1954, Carroll Lee Harder, 75, of Newton, Kansas passed away peacefully on Friday (May 11, 2012), surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Carroll was born to Herbert H. and Helen (Wuthrich) Harder on Aug. 19, 1936. They preceded him in death.

Carroll started Harder Service with his wife in the early 1960s. The company later became known as Harder Construction. He was certified as a master plumber for the state of Kansas. He was a member of the National Guard and the Reserves and was on the Peabody Fire Department from the late 1960s through 1980. Carroll was fire chief of that department from 1975 to 1980.

Carroll was an active member of Swiss Church in Whitewater. He taught Sunday school, was a deacon, and was a member of their finance committee, as well as the building board committee. Carroll spent many hours over the last couple of years working on the Family Life Center addition for Swiss Church.

He was a model train enthusiast with an extensive collection. He owned a Model T, which he was very proud of, and he was actively involved with the Model T club “Flatland T’s Regional Group of Central Kansas.”

He previously served on the Newton Planning and Zoning Board and currently was a member of the Harvey County Planning and Zoning Commission, Harvey County Builders Association, as well as the Wichita Area Builders Association.

He is survived by wife, Verna (Chapple); sons, Randy (and Lori) and David (and Vicki); grandsons, Todd (and Jaime), Andrew (and Jamie) and Alex; and great-granddaughters, Lillian, Sophie and Allison.

A family visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. is planned Monday at Lamb Mortuary in Whitewater. The service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Swiss Church Family Life Center in Whitewater. Burial will follow the service. Memorials may be given to the Swiss Church Family Life Center.

1960, Marie R. Buller was born August 12, 1938 on the family farm west of  Kremlin, OK to John P. and Katherina Rempel Buller and passed away on Friday, May 04, 2012 at the Golden Oaks Nursing Home and is now rejoicing in the presence of Jesus her Lord and Savior.  She attended and graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1956 and from Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska in 1960. She served for 35 years at Grace Bible Institute, later renamed Grace University.  She began her career as secretary in the Alumni Office and later did clerical work in the Development Office.  In 1989 she was honored with the Alumna of the Year Award.

Marie began her faith journey in March 1949 when she trusted Jesus as her Savior during a week of revival with Evangelist Loyal Funk at the Mennonite Brethren Church north of Enid.  Then onOctober 8, 1950, she was baptized in the farm pond east of the church by Pastor P.C. Grunau and received into church membership.  During her years in Omaha she was an active member of Faith Bible Church.  She faithfully taught the four year old Sunday school class and was involved in women’s ministry.  After retirement in 2000 and her move to Enid, Marie was an active member of Enid Mennonite Brethren Church serving in AWANA, singing in the choir, and serving as greeter.

There were many things Marie enjoyed doing.  She was a long time stamp collector.  She loved putting together difficult puzzles and mounted and framed several.  She had a special interest in Thomas Kinkade puzzles and books.  She enjoyed many types of arts and crafts.  She is most remembered for the Afghans she crocheted.  She made one for each of her twenty-five nieces and nephews with each Afghan being different and unique.  She enjoyed children as can be seen in her many years of teaching children’s Bible classes and her association with her nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her sisters Rosella Funk and husband Paul of Inman, KS, Hanna Thiesen and husband Alvin of Clovis, CA,  Sara Kroeker and husband Gerald of Fresno, CA, and Elfrieda Buller of Enid, brothers John and Dorothy Buller of Collinsville, OK, Harold and Leona Buller of Hillsdale and Alfred and Malvina Buller of Kremlin and many  nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and an infant niece and infant nephew.  While we miss Marie, we are glad for her since now she is free of any illness and is rejoicing in the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior.

Memorials may be made to the Open Arms Project at the Enid Mennonite Brethren Church with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the fund.

Celebration of Life service for Marie R. Buller age 73 of Enid, Oklahoma will be 2 pm Thursday, May 10 at the Enid Mennonite Brethren Church with Rev. Lynford Becker officiating. Burial will be in the Mennonite Brethren Cemetery before the service under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:30 pm.

Roland “Rollie” Dean Loewen, 74, of El Paso, IL passed away at 8:20 am on Thursday, April 19, 2012.  Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Salem Church in rural Gridley, IL. Rev. Stuart Rex and Rev. Tim Smith will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-5 pm at the Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso.  Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, Spare and Share Building Fund, or Youth For Christ in Findlay, OH.

