Earl D. Schwartzentruber

Earl D. Schwartzentruber, 85, of Goshen, died Saturday evening, December 20, 2014, at Greencroft Healthcare from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was born December 21, 1928 in Tavistock, Ontario, Canada, to David and Barbara (Streicher) Schwartzentruber. On August 20, 1955 he married Genevieve M. Leichty in West Liberty, Ohio. She survives along with three children, Douglas (Diane White) Schwartzentruber of Carmel, David (Becky) Schwartzentruber of Goshen and Donita (Steven) Rhodes of Harrisonburg, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Alicia, Jared, Mandy, Darin, Jena (David) Plaster, Lauren, Carter and Addison; a great-granddaughter, Rhilynn; a sister, Betty Bearinger of Hamilton, Ontario, and a sister-in-law, Fannie Mae Schwartzentruber of Tavistock, Ontario, Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold and Glenn. With GED in hand, Earl was thrilled to come to Goshen College in 1953 to earn a bachelor's degree in English, followed by a Master's of Divinity degree from then called Goshen Biblical Seminary. After an intense year of language study in Costa Rica the family moved to Bragado, Argentina, where he served for 11 years as pastor of a Mennonite Church. Upon returning to the US in 1973, he established his own business, Earl's Construction, until retiring in 1993. Retirement gave him opportunities to express his love for woodworking. He was an active member of College Mennonite Church; taught Sunday school at Greencroft for many years and volunteered in various projects in the Goshen area. He loved and valued his wife, his children and their families. Family, church, Bible study, carpentry, music, teaching and the Spanish language were an integral part of his life. Visitation is Friday, December 26, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 27, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at College Mennonite Church. Pastor Phil Waite will officiate. A private family burial will take place at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be given to College Mennonite Church Jubilee Fund or Mennonite Central Committee.