Ensz, Jacob D. (1874-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 8 Aug 1946 p. 3

Birth date: 1874 Mar 3

text of obituary:

JACOB D. ENSZ

Jacob D. Ensz, son of Derk and Maria Ensz, was born in Russia on March 3, 1874. He came to this country with his parents at the age of three years. In 1887 his parents settled on a farm one mile west of Marion. In 1894 his father died and four months later his mother.

Upon his confession of faith he was baptized on Pentecost, 1892, by Rev. Ben J. Schmidt, and was received into the membership of the Bethesda church. He often referred to this occasion as the time when he found the assurance of his salvation.

On November 28, 1895, he was united in marriage with Frances Graber, with whom he spent 50 years, seven months and five days in holy matrimony, and shared joy and sorrow together.

To this union nine children were born — five boys and 4 girls, of whom four preceded him in death in their infancy. On account of ill health he moved from the farm in November, 1926, and moved to Marion for a while, but since all his children lived near Dolton, he soon changed his home to Dolton where he served in the cream sation for a few years and at the same time took care of the blind Mrs. Pankratz for 14 years.

Twice he had eruptions of cancer on his lip, but with the help of the Lord and the aid of physicians, this was removed. In 1945 he became ill with cancer of the stomach. Again it looked like he was on the road to recovery, but being very weak from six and one half months of illness, he got pneumonia and died. After six and a half months of suffering, two weeks of which he was bed ridden, he passed to his heavenly home on July 5, 1946, at 5:30 a.m. at the age of 72 years, four months and one day.

He took life very seriously and earnestly, and made himself useful in C. E. and Sunday School and led the Bible class in the Ortman home as long as strength was present.

He was a member of the Bethel church which he supported to best of his ability. He leaves a vacancy in our home, city, church and community where he tried to be a witness for his Saviour.

He leaves to mourn him: his wife; five children, David of Dolton, John, Dolton, Martha (Mrs. Dan Ortman) of Marion, Mary (Mrs. Elias Ortman) of Monroe, and Lu Ella (Mrs. Abe Wiens) of Canistota; 21 grandchildren, two great grandchildren; three brothers, John of Marion, Abe of Oklahoma and Henry of Morse, Canada; and 1 sister, mary (Mrs. Frank Reimer) of Steinbach, Manitoa, Canada; as well as a host of friends who mourn his departure. But not as such that have no hope for we hope to meet him in heaven above.

The men's quartet from the E.M.B. church sang one song at the home at one o'clock and one at the Bethel church at two o'clock. Also the quartet from the church of God sang one number. A double duet was sung by ladies of the Bethel church. At the grave the E.M.B. quartet sang "We'll Never Say Goodbye In Heaven."

Rev. J. J. Adrian gave the message in the German language, and Rev. J. A. Tieszen in the English. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Elmer and Roy Ensz, Darrel and Donald Ensz, Harley Ortman and Lyle Ketcham.

He was laid to rest July 7 one mile west of Marion, beside his parents and children.

— Mother and Children.