Maust, Sherman (1902-1973)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1973 Jan 11 p. 11

Birth date: 1902 Aug 7

Text of obituary:

REV. SHERMAN MAUST

Sherman Maust was born or Aug 7, 1902 in Meyersdale, Pa., and left this life on Dec. 6, 1972 at his home in Cucamonga, Calif. at the age at 70. On Nov. 27, 1924, he married Lauro Mae Kipfer, with whom he shared a precious relationship for over 48 years.

He is survived by his wife, of Cucamonga; three sons, Willard J. of Alta Loma, Ronald D. of Upland, and Dennis D. of Ontario; one daughter, Mrs. Dewayne (Shirley) Jantz of Greensburg, Kan.; nine grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Dan (Mary) Swartzendruber of Pigeon, Mich., Mrs. Ed (Annie) Albrecht of Sarasota, Fla., Mrs. Henry (Barbara) Esch of Phoenix, Ariz.; five brothers, Earl, Richard, and Joe, all of Pigeon, Mich., Ed of Bay Port, Mich., and Henry of Eureka, Calif. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

Bro. Maust was a faithful member of the 7th Street Mennonite Church in Upland, Calif, and served as pastor of this congregation for approximately 15 years. During that time he was also a bishop in the Southwest Mennonite Conference. As a minister of the Gospel for 40 years, he also served for a number of years on the General Council of Mennonite General Conference.

Over 400 cards and letters which he received recently show that he was considered "precious” by many. He not only had a loving heart, but loving hands which were often used to construct homemade toys for his children, to help in building the sanctuary of the Upland Church, to add rooms and other building improvements to the homes of his children and others, or to sacrificially give himself as a carpenter repairman to many who knew of his skills. His interest in the prophetic figure and his love for the church were his hall-marks.

Having had major cancer surgery seven years ago, his life during the next six and a half years was truly remarkable. Enjoying his children and grandchildren, he had the privilege of traveling extensively. Vacations were sometimes interspersed with manual labor help in restoration of a tornado stricken community in Texas, teaching a Bible class while relaxing in Florida, or participating in a church conference or consultation.

Less than six months ago, a second surgery indicated that his days were numbered. His persistent, fighting strength and spirit kept him active helping others and doing odd jobs around home until four days before his passing. His life peacefully came to a conclusion, but memories of his love for Christ and service to his fellowmen will live on.