Eck, Adam (1856-1936)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1936 May 12 p. 15

Birth date: 1856 Feb 15

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary:1936 Jun 3 p. 2

text of obituary:

Adam Eck

Adam Eck was born at Antonowko, Russia, on February 15, 1856. In 1874 he came to America with his parents and others, who made their home north of Moundridge, Kansas. As a young man he worked in Iowa for a while. In 1877 he was married to Eva Richert, Rev. Jacob Stucky performing the ceremony. They made their home north of Moundridge, Kansas. The Lord blessed this union with 15 children, 9 sons and 6 daughters. Four sons and three daughters were called away by death and went ahead to the Great Beyond.

In the year 1893 the family moved to Meno, Okla. On Feb. 25, 1915, Mr. Eck lost his wife through death. In the same year on August 11 he was married the second time to Widow Susanna Nelson at McPherson, Kansas, where Rev. F. F. Wedel gave a short talk in English and Rev. T. P. Wedel performed the ceremony in the German language. For a while they made their home in Kansas.

In 1918 they moved to Los Angeles, Calif. They spent nearly 21 years of joy and sorrow together. During the last three years of his life Mr. Eck was ill more or less. On January 18 we had to take him to the Hospital where he submitted to an operation in the hope that he would get well again. But he grew weaker and helpless. After two weeks in the hospital he was taken home, where a special nurse took care of him. We waited on him day and night for 90 days. His sickness being cancer, he suffered very much.

Mr. Eck was a true child of god. On May 2 at 3:40 in the morning the Lord quietly took him by the hand and led him to his eternal home.

He reached the age of 80 years, 2 months and 16 days. He leaves his wife; Mrs. F. F. Wedel; Ben Nelson and their families; 5 sons and three daughters and their families; 59 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two brothers and sisters and many friends to mourn his departure.

The funeral service was held at Los Angeles at 2:30 p.m., May 3. Rev. D. D. Eitzen read as an introduction Psalm 23 and spoke words of comfort. Later his text was based in Psalm 90, 12, 2 Kings 20, 1, Psalm 71, 9, Isaiah 46, 4 and John 14, 27. A mixed quartet sang two songs, Asleep in Jesus and Shall We Meet Beyond the River.

At 10:30 o’clock the same night mother and my wife left with the body for Meno, Okla., Mr. Eck’s wish having been that he be buried there.

The funeral at Meno took place on May 7, with many friends from far and near attending. Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff gave a farewell talk at the home. A special song, We’re Going Home Tomorrow was sung at the Meno church. Rev. Neufeld made the Introduction, while Rev. H. U. Schmidt and Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff spoke words of comfort both in the English and German language. The Men’s choir sang two songs, Sleep in Jesus, and One By One We’re Going Down to the Valley. The body was laid to rest in the Meno cemetery. – Reported by F. F. Wedel.

The Mennonite obituary: 1936 Jun 9 p. 14