Dyck, Peter (1860-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Aug 16 p. 3

Birth date: 1860 May 21

text of obituary:

PETER DYCK

Peter Dyck, son of Peter and Elizabeth Kehtler Dyck, was born May 21, 1860, at Krebsfeld, West Prussia. in his early years he lived in Danzig and Elbing, where his mother gave him a good education. He became an apprentice in the shipbuilding trade and followed this line of work as a young man. This interest, in part, drew him to America where he found employment for a short time in New York, although his destination was Kansas. Arriving in Kansas, he worked at the Halstead mill, later settling on a farm northwest of Halstead.

In 1924, he moved back to Halstead where he lived on East Second street. He was baptized at Orlafferfeld, West Prussia, on the day of Pentecost, 1877. He joined the First Mennonite church in Halstead in 1885. After he resided in the Moundridge community, he joined the Garden Township Mennonite church in 1907 but transferred his membership back to the First Mennonite church in Halstead in 1926 because of his home here. He was an active church member and served in the Sunday School as active scholar and teacher.

On August 8, 1886, he was married to Elsie Epp by the Rev. David Goertz. In 1936, they observed their 50th wedding anniversary and were privileged to share the joys and sorrows of their union for nearly eight years more. Mrs. Dyck passed to her eternal reward on June 1, 1944. Twelve children were born to them, of which thee sons passed away in childhood and Harry Alfred in manhood on June 1, 1927.

Those who survive his passing are four daughters: Johanna of the home, who helped her aging parents and who gave all her love and care to him after mother's death; Mrs. David Bartel, Halstead; Mrs. L. J. Horsch, Ontario, California; Anna Belle of Monterrey, Old Mexico; the four sons: Herbert, Wichita; Cornie, Burrton; Peter of Moundridge and Elmer, who is serving his country in the South Pacific. Also three daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, seventeen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Although failing somewhat in health, it was not until several months ago that he began to decline in strength. On August 3, he was taken to the Halstead Hospital where he passed away on the evening of August 4, 1945. He reached the age of 85 years, two months and 14 days.

Funeral services were held in the First Mennonite church of Halstead on Wednesday afternoon, August 8, at 3:00 o'clock, with Rev. D. C. Wedel and Rev. H.T. Unruh in charge.

A short prayer service in the home preceded the church service. Mrs. D. C. Wedel, Miss Amelia Mueller, A. C. Dettweiler, and Walter Dettweiler sange, "Asleep in Jesus", "Ist's Auch eine Freude" and "Wo findet die Seele die Hiemath die Ruh." Ruth Rose was the organist. Pallbearers were: Paul Schroeder, Henry Penner, Sam Mueller, Rudolph Mueller, J. F. Lehman, and G. W. Matthies.

He was laid to rest by the side of his wife in the Halstead cemetery. Kaufman and Dreese were in charge of funeral arrangements.

The Mennonite obituary: 1945 Sep 25 p. 11