Orlando A Goertzen

Orlando A. Goertzen

Orlando A. Goertzen, 74, passed away Monday (May 25, 2008) at Newton Medical Center.

He was born March 9, 1934, at Bethesda Hospital in Goessel to Arnold S. and Eva (Janzen) Goertzen.

On Aug. 8, 1958, he married Lois Groves at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton. She survives of the home.

He was baptized in 1951 and became a member of Tabor Mennonite Church in rural Newton. Then in 1959 until the present, he was an active member of Bethel College Church. During this time, he served on the church council and the board of trustees and was an usher at the time of his death.

Orlando owned and operated United Printing Inc. and United Office Supplies in Newton for 26 years. During that time, he was a member of the Newton Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Newton, and he served on the City Council for the city of North Newton. In addition, he served on the board of Mennonite Aid Union of Kansas and Mennonite Indemnity Inc. He was a dedicated member of the Kansas Mennonite Men's Chorus since it was organized.

After retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Newton Et Cetera Shop and Book Reviews. He loved landscaping and working in his yard.

His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his children and grandchildren and traveling. He enjoyed golfing for many years, and he spent each Saturday morning having coffee with a group of friends.

Other survivors include four daughters, Teresa and Dennis Graber of Moundridge, Carolyn and Mark Wedel of Salina, Cynthia Konys of Peoria, Ill., and Sandra and Jared Lonergan of Peoria; seven grandchildren, David, Jessica and Aaron Wedel, Cory and Cade Graber, and Ryan and Jackson Lonergan; a brother, Milton and Linda Goertzen of Goessel; three sisters, Elma and Ernest Goertz of Goessel, Mathilda and the late Gordon Neuenschwander of Berne, Ind., and Dora and Charles Unruh of Peabody; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with family greeting friends and relatives from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Bethel College Church, with pastors Heidi Kreider and Ruth Harder officiating.

Memorial contributions are encouraged for Mennonite Central Committee or Bethel College Church.