Rutschman, Harriet Fischbach (1924-2006)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2006 Sep 25 p. 7

Birth date: 1924 Aug 9

Words, music marked mission worker's ministry

Rutschman, who served in Latin America, dies at 82

By Mennonite Mission Network

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Teaching music was a theme throughout Harriet Rutschman's ministry in four Latin American countries, spanning four decades.

Known for her focus on relationships with people, she worked alongside her husband, Laverne, in church planting, pastoral ministry and education.

Rutschman, of North Newton, died Sept. 7 at the age of 82.

"Her soul was sustained by music like her friends were sustained by her letters," said Rosemary Wyse Reimer. "In my travels I am always amazed at how many people have such good memories of Harriet teaching them piano or music, be it in South Dakota, Bolivia, Costa Rica or Uruguay."

Rutschman and her twin sister, Suzanne, were born in Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 9, 1924, to Carl and Luella Dupre Fischbach. She grew up in the Methodist church, where she developed her skills as a pianist. Wile attending Wheaton (Ill.) College, she met Laverne Rutschman, from Whitewater. They were married shortly after graduation in 1942 and served one year at Comins (Mich.) Mennonite Church.

The Rutschmans responded to an opportunity to minister in Colombia in 1947 with the Commission on Overseas Mission of the former General Conference Mennonite Church. They served in a school and home for children whose parents suffered from leprosy.

During eight years in Colombia, she gave birth to five children, the last two being twins. Their third child, Tom, is a mission associate of Mennonite Mission Network, serving in Sweden with his wife, Disa.

The Rutschmans were invited in 1955 to help begin a Mennonite theological seminary in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she added teaching English to her role of participating in the seminary's music program.

In 1969, the family took 10 weeks to drive from Uruguay to Kansas in a 1930 Model A Ford. Teaching assignments awaited them at Freeman (S. D.) Junior College and Academy.

In 1974, leaving grown children behind, the couple went to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to follow up in villages where Mennonite Central Committee volunteers had been present. In addition they worked with a Baptist seminary in Cochabamba.

They next served from 1977-1982 in Costa Rica at the Latin America Biblical Seminary, a leading theological training center with students from many countries. Rutschman taught English and piano. Fulfilling a promise, the couple returned to Colombia in 1983 and spent two years relating to Mennonite churches and a Presbyterian seminary. Rutschman again dedicated her talents to music, specially teaching piano. Their last international service took them back to the seminary in Costa Rica from 1986-88.

After returning from Costa Rica, the Rutschmans retired in North Newton. During the final decade of Rutschman's life, she suffered with a neurological disease that slowly rendered her helpless.

She is survived by her husband, Laverne; sons David, Robert, Tom and Richard; daughter Ruth Holliday; 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Sept. 9 at Shalom Mennonite Church.