Hubert Schwartzentruber, 96, of Lansdale, Pa., died March 25, 2026. Born in Zurich, Ont., he was the son of Joseph and Lavina (Roth) Schwartzentruber. He was the husband of Mary Rittenhouse-Schwartzentruber, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.
He graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute, Eastern Mennonite University and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis with a master of divinity degree. He served 15 years as pastor of Bethesda Mennonite Church in St. Louis, where he and his first wife, June, grew the congregation and contributed to community and economic development and youth leadership. His theology of liberation and grace was nurtured in the inner city. He served in numerous leadership roles, including with Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries in Elkhart, Ind.; conference minister for Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada, where he facilitated affordable intergenerational housing in Toronto; pastor of Spring Mount Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania; conference minister and overseer for Franconia Mennonite Conference; interim pastor of Plains Mennonite Church in Lansdale; and chaplain for Souderton Mennonite Homes. He served on boards including Dock Woods Community and Hesston College. He was a co-founder of the Jeff-Vander-Lou Neighborhood Association in St. Louis, reflecting his commitment to community building and social justice.
He lived a faith marked by compassion, curiosity and inclusion. A gifted artist, he was a wood carver, lapidarist, gardener, golfer, fisherman, traveler, author and poet. With his wife, Mary, he led many TourMagination trips. He was a passionate advocate for social justice, including the rights of women, people of color and people of all identities. He taught respect for the Earth and the importance of living simply and responsibly. Known for creativity, kindness, open-mindedness and gentle strength, he had a warm sense of humor and unwavering faith.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by son Michael Paul Schwartzentruber of L’Amable, Ont., daughter Lorna Elaine Schwartzentruber (Roberto Masferrer) of Guelph, Ont., and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his
former wife, June Elaine (Lambke) Schwartzentruber; grandson Umberto Maya Masferrer; brothers Harold, Vernon, Delton and Orlen Schwartzentruber; and sister Lila Bowman.
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