Rollie was born on October 29, 1937 in Meade, KS a son of William W. and Margaret J. Isaac Loewen. He married Gladyce Bixel on August 14, 1959 in Bluffton, OH. She survives.  Also surviving are one daughter, Lori (Bill) Troyer of Normal, IL; two sons, Lyn (Lori) Loewen of Findlay, OH; Landis (Kelleen) Loewen of Hudson, MA; seven grandchildren, Kelsey, Claire, and Rachel Troyer; Lydia (Jake) McKinley; Zach (Mariel) Bingham; Jacob and Baylee Loewen; three great grandchildren, Kadin, Adelyn, and Morgan McKinley; and one brother, Merle (Betty) Loewen of Ellinwood, KS.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rollie taught school for 33 ½ years with the last 30 years being in the El Paso School District. He enjoyed operating the scoreboard for many years at the El Paso-Gridley high school basketball games. He was a member of the Salem Church where he served on many boards and also taught Sunday School. He was the chaplain for the Livingston County Gideons and served on the board for the Spare and Share in Gridley where he was the chairman for the past few years.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com

Johnnie Joseph Walter went home to be with the Lord he loved and served on Friday, April 13, 2012 at noon. He was born July 20, 1923 at home in Prairie View Township of Beadle County, South Dakota, the third child of Joseph M. and Susie (Hofer) Walter.

He graduated from Yale High School in 1941 and married Rosie Dorothy Decker on March 28, 1945 at Bethel Mennonite Church. On May 5, 1945 he was drafted into the Marines and served his country faithfully until his discharge in August of 1946. Johnnie and Rosie farmed in the Carpenter, South Dakota area until they and their two oldest children moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1954 so he could attend Grace Bible Institute. Johnnie graduated from Grace in 1959 and the family, now including a third child, moved to Arena, North Dakota where he began serving as a pastor at the Zion Mennonite Church.

In the fall of 1961, Johnnie was ordained as a minister of the gospel. He served two Evangelical United Brethren churches in Herreid and Artas, South Dakota from 1963 to 1967 and the Stanton Evangelical Free Church from 1967 until 1978. After he retired from ministry, he filled supportive rolls in the Evangelical Free Church in Norfolk, Nebraska and Seward, Nebraska. Johnnie and Rosie moved to Milford, Nebraska in 1985 and he sold monuments for the Watertown Monument company until his second retirement, being top salesman in the state for several years.

Johnnie was a creative man with many mechanical skills. He bought a small country house, moved it to town on a haystack mover, placed a huge walkout basement under it, and doubled its size. He combed junk yards throughout the Midwest and found parts for Model T’s and put together three cars and a C-cab pickup, all from original parts. He loved driving them in parades and chauffeuring Homecoming Kings and Queens in his beautifully restored vehicles.

When his wife, Rosie, had a stroke in 2002, he tenderly cared for her until her death in January of 2011. He is survived by his three children who love him deeply, Mrs. Julia (David) Ewert of Roseburg, Oregon, Harvey Walter of Roseburg, and Jerroll (Karen) Walter of Wayne, Nebraska. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Mrs. Jennifer (Dirk) Gieser, Michelle Walter, Ian Walter, Justin (Amber) Walter and Kristen Walter and four great-grandchildren, Jashton, Tobiah and Corban Gieser and Malia Walter, two brothers: Eli (Addie) Walter and Joseph M. (Jannette) Walter, Jr., five sisters: Maurine Friesen, June Wiebe, Joann (Albert) Epp, Lavonne Walter, and Naomi Rempe, and a ton of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosie, his parents, oldest sister, Edna Stahl and a great-grandchild, Monday Kennedy Walter.

A viewing service is scheduled Friday, April 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Taylor’s Family Mortuary (Winston), and a memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. on April 21, at New Hope Church (5995 Old Highway 99S, Green District). A fellowship lunch will follow the service. Memorial gifts can be sent to Nehalem Renewal Ministries (245 Nehalem Loop, Roseburg, OR 97471) to help fund a mobile Bible school ministry project.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

1957, Gary L. Sommers, 76, retired principal and teacher, passed away April 3, 2012. Survived by his children, Heidi (Mark) Thornburg of Potwin, Christian (Kristina) Sommers of Abilene; sister, Marilyn (Ray) Bishop of Arlington, Texas; four grandchildren. The funeral service was at Centre Point Church, Whitewater, KS. Memorials: Gideons International or Wheat State Manor c/o Lamb Funeral Home, 120 S. Main, Whitewater, KS 67154.

