Ensz, Abraham A. (1890-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jun 16 p. 8

Birth date: 1890 Dec 26

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM A. ENSZ

Abraham A. Ensz, son of Abraham G. and Margaret (Klassen) Ensz, was born Dec. 26, 1890, near Inman. He passed away June 3, 1960, near Windom, Kan., reaching the age of 69 years, five months and eight days.

As a young man he realized the need of a Saviour, repented and found forgiveness of his sins. Upon the confession of his faith he was baptized Dec. 6, 1914, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite and remaining a faithful member to the end.

On April 5, 1915, he joined in holy matrimony with Anna Loewen, his now deeply bereaved companion, sharing life's joys and sorrows for over 45 years. This union was blessed with seven children, two daughters and five sons. The first 11 years the family resided near Peabody, Kan. In 1926 the family moved on a farm near Inman, where father lived at the time of his death. Father was an industrious and successful farmer, providing well for his family, also cheerfully sharing his blessings with the unfortunate ones.

He was of a cheerful disposition, faithful and devoted to his family. He showed great interest and concern for his children and grandchildren, offering many prayers in their behalf, and often expressing gratitude that the children and grandchildren have given their hearts to the Lord. He enjoyed visiting the lonely and shut-ins, bringing cheer to many.

Father was blessed with no9rmal health until the summer of 1957, when his strength seemed to decline. He then took a trip to Washington and Oregon for his health's sake. We also took with us our granddaughter, Carol Ensz, for treatment. While spending the winter of 1959 there father became very ill with the flu and a heart condition set in. Partly recovering he had a deep desire to go to his home to see his children once more. While en route home his condition became very critical and he made special preparation to meet his Saviour, saying he felt the Lord heard and answered his prayers. His desire to reach home again to meet his loved ones was granted him. Immediately after we reached home he entered the hospital. His health improved enough so he could enjoy another year with us.

Friday afternoon, June 3, he drove to the farmland eight and one half miles north of Windom, where his son Leon formerly lived, performing an errand for one of his children. Returning home, he had driven only a short distance when he passed away while driving, evidently suffering a heart attack. He was found by a neighbor at 6:45 p.m.

Father occasionally expressed that his passing would probably be sudden. He left us with the assurance that he is resting with Jesus. He leaves to mourn his departure his deeply bereaved companion, seven children, two daughters Josephine and husband Pete W. Friesen, Conway, Erma and husband Jake Redger, Durham, five sons, Jake and Susie Ensz, Conway, Allen and Justine Ensz, Scio, Oregon, Leon and Leonora Ensz, Stapleton, Ga., Marlyn and Rosella Ensz, Butler, Mo. and Emory and Jaunita [sic Juanita] Ensz, Copeland; 29 grandchildren, five sisters, Sarah Ensz, Mary (Mrs. L. W. Penner), Margaret (Mrs. Henry Hiebert), [Justine (Mrs. Henry Hiebert) sic error in original] Justine (Mrs. A. L. Nikkel), Helen (Mrs. Albert Hiebert); six brothers, George, Isaac, Henry, Pete, Jake and John. His parents, one brother, and two sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services took place June 8, at one p.m. in the home where Min. A. R. Toews spoke words of comfort to the household, and at the services at two p.m. in the Zion church there were opening remarks and prayer by Min. A. r. Toews. Then Min. Claude Unruh chose for his text Eccl. 8: 8, Heb. 9, 26-28, Phil 2, 11-13, warning and inviting all to prepare to meet our God. Burial took place at the nearby cemetery, were [sic] Min. Carl Dirks closed with prayer. — The Family