Graber, Melvin (1923-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 11 p. 2

Birth date: 1923 Aug 17

text of obituary:

FARMER DIES AT AGE 36

Moundridge, Kan. — Melvin Graber, young farmer of this community, died Feb. 5 at Bethel Deaconess hospital in Newton after a two-month illness. He was 36, and a native of Moundridge.

Survivors include the widow, Ruby, four sons and a daughter, all of the home, his mother, Mrs. P. P. O. Graber of Moundridge, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Eden Mennonite church near here, Rev. Arnold Nickel in charge.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jun 2 p. 8

text of obituary:

MELVIN GRABER

Melvin Graber, son of Peter P. O. and Anna Goering Graber, was born August 17, 1923, on a farm southwest of Moundridge, Kan. He passed from this life on Feb. 5, 1960, at the Bethel Deaconess hospital, Newton, at the age of 36 years, five months and 19 days.

He suffered from diabetes for many years, but even so he was an active farmer. Upon examination, about two months before his death the doctor informed him his condition was serious. On Feb. 3 he entered Bethel hospital. He realized that he might not recover. He said he was ready to go but repeatedly expressed his deep concern for his wife and five small children. This was an experience described by the Apostle Paul when he said: “For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful to you.” Phil 1:23, 24.

His father died when Melvin was only 14 years old. As a result he and his two brothers and sisters, under the guidance of their mother, already in early life had to assume their share of the responsibility of operating the farm and maintaining a Christian family life.

He received his elementary education in a rural school near his home and graduated from high school in Moundridge. He was baptized on confession of faith in Christ on July 23, 1939 by Rev. Walter Gering and admitted to the Christian fellowship of the Eden Mennonite church, where he remained a faithful member until the end.

On June 1, 1947 he was united in marriage to Ruby Kaufman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kaufman of Burrton, Kansas. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for a little over 12 years. This union was blessed with five children.

He leaves to mourn his early departure his loving wife, Ruby and five children, Lynn, 11, Ardeth, 10, Sherry, 7, Dennis, 6, and Mark, 5; his mother, Mrs. Peter P. O. Graber of Moundridge; two brothers, Harvey of Burrton and Harry of Moundridge; two sisters, Florence, Mrs. Milton Waltner of Marion, S. D., and Melva, his twin sister, Mrs. Ervin Krehbiel of Moundridge; his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kaufman; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Milton Waltner, Ervin Krehbiel, Edyth and Meroe Graber, Raymond and Velda Kaufman, Victor and Joan Kaufman, Sally and Bill Martins, Rosie and Charles Etherton, Margie Kaufman, Donna and Paul Jarmer; his uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and a host of friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1960 Feb 23 p. 127