Evelyn was born July 7, 1923 near Henderson, NE. to Henry M. and Maria (Friesen) Epp. Her early years were spent on the farm. When she was young she helped with milking, shocking wheat or oats, and corn picking. After she was married, she was proud of the fact that she could milk a cow faster than her husband Frank!

Evelyn accepted the Lord as her Savior in March, 1942. In May, 1942 she was baptized and joined the Bethesda Mennonite Church, in Henderson, NE. She recognized her need of a savior while attending revival services at another church. Even while in high school she felt that someday she would be a pastor’s wife. Her favorite verse was Job 23:10 “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

After graduating from Henderson High School in 1941 she worked as a nanny, cooking, baby sitting and cleaning house for a young family. Later she worked at a Hatchery and Meat Locker. While being employed she met Frank through an arranged meeting orchestrated by her brother’s mother-in-law, Frank’s aunt. For Evelyn it was love at first sight. Frank was a little slower, however. When she asked him to warm her hands, in an attempt to hold his hand, he told her to sit on them! As their relationship blossomed, Evelyn quit her job in Henderson so she could move to Lincoln to be closer to where Frank was stationed at the CPS camp. After they were married, they moved to Madrid, NE so that Frank could farm and ranch. While in western Nebraska two sons were born to them, Allen Wayne and Frank DuWayne.

In 1953 the family moved to Omaha, NE so Frank could attend Grace Bible Institute (Grace University). Evelyn also completed two years of college course work by attending night classes. Evelyn worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a nurse’s aide. After Frank graduated they moved to Wolf Point, MT where Frank was the pastor the United Mennonite Church from 1957 to 1963. While there, twin girls were born to them, Sharon Kay and Karen Renee.

In 1963, the family to moved to Orienta OK, where Frank served as pastor of the Saron Mennonite Church.

In 1971 Frank, Evelyn, Sharon and Karen moved to Elbing, KS where Frank taught Bible at Berean Academy and Evelyn worked in the cafeteria baking bread. After completing grade school Sharon and Karen attended and graduated from Berean Academy.

In 1978 Frank and Evelyn moved to Adams, OK where Frank was pastor of the Adams Mennonite Church. At each of churches Evelyn loved to teach young children and develop friendships with church members. She loved the babies the best.

In 1984 Frank and Evelyn retired from full-time ministry. At this time they moved to Fairview and bought their first house and together she and Frank remodeled and decorated it. During the next five years they did interim work at Martin Box, AR, Tulsa, OK, Shawnee, KS, and Topeka, KS. For nine years (1989-1998), Frank and Evelyn served as custodians of the Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church.

In 1995, Frank and Evelyn had the privilege of touring Israel. They also made many other trips to Mexico and the Northeastern USA, with and to see family. She loved to sing. She and her younger sister would spend many hours singing through the hymn book and even did this as a mother, with her twins sitting and standing in the rocking chair with her. As an adult she sang in musical groups and loved teaching all her children to sing parts. Evelyn also enjoyed gardening, her flowers, and table games. Evelyn is well-known for her sharp and cunning skills at the game table making her a feared opponent. Ask Frank if he’s still carrying the score sheet in his wallet of time he won!

In February of 2011, Evelyn moved to the Fairview Fellowship Home. In April of 2011 Frank moved to the home so they could be together. She loved her time there being pampered. She loved the whole idea of having someone cook, clean and do laundry for her. And of course, having her hair and nails done!

Evelyn went home to be with the Lord and Savior on March 26, 2012, at the age of 88 years, 9 months, and 19 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Maria Epp, a sister, Malita Friesen, and a brother, Wendell Epp.

She is survived by her husband, Frank, two sons, Allen and wife Jackie Huebert of Peoria, AZ and Frank Jr and wife ReNita Huebert of Fairview, OK., two daughters, Sharon and husband John Oglesbee of San Augustine, TX and Karen and husband Ivan Penner of Peoria, AZ, one sister, Estalean Quiring, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Grace University or the Friends of Israel with Fairview Funeral Home acting as custodian.

