Dorvin D. Schlabach

Dorvin Daniel Schlabach, 93, of Goshen died peacefully at home in Greencroft on August 21, 2024.

He was born in Elkhart County December 15, 1930 to Ezra and Vivian (Johns) Schlabach.  On June 8, 1956 he married Ruth Wenger in Chesapeake VA.

He is survived by his wife; his three children: Lyn (John) Buschert; Steven Schlabach; Patty (Bruce) Nofziger, all of Goshen; three grandchildren: Elizabeth Buschert (Guilhem Ribeill) of Boston MA; Andrew Buschert of Rochester NY; Daniel Buschert (Hannah Bachman) of Goshen; two great grandchildren; and one sister Arleta Kilmer of Goshen.

Dorvin was predeceased by his parents, two sisters: Ruth Shaum and Eudean Broni; and three brothers: Richard, Theron, and Dale Schlabach.

Dorvin grew up in Elkhart County and graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School, Harrisonburg, VA.  He then did 1-W service at a mental hospital in Ypsilanti MI.  After marrying Ruth, they settled in the Goshen area and he soon began working for Star Tank & Boat. He retired in 1995 from Behlen Industries.

He was a charter and longtime member of Benton Mennonite church where he led singing, sang in quartets, and served as an elder.  He was also a redcoat volunteer at Goshen Hospital for 40 years.

He was known for repairing things for himself and many others: sewing machines, adding machines, clocks, telephones, vacuum cleaners, and lawnmowers.  Even more, he never met a machine he did not want to modify to improve it.  He enjoyed playing games and being with his extended family most of whom lived in Elkhart County.  In his last days he especially enjoyed his great grandchildren.  His family will miss him.

Calling hours will be at Benton Mennonite Church on Saturday October 12 beginning at 9:30 am followed by the memorial service at 11:00 with a meal to follow. To attend the service virtually please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83705022863?pwd=PRAMjQV723GOdMMxxUHf9W12p1yb3M.1 A private burial will be at a later time.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Maple City Community Orchestra; https://www.mcco-online.org/donate/ or Mennonite Disaster Service; https://mds.org/ways-to-donate/ .