Hershberger, Joseph E. (1901-1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Feb 6 p. 6

Birth date: 1901

text of obituary:

Farmer of Goshen Area Dies of Burns

Goshen, Ind. — Extensive burns suffered at the farm home on Route 1, Goshen, proved fatal to Joseph E. Hershberger, 74, a member of the Amish church. He died at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis on Jan. 24, the day after the accident.

A kerosene lantern apparently ignited a blanker which Mr. Hershberger had wrapped around his legs and the flames then spread to his clothing. He ran screaming from the house, and his cries were heard by a passing motorist and his daughter, Ida, who was working in the barn. They wrapped him in blankets to smother the flames, but he suffered burns over 85 to 90 per cent of his body.

Funeral services were conducted at the home on Jan. 22.