John Stalter

John D. Stalter, 97, of Goshen, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning, December 28, 2014 at The Maples at Waterford Crossing. He was born December 5, 1917 in Waldo Township, Livingston County, Illinois. He was the youngest of seven children of John D. and Ida (Yoder) Stalter. John's father died in August of 1917, four months prior to his son's birth. His mother died several years later. John and a brother, Earl were given a foster home by Alvin and Lydia (Wenger) Roggy. They moved to a small farm in central Michigan in the early 20's, taking the boys with them. After graduating from Ithica High School, John went to Detroit, where he attended the Detroit College of Applied Science, receiving a BS degree in production engineering. On June 22, 1941, John married Kathryn Mumaw of Elkhart. They lived in Detroit for a year, at which time their lives were interrupted by the war. During the war, John spent nearly four years in Civilian Public Service. The last several years of service he was director of the CPS camp no. 28 near Medaryville, Ind. After the war, they made their home in Elkhart and John resumed his professional career, designing special purpose production tools and machinery. He became a supervisor as chief engineer and finally as Director of Research and development. John was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and was granted a life membership. After retiring, John and Kathryn moved to Goshen, where he pursued his lifelong hobby of woodworking. His hand crafted furniture and novelty items were admired by many. John's wife Kathryn died in 2009. He is survived by their three children and families; son, Sanford Stalter, wife Lyndee and grandson Daniel live in Cornwall Bridge, Conn.; daughter, Kathy Najar and husband Mitch live in Goshen, and daughter, Loretta Cross and husband David live in Albany, Oregon. Friends may call Friday, January 2, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A Saturday, January 3, 2015 memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the College Mennonite Church sanctuary. Reverends Pamela Yoder and Willie Kanagy will officiate. According to John's wishes, cremation will take place and burial will be at a later date.