William “Bill” R. Bemis, age 75, of Goshen, Ind., passed away Feb. 25, 2025, at the Center for Hospice, Elkhart. He was born April 21, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Edwin & Cecile (Prudell) Bemis. In 1971, he married Carol Jo (Gainer) Bemis. Surviving are his wife, Carol Jo, Goshen; children, Sara (Earl) Smith, Goshen; Mark (Angie) Bemis, Middlebury; grandchildren, Aimee, Ana, Ezekiel Smith & Aiden, Caitilin, Briene Bemis; siblings, Catherine Unger, Bridget Bemis, James (Bonnie) Bemis, Margaret (Art) Klein and sisters-in-law, Kathy Bemis & Suzanne Bemis. Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Edwin and Peter Bemis; and a brother-inlaw, Roger Unger. In 1972, Bill graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Architecture. He founded and was the sole proprietor of William Bemis Associates, a premier architectural design company in Las Vegas, NV. Most recently, he worked at Bethel University as the Resident Director of the freshman boys’ dorm, Oakwood Slater Hall. He then worked in Student Development before retiring. Not only did he design and build their home in Las Vegas, but he was also a skilled woodworker who enjoyed remodeling and helping others in any way he could. His grandchildren were the light of his life and lovingly called him “Precise Papa.” He enjoyed passing on his love and knowledge of his craftsmanship to his children and grandchildren. More important to Bill than his family was his relationship with Jesus Christ. For seven years Bill and Carol were active in their Las Vegas church, working with teens, serving in various leadership capacities and helping to plant the church. Upon moving to Northern Indiana, they served in various volunteer capacities at several Missionary churches in the Michiana area. Memorial donations may be directed to Bethel University, Institutional Advancement, 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or BethelUniversity.edu/Give. Carolyn Clapper ’69, age 76, was born Oct. 31, 1947, and raised in Battle Creek, Mich. She passed away July 20, 2024. Carolyn surrendered her life to Jesus at age 17. She received a B.A. degree from Bethel College and spent her life working as a missionary with Wycliffe, primarily in Brazil. There, she served for 40 years, including eight years as the director's administrative assistant and the rest of her years in accounting roles. Carolyn left Brazil in 2012, and enjoyed working with the SIL Americas Area finance department. She continued to work for SIL Brazil while living in Dallas. She officially retired in 2017 and returned as a part-time volunteer to the SIL Americas Area finance department where she volunteered until her death. Paul Erdel, age 97, was born in Clinton Co., Ind., on Dec. 12,1927, and died peacefully in Mishawaka, Ind., on Dec. 13, 2024. His life of humble service included global leadership; but he wanted to be remembered primarily as an evangelical missionary to Esmeraldas, Ecuador (1953-1998), who followed the call of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul graduated as valedictorian of Fort Wayne Bible Institute (FWBI), taking further degrees at Taylor University, Indiana University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, while also studying at Purdue, Ball State, St. Francis (Ft. Wayne), Winona Lake School of Theology and Jerusalem University College. He married Chloetta Egly in 1950, and theirs was an unusually gifted partnership in ministry for 40 years until her passing. A strong advocate for Christian higher education, Paul led three different Spanish language Bible institutes and taught at eight institutions of higher education in four countries. In 1996 Paul married Ruth, a missionary widow with a former global radio ministry in Russian, Spanish and English from HCJB in Quito, Ecuador. In retirement Paul personally led Bethel University’s semester abroad study program in Ecuador for eight years, continued occasional teaching at Bethel and elsewhere and encouraged Missionary Church Latino pastors working in Michiana. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, George W. Erdel and Bessie M. (Glick) Erdel, his first wife, Chloetta E. (Egly) Erdel, sister, Julia E. (Erdel) Farley, and two infant greatgrandchildren. He is survived by his second wife, Ruth F. (Deyneka Shalanko) Erdel, four living children, Timothy (Sally) Erdel, David (Laura) Erdel, John (Lorena) Erdel and Ruth (Tim) Stuck, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as by two stepchildren, John (Maria) Shalanko and Lydia Shalanko, three step grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren and many extended family members. Rev. Diane Howard ’78, age 68, of Medway, passed away Nov. 19, 2024, at Miami Valley Hospital. She was born March 20, 1956 in Mishawaka, Ind., the daughter of Joe “J.R.” and Geraldine “Gerry” (Fitts) Howard. She earned a B.A. in Biblical Literature (cum laude) from Bethel University and an M.A. in Christian Ministries/Church Development (cum laude) from Wheaton College. Diane was the President of the Missionary Church Historical Society, gathering and preserving important documents and historical information. For over 40 years, she served Christ faithfully in the Missionary and Methodist denominations, serving in 10 churches and positions, most recently at Rona Community Church. Diane was a willing servant as demonstrated by her involvement in children's work, Bible quizzing programs, camps, Bible studies and church events. She is preceded in death by her father, J.R. Howard. Diane is survived by her mother, Gerry Howard; two brothers, Jay IN MEMORY 21 SPRING 2025
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