In Loving Memory of
HUBERT SCHWARTZENTRUBER (1929-2026)
Hubert Schwartzentruber, longtime Mennonite pastor and conference leader, died March 25, 2026, at the age of 96. His life and ministry left a lasting imprint on Franconia Conference and the broader Mennonite church, particularly through his advocacy for urban ministry, inclusion, and faithful presence among those on the margins.
Schwartzentruber served in a wide range of leadership roles across his lifetime, including as Conference Minister and Overseer for Franconia Mennonite Conference. In that role, he called congregations to greater awareness of their contexts and responsibilities, especially in urban settings. His earlier pastoral work in St. Louis helped shape a theology grounded in liberation and grace, nurtured through relationships.
Those who worked alongside him remember both his conviction and his humility. Mike Derstine, pastor of Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA), recalled a defining moment at a Franconia Conference Delegate Assembly in the 1990s, when Schwartzentruber “pleaded with tears… to not cut off Germantown Mennonite from our membership.” Derstine noted that his oft-repeated conviction, “Every congregation is a gift from God to their community,” continues to be a helpful reminder to respect and honor the broad diversity that exists within Mosaic Conference.
Pastor Ertell Whigham, former Franconia Conference Executive Minister, reflected on Schwartzentruber’s personal character, saying, “What I primarily remember about my brother is his humble commitment to unity and collaboration, his willingness to risk comfort and safety for the purpose of sharing the Gospel with others, and his capacity to listen patiently beyond what was being said.”
Throughout his ministry, Schwartzentruber served in many leadership roles and pastored congregations including Spring Mount (PA) Mennonite, Interim Pastor of Plains Mennonite, and as Chaplain for the Conference-Related Ministry Souderton (PA) Mennonite Homes.
A lifelong learner, artist, and advocate for justice, Schwartzentruber brought together faith, creativity, and action. He championed the dignity of all people, encouraged simple and responsible living, and remained deeply committed to the church’s calling in the world.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10-11 am at Plains Mennonite, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 am (the service will be livestreamed).
Read Schwartzentruber’s full obituary here.
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The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.