1965, Jerry J. Classen, 69, of Kearney, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at his home.  Memorial services will be Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney with Pastor Mike Shields and Pastor Brian Klein officiating.  There will be no visitation.  Memorials are suggested to the Gideons International Memorial Bible Program.  A message of condolence, tribute or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com  Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born June 18, 1942 in Meade, Kansas to Curt and Lena (Wiens) Classen.  He grew up in Meade and graduated from Nickerson High School in 1960.  Following graduation, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Grace University with the desire to serve the Lord as a Pastor.  He also discovered a beautiful young woman named Dori Nachtigal whom he asked to be his wife while attending Grace.  They married on June 16, 1963 in Henderson, Nebraska.  After graduation and his wedding to Dori, Jerry continued in his mission to serve the Lord and continued his studies at Grace Theological Seminary where he received his Master of theology.  Jerry and Dori have served many communities and churches during their 45 years of ministry including Minden Evangelical Free Church for 15 years.  He was a member of the Kearney Evangelical Free Church.  God has directed them throughout their journey, and they have been blessed, especially with their five children and 15 grandchildren, and 4 Great Grandchildren.

Surviving Relatives: Wife-Dori Classen, of Kearney,  Daughters-Michele Williamson of Denver, CO, Jodi and Jarrod Ridge of Holdrege, NE, Lesli and Jeff Thompson of Midlothian, TX.   Sons, Jeff Classen of Tulsa, OK, Chad and Angie Classen of Tulsa, OK,  Sisters-Charlene and Jared Burkholder of Hesston, KS, Yvonne and Terry Fenimore of Des Moines, IA.   15 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents

1984, Karlynda Kae (Fait) Most, 45, Died March 11, 2012 in Canton, SD.  Karlynda was born on March 16th, 1966 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls to Stephen and Neva Fait.

After her parent’s divorce, her mother was later married to Marlin Chaussee and they raised Karlynda as an only child in their home in Canton.  She attended C. C. Jacobson Elementary School and the Canton Junior and High Schools, graduating in 1984.  From there she went to Grace College, in Omaha, where she met her husband-to-be, Jonathan Most.  Jonathan and Karlynda were married on August 8th, 1987 and immediately moved to Redlands, CA where some years later their son, Jared, was born.  During this time Karlynda worked as an office manager for Kal Porter and Associates, Architects, a job she thrived in.  She was thrilled to become a mother though and happily gave up her job to become a full time homemaker as she followed her husband’s aviation career, which led them to homes in several states and also the countries of Mexico and Afghanistan.  She became the mother of two more children during this time, daughters Kalyssa and Kyla.  After settling in Canton in 2006, Karlynda became a member of the Lincoln Hills Bible Church in Sioux Falls and served by maintaining the records for their AWANA youth program.  More recently, Karlynda began attending The River Church in Canton.

Karlynda is survived by her husband, Jonathan, and their children; Jared, Kalyssa, and Kyla, and her parents, Marlin and Neva Chaussee, all of Canton, SD.  She is also survived by her father, Stephen (Kathy) Fait, her grandmother, Marie Fait, two half-brothers, Darin and Brian Fait, all of Henderson, NV.  Also surviving are three step brothers and one step sister; Steve Chaussee of Rapid City, SD, Scott Chaussee of Worthing, SD, Pamela Cooper of Sioux Falls, SD and Brent (Angela) Chaussee of Sioux Falls, SD, as well as four uncles and aunts, and numerous cousins.  Preceding her in death were her maternal grandparents, Arnold and Katherine Friesen, and paternal grandfather, Millard Fait.

A viewing will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home, in Canton, on Wednesday, March 14th from 1 to 8 pm, with family arriving at 6 pm.  Funeral service will be at the Bethany Reformed Church, in Canton on Thursday, March 15th at 10:30, interment to follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery.  Following interment, a reception will be held at the Bethany Reformed Church.

Karlynda will always be so very dear to us.  We continue in life with the sure hope of being with her once again in Heaven, a hope that only faith in Jesus Christ can bring.

www.andersonandsonsfh.com

1988,  Michael L. Luttig, age 57 of York, died Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at York, Nebraska. He was born October 21, 1954 to Ernest F. and Delora D. (Holl) Luttig in Omaha.  On April 12, 1980, Michael was united in marriage to Valinda K. (Grimes) in Omaha.