Verney L Unruh

Verney L. Unruh

Verney L. Unruh, 83, died Saturday (July 8, 2006) at Via Christi - St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita. He was born May 8, 1923, to Anthony H. and Anna (Albrecht) Unruh in Bloomfield, Mont. They preceded him in death. He married Belva Waltner on July 7, 1946, in Freeman, S.D. She survives of the home. He was a graduate of Bethel College in 1945. He graduated from New York Biblical Seminary in 1948 and studied at the Princeton Theological Seminary. He was involved in church planting with the General Conference Mennonite Church in Japan for 15 years. He served as Asia administrator for the General Conference Commission on Overseas Missions. He worked with the Asia Mennonite Conference and served nine years in service in Taiwan. He was honored for 50 years of service with the Mennonite Church Commission and Overseas Missions and the Western District. He served the First Mennonite Church in varied capacities.

He will be remembered as a Godly example to friends, family, and his larger church family.

His memberships included the First Mennonite Church, CASA of Harvey County, Mennonite Men's Chorus, the Mennonite Church Commission on Overseas Missions and the Western District Conference.

Other survivors include: a son, Paul Unruh and wife Chris of Hesston; daughters, Pat Tilton and husband Bruce of Gap, Pa., Judi Mollenkaf and husband Peter of Lancaster, Pa., and Barb Beachey and husband Ernest of Clearwater; brothers, Leslie Unruh of Bloomfield, Jim Unruh of Texas and Gerald Unruh of Billings, Mont.; sisters, Helen Buller of North Newton, Evelyn Klein of Langdon, N.D., Betty Blough of Salt Lake City and Phyllis Lobdell of Grand Falls, Mont.; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He also was preceded in death by: brothers, Robert Unruh and Willard Unruh; an infant brother, William Unruh; and an infant sister, Anna Unruh.

Service was held earlier today at First Mennonite Church. Pastor Clarence Rempel officiated.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with First Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Mission Network, both in care of the funeral home.