Eugene H. Mehlhaf, age 91, of Menno passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Oakview Terrace, Freeman, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Zion Reformed Church, Menno with Rev. Scott Henry officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery. Visitations will be from 3-9 PM, Friday, January 15, at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno with the family present from 6:30-9 PM and a 7:30 PM prayer service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Pallbearers will be David Mehlhaf, Laura Mehlhaf-Stern, Rachel Mehlhaf, Michelle Mehlhaf-Grossmann, Christopher Mehlhaf, Karla Mehlhaf, and Amber Mehlhaf-Bradley. Honorary pallbearers Nicole Mehlhaf, Michael Stern, James Grossmann, Journey Mehlhaf, Mesa Mehlhaf, Cherish Stern, Brittany Mehlhaf, Justice Mehlhaf, Gabriel Stern, and Mark Bradley.
Eugene H. Mehlhaf was born on a farm northeast of Menno, South Dakota to Henry and Barbara (Schempp) Mehlhaf on February 8, 1918. He was baptized into the name of The Father, and of the Son & and of the Holy Spirit at Kassel Zion Reformed Church on April 14, 1918 by Rev. Buetell.
He received his education in the public school system of Hutchinson County. After being instructed in the Christian Faith, he was confirmed on June 12, 1932 by Rev. William Huenemann in the Kassel Zion Reformed Church where he remained a faithful member all of his life. He served his church as Sunday school teacher, deacon, and as a member of the church building committee.
Eugene and Lenora were married on October 29, 1944 by Rev. Jacob Grether in the Bethel Reformed Church northeast of Tripp, South Dakota. They lived on a farm northeast of Menno until they moved to Menno in 1984. Eugene enjoyed attending church, being with his family, growing crops and raising livestock. Eugene and Lenora enjoyed the trips they made traveling across the United States and Canada. He treasured his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends; and he also enjoyed listening to sermon tapes.
This union was blessed with three sons and three daughters-in-law: Allen (Delila) Mehlhaf and Clinton (Lori) Mehlhaf, Menno, SD and Charles (Donna) Mehlhaf, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren: David (Nicole) Mehlhaf, Laura (Michael) Stern, Rachel Mehlhaf, Michelle (James) Grossmann, Christopher (Brittany) Mehlhaf, Karla Mehlhaf, and Amber (Mark) Bradley; great grandchildren: Journey, Mesa, and Justice Mehlhaf, Cherish and Gabriel Stern.
Eugene is survived by 3 brothers: Ruben (Leona) Mehlhaf, Victor Mehlhaf, and John (Darlene) Mehlhaf; 2 sisters: Ruth Mehlhaf and Caroline Roth; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lenora, his parents, sisters: Viola, who died in infancy, and Esther Kirschenman; one brother Arthur Mehlhaf; sisters-in-law; Viola Mehlhaf, Arlene Mehlhaf, and Leontine Mehlhaff; and brothers- in- law: Ernest Kirschenman, Ray Roth, and Eugene Mehlhaff.
