Obituary of Mel Horst

In the village in which he was born, Mel died peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Derbecker’s Heritage House in St. Jacobs, age 88 years. Beloved husband of Leeta (Dettwiler) for over 66 years. Son of the late Menno and Lovina (Bauman) Horst. Loving father of Doug (Stephanie) of Hamilton, Roland (Rae) of Campbellville, Rose Ann (Glen, deceased) Mottet of Sherwood Park, AB, Gary (Brenda) of Stratford, and Brent (Andrea) of St. Jacobs. He will be sadly missed by 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Survived by sisters Mary Shantz, Barbara Horst, and Emma Brubacher. Predeceased by siblings Lena Frey, David, Elam and Amon Horst, Martha Koch, and Verna Waters. Somewhat of a nomad, Mel lived and worked in many places including Mel’s Choice Chicken, Wagner’s Corner, Quebec farm and Camp Sken-nen, The Stone Crock, Home Hardware and Chesley Lake Camp. Through it all, he found his primary joy in helping others, making music, and entertaining people. Visitation will be at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King St. N., St. Jacobs, on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Burial will have taken place at St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery prior to the Memorial Service which will be at the church on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 11 a.m. Cremation has taken place. The family is very grateful for the care received in the last weeks, particularly from the staff at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus and Derbecker’s Heritage House. In Mel’s memory donations to St. Jacob’s Mennonite Church Mission Partnership Fund, Mennonite Central Committee Canada, or Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Service Summary Visitation: St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King St. N., St. Jacobs, Monday, April 6, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. ~ Memorial Service: At the church, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 11 a.m. Donations to St. Jacob’s Mennonite Church Mission Partnership Fund(1310 King St. N., St. Jacobs, N0B 2N0), Mennonite Central Committee Canada (50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 http://ontario.mcc.org), or Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington(831 Frederick St.Kitchener, ON N2B 2B4 519-742-1422)would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.