Willis L. Breckbill

Willis "Bill" L. Breckbill, 85, of Goshen, died Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at his home. He was born to the late David and Anna (Leaman) Breckbill on April 28, 1926 in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. On August 14, 1954, he married Ina Ruth Krabill of Louisville, Ohio. She survives, along with their four children: David (Anita Stoltzfus) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bruce (Jill Detweiler) of Kidron, Ohio, Don (Carola Horsch) of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and Anne of St. Paul, Minnesota. Also surviving are eight grandchildren (Hannah, Ben, Max, Greta, Madlen, Isaiah, Anna, and Elizabeth), a brother, Parke, and a sister, Marion (Clarence) Rudy. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Richard, and a sister, Alice Charles. Bill's career reflected his love of the Mennonite Church. In addition to pastoring congregations in Biglerville, Pennsylvania (Bethel), Canton, Ohio (First Mennonite), Cambridge, Ontario (Preston), and Goshen, (Waterford), he also undertook interim pastoral assignments in Portadown, Northern Ireland, Archbold, Ohio (Central), and Elkhart, (Southside Fellowship and Hively Avenue). He served the broader church as a member of the General Board of the Mennonite Church and then as Moderator (1977-1979). Between pastorates, he was Conference Minister of both the Ohio and Eastern Mennonite Conference and the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. Bill was a Goshen College and Goshen Seminary graduate (1954/1955) and later became a member of the Goshen College Board of Overseers. He was the speaker on The Mennonite Hour radio broadcast for two years. He was one of the driving forces behind creating the Memorial Garden at Waterford Mennonite Church where his cremains will be scattered. Bill was a man who cherished and built relationships, loved people, and advocated for the marginalized in society and the church. He enjoyed expanding his horizons and took many opportunities to educate himself on theological and social issues. He was a big man with a friendly smile and gentle presence. Most importantly, he was a devoted and fun-loving husband, father, and grandfather. Friends may call 1-4 and 6-9 p.m., Saturday, August 20 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2011, funeral service will be conducted at Waterford Mennonite Church, Goshen. Pastor Tina Stoltzfus and former Pastor Sylvia Shirk will officiate. Memorial donations may be given to Mennonite Central Committee, Goshen Care at Home Hospice, or a local hospice of your choice.