Rev. Osias Cressman

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33662856
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2191
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1889, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Osiah Cressman, "was born November 30th, 1866. He is married to Annie Gingerich. They reside about one mile south of New Hamburg where he is engaged in farming."

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_____________________


Death of Mr. Osias Cressman

A well-known and highly esteemed resident of this community passed away at the Kitchener-Waterloo hospital early on Monday morning in the person of Osias Cressman at the age of 66 years. Mr. Cressman had been ill with stomach trouble and submitted to an operation at the hospital last Wednesday. Other complications set in which caused his unexpected demise. The deceased was a son of the late Bishop and Mrs. Amos Cressman, and was born on the homestead on the southern outskirts of this village where he spent his whole earthly career. He was a devout adherent of the Mennonite faith and for many years, and up to his death, was a preacher at Geiger's Church on Bleams road. He leaves in deep bereavement his widow and a family of two daughters and four sons, namely, Elmina at home Mrs. S. Shantz, Haysville, Joseph on the homestead, Amos, of East Zorra, Omar of Wilmot and Simeon in Waterloo. He is also survived by three brothers and three sisters, Moses, Noah and Menno Cressman, Mrs. Good of Wilmot, Mrs. Fretz of Vineland and Miss Mary Cressman on the homestead. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon to Geigers' Church and cemetery. .A large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends from near and far, assembled to attend the funeral service, which .was conducted by Bishop Manassah Hallman.

New Hamburg Independent Apr 7 1933 pg 5

Osias married Anna Gingrich 5 Nov 1889, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Rev. Joseph Gingerich and Elizabeth Good) was born 12 Jul 1867, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Feb 1964; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Celina Shantz
• Name: Selina Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2191.2
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Domestic, Private House
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Celina Cressman," born February 9th, 1891."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

______________

Shantz, Celina, daughter of Osias and Annie Cressman, was born near New Hamburg, Ont.,Feb 9, 1891; died at her home April 1, 1963; aged 72 y. 1 m. 23 d. On Jan. 24, 1912, she was married to Simeon Shantz, who survives. Also surviving are her mother, 5 daughters (Irene-Mrs. Orton Koch, Mary-Mrs. Horace Cressman, Edna-Mrs. Harold Shenk, Ferne-Mrs. Merle Yeder, and Audrey-Mrs. John Feicht), 2 brothers (Omar and Joseph), one sister (Elmina-Mrs. Willis Wideman), and 18 grandchildren. She was a member of the Geiger Church, where funeral services were held April 4, in charge of Glenn R. Horst and Osiah Horst.


Gospel Herald - Volume LVI, Number 16 - April 23, 1963 pages 358, 359.

Celina married Simeon N. Shantz 24 Jan 1912, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Simeon (son of Daniel Shantz and Marie "Mary" Nahrgang) was born 1 Mar 1886, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 May 1973, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45650486
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2191.3
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Amos G. Cressman," born May 6th, 1893."

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

________________

Cressman.- Amos Cressman, son of the late Osias and Anna (Gingerich) Cressman, was born near New Hamburg, Ont., May 6, 1893; died at his home near Haysville, Ont., Jan. 20, 1944, in his fiftyfirst year. He became a Christian in his youth and united with the Mennonite Church and enjoyed his Christian life. On Feb. 16, 1921, he was married to Clarcie Stager, the union being blest with 3 children. In his passing he leaves his sorrowing companion and 2 sons, Lester and Irvin, and one daughter, Vera, all at home. He is also survived by his aged mother, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. They are: Mrs. Simeon Shantz, New Hamburg; Omar, Plattsville; Joseph, New Hamburg; Simeon, Preston; and Mrs. Willis Wideman, Stouffville. Bro. Cressman was of a quiet retiring disposition, a man of few words, kindly and sympathetic in his attitudes. Although the Lord has called him home and we shall miss him our loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services were held at his late home on Jan. 22, 1944, followed by a service at the Biehn Church where interment was made. The brethren Moses Roth and Curtis C. Cressman had charge of the services.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXVI, No . 48 - February 24, 1944, page 1023

Amos married Clarice Pearl Stager 16 Feb 1921, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Clarice (daughter of Allen Stager and Amy Ellen "Ellen" Brighton) was born 25 Mar 1897, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Nov 1969, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Nith Valley Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00028-2191.4
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Amer Cressman," born November 5th, 1894."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

