Hubert Schwartzentruber

Hubert Schwartzentruber, 96, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, formerly of Telford, PA, and Toronto, Canada, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Dock Terrace.

He was the beloved husband of Mary Rittenhouse-Schwartzentruber, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Zurich, Ontario, Hubert was the son of the late Joseph and the late Lavina (Roth) Schwartzentruber.

Hubert was a devoted lifelong learner. He graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute, Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO where he earned his Master of Divinity.

He faithfully served in ministry for many years, including 15 years as Pastor of Bethesda Mennonite Church in St. Louis, Missouri where he and his first wife, June, grew the congregation and contributed to community and economic development initiatives and youth leadership. It was in the streets of the inner city where his theology of liberation and grace were nurtured. His calling further led him to numerous leadership roles, including service with the Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries in Elkhart, Indiana; Conference Minister for the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada, where he facilitated affordable intergenerational housing in Toronto; Pastor of Spring Mount Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania; and Conference Minister and Overseer for the Franconia Mennonite Conference, where he was deeply engaged in urban ministries. He also served as Interim Pastor of Plains Mennonite Church in Lansdale and as Chaplain for the Souderton Mennonite Homes.

Hubert was active beyond the pulpit, serving on various boards including Dock Woods Community for 11 years and the Hesston College Board of Overseers. He was also a co-founder of the Jeff-Vander-Lou Neighborhood Association in St. Louis, reflecting his lifelong commitment to community building and social justice.

A member of Plains Mennonite Church, Hubert lived out a faith marked by compassion, curiosity, and inclusion. He was a gifted artist who carved wooden roosters and walking sticks, a lapidarist, gardener, golfer, fisherman, traveler, author, and poet. Together with his wife, he led many TourMagination trips. He delighted in thoughtful conversation and encouraged others to explore ideas deeply and openly.

Hubert believed in seeing people for who they truly were, not defined by their circumstances. He was a passionate advocate for social justice, including the rights of women, people of color, and individuals of all identities. He taught respect for the Earth and the importance of living simply and responsibly. Known for his creativity, kindness, open-mindedness, and gentle strength, Hubert also had a warm sense of humor and an unwavering faith.

"We have to adjust to living without his light," his family shared.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Michael Paul Schwartzentruber of L'Amable, Ontario; his daughter, Lorna Elaine Schwartzentruber and her husband, Roberto Masferrer of Guelph, Ontario; his granddaughter, Johanna June Schwartzentruber of Toronto; and his grandson, Jacob Edward Schwartzentruber of Toronto.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, June Elaine (Lambke) Schwartzentruber; his grandson, Umberto Maya Masferrer; his four brothers, Harold, Vernon, Delton, and Orlen Schwartzentruber; and his sister, Lila Bowman.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Plains Mennonite Church, 50 Orvilla Road, Hatfield, PA 19440, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed.

Burial will take place at Plains Mennonite Cemetery in Lansdale and Hagey Cemetery in Cambridge, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 5000, Akron, PA 17501 https://mcc.org, and designated to Women's Education in memory of Hubert Schwartzentruber.

Arrangements are by Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, Souderton, PA. Online condolences may be offered at www.andersfh.com.