ivan Birkey officiating.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Raymond married Lela Phoebe Zehr on 18 Aug 1939 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL. Lela (daughter of Daniel Alvin Zehr and Kate Elizabeth Birkey) was born on 14 Jun 1916 in Danvers, Washington Twp., McLean Co., IL; died on 19 Nov 2008 in Paxton, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

June married Anthony Stormzand [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• USR1: Blood infection, died of massive bleeding and evolving stroke.

Ralph married Mary Schrock [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Velma married Lowell Birkey [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Published Peoria Journal Star, The (IL) - July 28, 2001
Wilmer V. ''Bud'' Oyer, 78, died at 8:49 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2001, at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.

Born Sept. 26, 1922, in Foosland to John and Mary Springer Oyer, he married Marie P. Birkey on Feb. 15, 1944, in Flanagan. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Michael (and Janet) of Elgin, Craig (and Melanie) of Bloomington and Kevin (and Kathy) of Cooksville; one daughter, Jean (and Bruce) Bernardi of Bloomington; one half brother, Clifford Weaver of Texas; one stepbrother, Donald (and Marlene) Weaver of Michigan; two stepsisters, Phyllis Janz and Joan Diltz, both of Hesston, Kan.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Lester R. Weaver, who helped raise him; four sisters; and one stepsister.

He was a salesman for Sanders Tools & Supplies of Peoria for about 40 years, retiring in 1992.

He was a member of Metamora Mennonite Church in Metamora, where he sang with the Gospelaires Quartet for almost 50 years, taught Sunday school and was a church elder for many years.

He was a volunteer treasurer of the Eureka Etc. Shop. 

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Wilmer married Marie Phoebe Birkey on 15 Feb 1944 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Marie (daughter of Silas Daniel Birkey and Amanda Mae Stalter) was born on 20 Jul 1920 in El Paso, Livingston Co., IL; died on 3 Oct 2011 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 6 Oct 2011 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Elizabeth Murray [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Wednesday, June 8, 2005 (Pantagraph)
FISHER -- John Russell Zehr, 71, of Foosland died Monday (June 6, 2005) at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, the Rev. Jeff Ressler and the Rev. Michael Dean officiating. Burial will be in East Bend Cemetery, rural Fisher. Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the church. Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is in charge. Memorials may be made to President Jimmy Carter Center or East Bend Mennonite Church.

He was born Feb. 14, 1934, at Foosland, to Silas and Mabel Litwiller Zehr. They preceded him in death. Surviving are a brother, Vern Zehr of Fisher and four nieces and nephews.

He farmed in the Fisher and Elliott area all his life and was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church of Fisher.

Baptism:


Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Amos married Margaret Culbertson [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Ropp Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Veterinary degree from the University of Illinois
• Occupation: Veterinarian
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:

GOSHEN — Dr. Wesley Jay Zehr, 88, of Goshen, was born July 24, 1928, in Foosland, Illinois, one of eight children of the Rev. Harold and Alma (Unzicker) Zehr. He died Friday, July 7, 2017, at his home.

Jay graduated from Rantoul (Ill.) High School and attended Goshen College. He earned his veterinary degree from the University of Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Zehr. They were married Dec. 21, 1952. Jay was a member of College Mennonite Church since 1960.

Jay was raised on a central Illinois farm and as a youth discovered an interest in veterinary medicine, eventually choosing that career. 

He was a veterinarian for Goshen Animal Clinic in the early 1960s before joining the Milford Small Animal Clinic where he also performed diagnostics for local poultry farms. He retired in 1992.

Jay remained proud of his farming heritage throughout his life and was committed to preserving family history. He dedicated many hours compiling documents and photographs, leaving a legacy for his family’s future generations.

He was an avid woodworker and spent much of retirement creating treasures for family members, including a cradle made from a walnut tree from Carolyn’s homestead. Every grandchild and great-grandchild has slept in the cradle.

Jay was a Cubs fan and especially enjoyed watching the games in his later years.

