Published: May 01, 2008 10:18 am         

J. Marvin Nafziger

March 3, 1924-April 29, 2008

J. Marvin Nafziger, 84, 1543 Dogwood Court, Goshen, died Tuesday at 7 a.m. at this home.

He was born March 3, 1924, in Chenoa, Ill., to John M. and Anna E. (Litwiller) Nafziger. He lived in this area since 1948.

He was a graduate of Goshen College and earned his master’s degree at Indiana University; his doctorate at New York University; BD and MRE at Goshen Biblical Seminary.

He was a social studies teacher and guidance counselor for 21 years. He worked at Mennonite Mutual Aid for 17 years and H&R Block for eight years.

He attended College Mennonite Church and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association.

He married Edith E. Swartzendruber Aug. 31, 1946, in Hopedale, Ill. She survives.

Also surviving are his three daughters, Myra J. Oswald, Goshen, Diana K. (John) Hershberger, Goshen, Susan E. (Steve) Bartel, Visalia, Calif.; a son, John M. (Margo) Nafziger, Goshen; 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Mary K. Nafziger, Goshen, and Ruth (Maynard) Good, Goshen; and a brother, Myrl A. (Twila) Nafziger, Wadsworth, Ohio.

His parents preceded him in death.

Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church, Goshen.

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at College Mennonite Church, Goshen. The Rev. Klaudia Smucker and the Rev. Betty Hochstetler will lead the service.

Burial will be in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorials may be made to the Mennonite Mission Network or Bethany Christian School.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to yoderculpfuneralhome.com.