Richard Minister Litwiller

Richard J. Litwiller was born to Alfred and Edith Brown Litwiller on January 26, 1931, one of the younger children in a family of 16. He left us for his Heavenly home in the early morning hours of February 8, 2019. He lived a full life of 88 years, enjoying relatively good health until his later years. Dad answered Gods call and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, by Min. Frank Haynes on January 30, 1949. He was faithful to his commitment, living his life in a humble way. Spiritual things were his top priority. Dad married our mother, Wanda Nichols, on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954, at Greensburg, Kansas. The day was made more special by having a double wedding with Dads brother, Verle and Marian. Their first home was in Northville, Michigan, where they lived while Dad completed his 1-W service. They then moved back to Gratiot County, where they spent many happy years together. We have many pleasant memories of working together as a family on the farm. Being a lover of nature, Dad enjoyed evening walks in the pines, time spent working in his garden, and trips up north with the family. Going to Kansas at Christmastime to see our grandparents was a highlight. Dads cheerful approach to life was expressed through his singing and whistling. Family was special to him, and we as children and grandchildren had many good times gathered around their large table for meals. Grandpa loved to have us stop in after church for popcorn. Dad answered another call when he was ordained to the ministry on February 15, 1965, by Min. Dewey Unruh. His ordination prayer requested that God "open a place in his heart to listen to those in trouble and give to them guidance and counsel. May he stand as a man of truth and be a peacemaker to Thy honor and glory, and the saving of mens souls." This prayer was answered in the way he faithfully filled his place as a shepherd. His gentle nature and compassionate ways endeared him to those he met. His life continues to be an inspiration to us. Time spent alone with God was very meaningful to Dad. We remember him reading the Bible after dinner, then spending time in meditation. He was a man of faith in prayer. We appreciate the special experiences of answers to prayer, and the many prayers he prayed for us as a family. Dad and Mom enjoyed a winter at Starbuck, Minnesota, pastoring the small congregation there. Later they spent time in Rochester, Minnesota, where Dad spent many hours visiting in the hospital. Special memories were made during this time. In their later years, our parents moved around the corner to Mapleview Assisted Living. The wonderful care Dad received was greatly appreciated. Left with special memories are his wife, Wanda; three children: Michael and Marianne, Karen and Kim Buerge, and Bruce and Candace, all of Ithaca, MI; twelve grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren; three siblings: Mary and Lee Giesel, Verle and Marian, and Donna, Mrs. Allen Wiebe; three sisters-in-law: Neoma, Mrs. Ray Wadel, Lavada and Carl Yost, Shirley and Harold Nichols; and two brothers-in-law: Galen and Shirley Nichols, and Ron and Glenda Nichols. Preceding him in death were his parents, seven brothers, and five sisters. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 11, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. at the Newark Mennonite Church with Ministers Doug Salsbury, Jeff Giesel, Darin Litwiller, and Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place at Hayes Road Cemetery. Those desiring, may make contributions in Richards honor to Mapleview Assisted Living, 4396 S. Luce Rd., Ithaca, MI 48847.