Russel A. Liechty
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GOSHEN, Ind. - Russel Liechty, Dean of Students Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Education, Goshen College, died at home in Goshen on January 13. He was 90.
Russel Allen Liechty was born on a farm near Pettisville, Ohio on Dec. 15, 1930, the last of nine children of Joseph and Emma (Frey) Liechty. The Liechty family belonged to West Clinton Mennonite Church, which nurtured Russ in the Christian faith that would undergird his life. Helping out in his father's auto and farm equipment business in Archbold, he acquired skills as a mechanic and a passion for vehicles. He restored numerous cars, trucks, and tractors through his lifetime. After graduating from Pettisville High School in 1948, he attended Goshen College where he met his future wife, Marjorie Schertz. Russ and Marge were married in 1953. After earning an MA in counseling at Ohio State (1959) and a PhD in counseling and behavior studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1964), Liechty served as Dean of Students at Goshen College from 1964 -1978, when he became Director of Counseling. After Russ' retirement in 1993 they served at the Chicago Mennonite Learning Center until 1996.
Russ Liechty is survived by his wife Marjorie; four children and their spouses: Joseph and Linda of Goshen, Indiana, Jane and Wayne Fisher of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mark and Laura (Hostetler) of Oak Park, Illinois, and Daniel and Jill Koop Liechty of Goshen, Indiana; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law: Loveda Liechty and Treva Liechty.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the International Student Ministry Group at College Mennonite Church. Checks can be sent to College Mennonite Church, 1900 S Main Street, Goshen, IN 46526, payable to CMC, memo line: "Russ Liechty Memorial," or online at https://collegemennonite.org/give/ (choose Special Funds and International Student Aid, "memorial" on memo line).
Due to public health concerns, a closed service will be held for the immediate family. An open memorial service will be planned for a later date, when family and friends can safely gather.
Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.