Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 121, Number 8, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 25 February 1998 — Page 5

Obituaries Levi J.S. Hochstetler June 30, 1918-Feb. 16, 1998 Levi J.S. Hochstetler, 79, 29772 CRS2, Nappanee, died Monday, February 16, at LuAnn Nursing Home, Nappanee, where he had resided for two weeks. He had been ill for the past three months. Born June 30, 1918, in Nappanee, he was the son of John C. and Sarah (Borkholder) Hochstetler, and a lifetime area resident. He married Verda Hochstetler, June 1, 1947, in Marshall County, and she survives! Mr. Hochstetler was a member of Bourbon Chapel (New Wine Church), and had been selfemployed in the tree-cutting business for over 50 years. He also had the Hochstetler Tin Shop for over 35 years, and did some farming. Surviving with Mrs. Hochstetler are a daughter, Mrs. Morgan (Doris) Rowland, Nappanee; two sons: Roger L. Hochstetler, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Charles S. Hochstetler, Goshen; five grandsons; two step-granddaughters; one great-grandson and three step-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Menno Hochstetler, Nappanee and M. Jay Hochstetler, Goshen, and three sisters: Mrs. Lizzie Hershberger, Goshen; Mrs. Mose (Lovina) Troyer, Millersburg and Mrs. Joni (Barbara) Hershberger, Chester Hill, Ohio. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Neal and Joseph Hochstetler and a sister, Mary Mast. Brent Leichty conducted services Thursday, February 19, at Maranatha Mennonite Chapel, with burial at South Union Cemetery. Arrangements were with Thompson & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Elizabeth Stutzman Aug. 29, 1910-Feb. 16, 1998 Elizabeth M. Stutzman, 87, Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg, PA, died there, February 16. She was formerly of Nappanee. Elizabeth was bom August 29, 1910, in Nappanee, to the late Moses and Amanda (Helmuth) Schmucker. She married Elmer A. Stutzman, September 12, 1929, in Nappanee. He preceded her in death, April 2, 1985. Surviving are four children: Mary Myers, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Edna Miller, Woodbury, PA; Howard Stutzman, Concord, California and Donald Stutzman, Carmel; a sister, Millie Schmucker, Nappanee; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchil-dren. The Rev. Joseph W. Fox held services February 21, at the Nappanee Brethren in Christ Church, where Stutzman had been a member. The body was laid to rest at Union Center Cemetery. Arrangements were handled through the S. Gerald Weaver Funeral Home, Woodbury, PA. Joan (Bowen) Tucker Oct. 10, 1944-Feb. 20, 1998 Joan (Bowen) T\icker, 53, 1806 Windsor Lane, Goshen, formerly of Lakeville, died Friday, February 20, at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, Zion, Illinois. Bom October 10, 1944, in Freeport, Texas, she was the daughter of Leslie Harold and Dorothy (Vincent) Edgerton. Surviving with her mother are two daughters: »Susan K. Bowen, Bremen and Amy L. Bowen, Nappanee; three sons: Tim Bowen and Kevin Bowen, both of Goshen and David E. Bowen, Mishawaka; two sisters; Anna McEndarfer, Edwardsburg, Michigan and Mrs. John (Katherine) Ratkiewicz, South Bend; two brothers: Leslie Edgerton, Ft. Wayne and John Edgerton, Bremen, and six grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church Algeers, New Orleans, Louisiana, and had worked at Goshen Rubber. Services were conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Gucho, of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tuesday, February 24, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, with burial at South Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Volunteers Midwest Regional Medical Center, 2501 Emmaus, Zion, Illinois, Attn: Sandy Grassner.

First Presbyterian Church Heritage at Main Street Nappanee(2l9) 773-3773 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

T ■U rai 4 J . ; Tm**- rMm /T :SM|f v W u r ** fj \ Jr JL ' jam HD

SCHOOL CELEBRATION—Woodview Elementary School's Student Council sponsored a "100th Day of School" celebration, Monday, January 26, asking students and teachers In all grades (K-6) to donate pennies, which they counted in classrooms by 100 s. All money collected ($229.79) was donated to Nappanee's Habitat for Humanity Fund. Pictured, front, from left, Jonathon Kitchens, Michael Metz and Mary Schwartz. Back, Austin Mattern, Habitat Board Member Lori Sumpter, and Cara Huff. (Photo provided)

Wakarusa Missionary hosts film showing

“The Ride” is a new dramatic film from World Wide Pictures, the motion picture ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The film will be presented at the Wakarusa Missionary Church, 202 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, Sunday, March 1, 6p.m. Smokey Banks (Michael Biehm) has just been sentenced to community service and released into the custody of Mike Stillwell (Clarence Felder) and his wife, Ellen (Jennifer O’Neill) at the Saguaro Boys’ Ranch. The former world champion bull rider has reached bottom, and now his only task is to teach 14-year-old Danny O’Neil (Brock Pierce) how to ride a bull. Smokey agrees to tfie (conditions

