Deckert, Eva L. (1871-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Mar 27 p. 8

Birth date: 1871 Sep 28

text of obituary:

EVA L. DECKERT

Eva L. Deckert, daughter of Ludwig and Susanna Jantz Deckert, was born Sept. 28, 1871, in the village of Jadwonine, Russia. Her spirit left her earthly tabernacle Thursday, March 6, 1958, at 9:50 a.m. She reached the age of 86 years, five months and eight days.

In the fall of 1874, with her parents, brothers and sisters, she migrated to America, arriving in Newton, Kan. in the winter of 1874-5. Here they lived for several months. In the spring they moved to the wild prairies of South Dakota and settled on a homestead five miles west of the present town of Marion. Here they experienced the hard life of the pioneers. At the time of the great prairie fire when many lost their homes, she worked hard to help save the parental home. During the great blizzard on Jan. 12, 1888, she with the rest of the school children spent all night in the Sunflower schoolhouse.

In the parental home she learned about god's Word and God's plan of salvation. From her father's reading of the Bible and her mother's admonitions, she realized her need of a Saviour and was baptized upon her confession of faith in 1899 by Elder Benjamin Schmidt of Avon, and admitted into the fellowship of the Bethesda Mennonite Church of which she remained a member for the rest of her earthly life.

Aunt Eva had a strong constitution and enjoyed good health most of her life, although in 1912 she had to be taken to Chamberlain for an operation because there were no hospitals near by.

For many years she lived alone with her brother David on the parental homestead. On Nov. 2, 1954, she was admitted to the Ortman Home for the Aged, where she received loving care and enjoyed the Christian fellowship of the home. Since January of this year she had read through the entire New Testament. She took part in the daily devotions of the home.

Aunt Eva was always a patient and kind person and enjoyed beautiful things. She was uncomplaining and considerate of others.

Of the nine brothers and sisters those still awaiting the call Home are two brothers, Andrew L. Deckert of Marion and George L. Deckert of Glendive, Mont., three sisters, Mrs. Helena, Engbrecht of Marion, Mrs. Susanna Tieszen of Sidney, Mont. and Mrs. Nettie Deckert of Marion.