Goertzen, Orlando A. (1934-2008)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2008 Jun 16 p. 9

Birth date: 1934 Mar 9

text of obituary:

ORLANDO A. GOERTZEN

Orlando A. Goertzen, 74, of North Newton, Kan., died May 25, 2008, at Newton Medical Center. He was born March 9, 1934, to Arnold S. and Eva (Janzen) Goertzen at Bethesda Hospital in Goessel.

On Aug. 8, 1958, he married Lois Groves at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.

He attended Goessel High School and graduated with a degree in economics from Bethel College in North Newton.

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 Mennonite Church. During this time he served on the church council and the board of trustees.

Early in his career he worked for Mennonite Press in North Newton. He owned and operated United Printing Inc. and United Office Supplies in Newton for 26 years. During this time he was a member of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Newton and served on the North Newton City Council. He served on the board of Mennonite Aid Union of Kansas and Mennonite Indemnity Inc. He was a dedicated member of Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus since it was organized. After retirement he worked as warehouse manager for Central States Mennonite Central Committee, volunteered with Habitat For Humanity, at Newton EtCetera 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 and spent each Saturday morning having coffee with a group of friends.

Survivors include his wife, Lois; four daughters, Teresa Graber and her husband, Dennis, of Moundridge, Carolyn Wedel and her husband, Mark, of Salina, Cynthia Konys of Peoria, Ill., and Sandra Lonergan and her husband, Jared, of Peoria; a brother, Milton Goertzen of Goessel; three sisters, Elma Goertz of Goessel, Mathilda Neuenschwander of Berne, Ind., and Dora Unruh of Peabody; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a stepmother and a brother-in-law.

Memorial services were held at Bethel College Mennonite Church.