______________________

CRESSMAN, Omar -- Of 790 Concession Rd., Cambridge(P), Monday, June 30, 1980, at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, in his 86th year, Omar Cressman, beloved Husband of the late Mary Ann Shantz. Dear father of Clayton of RR 2, New Hamburg, Ethel (Mrs. Lloyd Woolner) of RR 2, Petersburg; also survived by seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, a brother, Joseph of Cambridge and a sister, Elmina (Mrs. Willis Wideman) of Stoufville. Predeceased by two brothers and one sister. Mr. Cressman was born in Wilmot Township and lived there all his life, where he farmed until moving to Cambridge five years ago. A member of Preston Mennonite Church. Resting at the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Rd., Cambridge(P) until noon Thursday, then to the Preston Mennonite Church, for funeral service at 2 pm. Interment in Blenheim cemetery, New Dundee.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 1 Jul 1980

Omar married Mary Anne Shantz 4 Jan 1922. Mary (daughter of Norman Shantz and Mary Ann Rosenberger) was born 13 Jan 1895, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Nov 1979, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78366
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Joseph — Ida Lauretta Gingrich. Ida (daughter of Enoch S. Gingrich and Rebecca Witmer) was born 19 Dec 1897, , Ontario, Canada; died 19 Mar 1993; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48287
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Simeon — Mabel Groff. Mabel (daughter of Amos M. Groff and Mary Ann Shantz) was born 3 Aug 1902, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Sep 1991, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-214214
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Name: Irene Miriam Koch
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-12821

Notes:

Koch, Irene Miriam Roth, 83, New Hamburg, Ont. Born: Jan. 23, 1914, Wilmot Twp., Ont., to Simeon and Celina Cressman Shantz. Died: Sept. 9, 1997, New Hamburg, Ont. Survivors - husband: Orton Koch; children: Doreen Houston, Enid Slabaugh, Lloyd, Phyllis Bishop, Rhoda Gingerich; sisters: Mary, Edna, Ferne, Audrey; 14 grandchildren. Funeral and burial: Sept. 13, Wilmot Mennonite Church, by Glyn Jones

Gospel Herald - Volume 90, Number 42 - October 28, 1997

___________________

KOCH, IRENE

Peacefully, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at her residence, Nithview Home, New Hamburg.

Irene and Orton had farmed at RR 2, New Hamburg and resided on Riverside Drive.

Irene was born 83 years ago in Wilmot township and was the daughter of the late Simon Shantz and the former Celina Cressman.

Irene was a lifelong member of Wilmot Mennonite Church, RR 2, Baden, where she had been an active participant of the WMSC,

Irene enjoyed throughout her lifetime quilting, gardening, sharing her love of music with others, and being a host family for 14 international MCC trainees.

Her greatest joy was being with her family.

Beloved wife of Orton Koch with whom she celebrated 58 years of marriage.

Sadly missed by Doreen (Jim) Houston of Penticton, B.C. and their children Rob (Monica), Tom, Dorothy; Enid (Glenn) Slabaugh of Goshen, Ind. and their children Sonya (Larry) and son Adam, Dana; Lloyd (Erla) of Wingham and their children Angela, Cindy, Jamie; Phyllis (Barry) Bishop of Waterloo and their children David, Danny, Jonathan; Rhoda (Dale) Gingerich of Tavistock and their children Greg and Cheri.

Also remembered by her sisters, Mary (Horace) Cressman of Breslau, Edna (Harold) Shenk of Pennsylvania, Ferne (Merle) Yoder of California, Audrey (Jack) May of Penetanguishene.

Family and friends may call at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home , 291 Huron St., New Hamburg (519-862-1661) on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, 1997, at 10 a.m. at Wilmot Mennonite Church with Pastor Glyn Jones officiating.

Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.

