Charles H. Koontz

Charles H. Koontz of Winona Lake, Indiana went home to be with his Lord and Savior whom he loved and served, at 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Grace Village Health Care, Winona Lake, Indiana at the age of 91. 

Charles was born in Masontown, Pennsylvania on June 22, 1930 to Herman W. and Myra S. Koontz.  On April 13, 1957 he married Alice E. Snider in Pennsylvania and they were blessed to share the next 64 years celebrating anniversaries, holidays, birthdays, raising their children and becoming grandparents and great grandparents.  

Charles graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Virginia.  He completed his undergraduate degree at Bryan University in Dayton, Tennessee and his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.  

Following graduation, Charles became pastor of the McHenry Avenue Grace Brethren Church in Modesto, California.  He returned to Winona Lake, Indiana in 1960 to become the manager of the Brethren Missionary Herald Bookstore.  Later he was the manager of the Christian Light Bookstore in Nappanee, Indiana.  After retirement, he worked for Patona Bay and Ace Hardware in Warsaw.  

He enjoyed the fellowship of his church family at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church where he was a member for over 60 years, serving as a trustee, usher and financial secretary.  One of his passions was being involved with Right to Life of North Central Indiana.  Charles enjoyed spending time on the lake and boating with his family.  He could be found cheering at the many Grace College Basketball games he attended.  He also enjoyed reading his Bible, doing jigsaw puzzles, Gaither cruises with Alice and traveling to watch his children and grandchildren perform and play sports.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Charles loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and though his family will dearly miss him, they are rejoicing that he will be spending Christmas in Heaven. 

Charles is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice E. Koontz, children:  David (Linda) of Winona Lake, Indiana, Doug of Warsaw, Indiana, and Steve (Christine) of Winona Lake, Indiana.  Also surviving are his grandchildren:  Ashley (John) Miller, Beth, Kate, Scott and Michael Koontz and two great granddaughters.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Kenneth D. Koontz.           

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 with Pastor Bruce Barlow officiating.  Charles’ life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Kip Cone.  Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.   Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Right to Life of North Central Indiana, P.O. Box 1162, Warsaw, Indiana  46581-1162.

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