Koontz, Elbert E. (1916-1978)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1978 Dec 21 p. 5

Birth date: 1916

text of obituary:

Conference Minister Dies in Kansas at 62

North Newton, Kan.—Elbert E. Koontz, 62, conference minister of the Western District Conference (GC), died Dec. 17 following an extended illness.

Conference minister since 1967, he had also served as secretary, vice-president and president of the Western District on various occasions. He was a pastor for 20 years at the First Mennonite Church of Beatrice, Neb., the Hebron Mennonite Church of Buhler, Kan., and the First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro, Kan.

Koontz was a graduate of Bethel College, North Newton, and United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.

He is survived by his widow, Ruth Schroeder Koontz; three sons, Ted of Boston, Mass., Philip of Wichita and Richard of North Newton; his three sisters, Mrs. Pauline Meador of Salina, Mrs. Evelyn Regier of Broken Bow, Neb. and Mrs. Mildred Coon of Bradshaw, Neb.; and two grandsons.

Graveside services and burial were held at Hillsboro the morning of Dec. 20, followed by an afternoon memorial service at the Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton. John Esau was the officiating minister, and music was provided by an ensemble of Western District pastors.

The Mennonite obituary: 1979 Jan 9 p. 28