He is survived by sons Eric (Luisa) Zehr of Goshen, Brian (Kyla) Zehr of Fort Wayne and Jeff (Lana) Zehr of Inman, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Darla (Steve) Schrock of Phoenix, Arizona, Amy (Jenna) Richie Zehr of Indianapolis, Evan, Erin and Andrew Zehr of Fort Wayne, Lindsey (Jake) Adams of Greenville, South Carolina, and Allison Zehr of Inman, South Carolina.; three great-grandchildren, Samuel Schrock, Nadia Schrock and Sommer Adams; brothers John Zehr of Urbana, Illinois and Allen Zehr of Bedford; sisters Hazel Yoder of Normal, Illinois and Lila King of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Zehr, sisters Edith Zehr and Rachel Zehr and stepmother Ruth Zehr.

Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017 in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church. A 5 p.m. memorial service will be conducted in the sanctuary. Pastors Ron Kennel and Pamela Yoder will officiate.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and cremated remains will be scattered in the College Mennonite Church Memorial Garden prior to the service.

Memorials may be given to College Mennonite Church Encircling Fund or Heifer International.

Died:
at home

Buried:
Ashes scattered: College Mennonite Church

Wesley married Carolyn Marie Sommer on 21 Dec 1951 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Carolyn (daughter of Raymond Sommer and Fannie Nafziger) was born on 17 May 1931 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; died in 2014 in Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

• Occupation: Grain and livestock farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Published in Peoria Journal Star on Nov. 6, 2014

WASHINGTON - Dean Richard Zehr, 82, of Washington, Ill., passed away and went home to the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014.
He was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Foosland, Ill., to the Rev. Harold and Alma (Unzicker) Zehr. He married Kathleen Imhoff in 1958, who preceded him in death in 2008.

He is survived by his children, Debra (Dave) Frohberg of West Lafayette, Ind., Rita (Dave) Kirkwood of Bloomington, Ill., Stan (Julie) Zehr of Eureka, Ill., and Curt (Sue) Zehr of Washington, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Lila (Ron) King, Rachel Zehr, Alan (Carol) Zehr, Hazel Yoder, John Zehr and W. Jay Zehr.
One sister, one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law preceded him in death.

Faith, family and farming were the cornerstones of Dean's life. As a young adult, he served with Mennonite Central Committee in Europe, helping World War II refugees rebuild their lives. His "PAX buddies" became lifelong friends who he and Kathy cherished. He was an active member of Metamora Mennonite Church, where he served in a variety of ways, including as elder and Sunday school teacher.

Dean's family was also a very important aspect in his life. He supported and encouraged his children in their many different activities and enjoyed going to various grandchildren's activities. Whether it was giving his grandchildren rides on his combine, having cousins come spend a week on the farm, going on vacations with siblings, or going to the "Zehr Family Reunion," Dean loved being with his family.

Dean grew up on a grain and livestock farm and raised Duroc hogs as a boy. After returning from Europe and marrying Kathy, he started grain farming with Kathy's father, Glenwood Imhoff, and raising Duroc swine again. This developed into selling swine across the U.S. and to foreign countries and making many lifelong friends in the pork industry. He was given the Illinois Master Swine Seedstock Producer Award and the Land of Lincoln Breeders Award for exhibiting swine at the Illinois State Fair for more than 50 years.

Dean was a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Pork Producers Association and the National Duroc Swine Registry. He served as president of the Woodford County Pork Producers and Illinois Duroc Breeders Association and secretary of the Illinois Purebred Swine Council. He also served on the Pleasant View Grade School Board and the Pleasant View Fire and Park District boards.

Funeral services for Dean will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Metamora Mennonite Church, with burial following in Hickory Point Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church and from noon Saturday until time of service.
Memorials for Dean may be directed to either the church or Mennonite Central Committee.

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Dean married Kathleen Carol Imhoff on 9 Aug 1958 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. Kathleen was born on 19 Oct 1938 in Peoria, Peoria Co., IL; died on 14 Jun 2008 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Published by The Pantagraph on Oct. 28, 2021.

Hazel Irene Yoder
Jan. 18, 1934 - Oct. 23, 2021
GOSHEN, Indiana – Hazel Irene Yoder, died peacefully on October 23, 2021, at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen, IN.
Hazel was born January 18, 1934, in Foosland, IL, the fifth child of Harold and Alma (Unzicker) Zehr.

