Amstutz, Ephraim (1870-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Apr 14 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 Jan 16

text of obituary:

EPHRAIM AMSTUTZ

Ephraim Amstutz, son of the late Christian U. and Verena (Neuenschwander) Amstutz, was born on the old Amstutz homestead two miles west of Bluffton, Ohio, on Jan. 16, 1870, and departed this life March 15, 1955, at his home near Bluffton at the age of 85 years, one month and 28 days.

Upon the confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, he was baptized April 4, 1890, and received as a member of the Ebenezer Mennonite church, where he was a faithful member for 65 years.

On Feb. 23, 1893, he was united in marriage to Ida Steiner. They observed their 62nd wedding anniversary in February. Surviving besides his wife are five daughters, Lillie M. and Mabel E. at home, Burdella, (Mrs. Pearl L. Geiger) and Rhoda (Mrs. Otis Burkholder) of Columbus Grove, and Vera (Mrs. Harold Schumacher) of Pandora; four sons, Clarence U. of Pandora, Willis J. of Bluffton, Rev. Allen C. of Angola, Ind. and Francis H. of Mountain Lake, Minn.; 23 grandchildren, and four great-granddaughters. Two grandsons preceded him in death.

He was the youngest and last survivor of nine children. One sister and seven brothers preceded him in death: Barbara, Eli, Sam, David, Christian D., Ulrich S., Adam and Amos.

Mr. Amstutz was a prominent farmer and for many years served as custodian of the Ebenezer Mennonite church. His faith in Jesus Christ and friendly, quiet ways, his courageous spirit and pleasing countenance were an inspiration and blessing to those who were privileged to know him. As long as health permitted, the home was always open to ministers, missionaries, and other guests.

Funeral services were held from the home and the Ebenezer church on Friday, March 18, with Rev. John P. Suderman and Rev. E. J. Bohn officiating, assisted by Rev. Allen C. Amstutz. Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 were among the Scripture portions used. Also father's favorite songs were sung — "Gott ist die Liebe," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Great is Thy Faithfulness."

We mourn, but not as those who have no hope, and look to that day when the dead in Christ shall rise and we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together to ever be with the Lord. — Mrs. Ephraim Amstutz and Famyli [sic].