David Edward Diener

December 29, 1917 – October 16, 2016

David Edward Diener was born to Harry and Amanda (Seltzer) Diener on December 29, 1917, in Proctor, MO, and passed away in Souderton, PA, on October 16, 2016. He married Esther Margaret Swartzentruber on May 7, 1944.

As the second of eight sons, David Edward, who used the name Edward from childhood, grew up on a farm in Yoder, KS, a small town near Hutchinson. He was a hard worker, and led the family in their athletic endeavors. He graduated from Hesston Academy in 1938, Hesston College in 1942, Goshen College in 1943, and Goshen College Seminary in 1944. Before finishing college, Edward served for nine months in Civilian Public Service (CPS) during W.W. II in Colorado Springs, CO.

Edward and Esther had four children: Margaret Marie (married to David Jones) of Chicago, IL; Larry Linford (married to Doris Steiner) of Souderton, PA; David Edward (married to Carol Dey) of Ft. Collins, CO; Diane Naomi (married to Ibrahim Omondi) of Nairobi, Kenya. They have nine grandchildren: David Diener, married to Brooke (Atherton); Kelsey (Diener), married to Tim Bell; Deborah (Diener), married to Aram DiGennaro; Tyson Diener, married to Emily (Kuiken); Elizabeth (Diener), married to John McGinness; Michael Omondi, Samuel Omondi, Daniel Omondi, and Deborah Omondi, and 12 great-grandchildren: Caleb, Priska, Alethia, Shadrack, Miriam, Tayla, Micah, Zoe, Daniel, Ronin, Ethan and Isaac.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret, in 1994; his wife, Esther, in 2009; six brothers: Daniel, Clayton, Truman, Paul, Willard, and Harold Glen. His brother, Herman (and wife Mary Ellen), reside in Hutchinson, KS.

Edward served as an ordained minister in three different Mennonite congregations: Clarence Center Mennonite Church in Clarence, NY, from 1944-1965; Hartville Mennonite Church in Hartville, OH, from 1965-1970; West Clinton Mennonite Church in Pettisville, OH, from 1970-1988. After that, he served as an interim pastor in a number of local congregations.

During most of Edward's years as a pastor, he worked bi-vocationally. In the earlier years, he did residential construction, and was known as one of the best roofers in western New York. Later he worked with his wife at Das Essen Haus, a flourishing restaurant in Pettisville, OH, which they owned and operated from 1972-1999. After that, they owned and operated a small bed and breakfast in Archbold, OH, for several years.

In his later years, Edward traveled to Kenya seven times to teach Bible classes for two weeks to young pastors. This was a meaningful and rewarding extension of his life as a minister of the Gospel.

Edward loved church history! He loved to discuss theology, family genealogies, conference issues, and anything related to the Anabaptist faith. He served as bishop in the Ontario Mennonite Conference, an overseer in Ohio Mennonite Conference, and on various conference boards and committees.

After Esther's passing, Edward moved to Sarasota, FL, where he lived with Larry and Doris. Even then he was independent, and was active in teaching Sunday school and visiting the elderly. In 2014, Edward, Larry, and Doris moved to Souderton, PA, where he was living at the time of his death.

Edward leaves a legacy of hard work, faithful service, compassionate pastoring, and a love for learning.

Visitation will be at West Clinton Mennonite Church in Pettisville, OH, on Sunday, October 23 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The burial for family and close friends will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 24 at the Pettisville Cemetery, and the memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. at West Clinton Mennonite Church.