Samuel Yoder

Samuel "Denny" Yoder, Goshen, passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Denny was 79 years old.

Family was the most important thing to Denny, and he was blessed to be loved so deeply by his wife, Mary, and their two sons, Todd and Brad. As life progressed, Denny added two daughters-in-law, Michelle and Christie, to the family and became a proud and loving grandpa to his five grandsons, Ethan, Dylan, Ryan, Josh and Ben. Denny spent many days cheering at his grandsons' sporting events, passing on his love of golf, and just spending time with his grandsons. Being the proud grandpa was a role Denny took seriously and will be remembered for always.

Denny was best known as the long-time owner/operator of The Oasis in Goshen. Denny had a way of making everyone who entered The Oasis feel welcome and never passed up a chance to have a friendly conversation. After retiring, Denny could be found on the golf course, in his kayak, having dinner with friends, and most recently, sailing across Lake Wawasee on a racing sailboat. While Denny lived most of his life in Goshen, he had a passion for travel that led him to explore the U.S., several countries, and cultures. In recent years, he spent his winters in Florida, once again making friends wherever he went and enjoying the beach life.

Denny poured his heart and energy into his community. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, rang bells for the Salvation Army, and supported First Fridays as a booth owner at the Goshen Antique Mall. Denny served on the Goshen VFW Honor Guard for many years and most recently, he was given the honor of being the 2023 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal. In addition to serving his community, Denny served in the United States Air Force/NSA as a security analyst in Germany and Japan during the Vietnam War. He received a Presidential Service Citation for his role in identifying a new Russian aircraft.

Loving. Kind. Funny. A friend to all. These are the words Denny's grandsons have chosen to remember him by. Denny loved life and lived it to the fullest, always finding new and exciting things to do, no doubt with a huge smile on his face. We encourage you to do the same in Denny's honor.

A celebration of life will be 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Goshen VFW, 1201 W. Pike St., Goshen, IN 46526. Memorial donations may be directed to the Goshen Veteran Honor Guard.

Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com.