July 2, 1941 ~ August 10, 2025 (age 84)
Dwight Renno Beachy, 84 years, 1 month, and 8 days died peacefully at home in Lock Haven, PA on August 10, 2025. He was born in Kalona, IA on July 2, 1941. Although he lived most of his life in Mylo, North Dakota, Dwight and his wife Verna wintered in Lock Haven, close to children and grandchildren. Dwight was a beloved teacher of many. He began his teaching career in 1963 at The Bible Academy in Ethiopia. After he moved his family to ND, he was asked to create a private, Christian day school in the basement of Salem Mennonite Church. He taught and was principal there for 19 years. Constantly asking God for his leading, he modelled service and contentment. He served in Harrisonburg, VA and Haiti. He tutored GED students at the Turtle Mountain Community College for 13 years. He worked part time for Christian Light as an editor and at Homeschool conventions for 36 years. He was a lifelong farmer and worked alongside his father and brothers. He was passionate about good reading and often sold Christian books at events. He loved singing and was a member at Salem Mennonite Church.
In February 2025, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancerous brain tumor. As his ability to speak declined, his life message was distilled into two clear words: Know Jesus. He was deeply moved with the needs of the lost and his greatest desire was for everyone to follow Jesus.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Dorothy Beachy, one sister, Colleen Harlow, a still-born grandson, Emmanuel Beachy and a still-born great-grandson, David Beachy. Surviving are his beloved wife of 59 years, Verna Elizabeth Rohrer Beachy, his 4 children, Kevin (Margarita) of Kenton, OH, Brenda (Jonathan Sauder) of Lancaster, PA, Wendell (Lisa) of Missoula, MT, and Laverne (Melissa) of Lock Haven, PA, 22 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, 3 brothers (Merle, Sterling, Ward), and 1 sister (Karla Harshbarger).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dwight R. Beachy, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Tuesday
August 12, 2025
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Lock Haven Mennonite Church
297 Lusk Run Road
Mill Hall, PA 17745
Visitation
Friday
August 15, 2025
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Salem Mennonite Church
4790 81st St. NE
Mylo, ND 58353
Visitation
Saturday
August 16, 2025
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Harvest Community Church
4628 78th Street, NE
Wolford, ND 58385
Funeral Service
Saturday
August 16, 2025
10:30 AM
Harvest Community Church
4628 78th Street, NE
Wolford, ND 58385
Graveside Service
Saturday
August 16, 2025
11:30 AM
Old Order Amish Mennonite Cemetery
Mylo, ND 58353
In loving memory of the late Dwight Beachy
By the grace of almighty God, I had the opportunity of joining the Bible Academy high school in Nazareth in 1968. We had the privilege of being taught by American and a few Ethiopian teachers. Among these teachers was Dwight Beachy. While his primary role was teaching, he also served in the capacities of Academic Dean and Director at different times. Mr. Beachy played a special role in our education during our formative years. He was a highly respected person whom we loved very much. I would like to hereafter recount my memories of his unique characters that impacted me and others. He was a man of character, who spoke little but did a lot. He demonstrated a character of a true missionary whom others could emulate.
• One of his objectives was to instill the same character of decency in his students. Every evening, after a supervised study, followed by a brief devotion and free time, he would visit student dormitories to make sure everyone is in bed in time. Although at times, as young students, we might have misbehaved, he dealt with us with utmost forbearance.
• The Bible Academy was distinguished as one of the best schools in the country then, mainly because of excellent teachers like him. We owe him and our other teachers a lot for a profound education that helped us achieve what we achieved today.
• He was gifted in teaching the Word of God and leading the choir with spiritual hymn
• His smile was joyful but brief.
I had the privilege of sending him an email last December to which he replied
“…..My wife and I are in Pennsylvania now for the winter. We are well, but age creeps up. We are near our youngest son and his family and enjoying our times with them. I taught for 50+ years but got started in Ethiopia with you dear people.”
It is with deep sorrow that we remember the death of Dwight Beachy. He is now in the everlasting hands of the Lord and will be remembered as one of the great Mennonite missionaries in the annals of history. We pray that the Lord gives solace and comfort to his bereaving family and the Mennonite community.
Sincerely,
Fisseha Itanna
Class of ’72 August 14, 2025
A great teacher, mentor and leader. He shaped us throughout our student years and helped us to be who we are today. I was good at Chemistry because of him. He was one of those who worked hard in making the Bible Academy one of the most popular schools in Ethiopia. Rest in Peace, Mr. Beachy, till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Enku Berhanu
Class of ’71
My deepest condolences losing our best Teacher Brother Beachy.
Rest in peace, till we meet again!!!
Aster Alemayehu 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Here is my memory/tribute to our beloved former teacher, Mr. Beachy :
“Mr. Dwight Beachy played a pivotal role in uncovering the mathematical talent that laid dormant within me during my time at the Bible Academy. I credit him not only for inspiring my volunteer work as a math instructor at adult education centers in the Grand Rapids community, but also for my professional success in developing a business math curriculum for a hospitality science school in 1996.
His influence extended even further. Because of his exposure to mathematical concepts early in his life, my son excelled in the subject and now works as a data scientist.
I remain deeply grateful to Mr. Dwight Beachy. Rest in peace.”
Sam Terfa
Class of ‘68