She graduated from Goshen College in 1957, and that same year married Thomas Yoder. The couple moved to South Central, KS, where they started a family before returning to Central Illinois, where Tom taught middle school History and Hazel worked as a nurse. Hazel lived in Normal, IL, for 56 years, until she moved to Goshen, IN, in 2018, to be closer to family.
Hazel had a long career in nursing, she worked as a nurse in both Newton, KS, and Bloomington, IL, taught nursing at the Mennonite School of Nursing for many years, before becoming the Director of Nursing at Meadows Retirement Community in Meadows, IL. She had a particular interest in memory care and helped start one of the first Alzheimer's units in Illinois. After retirement she tirelessly cared for her husband, who was seriously injured in a bicycle accident in 1993, until he died in 2009.

Church was an important part of her life, and she was an active member of the Mennonite Church of Normal, for over 40 years. She served as a youth group leader and on numerous committees. During retirement she particularly enjoyed reading to children who attended the Head Start program, housed in the church. She also enjoyed traveling and learning, taking trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Portugal, Europe and the Marshall Islands with her husband, and attending several Road Scholar programs with her sister, Rachel and friend, Dorothy.

She is survived by her children: Dawn Yoder (Doug) Harms of North Newton, KS, Scot (Karen) Yoder of Mason, MI, and Mark (Debra) Yoder of Goshen, IN; and seven grandchildren: Matthew, Nathan, Chris, Katelyn, Adam, Alex and Elyse.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Yoder; and seven siblings: Edith Zehr, Jay Zehr, John Zehr, Dean Zehr, Allan Zehr, Rachel Zehr and Lila King.

A burial of cremated remains will take place at Ropp Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 12, followed by an 11:00 a.m. memorial service at the Mennonite Church of Normal, Normal, IL.

Died:
Greencroft Healthcare

Buried:
Burial of cremated remains

Hazel married Thomas Yoder on 30 Aug 1957 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. Thomas was born on 15 Jul 1929 in Millersburg, Elkhart Co., IN; died on 31 Jan 2009 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Psychiatric social worker and therapist. Founded the psychiatric counseling service at Bedford Regional Medical Center
• USR1: Covid-19

Notes:

Buried:
Cresthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery

Allen married Carol Miller [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: BA in Edu. Goshen College, MA in Education at Washington University
• Occupation: Supervisor of teachers of the hearing impaired education programs
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/rachel-zehr/article_ba097c51-21be-5492-8223-75d75e5c3206.html
Rachel A. Zehr, 79, of Normal, passed away at 4:44 p.m. Sept. 14, 2016, at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa.

Her inurnment will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mennonite Church of Normal-Ropp Cemetery, Normal. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at Mennonite Church of Normal with Pastor Tim Schrag and Pastor Jane Roeschley officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, the Mennonite Church of Normal or to Goshen College for the American Sign Language program.

Rachel was born Aug. 8, 1937, in Foosland, a daughter of Harold and Alma Unzicker Zehr.
Surviving are her two sisters, Hazel Yoder, Normal, and Lila (Ron) King, Harrisonburg, Va.; three brothers, John Zehr, Urbana; Jay Zehr, Goshen, Ind.; and Allen (Carol) Zehr, Bedford, Ind.; and 18 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Edith; and one brother, Dean.

Rachel graduated from Goshen College, Goshen, Ind., with a bachelor of arts in education. After several years of teaching elementary school children, she attended Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., where she received her master of arts in education for the hearing impaired. She received additional education in this field from University of Illinois and Illinois State University.

Rachel supervised teachers of the hearing impaired education programs, with her central headquarters in Peoria. After retiring, she screened elementary school children for hearing and vision for McLean County Health Department.

She was active in the Mennonite Church of Normal, serving on many committees over the years, as well as teaching Sunday school.

Rachel enjoyed volunteering, especially reading stories to Heartland Head Start children and working at Crossroads Global Handcrafts.

The family would like to thank Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community for the tender and attentive care given to Rachel during her stay there.

Died:
Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Died:
Sentara RMH Medical Center

Lila married Ronald King on 20 Aug 1965. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Fisher High School 1954, Wheaton College 1958 (BA, General Science); Central Michigan University 1978 (MA, Management And Supervision)
• Occupation: U.S. Military
• Religion: Mennonite/Independent
• USR1: Heart attack or stroke while riding a bicycle in Bangkok Thailand

Notes:

Obit: Bloomington Pantagraph Thursday, December 11, 2003

FISHER -- Albert E. Schrock, 67, formerly of Fisher, died Saturday morning (Dec. 6, 2003) while riding his bicycle in Bangkok, Thailand.

