J. Herbert Fretz

J. Herbert Fretz, 92, of Goshen, passed away early Saturday morning, August 10, 2013, at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born Jan. 10, 1921 in Lansdale, Pa., to Jacob R. and Mary (Rickert) Fretz. He married Helen Habegger June 9, 1945 at First Mennonite Church, Berne. Helen's father, Rev. Alfred Habegger, officiated. She survives along with four children, Barbara (Archie) Ross, Longmont, Colo., Susan Boushele, Pocatello, Idaho, James H. (Mary) Fretz, Killingworth, Conn., and Joseph H. (Ann) Fretz, Centennial, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Jason, Don, Charles, Christina, Samuel, Zachary and Emily; and four great-grandchildren, Ezra, Isaac, Bridget and James. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jacob M. and Stanley R. Fretz. A 1943 graduate of Bluffton University, Herb went on to study at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa. A minister, he served at the Deep Run West Mennonite Meetinghouse near Bedminster, Pa., the Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, S.D. and then Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen from 1963 to 68. From 1968 until his retirement in 1988, Herbert worked for The Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, as Coordinator of Church and Seminary Relations. Herb had many interests, including beekeeping, gardening, Model T Fords and woodworking. The author of many articles, he had served as past president and historian of the Fretz Family Association. In accordance with his wishes, his body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Eighth Street Mennonite Church with Pastors Kevin Farmwald and Brenda Paetkau officiating. There will be a time of visiting following the service. Burial of his cremated remains will be at Deep Run West Mennonite Church Cemetery, Bedminster, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Eighth Street Mennonite Church or AMBS.