Fredrick "Fritz" H. Liechty

Fredrick "Fritz" H. Liechty, 84, of Goshen, died early Thursday morning, January 19, 2012, at Greencroft Gables where he had been since January 3. He was born January 8, 1928 in Berne to Hiram and Fanny (Beitler) Liechty. He married Magdalene "Maggie" Lehman August 26, 1950 in Berne. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Nancy Liechty (Jake) Loewen and Mary Liechty- (Doug) Caskey, both of Goshen; and four grandchildren, Emma (Alex) Dugger, Nick Loewen, Jesse Loewen and Alex Caskey. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Laura Fisher and Jane Bentz. A lovingly devoted husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Liechty placed great importance on his family. A 1950 graduate of Bluffton College, Mr. Liechty was an outstanding athlete in basketball, baseball, and football, and was inducted into Bluffton's Athletic Hall of Fame. A dedicated jogger, Mr. Liechty ran more than 85,000 miles. Mr. Liechty retired in 1993 as president of First Bank of Berne where he had worked since 1950. He was a longtime member of 1st Mennonite Church, Berne, where he was active in Stephens Ministry and taught Sunday school for many years. He and his wife were very active in refugee resettlement. He was a former board member of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Mennonite Board of Education. A Goshen resident since July 2007, Mr. Liechty was a member of 8th Street Mennonite Church. Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 8th Street Mennonite Church, Goshen, where a 7 p.m. memorial service will be conducted. Pastors Kevin Farmwald and Brenda Sawatzky-Paetkau will officiate. Friends may also call 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Swiss Village Chapel, Berne where a 4:00 p.m. memorial service will be held. Chaplain Anita Rediger will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to AMBS or Mennonite Mission Network for Memorial Colombia Endowment Fund.