Eli J. YoderHutchinson, KS

Eli J. Yoder, 89, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully at his home, August 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born June 12, 1937, in Hutchinson, to Jacob and Barbara Edna (Nisly) Yoder.

On September 28, 1958, Eli married Emma Mae Yoder, in Hutchinson. They shared over 61 years of marriage before her death on April 4, 2020.

On July 31, 2021, Eli married Clara Ann Stump Lichtenberger, in Council, Idaho. They shared five years of marriage before his death.

Eli worked as a farmer and a painter for many years. His real passion was prison ministry. Eli often spent time working with prisoners and bringing them to Jesus. He worked closely with Hutchinson Correctional Facility and their Chaplin. He also served on the We Care Program – Prison Ministry Board for many years.

He is survived by: wife, Clara Ann Yoder; children, Richard (Susan) Yoder of Hutchinson, Joyce (Jake) King of Arlington, and Emily (Freeman) Miller of Arrington, VA; stepchildren, Robert (Rebecca) Lichtenberger of Idaho, Marty (Sandy) Lichtenberger of Pennsylvania, Lisa (Myron) Stoltzfus of Idaho, Duane (Shirley) Lichtenberger of Pennsylvania, Andrea (Danny) Bream of Pennsylvania; 20 grandchildren; 32 step-grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; 64 step great-grandchildren; siblings, Clara Yoder of Phoenix, AZ, Andrew (Jeanie) Yoder of Partridge, Ernest (Irene) Yoder of Hutchinson, Bertha (Paul) Miller of Hutchinson; sisters-in-law, Theresa Yoder, Denver, CO and Velma Yoder, Partridge KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eli was preceded in death by his: parents; wife, Emma Yoder; siblings, Esther Yoder, Becky Nisly, Elmer Yoder, Verna Yoder, Ivan Yoder, and Henry Yoder.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2026, at Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite Church, 7213 W. Mills Ave, Hutchinson, KS. Burial will follow in West Center Amish Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026, with family present at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite Church for Prison Ministries, 7213 W. Mills Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Arrangements made with Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.