He was an avid outdoorsman, sports enthusiast, world traveler, and supporter of his local church in Bangkok. He was a Vietnam veteran, and after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, he spent a career with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer. Following retirement from a career with the State Department, he returned to the American Embassy in Bangkok where he was serving as information security officer with a support contractor.

After memorial services in the Bangkok Evangelical Church today, a military funeral and burial are tentatively planned for Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

Albert was born in Fisher on Aug. 24, 1936, to Elmer and Mabel Zehr Schrock.

He is survived by his wife, Maryanne Schrock of Bangkok; four children from a previous marriage: Kay Kern, Roswell, Ga.; Jonathan Schrock, Watertown, Wis.; Joel Schrock, Okeechobee, Fla.; and Kristi Weyker, Milwaukee, Wis.; and several grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Eileen Heiser Schrock, St. Louis, Mo.; and four brothers and sisters: Harley Schrock, Crystal River, Fla.; Janet Heiser Hatch, St. Louis, Mo.; Philip Schrock, Arlington, Va.; and Dr. Emily Schrock Bray, Greenville, N.C.

Albert's written wish was that he would be remembered as "a sinner, saved by grace."

Al’s military awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, First Class; and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Buried:
Arlington National Cemetery

Albert married Margaret Emily Pritchard [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Albert married Unnur Halldorsdottir on 6 May 1983 in Reykjavik, Iceland, and was divorced on 10 Aug 1994. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Albert married Marianne Siebert on 27 Jun 1996 in Pretoria, South Africa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Fisher Community High School, Columbia Bible College
• HOBB: Flying, gardening, bird watching
• MILF: Y
• Occupation: Missionary In Paupau New Guinea
• Religion: Mennonite, Bible Church, Baptist
• USR1: Cancer-Multiple Myeloma

Notes:

Obit: https://www.pongerkaysgrady.com/obituary/harley-schrock

Harley Jacob Schrock passed away on December 3, 2021 in Wauchula Florida.  He was a member of this Community for 16 years.  He Graduated Columbia Bible College in 1961 and was a Missionary to Papua New Guinea.  He was employed by Global Baptist Missions.  He attended Crewsville Baptist Church. 

His greatest accomplishments were being a Great Father and his teachings of the Bible on the Radio and to New Guinea.  His hobbies and interests were Flying, Gardening, Bird Watching and most of all anything to do with teachings of the Bible.  He was a Godly man.

He is survived by Spouse - Barbara Owes Schrock, Son - David Schrock (Shanti) of Sarasota Fl, Daughter - Elizabeth Schrock Robb of Ellenton Fl, Grandchildren - Nathan Robb and  Matthew Robb ,Stepchildren - Carwin Owens of Lynchburg Va., Mary Beth Owens of Charlotte N.C., Martha Owens Marrero (Bill) of Florence S.C., Chrissy Owens Kizer (Ed), Rachel, Step-grandchildren, Rachel, Anna Gray, Hunter, Claire Elyse, Luke and Charlie, Brothers -  Phillip Schrock (Janice), Sister Dr. Emily Schrock Bray (Paul), Stepsister - Janet Hatch (Jim)

He is preceded in death by [first wife] Sandra Brooks Schrock and Brother Albert Schrock.

A visitation of Family and Friends will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 10:00am thru 11:00 am at Crewsville Bethel Baptist Church, 8251 Crewsville Rd. Zolfo Springs FL 33890.
 
Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the Crewsville Bethel Baptist Church 8251 Crewsville Rd. Zolfo Springs FL 33890, with Rev. Thomas Heath officiating, Burial will be Private at Florida National Cemetery Bushnell Florida.
Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Buried:
Florida National Cemetery

Harley married Sandra Adair Brookes on 16 Dec 1961 in Lakeworth, FL. Sandra was born on 3 Nov 1937 in Raleigh, Wake Co., NC; died on 30 May 2004 in Sarasota, FL; was buried in Bushnell, Sumter Co., FL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harley married Barbara Owens on 8 Feb 2008 in Fountain Inn, SC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Janice (Private) Bellah. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emily married Paul Timothy Bray [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Weitekamp. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]