Bernard L Entz

Bernard Lloyd Entz, son of Albert and Frieda Busenitz Entz, was born on January 13, 1952 in Newton. He died in his sleep on March 8 at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton.

Bernard was the first student in special education at Elbing Grade school. After a half day of school, he enjoyed walking home (1.5 mi) as it gave him time to unwind and observe nature. He went to Peabody for middle school, and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1972. On the farm, he learned to chore, garden, and to help his parents and five older brothers. His two younger sisters spent many hours playing with Bernard.

Bernard was a life-long member of Zion Mennonite Church. At age 17, after a year of catechism, Bernard was baptized upon his confession of faith by Rev Harold Graber. Bernard loved church, where he was welcomed by kind and thoughtful congregants. On Sunday mornings he was always ready to go to church, with his Bible and quarterly in hand. He excelled at Bible trivia games and he loved hymn sings, where he could choose his favorite songs. The church library provided him with many hours of reading.

Bernard loved rituals. Daily practices included gathering eggs, watching the train go by, and reading his Bible. Weekly routines included mixing seven loaves in the hand-crank bread mixer, making butter in the old-fashioned butter churn, and going to Sunday School and church. Yearly rituals included digging summer potatoes, making Christmas peppernuts, and butchering all kinds of meat. He enjoyed the rhythms of ordinary life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wilbur. Survivors include four brothers, Alden and Laura Entz (Newton), Reynold and Deanna Entz (rural Whitewater), Loren and Donna Entz (Winnipeg, MB), Thurman and Marcene Entz (rural Newton), two sisters, Margaret and Dan Spare (Hesston), Elena and Dave Wiebe (Newton), one sister-in-law, Rosana Entz, and many nieces and nephews and their families.