He was born in Holmes County, Ohio on December 4, 1936, to the late Mose & Susan Troyer. He was married to Catherine Hochstetler on February 13, 1958, close to Baltic, Ohio. They moved to Sarasota in March 1972.
He was a hardworking man and worked in a trailer factory, owned a lawn business, and was employed by Mullet’s Aluminum for 29 years, which he retired from at the age of 80 years old. One of his favorite projects was building a front-end loader on his John Deere garden tractor. Many weekends were spent at the fairgrounds as he competed and won many garden tractor pull competitions. He enjoyed camping with friends, playing games with anyone who would stop by for a visit. He loved woodworking of any kind! He enjoyed the challenge of seeing something and heading to his shop to make it. He made a custom table to fit his large family, marble board games, a wagon for the kids, bookshelves, toy box, and so many other projects.
Eli & Katie are charter members of Sarasota Mennonite Church that started 42 years ago, where they have served in different positions. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ, and he lived his life showing his faith through his actions. He loved reading scripture and listening to hymns every night. His love for his family showed in how he always took the time to share stories of his upbringing, helping with any projects the kids had going, teaching them how to fix or repair anything (which he could), bouncing the babies on his lap, and giving his attention to anyone who sat down to talk. He left a lasting impression on his family and anyone who had the privilege to know him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years Catherine (Katie), 9 children; Paul (Mary Ellen) Troyer, Leroy (Marie) Troyer, Eli Junior (Linda) Troyer, Omar (Kris) Troyer, Norman (Hosanna) Troyer, Susanna (Robert) Hippert, Joe (fiancé Charlotte Covi) Troyer, Loretta (Eugene) Yoder, Arlene (Jon) Gingerich, 27 grandchildren; Kathy (John) Hochstetler, Anthony (Tiffany) Troyer, Erinn (Marlin) Yoder, Janae (Matthew) Otto, Nathan (Cayla) Troyer, Amanda (Larry) Yoder, Julie (Eric) Beachy, Caleb (Kelsey) Troyer, Zachary Troyer, Brooke (Roberto) Salazar, Logan Troyer, Ashley Troyer, Megan Hippert, Paige (fiancé Liam Cassidy) Troyer, Emily Troyer, Amber (Andrew) Skaggs, Austin Yoder, Bailey Yoder, Bridgette Yoder, Carmen Yoder, Dalton Yoder, Easton Yoder, Finnley Yoder, Cale Gingerich, Kegan Gingerich, Kelby Gingerich, Casey Gingerich, 17 great-grandchildren; Brooke, Max, Owen, Abel, Judah, Troy, Eva, Victor, Ariella, Isabella, Spencer, Tate, Josephine, Larry, Amillia, Sutton & Sullivan, his siblings; Fannie Troyer, Mary Mast, Katie Hill, Lizzie Edwards, Andy Troyer, and Atlee Troyer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings; Amanda Troyer, Jonas Troyer, Bena Chupp, Sarah Yoder, Henry Troyer, Crist Troyer, Mose Troyer, Noah Troyer and 1 grandson; Corbin Yoder.
Visitations will occur on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 6 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, with a Memorial Service following at 10:00 am at Sarasota Mennonite Church, 2180 Lakewood Ranch Road, Sarasota, Florida 34240. The interment will be held at Palms Memorial Park at 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232 following the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers donations can be given to Sarasota Mennonite Church to help aid those in financial need.
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