The Rev. Tillman F. Amstutz, age 87, went to his heavenly home on May 8, 2006, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester.

Tillman was born on May 9, 1918, in Hayes Center, Neb., to the Rev. Menno and Jessie Amstutz. He married the love of his life, the former Geraldine Roth, on May 6, 1943, in Grabill, Ind.

The Rev. Amstutz pastored for over 60 years in several different denominations. This included being the pastor of the Conservative Congregational Church in Hollandale.

In addition to spending time with his family, Tillman enjoyed reading, telling stories and playing pool at the ReaLife Cooperative in Rochester, where he lived. He also loved Arabian and Tennessee Walking Horses and planted a garden each spring.

The Rev. Amstutz is survived by his wife, Geraldine, and their children; Sonja (Dr. James) Benz of Carmel, Ind.; Wendell (Gwen) of Rochester; the Rev. Jerry (Julia) of Janesville, Wis.; and Gwendolyn of Rochester. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Karen, Kalli, David and Rebecca; his step-grandchildren; Karl (Rhonda) Benz, John (Theresa) Benz, and Michael Benz; and five step-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, the Rev. Blanchard (Verna); his sister, Marilyn (Darrell) Gerig; and his sisters-in-law, Hazel Amstutz and Maxine Head.

Tillman was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Rilla; his brother, the Rev. J. Pritchard (Dorothy); his sister, Jessie Lois; his granddaughter, Jolyn; and his brother-in-law, the Rev. Glen Head.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. S.E., Rochester. The memorial service will be on Friday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road S.W., Rochester, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz officiating. There will also be an hour of visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Preferred memorials may be made to the ministries of Tillman and Geraldine’s sons; National Community Resource Center in Rochester, and Autumn Life in Janesville, Wis.