Eli Z Burkholder

Eli Z. Burkholder, 80, of 296 Deisher Road, Maxatawny Twp., Kutztown, PA, died Sunday, October 2, 2005, in the family residence. He was the husband of Bertha M. (Weaver) Burkholder.

Born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Esra Z. and the late Lydia Z. (Zimmerman) Burkholder. He was a self employed farmer all his life until 1981. After retiring from farming he operated Hill Top Sharpening and Hydraulic Jack Service from his residence until the present. He was a member of the Groffdale Conference of Mennonites and attended Center Mennonite Church, Maxatawny Twp. He served as Bishop of the Church since his ordination on April 12, 1960. He was ordained as a minister April 1, 1958.

He is survived by Wife, Sons, Walter W. husband of Emma L. (Zimmerman) Burkholder, Kutztown, Landis W. husband of Rachel N. (Weaver) Burkholder, Kutztown, Eli W. husband of Irene Z. (Nolt) Burkholder, Bowers, Aaron W. husband of Elva B. (Shirk) Burkholder, Kutztown, Edward W. husband of Lucy Z. (Nolt) Burkholder, Kutztown, Stephen W. widower of Esther W. (Sauder) Burkholder, Fleetwood, Lawrence W. husband of Marlene B. (Snyder) Burkholder, Kutztown, Weaver W. husband of Edna M. (Martin) Burkholder, Saegerstown (Crawford County), PA; Daughters, Wilma W. (Burkholder) wife of Moses S. Zimmerman, Kutztown, Ellen W. (Burkholder) wife of Phares K. Newswanger, Kutztown, Lucy W. (Burkholder) wife of Lawrence K. Newswanger, Hubbardston, Michigan, Alma W. (Burkholder) wife of Leroy B. Snyder, Fleetwood; Brothers, Paul Z. Burkholder, Ephrata, Lancaster County, Aaron Z. Burkholder, Fleetwood, Weaver Z. Burkholder, Kutztown, Raymond Z. Burkholder, Edina, Missouri; Sisters, Mary Z. (Burkholder) widow of Ivan M. Martin, Fleetwood, Lydia Z. (Burkholder) wife of David E. Reiff, Ephrata, Lancaster County, Anna Z. (Burkholder) wife of Raymond H. Martin, Kutztown, Edna Z. (Burkholder) wife of John H. Weaver, Kutztown, Elizabeth Z. (Burkholder) wife of Elmer H. Weaver, Fleetwood; 92 Grandchildren, 41 Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by a Son, Elvin W. Burkholder who died in 1969 and nine Grandchildren.

Funeral Services are Thursday, October 6, 2005, at 9:00 AM from his late residence, 296 Deisher Road, with services continuing in Center Mennonite Church, Kutztown (Maxatawny Twp) at 9:30 AM. Interment in Center Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kutztown (Maxatawny Twp.). Friends may call Wednesday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in his late residence. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.