Mishler, Homer J. (1889-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Aug 29 p. 8

Birth date: 1889 Jun 8

text of obituary:

HOMER J. MISHLER

On August 1, 1957, a coronary thrombosis claimed the life of Homer J. Mishler, well-known meat packing plant owner and operator in LaGrange County, Ind. He was born on June 8, 1889, in Howard county, Ind., the third child of John M. and Lydia Hershberger Mishler. He had reached the age of 68 years, one month and 23 days.

In 1905 he moved with his parents to the Shipshewana community in northern Indiana where he lived the rest of his life. Before his marriage he obtained a job as a meat cutter and butcher in a local meat market. After a short time it seemed financially wise to purchase a farm and to pursue that occupation. However, he could not forget his skills of working with meats so he soon established a custom-butchering business in connection with his farming operations.

He was unusualy [sic] energetic so when the depression years came along he added carpentry to his work in order to help support his family of six children. Thus for a number of years he operated a custom butchering business in the winter months and had charge of a gang of carpenters in the summer and carried on a most farm operation. His butchering business continued to grow and in the middle 1940's he and his youngest son, Paul, built a new meat packing facility and as partners they developed a successful Christian business.

Four years and one month ago he experienced his first severe coronary attack while visiting in the home of his brother Oscar, near Johnstown, Penna. After this first illness he withdrew some form his active business life. This gave him time for other worthwhile activities. He particularly seemed to enjoy his plan which he fulfilled of reading the entire Bible through each year after this first attack. He seemed to enjoy improved health up to the time of his sudden passing which came while he was peacefully resting at home on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 1, 1957.

In his early youth he accepted Christ for his life and was baptized as a member of the Forks Mennonite Church. Soon after his marriage he transferred his membership to the Shore Mennonite Church to which he remained faithful in interests and concerns through all these years.

On Dec. 9, 1911, he married Lydia Miller, daughter of John E. and Amanda John Miller of Shipshewana. He leaves her along with a step-mother, Mrs. Clarence Bontrager; six children and 21 grandchildren. The two sons and four daughters who survive are: Ruby (Mrs. Orie Hostetler), Shipshewana; Dorsa J. Elkhart; Ruth (Mrs. Ernest Miller), Middlebury; Lois (Mrs. Leonard Haarer), Constantine, Mich.; Paul R., Shipshewana; and Margaret (Mrs. Donald Coffman), Ligonier. Three daughters preceded him in death: infant twins and Rachel, aged one.

He was the first of a large family of brothers and sisters to pass away. These are: Mrs. Lillie Beachy, Goshen; Frank, West Bend, Iowa; Oscar, Davidsville, Penna.; Wilson, Goshen; Delcie (Mrs. Early C. Bontrager), Middlebury; George, Shipshewana; Sanford, Shipshewana; and Susie (Mrs. Harold Alexander), Elkhart.

The funeral service, which was attended by a capacity crowd of friends, was held in the Shore Mennonite Church on August 4 and was in charge of the ministers, Percy J. Miller, Lee J. Miller and Homer J. Miller. The text for the sermon preached by Bro. Perry Miller, selected by the surviving widow, was II Cor. 1:3, 4. Interment was made in the Shore Cemetery.

He was known for his consistent honesty and integrity. He has been a good Christian example to all his associates, but he will be remembered even more for his church and family loyalty. He and his companion have always been faithful in church attendance and interests.

When a brother's wife died during the influenza epidemic after World War I, the home was opened to this brother and a little niece. When his wife's parents needed care and a home for their declining years he was happy to have them move in. Even now the home is freely shared during the summer months with a brother-in-law.

His sudden departure is difficult for us who remain, but we have joy in realizing the victory of his faith.