Irene — Orton Koch. Orton (son of Carl R. "Charles" Koch and Minerva Swartz) was born 23 Apr 1909, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2001; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Cathrine Cressman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-51689

Notes:

CRESSMAN, Mary Cathrine (nee Shantz) - Peacefully, while surrounded by her loving family, at Fairview Mennonite Home, on Thursday, December 11, 2003, in her 87th year. Beloved wife of Horace Cressman. Loving mother of Elaine and her husband John Weber of Petersburg, Mark Cressman and his wife Simone Peta of Waterloo, Brenda and her husband Clare Snider of Elmira, and Mary Jane and her husband Victor Guerin of Toronto. Proud and loving grandmother of Emily Weber, Jill Weber-Friesen and her husband Curwin, Celine, Barrett, Ashley, Chanel, and Sauve Cressman, Julie and her husband Anton Heimpel, Maureen Snider, Matthew, Rachel, and Rebecca Guerin. Mary is also survived by her sisters, Ferne and her husband Merle Yoder of California, and Audrey May of Kitchener. Predeceased by her sisters, Irene and her husband Orton Koch, Edna and her husband Harold Shenk and brothers-in-law, John Feicht and Jack May. Mary was a longtime, active member of Breslau Mennonite Church where she was involved with the WMSC and other programs of the church. Friends are invited to share their memories of Mary with her family for memorial visitation at Breslau Mennonite Church on Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9 pm. The memorial service to celebrate Mary's life and faith will be held at Breslau Mennonite Church on Monday, December 15, 2003 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Darrel Toews presiding. Cremation has taken place. A private interment in the church cemetery will precede the memorial service. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family in the church fellowship hall for refreshments and a time to visit. In Mary's memory, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or Fairview Mennonite Home and can be arranged through the Edward R. Good Funeral Home, 171 King Street South in Waterloo - 745-8445 or www.edwardrgood.com

The Record 13 Dec 2003

Mary — Horace Cressman. Horace (son of Alson Cressman and Barbara Randall) was born 12 Sep 1917, , Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jun 2004, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58332
• Residence: 1969, , Ohio, USA

Lester — Gladys Brunk. Gladys was born 21 Aug 1924. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58333
• Residence: 1969, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

IRVIN CRESSMAN 1927 - 2005

"I have called you by name, you are mine" Answered God's call, on Sunday, December 11, 2005, at Parkwood Mennonite Home, Waterloo, in his 79th year.Beloved husband of Elaine (Schmucker), his wife and partner of 51 years. Loving and devoted father of Bruce Cressman and wife Esther of Listowel, Barb Gross of Cambridge, Brenda Kirkland and husband Andrew of Waterloo, Bev King and husband Mark of Kitchener and Bradley Cressman and wife Terri of Winnipeg. Cherished grandfather of Andrew Cressman and wife Melissa, Jonathan and Mark Cressman, Jeffrey and Jessica Gross, Kristen, Jamie and Jillian Kirkland, Korey, Luke and Shane King, Zoe, Benjamin, Zachary and Jacob Cressman. Dear brother of Vera and husband Mike Miller of Kitchener and brother-in-law of Gladys Cressman, Alice Schmucker and Pat and husband Mike Hammer all of Ohio. He will also be remembered by his nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his parents, Clarice (Stager) and Amos Cressman; brother, Lester Cressman and brother-in-law, Allen Schmucker.His lifetime career was in construction as a carpenter. Irvin devoted his life to Christian service. He was ordained in 1957 and served as pastor of Biehn (now Nith Valley) Mennonite Church from 1957 to 1974. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a highly principled man who instilled moral values through his example. His commitment to his faith, family and church will not be forgotten.The family invites friends for visitation at the Edward R. Good Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening (Tuesday) and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. The funeral service to celebrate Irvin's life and faith will be held at Nith Valley Mennonite Church, New Hamburg, on Thursday, December 15, 2006, at 2 p.m., with Pastors Hendrike and Matthew Isert Bender officiating. Interment to follow in Nith Valley Mennonite Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or Rockway Mennonite Collegiate would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and can be arranged through the funeral home. Donations/Condolences www.edwardrgood.com 745-8445

THE RECORD - Dec. 13, 2005

Irvin — Elaine Marie Schmucker. Elaine was born 26 Aug 1930; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Vera Ellen Miller
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-63868
• Residence: 1969, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

