Hershberger, Chris E. (1873-1966)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1966 Jun 16 p. 7

Birth date: 1873

text of obituary:

Well-Known Kalona, Iowa Resident Dies At Age 93

Kalona, Ia. — Chris E. Hershberger, 93, one of this community's most respected and widely known residents, died June 3 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City after a two-week illness.

Funeral services were held June 7 at the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, where he was a long-time member.

A native of this community, he was a Sunday school superintendent at the Lower Deer Creek Church almost continuously for more than 40 years. he was active in the Iowa City Mission, and helped organize Sunday schools at several places in Michigan and in Washington County, Iowa. He was also on the school board here and active in community affairs.

In his later years Mr. Hershberger was widely sought as a speaker on Mennonite and Amish history, culture and beliefs. He spoke in schools and colleges and before church and civic organizations to interpret Mennonite beliefs and practices.

He was employed at a local feed store until 1958, when he retired and moved to the Pleasantview Home. His daughter and two of his six sons are doctors.