Pastor John E. Gingerich, age 85, of Hartville, went home to be with the Lord, whom he loved and served, on Wednesday February 24, 2010. He was born in Hartville, Ohio on September 11, 1924 to the late Mose and Lydia (Stutzman) Gingerich. As a young Amish boy, John had received the call to serve God and was inspired by Proverbs 21:13. During 1946- 1967, he had been a Seagoing Cowboy transporting cattle to Europe, was in France with RTUF, and was in Espelkamp, Germany under MCC and RMM working with refugees. Upon returning to Hartville, he completed his education and taught school at Lake Center and Hartville Christian Schools. Of his 50 years in ministry, 30 years were as pastor at Bethany Mennonite Church. Survived by his wife of 59 years Grace (Miller); children Philip and Sharon Gingerich of Plain Township and Rhoda and Marvin Sommers of Hartville; grandchildren Heidi Gingerich, Andy and Nikki Sommers, Paul and Angie Sommers and Patrick Smith; great-grandchildren Aria, Landon, Taylor, Kyle and Adison; siblings Elizabeth Gingerich, Elmer (Fannie) Gingerich, Verna Gingerich, Mose (Dorothy) Gingerich, Betty Troyer, Anna (Elson) Sommers. Preceded in death by daughter Erika Smith; siblings Jonas, Noah and Roy Gingerich. Calling hours are Saturday 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Bethany Mennonite Church. Final Viewing is Sunday 1-2 PM at the church and funeral services begin Sunday 2 PM with Pastor Dave Slabaugh officiating. Final resting place is Walnut Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethany Mennonite Church, 3497 Edison St. (Route 619), Hartville, OH 44632. (Arnold 330-877-9364) www.arnoldfuneralhome.com