Elmer A Christner

Elmer A Christner, age 90, of Goshen was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at Harmony House, Elkhart.

He was born November 22, 1934, in LaGrange County, to Amos and Elizabeth (Bontrager) Christner.

Elmer married Amanda Schrock on March 10, 1954 in LaGrange celebrating their 70th anniversary this last March. Amanda survives, along with children, Sandra (Dennis) Beard of Elkhart, Linda (Duane) Stickel of Middlebury, and Mark (Ellen) Christner of Goshen; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Ruby Christner of New Paris.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Angela Christner, and his siblings.

Elmer deeply loved his Lord and Savior, Amanda, his family and his Pleasant View Church family attending there for over 50 years.  With an Amish upbringing and an 8th grade education, he rose up the ranks to be the Production Manager at Shasta Trailers for almost 30 years earning the nickname “Mr. Shasta”, retiring at age 55 after an additional few years at Coachman Industries.  In “retirement”, he and Amanda managed their rental real estate business they started in 1970 and grew over the years, working 5 days a week into his 80’s.

He had a passion for traveling and volunteering for those less fortunate going to Israel twice and South Africa on a mission trip along with countless trips in the U.S. including other mission trips. He was always willing to help others.  He was active in the church volunteering in many roles including being an Elder. He loved reading and memorizing scripture, occasionally reciting entire chapters of the Bible during church services.  He deeply appreciated time spent with family, hosting various family members and friends at their Florida vacation home for fun and games late into the evening.  He played softball for Shasta and/or church for over 20 years, once making a catch so memorable they wrote about it in the Goshen newspaper at that time and then again decades later.

A private burial will take place with extended family on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Pleasant View Cemetery followed by a memorial service on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 at Pleasant View Church at 11 AM. Pastors Mark Snyder and Mike Zehr will officiate the services.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Heartland Hospice and the Harmony Memory Care facility for the love and care they provided Elmer over the many months of his stay.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made on Elmer’s behalf to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Dr., Suite D, Mishawaka, IN 46545;  or Pleasant View Church, 58529 CR 23, Goshen IN 46528.