Eldon Dean Nafziger

Eldon Dean Nafziger, 79, of Goshen, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, October 6, 2011, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. He was born November 29, 1931, in Hopedale, Illonois to the late Eldon R. and Sadie (Sutter) Nafziger. He married Laverne Vogt on September 2, 1954 in Hesston, Kansas. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Lee Ann (Paul) Ewert of Hannibal, Missouri., and Donna (Bill) Suter of Pandora, Ohio; two sons, Eric (Karen) Nafziger of Hopedale, Illinois and Tim (Izaete) Nafziger of Goshen; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lu (Roger) Neumann of Goshen. He was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Springer. A 1953 graduate of Goshen College, Mr. Nafziger moved to Goshen seven years ago after a lifetime of farming in Illinois. Mr. Nafziger served many years on multiple Mennonite Church Conference committees. He was instrumental in establishing the partnership between the Illinois Mennonite Conference and the Argentine Mennonite Church. He volunteered for 10 years with the Mennonite Foundation. A member of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, he enjoyed Bible study, New Testament Greek, and traveling, especially international travel. Locally, he sang with the Evergreen Singers. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 7 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2011, funeral service will be conducted at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship with Pastors Dan Schrock and Lois Stoltzfus Mast officiating. A 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 9, 2011, burial will be in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale, Illinois. A 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 9, 2011, memorial service will be held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Mission Network or Goshen College.