Dagne Assefa

Dagne Assefa, 71, died September 9, 2021 at 12:41 p.m. surrounded by his family. He was a caring, fun-loving, and devoted husband, father, pastor, brother, mentor and friend. Dagne was a lively storyteller, with a love of people and community, sly humor, and a radiant smile. He regularly welcomed newcomers and longtime friends to his home for meals and put his guests instantly at ease with his warmth, attentiveness, and his kind, jovial spirit. He enjoyed tending his yard and garden, hiking in parks, taking coffee outings with friends, reading, puzzling, and playing with children, especially his granddaughter. A proud resident of Indianapolis, he often gave detailed, multi-hour car tours of the city to friends and family. Dagne was the founding pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church in Indianapolis and faithfully served the congregation for 24 years. In 2021, the church created a public park and named it after Dagne. As a young adult in Ethiopia, Dagne worked for the budding Meserete Kristos Church as an evangelist and pastor. To provide opportunities for the church’s youth, he helped found the Meserete Kristos Church Addis Ababa Choir, which continues today after nearly five decades of ministry. Dagne was also a passionate activist and community organizer. In Ethiopia, he successfully organized fellow factory workers for fairer wages. He later participated in anti-war marches in Indianapolis. His commitment to community also led him to found the Ethiopian Community Association of Central Indiana. He was born May 12, 1950 in Nazareth, Ethiopia to the late Worknesh Hailu and Assefa Haile. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Tamerat Assefa and Nunnu Assefa. Dagne married Carol Weaver on August 3, 1985 in Elkhart, Indiana, and was married for 36 years. He graduated from Goshen College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He earned a Master of Divinity at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a second Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics from Indiana University. He received a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary. Dagne is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Lydette (Tyler Falk) and Menan (Isaac Lederach); siblings, Yonas Assefa, Etagene Bedane, Tegene Bedane, Belete Bedane, Asnaku Bedane and Selamawit Bedane; and granddaughter, Yeshi Lederach. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings in Dagne’s name may be made to Meserete Kristos College (mkcollege.org/donate) and the ALS Foundation (als.org/donate).

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Dagne Assefa

May 12, 1950 - September 9, 2021