Lee E. Troyer

The Troyer family is mourning the loss of its great patriarch.

Lee E. Troyer, of Goshen, succumbed to kidney failure on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the age of 88.

We will miss his strength and his amazingly steady family leadership. And we will miss his silly side that led to pranks, impromptu made-up songs and rhyming of names of new friends and old.

He leaves behind his loving wife Rachel (Lambright) Troyer of 65 years, son Jeffrey Troyer (Sherri) of Westfield, daughter Jolene Bilinski (Bill), South Bend, along with grandchildren Jenna Mrozinske (Jared), Michael and Ellen Troyer and Shane Bilinski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Viola (King) Troyer, his sister Margaret Borns and grandson Nate Bilinski.

Lee, born in Harper Kansas, May 28, 1932, attended Hesston and Goshen College. He was a devoted member of the North Goshen Mennonite Church and owner of Lee E. Troyer, Builder. Lee took great pride in his craftsmanship, building more than 200 custom homes in the Goshen-Elkhart area, and was a member of the Elkhart County Home Builders Association.

One of Lee’s great passions was traveling the globe ­-- Lee and Rachel visited all 50 states and 45 countries. But Lee’s favorite place was their winter home in Siesta Key, Fla.

Lee was a Meals on Wheels volunteer and a big fan of Notre Dame sports. Later in life Lee fell in love with the Chicago Cubs and rarely missed watching a game.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, services will be limited to immediate family only.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Window, 223 South Main Street, Goshen, IN 46526.