Rev. Dale Linhart

Rev. Dale Linhart, 87, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025. A devoted pastor in the United Methodist Church, Dale faithfully served congregations in Swayzee, New Paris, Churubusco, and LaGrange.

Born on July 16, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dale was the son of Howard and Julia Linhart and grew up in the Minerva area.

He attended Taylor University and later graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary. Throughout his life, Dale enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, and supporting the local high school sports teams.

Dale is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marian Lehmer Linhart; his children, Dr. Terry Linhart (Kelly) and LeAnne Koteskey (Keith); and his grandchildren, Lauren (Austin) Conrad, Jayson (Taylor) Linhart, Tyler (Hannah) Koteskey, Sean (Grace) Linhart, and Kristen Koteskey.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Enid, in May 1974. Dale is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Coleman, and his brother, Rev. Bruce Linhart.

Much of Dale's greatest joy came from his growing family, and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than holding or hearing about one of his great-grandchildren. Zephaniah Linhart, Ava Conrad, Evie Linhart, Anthony Koteskey, Brynna Linhart, Harper Conrad, and Elizabeth Linhart were constant sources of delight and pride over the last five years.

In 1967, he led and coordinated the Ralph Bell Crusade, a Billy Graham Evangelistic Association ministry, in Wells County. He notably coordinated the New Paris sesquicentennial parade, which featured former Governor Otis Bowen as grand marshal.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dale was a longtime volunteer firefighter and an active community member. He often assisted local farmers during planting and harvest seasons and helped local contractors who needed an extra carpenter. Dale was known for his ability to connect with everyday people. In the 1960s, he advanced Christian camping for young people and advocated for ministry to single parents, an underserved community in the 1970s. His heart for global missions shaped his pastoral ministries, and he and Marian were generous supporters of many missionaries, Trans World Radio, and the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. They were passionate advocates for Christian higher education, establishing scholarships at Taylor University and Bethel University and regular donors to Moody Bible Institute and Asbury University.

In retirement, Dale and Marian traveled extensively and spent winters at Avon Park, Florida. Before moving to Hubbard Hill in 2023, they lived at Heritage Pointe in Warren, after many years living in Huntington.

A memorial service will be held at Nappanee Missionary Church on June 15 at 4 p.m. Rev. Randy Coleman will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Hubbard Hill, 28070 CR 24, West Elkhart, IN 46517.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneral home.com.