Rock 'n roll featured at service What do rock ‘n roll music and Christianity have to do with each other? Quite a bit, if you happen to be at First United Church of Christ in Bremen, Saturday, February 28. The church is hosting a 7p.m. worship experience called “Rockin’ On the Rock,” featuring only rock ‘n roll music on that night. Morris Wilkie, a name familiar to the area music scene for many years, will head up his band, as they lead the evening’s worship. Wilkie, the lead guitarist and singer, says “Rockin’ On the Rock is a great way to tell people about Jesus, which is so much more meaningful, for me, than playing in bars. If I can help one person get to know Jesus as a result of my playing, then I’m happy.” Wilkie’s band also includes drums, rhythm guitar and bass guitar. Jim Desmarais-Morse, pastor of the church, will deliver a short message designed for persons who are seeking spiritual truth or who are investigating Christianity. “We want to make the message of Christianity as accessible as possible,” says Desmarais-Morse. “That’s why we are using rock ‘n roll music to get the message of God’s love across.” Desmarais-Morse emphasizes, “Even though this come-as-you-are worship experience is designed for people who do not go to church, it is also for Christians who want to experience church in a new way. What they will experience on February 28 will not be the usual Sunday morning church service.” The church is located at 323 S. Center St., Bremen. For more information, call 219-546-2459 weekdays, or 219-546-4281 evenings.

FIRST CHURCH OF GOD Senior Pastor: Rev. Brad Kendall Associate “Pastor: Bryan Kratzor CR7&54 Nappanee Phone: 219-773-7743 Services: Wed. 7 pm Sun. 10:30 am (Sunday School 9:30 am) Sun. 6 pm MISSION STATEMENT: ‘A place where people become whole and holy to the glory of God. ’

only because he doesn’t want to stay in jail and face a long line of others waiting to get their hands on him. He doesn’t anticipate being so affected by young Danny’s courage and determination to ride. Neither does he anticipate Linnette (Jennifer Blanc), Mike’s attractive and spirited niece. When Smokey learns that Danny is dying of cancer, he doesn’t want to stick around to see it. He’s become unexpectedly attached to his little sidekick, and doesn’t think he can face the reality of the boy’s illness. He also doesn’t think he can accept the God the Stillwells have shared wjth him...a God who would allow something like this to happen to an . innocent child like Danny. •; But Smokey still has some things to learn about life —when to hold on and push through—when to let go and trust —and most of all, that God is someone who really can be trusted, despite how things appear on the surface. Pastor Dennis Owens and the congregation of Wakarusa Missionary Church, invite everyone to attend this special showing. For more information, please call the church office, 219-862-2102.

|p» * fj k . , ir,-- ' im ■"**” K m J ■ ijjllt f ill

SAMPLER—AshIey Walters samples her delicious creation during a recent cookie decorating assignment. Mrs. Tina Yoder's second grade class at Nappanee Elementary School celebrated Valentine's Day, February 13, with a cookie decorating party. Ron's Bakery donated the icing for the event and a good time was had by all. (AN photo by Merrie Chapman)

Dr. Edwin E. Swigart, Podiatrist Medical & Surgical Foot, Ankle Care Children - Adults - Elderly Outpatient Laser Surgery Bone & Joint Deformities Office/Hospital Surgery Nail & Skin Conditions Second Opinion Provide Heel Spur - Heel Pain -WednesdayANGLEMEYER CLINIC 102 WEST MARKET ST., NAPPANEE, INDIANA

The Last Word... by Laurie Lechlitner Thelma McGowen was bom in Locke Township on March 10, 1923. She was filled with dreams. Life on the farm filled her soul with poetry that would flow from her pen later in life. “I wonder what’s on the other side of those large, white clouds?” she often murmured to herself, as she looked up at the sky. But she had little time to stand around'and think about such things, because just then her heart was filled with romance. She married Carlyle Grimm, October 1, 1944, and had two beautiful children. She loved the rainy days. It was the gentle moisture that made the garden grow. And, as the sun’s rays reflected through the mist, Thelma often wondered to herself, “What’s on the other side of the rainbow?” Thelma was young and quite invincible. She was a socialite, the most popular woman in town, always the center of attention. She was in charge, taking care of the needs of her family and others requiring her assistance. Life was good—she made it good. The dark clouds came on September 8, 1987. Thelma lost the love of her life —her husband, Carlyle. She again looked at the sky and wondered what it was like on the other side of the clouds. She longed to be united with her friend and lover again—the father of her children. “I’ll never love again,” Thelma thought to herself. But she was wrong. At a class reunion in 1988, she ran into an old classmate of hers—a quiet man by the name of Mervin Lechlitner. She took time to listen, as he told her of the recent loss of his wife. “That man needs me,” she said to herself. “I’ll console him and take proper care of him. He’s a lonely man.” She married Mervin on February 4, 1989. As she said, “I do!” her family grew! She eventually gained four step-sons, 13 step-

