Myron Schrag

A sojourner whose ministry carried him from India to Indiana, Myron Dave Schrag—pastor, peacemaker, and faithful follower of Jesus—completed his earthly journey on December 6, 2025. He died at home in Goshen, Indiana, surrounded by family.

Born January 10, 1937, in Norwich, Kansas, Myron was the fifth of six children of Dave and Adina Schrag. Raised on a farm near Kingman, Kansas, he often reflected on how his rural upbringing shaped his character and work ethic, even as he later lived in various locales. His faith was nurtured at Bethany Mennonite Church, where he was baptized as a teenager. In later years, Myron would say that baptism marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship—one shaped by the teachings of Jesus, especially the call to peacemaking, justice, and the “upside-down kingdom” proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount.

A gifted athlete at Norwich High School, Myron excelled in football, basketball, and track, and also enjoyed theater. At Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, he initially prepared for a career in teaching and coaching but found himself increasingly drawn to Bible and religion courses. He also continued his athletic pursuits, setting a school record in the 120-yard hurdles.

After graduating in 1959, Myron served through Mennonite Voluntary Service in Ontario, Canada, working with troubled youth. A later summer with Mennonite Central Committee in Nashville, Tennessee, and time spent at Koinonia Farm in Georgia with Clarence Jordan deepened his commitment to a gospel-rooted faith expressed through racial justice, nonviolence, and shared community. These experiences led him to seminary at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in Elkhart, Indiana.

There he met Ericka “Rickey” Koop of Vineland, Ontario. They were married in 1965, beginning a partnership in life and ministry that spanned more than six decades.

Myron served congregations in Newton, Kansas; as chaplain at Woodstock School in India; and for many years at Faith Mennonite Church in Minneapolis, where he was active in peace movements and helped found People of Faith Peacemakers. His ministry consistently emphasized inclusion, compassion, and the conviction that Christ is present among the poor and oppressed. He concluded his pastoral career at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana.

Retiring in 2002, Myron and Rickey continued to combine travel with service, including teaching in China and participating in church-related visits around the world. First diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Myron survived that, only to succumb to another cancer diagnosis in 2025. He lived fully and faithfully until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Rickey; three sons; seven grandchildren; siblings; and extended family. Myron will be remembered for his humility, warmth, love of sports, devotion to family, and enduring witness to the peaceable way of Jesus.

Memorials may be sent to Eighth Street Mennonite Church or to Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminaries. Cremation has taken place, and a service of remembrance will be held at a later date.