Neil S. Stoltzfus, age 89, of Johnson City, TN, passed from this life to join God’s carpentry crew on October 16, 2024. Born in Narvon, PA as the youngest son of the late Ammon S. Stoltzfus and Emma S. Stoltzfus. He was the husband of the late Mattie K. Stoltzfus, whom he married on March 3, 1956.
Neil grew up in the Amish faith, and then joined Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen, PA. His faith journey led Mattie and him to Mountain City, TN in 1969. He helped the local Mennonite churches serving in many capacities such as interim pastor at Rainbow Mennonite Church, Mountain City, TN. He also served as elder at Grandview Christian Church, Johnson City, TN where he and Mattie found their spiritual home for many years. Neil lived his life by God’s moral compass of doing what is right, no matter what others thought. Although a man of few words Neil had a heart of compassion for those in need. This was lived out through many international and national mission trips expressed through a hammer, paint brush, and trowel.
Neil, the youngest, was blessed with four sisters and one brother. He was preceded in death by Leah (John) Stoltzfus, John (Katie) Stoltzfus, Rebecca (James) Smoker, Sylvia (Bill) Haas, and brother-in-law, David Esh. He is survived by one sister, Sadie Esh.
Neil will be deeply missed by his four children, Lorraine (Ernie) Stoltzfus, Johnson City; Edwin Stoltzfus, Johnson City; Karen (Kevin) King, Harrisonburg, VA; and Ken (Carol) Stoltzfus, Johnson City. He was much loved and will be missed by eight grandchildren, DeAnna (Dishon) Smith, Daren (Ashley) Stoltzfus, Justin (Heidi) King, Annie (Bryce) Ballard, Andrea King, Carly (Jake) Weaver, Neil (McKennon) Stoltzfus, Reid Stoltzfus, and ten great-grandsons.
The family will receive friends Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Grandview Christian Church, 300 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37604. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after visitation at 5:00 PM with Minister Aaron Wymer officiating. Anyone unable to attend the service is invited to view the livestream of the service by visiting https://www.facebook.com/MonteVistaMemorial/
A Family Committal Service and Inurnment will be held in Section 18 at Monte Vista Memorial Park Friday, October 25 at 10:00 AM. Pallbearers will be grandsons Daren Stoltzfus, Justin King, Neil Stoltzfus, and Reid Stoltzfus.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 or online at www.mds.org for 2024 hurricane relief.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Neil S. Stoltzfus and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
