John Edwin Gingerich, 88, of Milford, Ind., passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, March 9, 2014.

He was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Howard County, Ind., to Albert and Salome (Troyer) Gingerich. He married Mary Ellen Schlabach in LaGrange on Feb. 28, 1946.

John has lived in Nappanee for 58 years. He was a retired Dairy farmer. He was a member of Salem Mennonite Church. John was always willing to help those in need.

He is survived by his wife; daughters: Carolyn (Jerry) Helmuth, Wakarusa, Ind.; Audrey (Eldon) Miller, Nappanee, Ind.; Jane (Art) Hershberger, Dillwyn, Va; sons: Merrill (Lola) Gingerich and Phillip (Jane) Gingerich, both of Milford; 19 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; sister: Martha (Henry) Plank, Arthur, Ill.; brother: Walter (Martha) Gingerich, Arthur; and sister-in-law: Fran Gingerich, Kokomo, Ind.

He was preceded in death by a grandson: Kevin Miller; two great-grandchildren: Trent Martin and Emily Kauffman; and a brother: Joe Henry Gingerich.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday , March 12, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. There will also be a visitation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at Salem Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be held  at 10:00 am, Thursday, March 13, at the church, with Terrill Yoder, and Jerry Helmuth officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Goldenrod or the Donor’s choice.