Lauren Martin Troyer was born June 19, 1931, on a farm west of Milford, to John and Elsie (Eicher) Troyer. He was the fifth of eight children, and went to his heavenly home Feb. 1, 2025, at the age of 93 years, 7 months, and 13 days.
Lauren accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at West Fairview Mennonite Church. He was a charter member of Salem Country Church. On Oct. 12, 1952, he was united in marriage to Verba Schweitzer, and to this union, eight children were born, Larry, Becky, Sheri, Jim, Anthony, Sam, Ron, and John. Together, they lived on the Troyer homeplace for more than 35 years. They were married for 67 years with Verla passing Sept. 4, 2020.
Lauren was a very kind, honest, caring and hard-working father. He was always willing to help others in any way he could. He was a farmer and dairyman and enjoyed working the land. We have many precious memories of spending time with him.
In his later years, he was always ready to play games with his children and grandchildren. On his last day on earth, he spent the afternoon playing dominos with eight of his great-grandchildren. He has left us a wonderful legacy for which we are all very thankful for.
His youngest granddaughter, Janessa Troyer, was his care giver for the past three years and lived with him. We are all very grateful for her loving care and she is much appreciated.
Surviving are his children and spouses, Larry and Deb Troyer, Seward; Becky and Jim Stutzman, Milford, Sheri and Nate Peachey, Greensboro, North Carolina, Jim and Kelly Troyer, Milford, Anthony and Nora Troyer, Milford, LeAnn Troyer, Milford, Ron Troyer, Beaver Crossing, John and Jodi Troyer, Dorchester; 30 grandchildren; 80 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Gary Benson; three sisters-in-law, Norma Jean Troyer, Barb Troyer, both of Albany, Oregon, and Lela Stutzman, Aurora, Ohio; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lauren was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verba; son Sam; grandson, Brad Stutzman; great-grandson, Dexter Evans; brothers, Milton and Betty Troyer, Royden and Doreen Troyer, Cloy Troyer, Stanley and Darlene Troyer, and Kenny and Phyllis Troyer; sisters, Grace and Robert Roth, and Lela Benson; mother- and father-in-law, Emory and Ada Schweitzer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alden and Noble Oswald, Ina and Sterling Saltzman, Edna and Howard Miller, and Bob Stutzman.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home in Milford. Visitation will continue at the East Fairview Mennonite Church with family greeting friends and relatives from 6 – 8 p.m.
A graveside service will be Thursday, Feb. 6, at 9:15 a.m. at the Salem Cemetery. The graveside service is open to the public. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the East Fairview Mennonite Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salem Country Church and/or HoriSun Hospice.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
