Daniel L. Hertzler

Daniel Levi Hertzler

Oct. 19, 1925-June 14, 2023

SCOTTDALE, Pa. -- Daniel L. Hertzler, 97, Scottdale, longtime editor of Mennonite publications, died June 14, 2023  in Scottdale.

He was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Elverson, Pa., to Melvin and Susan (Shenk) Hertzler. He married Mary Yoder, daughter of Eugene and Esther (Miller) Yoder, in Aurora, Ohio, on July 12, 1952. She preceded him in death in November 2017.

Survivors include four sons, Dennis, Monesson, Pa.; Ron (Laurel), Telford, Pa.; Gerry (Mary), Goshen, Ind.; and Dan Mark (Christie), Lancaster, Pa.; and nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are a brother, Truman Hertzler, Elverson, Pa., and a sister, Katherine Hallman, Kansas City, Mo. A sister Martha preceded him in death in 2021.

He dropped out of high school in order to assist his father on the family farm, but never lost his desire for lifelong learning. He would go on to earn multiple educational degrees, including a bachelor of arts degree from Eastern Mennonite College in 1951; bachelor of theology from Eastern Mennonite College in 1952; a bachelor of divinity degree from Goshen Biblical Seminary in 1955; and a doctor of philosophy, religious education, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966.

He then earned another graduate degree after retirement – a master of sacred theology from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1995.

Dan had a 38-year career with the Mennonite Publishing House from 1952 to 1990. His work involved serving as editor of a variety of Christian education publications as well as editing Mennonite Community Magazine, Christian Living, Builder and 17 years as Gospel Herald editor. He retired Oct. 19, 1990.

In 1945 after World War II, Dan signed up to work on a cattle boat heading to Poland. The relief effort included delivering horses and heifers to Europe, and in 1947 he decided to again participate in a crew organized by Mennonite Central Committee.

This experience was the start of many worldwide travels, including attending Mennonite World Conference beginning in 1962 in Canada and ending in 2003 in Zimbabwe. His travels took him to Africa, Europe, India and Australia and many cities throughout the U.S.

Outside of academia, his hobbies included grafting trees, gardening and beekeeping. His extensive writing included authoring articles and books, including his memoirs “A Little Left of Center” and “On My Way: The View from the Ninth Decade.”

Family and friends are welcome on Friday , June 23  from 6 to 8 p.m.  at the Scottdale Mennonite Church, 801 Market St.,Scottdale, where Dan was a member.   A  funeral service will take place Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Dirk Kaufman and the Rev. David Mishler officiating. Interment will follow  at Alte Menist Mennonite (Pennsville) Cemetery. Graft-Jacquillard Funeral and Cremation Services, ,303 Pittsburgh St. are  Entrusted with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Mennonite World Conference.  Online condolences are welcome at www.gjfuneral.com