Joel Mason Schartzer

Joel Mason Schartzer, 61, passed away early Monday morning, February 23, 2009, at his home.   Joel was born on April 11, 1947 in Bryan, Ohio to John and Nancy (Mason) Schartzer who survive.  He was married to Susan Almquist on January 17, 1970, in Flint Michigan.  She also survives.                    Joel was a writer for many years and wrote many short stories with humor being his specialty.  He was a graduate of Bryan High School in 1965;  graduate of General Motors Institute, Flint, 1970, Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree; graduate of St. Francis College, Ft. Wayne, Master of Science degree;   graduate of University of Notre Dame, 1984, Doctor of Psychology in Experimental Sociology.   He is survived by his one sister, Suzy Schartzer, of Muskegon, Michigan.   Friends may call from 4-7p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.    A 10:00 a.m. funeral service will be held Friday, February 27, 2009 at St. John’s Catholic Church of Goshen with Father Christopher Smith officiating.  Family and friends will meet at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m., Friday, for a processional to the church.  Following the service family and friends are invited to an informal gathering at the family home on Wilson Ave. for a time of sharing memories and celebrating Joel’s life.    Burial will be at Violett Cemetery, Goshen, following cremation.   Memorial contributions may be made to Acres Land Trust, 1802 Chapman Rd., Huntertown, IN 46748; Food for the Poor (for water projects), 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073; Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606; FINCA (Small Loans-Big Changes), 1101 14th St. NW, 11th Floor, Washington D.C. 20005; National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Dr., Reston, VA  20190-5362; or Faith Missions of Elkhart, 801 Benham Ave., PO Box 162 Elkhart, IN  46515.