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Gering, LeRoy (1906-1927)
Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1927 Aug 25 p. 7
Birth date: 1906 Jul 18
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1927 Jul 27 p. 1
text of obituary:
YOUNG MAN DROWNS WHILE BATHING
Freeman, S. D., July 21 — This community was shocked Sunday afternoon when the sad news reached town that LeRoy Gering, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Gering, drowned above the Wolf Creek colony dam. Sunday after dinner Mr. and Mrs. Gering drove to the Julius Ewert place about 20 miles northeast of town and LeRoy went along with some boys to the colony swimming. His companions, Willard Delzer and Aaron Kautz, are good swimmers but LeRoy was unable to swim. After enjoying the water for a while Kautz went out to dress, so did Delzer, and LeRoy followed but when almost out of the water he decided to go back for one more good splash, but went in too far. Realizing the danger he called for help. Delmar rushed to his side and was pulled in also Kautz, who was dressed already, rushed in with all his clothes on and both boys tried their best to save him but had a narrow escape themselves because he had held them and they had quite a scuffle before they were able to get away. Others who were there to witness the tragedy are Rollo Borman, Ruben Haar, Jacob Waldner, son of Mrs. Martin Waldner, and D. D. Hofer's son Isaac. A few minutes later David Hofer of the colony came and dived down and brought the body to the shore but it was too late. Artificial respiration was tried but all in vain. Funeral services were held Tuesday. — Freeman Courier.
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1927 Aug 3 p. 3
text of obituary:
LeRoy Gering
LeRoy Gering was born on July 13, 1906 at Freeman, S. Dak., where he grew to manhood. He reached the age of 21 years and 4 days. He was interested in Church and Sunday School and very seldom missed these services during his entire life. on June 4, 1924 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and was received into the fellowship of the Bethany Mennonite Church of which he remained a faithful member until his death. LeRoy was an industrious and ambitious young man. He graduated from the Freeman high School with the class of 1924 and the following year completed his Normal course at Freeman College. He, however, decided not to teach but to continue his college course and so in the fall of 1925, he enrolled as a student in Yankton College from which institution he would have graduated with high honors next year, had his life been spared. He leaves to mourn his early and unexpected departure, his deeply bereft parents, his brother Walter, his grandparents, many uncles and aunts, a large host of cousins and other relatives and friends. Our friend was called very suddenly and unexpectedly in the bloom of is youth. We think the earth firmer than the water in which he found his grave. But one false step on this firm earth may precipitate us into the tomb. — Freeman Courier.
The Mennonite obituary: 1927 Jul 25 p. 7
