Dagne Assefa, 71, of Indianapolis, Ind., died Sept. 9, 2021. He was born on May 12, 1950, in Nazareth, Ethiopia, to Worknesh Hailu and Assefa Haile.

He married Carol Weaver on Aug. 3, 1985, in Elkhart, Ind.

He was a caring, fun-loving and devoted husband, father, pastor, brother, mentor and friend. He was a lively storyteller, with a love of people and community, sly humor and a radiant smile. He regularly welcomed newcomers and longtime friends to his home for meals and put his guests instantly at ease with his warmth, attentiveness, and his kind, jovial spirit. He enjoyed tending his yard and garden, hiking, taking coffee outings with friends, reading, puzzling and playing with children, especially his granddaughter. A proud resident of Indianapolis, he often gave detailed, multihour car tours of the city to friends and family. 

He graduated from Goshen College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He earned a master of divinity degree at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a second master’s degree in applied linguistics from Indiana University. He received a doctor of ministry degree from Christian Theological Seminary. 

He was the founding pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church in Indianapolis and faithfully served the congregation for 24 years. In 2021, the church created a public park and named it after him.

As a young adult in Ethiopia, he worked for the budding Meserete Kristos Church as an evangelist and pastor. To provide opportunities for the church’s youth, he helped found the Meserete Kristos Church Addis Ababa Choir, which continues today after nearly five decades of ministry. 

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Carol; daughters Lydette (Tyler Falk) and Menan (Isaac Lederach); siblings Yonas Assefa, Etagene Bedane, Tegene Bedane, Belete Bedane, Asnaku Bedane; and Selamawit Bedane; and a granddaughter, Yeshi Lederach.

He was preceded in death by siblings Tamerat Assefa and Nunnu Assefa.

Memorial offerings in his name may be made to Meserete Kristos College (mkcollege.org/donate) and the ALS Foundation (als.org/donate).