Sunday evening, January 15, 2023 Cloyce Jay Nofziger went home to be with Jesus. Nancy, his wife of almost 54 years, was holding his hand when he passed at home in his “easy boy” recliner as he liked to refer to it.
On December 17, a mass of cancer was discovered, and for nearly a month Cloyce lived a peace- and grace-filled time of saying goodbye to family and loved friends.
Cloyce was born June 16, 1941 at the home farm of Glen and Rosella (Miller) Nofziger of Archbold, OH.
Cloyce was a lifelong member of Lockport Mennonite Church of Stryker, OH, and graduated from Archbold High School in 1959.
He married Nancy Lou Yoder of Middlebury, IN, on February 15, 1969. Nancy survives and resides at Fairlawn Village, Archbold, OH.
From growing up on a tomato farm, to FFA in high school, to peddling fall harvest displays after “retiring”, Cloyce loved farming his entire life.
Cloyce will be remembered for his generous spirit and fun loving personality. He said what he thought even if sometimes it was deemed “inappropriate” by some, yet he never had malicious intent.
“Pot-licker” was a term of endearment to give a hard time to those he loved. Known for his suspenders and hat collection, he wore his personality on his sleeve.
People never had to wonder where they stood with him. He accepted others and showed genuine interest in getting to know them and appreciating their interests.
Visiting and welcoming new people delighted him. Right up until the end, he loved to pull his family close, especially the grandkids, tell them how much he loved them and hold their hands.
Much will be missed: games of Ticket to Ride, Euchre, and Wizard, countless phone calls from his many faithful friends, driving the Ford loader tractor, four-wheeler rides, helping on the farm, road trips with Mom, winters in Sarasota and seeing buddies at the coffee shop, morning Lockport Bible Studies, and Global Disciples banquets. Cloyce is a legacy, filled with surprising respect and acceptance.
Also surviving are four sons; Kevin (Anna) of Lancaster, PA, Wendell (Melanie) of Costa Rica, Glenn (Erin) of Kidron, OH and Galen (Erika) on the home farm near West Unity, OH, as well as thirteen grandchildren; Katyarina, Dimitri, Rebekah, Andre, Abigail, Gabriel, Mattea, Luke, Karis, Harley, Averie, Jaxton, and Maislyn.
In addition, five siblings survive: Janice Foor, Archbold; Paul (Esther) Nofziger, Archbold; Velda (William) Howell, Columbiana; Shirley Nafziger, Archbold; and Ross (Jo) Nofziger, Archbold, along with nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 11 A.M. at Lockport Mennonite Church with Pastor Matt Weaver officiating. A graveside service will precede in the Lockport Cemetery at 10 A.M. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. and 4 – 7 P.M. on Friday.
Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be given to Global Disciples. www.ShortFuneralHome.com
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