Freshman honor students recognized at dinner

The Zeta Nu Chapter of Tri Kappa Sorority and North Wood High School will once again sponsor an honor roll recognitiOifdihner for freshmen who have achieved a 3.2 or higher grade index in their fall semester course work. The dinner will take place Thursday, March 5, 6:30p.m., in the high school cafeteria. The sorority, in keeping with its tradition of promoting charity, culture and education, wishes to make this

Nappanee Advance News Wednesday, February 25,1998

Life Beyond the Clouds

grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. Thelma still had the world by the tail, and every once in a while would shake it a bit. Life was good—very good. She worked side by side with Mervin to remodel his farm house, barking olfiers like a drill sergeant. Their home had to be immaculate! And it was. Once more, Thelma saw sunshine in the sky. However, eight months after they were married, she was the one who needed his care. She had a stroke that left her partially paralyzed. How does a woman who has always been so self-sufficient allow another human being to share her pain? She was no longer in charge, and it was hard for her. She often processed her pain in frustration and anger. When her frustration was at its peak, she penned these words in shaky script: “When days are long and nights never end, remember that I have a Friend. When there are many trials to bear, and no one seems to really care, I have a Friend—Jesus Christ.” “I can do it myself!” we’d hear her exclaim to her husband, Mervin, when he attempted to steady her as she walked to the house with her four-pronged cane. After she took a tumble, she’d yell, “Why didn’t you help me!” Her struggle for control of her environment caused her to take many spills. And those closest to her often felt as though they could never please her. But it was nothing personal —just the struggle of a strong-willed individual to prove to herself and those standing by, that she could still shake the world by the edges if she chose. Her biggest battle began in January of 1998. “She may live three months,” the doctor told the family. “However, she may only live one month.” The family wondered what to tell Thelma. Some were afraid she’d go to pieces. However, they underestimated this courageous

event an opportunity .for celebration, pride and challenge for these academically-distinguished young people. Students’ parents, teachers and coaches are also invited. Following the dinner, the high school show choir, Dawning Generation, will present a program of music. The awarding of*tonor certificates by Principal Louis Bonacorsi and Vice-Principal Rick Coffin will conclude the evening’s activities.

The most massive band ever assembled consisted of 20,100 players In Oslo, Norway.

dUird CJumjmi IKxymjtL Cost Service Facilities Goshen 219 533-9547 mmrnk | Jg Wakarusa 119 861-2235 Creative Survivors Support Groups Anti Compassionate Friends Omni* OpuMiati. £hrit IMrtt

VICTORYjCEnI^R^ —rr&k — ■ ■ it >FdffTieHrftfbn Center School At th» comer ofCB 48 SCR 11 MtaWtay, Paata 69954 CR 11'Nappanee IN 4WO * ’£19)779-2611;-9enUe ItaMAtan. has AH <4ta* 7*o M MAmWtbomm J

VINYL SIDING “WE COVER EVERYTHING” •Siding ‘Soffit ‘Fascia Boards •Window Casings •Sills •Windows^jlJfw?^ — ' ‘Garage ‘Bathroom ‘Kitchen Cabinets ‘Room Additions ‘Decks Call Today! FREE ESTIMATES! NAPPANEE 773-3263 HOCHSTETLER CONSTRUCTION CO., INC./ aaaaa c.». so iwbuik. Indiana 46SM #

individual. “Hand me that tablet, Mervin,” she asserted, as she struggled to write with her good hand. “I want to write my obituary. I want the world to know how important my family is to me.” With pen in hand, Thelma wrote the details that would be listed in , the paper, not foigetting her stepchildren and step-grandchildren. She wrote down the dress she would wear, and the type of casket she desired. Then, when she knew her house was in order, she left it for a mansion over the hillside. And when she walked through the Pearly Gates, all Heaven rose up and cheered, She didn’t bring her cane or wheelchair, because she didn’t need them. She continues to keep her eyes on those Gates of Gold, though. She is expecting to some day see the rest of her family walk through Heaven’s doors. But most of all, she is looking forward to seeing the man who took care of her when she needed him—the man who overlooked a frustrated woman trapped in a crippled body, who often gave him the sharp side of her tongue. When she sees Mervin Lechlitner, she will run and embrace him. “Thank you!” she will exclaim. “The view is beautiful on this side of the clouds, don’t you think?” (Note —Laurie Lechlitner is a minister and writer who resides in Elkhart. Those wishing to make comments regarding her column may address them to the Nappanee Advance-News, P.O. Box 230, Nappanee, IN. 46550)

Michael A. Guido

When Columbus returned to Spain he wanted to prove that he had reached another wpild. Do you know what he did? He brought, back with him a new kind of people - thp, American Indian. The proof of Christianity is a new kind of people. The Living Bible says, “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun.” When you become a Christian you exercise a newfaith, you enter a new family, you experience a new forgiveness, you enjoy a new freedom, you exhibit a new friendship, and you embrace a new future. It’s good to be a Christian and know it, but it’s better to be a Christian and show it. Do you?

Page 5