Dorothy Jean Horst

Dorothy Jean Horst, 96, of Hubbard Hill Community, Elkhart IN, went home to be with our Lord on May 11, 2023. Dorothy was born to Cleo and Nellie Mann in Elkhart IN on Sept 23, 1926. She married (John) Alton Horst on June 9, 1951 in Elkhart. After they were married 56 years, Alton passed away August 16, 2009.

Dorothy is survived by three sons: John (Phyllis) Horst of Sycamore IL, David (Andrea) Horst of Tiskilwa IL, Paul (Sara) Horst of Guthrie OK and one daughter Ruth (Roger) Shank of Monroe GA, 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, (James) Mark Horst and her brother, David (Mona) Mann of Glendale AZ.

Dorothy graduated from Elkhart High School and Goshen College with a BA in Educaton. She taught school in Elkhart for five years until becoming a pastor’s wife. Together they served in pastorates in Interntaional Falls MN, Sumner IL and Fisher IL.

In 1968 the family moved to Tiskilwa IL where they assumed leadership in a developing ministry at Menno Haven Camp and Retreat Center and were involved in many aspects of Christian camping for the next 20 years until retirement. Over the years, Dorothy was involved in the ministry of the church: teaching and superintending Sunday School and summer bible school, as MYF sponsor, organizing a Junior Sewing Club for high school girls, directing the junior choir and was a deaconess of the church. She also served several terms as PTA president.

After retirement, Alton and Dorothy had many amazing experiences. One unique privilege was living for two months with an African pastor’s family in Lesotho. They returned several years later for the dedication of the pastor’s very first church building. God was front and center in Dorothy’s life. Her hand written letters and notes of encouragement to family and life-long friends will be missed by many. Dorothy was a member of the Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart where a memorial service will be held at a future date.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

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