Epp, Henry (1863-1940)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Mar 6 p. 2

Birth date: 1863 Feb 9

text of obituary:

Henry Epp

Henry Epp, was born February 9, 1863, at Blumenort, S. Russia. His parents were John and Marie Epp, nee Hubner. At the age of 9 years, he lost his mother through death. He received his education in Russia. In 1879 he came with his parents to America, arriving in Newton, Kansas, on July 4.

October 8, 1882, he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by the Elder Jacob Buller, joining the Alexanderwohl church, near Goessel, Kansas.

March 21, 1886, father was married to Margarethe Wiens. They made their home near Inman, Kansas, and joined the Bethel church. Four children were born to them, of which the first-born, Abraham, died, being only one year old. In 1905 our parents adopted Walter, the infant son of our cousin Peter Epp, who with the other children received the love and care of a Christian home.

On account of father's health it seemed necessary to make a change and they located in western Kansas, where they were quite successful. When continued crop failures set in, our parents moved to Elbing, Kansas, where father established a small business, in which he was active to his end.

Here the parents joined the Zion Mennonite Church November 18, 1928. On July 28, 1935, our dear mother passed away.

For a number of years father had suffered more or less with a kidney ailment, which became more severe during the last months. However, he was able to attend to his work. Not feeling well the afternoon before the day of his death, he retired. Walter, who was with him, gave him all possible care. In the morning a physician was called, who advised that he be taken to the hospital. But before this could be done, he fell asleep at 1:55 before noon of Tuesday, February 20, 1940.

He leaves 4 children: Margaret, Mrs. C. R. Regier of Elbing, Kansas; Henry W. Epp, of Rosalia, Kansas; Marie, Mrs. Jacob Ratzlaff, of Newton, Kansas; Walter Epp of Elbing, Kansas, with their wives and husbands; 18 grandchildren, 2 brothers and 3 sisters and many relatives and friends. His age was 77 years and 11 days. We sorrow, yet not as those who have no hope. We praise God for his grace, for He is "wonderful in council and excellent in working."

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 23, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at the Zion Mennonite church in Elbing, conducted by Rev. H. J. Dyck. After a song by the congregation he rad the 90th Psalm, basing his text on the first 12 verses. He spoke in the German language. A quartet sang, "In That Land of Day."

Rev. H. H. Schmidt followed with very striking words of comfort. As a scripture reading he had chosen 1 Sam. 20: 3, and James 4:15, speaking in the English language.

At the close the comforting song was sung by the audience: There's a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it at afar. For the Father waits over the way, To prepare us a dwelling place there. In the event, by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.

Since it continued raining, burial was postponed till Sunday morning, February 25, at 10 o'clock. This Sunday began with bright sunshine, and at 10 o'clock a gathering of friends and relatives were at the cemetery. Rev. H. J. Dyck spoke few words of comfort, basing his remarks on 1 Thess. 4: 13 - 18 and closing with prayer. here our dear Father was laid, to rest at the side of our dearly beloved mother, who preceded him several years ago.

We thank all our dear friends, who have in any way assisted us, or expressed their sympathy. — The bereaved family.