Melvin J. Yoder

Melvin J. Yoder, 69 of Middlebury, died September 17, 2010 at 1:21 pm at Goshen General Hospital.

He was born Oct. 30, 1940 in Middlebury to Jerry and Mary (Mast) Yoder and married Helen M. Canell on May 29, 1976 in Scott, IN. She survives with 2 daughters, Tonia (Kevin) Koscher of Bristol, and Tammy (Rick) Lough of Shipshewana; a son, David (Cindy) Higgins II of Shipshewana; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren; 5 brothers, William (Amanda) Yoder of Lagrange, Dave (Jan) Yoder of Middlebury, Jerry (Edna) Yoder Jr., of Shipshewana, Lloyd (Katie) Yoder of Millersburg and Wilbur (Wilma) Yoder of Shipshewana. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Ida Miller and 2 brothers Harley and John Yoder.

Mr. Yoder retired in 2006 as a farrier (horse shoer) after 48 years. He was a member of the coffee club in White Pigeon and enjoyed metal crafting and puzzles. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and father-in-law.

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Tuesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart where services will be held at 11 am Wednesday. Pastor Chris Hinshaw will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.