MILLER, Vera It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our wife, mother and grandmother, Vera Ellen Miller (nee Cressman) in her 81st year, peacefully, on Friday, July 22, 2011. Vera will be greatly missed by her husband and best friend Mike Miller. They stood side by side with over 52 years of happiness, raising their family and living their life. Predeceased by her brothers Lester Cressman and Irvin Cressman. Vera was born in East Zorra Township on August 25, 1930. Vera is also survived by her children, Michael and his wife Nancy of London, Ross and his wife Krysta of Waterloo, Carol Ann and her husband Philip Jefkins of Wellesley and John and his good friend Linda Walsh of Waterloo. Vera's legacy will continue in her nine grandchildren, Scott, Brent, Joey, Brooke, Alicia, Michael, Samantha, Erica and Ben. We love you Grandma M. Never at a loss for words, always quick to give directions, Vera's life was simple, full and always entertaining. Her every action was selfless as she was more concerned with the well-being of others more than herself. Vera devoted much of her time and energy to her family. As the kids grew up her need to see to others found her taking on the role as a school crossing guard and a Red Cross homemaker. Still wanting to do more, Vera spent countless hours with the Twin City Spinners, gaining the nickname, "Ma Spinner." She was inducted into the Spinners Hall of Fame in 2009. She also enjoyed socializing and playing cards at the Breithaupt Centre. Vera was a devoted member TOPS, and proudly attained the title of KOP! Vera's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, July 26th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home , 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749- 8467. A funeral service will be in the chapel of the funeral home on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 11 a.m. Cremation is to follow. Vera's ashes will rest at the Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Twin City Spinners on behalf of Vera would be greatly appreciated (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Vera's memorial.

Vera — Michael Frank "Mike" Miller. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-179766

Notes:

Cressman, Clayton S., 70, Plattsville, Ont. Born: Nov. 2, 1925, Wilmot Twp., Ont., to Omar and Mary Ann Shantz Cressman. Died: Aug. 21, 1996, Toronto, Ont., of a heart attack. Survivors-wife: Gladys Bauman Cressman; children: Richard, Ralph, Kevin, Christine; sister: Ethel Woolner; 8 grandchildren. Funeral and burial: Aug. 24, Nith Valley Mennonite Church, by Harold Schilk.

Clayton — Gladys B. Bauman. Gladys (daughter of Emanuel M. Bauman and Ida Frey Bauman) was born 15 Nov 1930; died 2 Feb 2018, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Nith Valley Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-202149

Notes:

Cressman, Arnold W. (1928 - 1998)

Arnold W. Cressman, church leader, visionary and entrepreneur, b. 11 September, 1928 to Joseph and Ida (Gingrich) Cressman on the New Hamburg, Ont., Cressman homestead, built by his great-grandfather, Amos and grandfather, Osiah, both Mennonite ministers. Arnold, the second child, had one younger brother and two sisters. He died on July 8, 1998 at the Latrobe, Pennsylvania hospital.

At age 14, Arnold left school to work on the farm where his entrepreneurial spirit expressed itself in building things from scrap metal, wood or machine parts and experimenting with new ideas in agricultural.

Arnold was baptized at the Geiger Mennonite Church in his teens. He studied at Ontario Mennonite Bible School and Institute in Kitchener, Ont. There he met Rhoda Garber, daughter of John F. and Anna Mae (Wenger) Garber, whom he married on July 13, 1956 in Burton, Ohio. They lived near New Dundee, Ont. .

In 1951, Arnold graduated from OMBI and was ordained to the ministry at the small, rural Blenheim Mennonite Church which granted him several leaves to study at Eastern Mennonite College. He earned BA degrees there in Bible and English Literature (1956) and a BA from Western University, London, Ont. (1960).

Arnold was pastor at Blenheim (1951-61) and at Baden (1959-61). Despite his youth, he gained respect for conciliatory efforts during a conflict which saw two bishops and several pastors leave the conference in 1960. In 1990, Arnold returned to Ontario to be interim pastor at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church for fifteen months. Alongside early ministry, Arnold taught at OMBI, edited Evangel, a monthly conference magazine, served on committees, did carpentry work and designed and built an innovative, cost-effective and environmentally friendly house for his family.

In 1961, the Cressmans moved to Scottdale, Pa. where Arnold worked for the Mennonite Publishing House and as Field Secretary for the binational Mennonite Church's Commission for Christian Education until 1970. He shaped and promoted Christian education across North America and wrote curriculum and worship material. He articulated his vision for the church in numerous published pieces, including his weekly "Nurture Lookout" column in Gospel Herald and in vanguard magazines like Festival Quarterly.

In 1962, Arnold and Rhoda purchased a small, rural property "with possibilities" but no amenities. Over three decades, they upgraded the cottage for the family - daughter Jenny and sons Eric and Jon Robert - gouged out several spring-fed ponds, planted a forest of 10,000 trees, a small orchard and garden, all in tune with a fundamental philosophy: taking care of God's earth.

In 1968, Arnold was named executive director of Laurelville Mennonite Church Center while still carrying his Scottdale jobs. His dreams, visions, well-honed practical skills and risk-taking transformed Laurelville. Association membership doubled, old buildings were redesigned and new ones added. Innovative programs trained youth and addressed critical issues in the church, business, society, the arts and families. Arnold proposed long-term goals but also kept Laurelville flexible to respond to immediate challenges. "Aiming at a moving target" was his style. Ill health forced his resignation as director in 1977, but he assisted with programming for ten more years.

Arnold's passion for Anabaptist faith and history permeated Laurelville's program and resulted in the founding of TourMagination in 1970 by Arnold, Rhoda and Jan and Barbara Gleysteen. On European tours the Cressmans led, hundreds of North Americans discovered their Anabaptist roots and renewed their faith. Gradually tours to six continents were added, connecting thousands of members of global Anabaptist-related churches. When Arnold's transplanted kidney quit functioning in 1993, he and Rhoda left TourMagination.

Arnold served on the EMC & S (seminary) Board of Trustees (1977 - 84), the Mennonite Publication Board (1979-87) and in numerous positions at Scottdale Mennonite Church where he was a member for 37 years.

Arnold's life was like a tapestry, its separate segments woven together by common threads of creativity, passion, faith and a desire for shalom. Never hobbled by the obvious, always striving for what might be, he encouraged others "to join him in new expressions of faithfulness to Jesus Christ."


Burkhardt, Ferne. (January 2006). "Cressman, Arnold W. (1928-1998)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. https://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/c74712.html

Vernon — Doris Ann Gingrich. (daughter of Angus S. Gingrich and Almeta Good) [Group Sheet]

Ferne — Donald Cameron Burkhardt. (son of Menno M. Burkhart and Hattie Z. Lichty) [Group Sheet]

Elaine — John Robert Weber. (son of Ion Laverne Weber and Edith Lorene "Lorene" Horst) [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-179765

Notes:

Richard James Cressman

Richard Cressman died on Monday November 23rd in New Hamburg, Ontario at the age of 67. He struggled with mental health for half his life and that struggle became too great. He died by suicide.

Loving husband of Susan (Bearinger). Father of Sara Cressman (David Martin), Amanda Cressman (Bryan Peters), and Karrie Cornies (Dan). Adored Papa to Addison, Maisie, Elaina and Caleb. He was predeceased by his parents Gladys and Clayton Cressman and parents-in-law Jessie and Howard Bearinger. He is mourned by his siblings and siblings-in-law Ralph Cressman (Lois), Kevin Cressman (Janet), Chris Cressman (Dale Scott), Karen Martin (Willard), Dave Bearinger (Debbi), Jim Bearinger (Barb), Judy Osborne (Pete), Larry Bearinger (Karen), and Kevin Bearinger (Dory) and many nieces and a few nephews.

Richard wore many hats during his life - farmer, public speaker, counsellor, advice giver, thinker, designer/builder/tinkerer of many interesting machines and contraptions, shoe modifier, boat navigator, and collector of wooden roosters. He loved selling Pioneer Seeds and the opportunity it provided for him to connect with farmers. He was involved in the New Hamburg Lions Club, Waterloo Federation of Agriculture and Nith Valley Mennonite Church.

He was a good listener and really enjoyed getting to know people. He valued every friend, neighbour, and farmer in his life. He cared for all of you.

Richard was a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, neighbour and friend. He will be missed by so many. To those of you who knew and loved Richard, take your time to mourn and grieve your loss knowing that he is at peace.

There are two ways to mourn with the family. Video visitation messages can be made to the family and a drive-by visitation will take place on Sunday November 29th from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at Nith Valley Mennonite Church at 1355 Bean Rd, New Hamburg.


"Richard CRESSMAN Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information". 2021. Markjutzifuneralhomes.Ca. https://www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca/memorials/richard-cressman/4436658/.

Richard married Susan Bearinger (daughter of Howard Franklin Bearinger and Jessie Ann Milne) [Group Sheet]

Ralph — Lois Jeanette Martin. (daughter of Orvie S. Martin and Reta B. Martin) [Group Sheet]

Lorrie — Kenneth Lester Koch. (son of Lester S. Koch and Alice Alta Nahrgang) [Group Sheet]