Jantz, Anna (1862-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Jun 13 p. 3

Birth date: 1862 Dec 25

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA JANTZ

Mrs. Anna Jantz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jantz, was born in Poland, West Russia, on December 25, 1862, and departed this life at the home of her daughter in Newton, Kansas, on May 12, 1944. She had made her home here for the past five years. At the time of her passing she had reached the age of 81 years, 4 months and 16 days.

When she was nine years of age, she with her brothers, sisters, father and step-mother immigrated to America in 1874. They landed in Philadelphia, and came from there to Florence and Hutchinson, Kansas, later moving to McPerson [sic McPherson] county. Since her parents had to start their pioneer life and and [sic] home and not having much to start with she was hired out to stay with others for her food and clothing.

While in her youth without school or any education she found her way to the Lord and was baptised by Rev. Jacob Stucky and united with the Canton Mennonite church. On August 7, 1880, she was united in marriage to Benjamin J. Jantz, son of John and Helen Jantz, and they established their home west of Tampa in Marion county, Kansas.

To this union fourteen children were born, seven sons and seven daughters of which one son and one daughter passed away in infancy and one son after reaching the age of 29 years. Her husband preceded her in death November 27, 1931.

She was taken seriously ill on February 12, 1944, from which she failed to respond treatment.

She leaves to mourn her departure, five sons and six daughters: Alfred Jantz, Ben Jantz, Mrs. Dan Unruh, Mrs. Adolph Redger, Mrs. Berney Bergman all of Tampa; Solomon Jantz, Haviland; John Jantz, Greenburg [sic Greensburg]; Mrs. John Bergman, Hope; Mrs. Ben Unruh, Gus Jantz and Katie Jantz of Newton; also 55 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. P. B. Unruh, Meno, Okla.; one brother Berney Jantz, Haviland, Kansas.; one half brother Jacob Wedel, Meno, Okla.; also a host of relatives and friends survive.

Early on Monday morning, May 15, she was taken to her farm home in Marion county where she remained until the services on Tuesday. A short service was held at the farm home at 1:00 p.m. for the relatives with Rev. Walter Regier in charge. A mixed octet sang two selections at this service. Rev. Noah Unruh of Carnegie, Okla., assisted with this service. Funeral services were held at the Friedenstal Mennonite church, which she had helped to organize, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Walter Regier, the pastor and Rev. John H. Epp, of Kingman and Rev. J. E. Entz of Newton, all taking part in the services. During this service the octet sang several of her favorite selections. Casket bearers were Clyde Jantz, Benjamin Jantz, Finnis Jantz and Dean Redger.

Interment was made in the family lot in the Friedenstal church cemetery with Rev. H. U. Schmidt and Rev. Walter Regier talking part in the committal service. The mixed octet sang several comforting selections during this service. Rex M. Moody of the Moody's Funeral Home of Newton, was the funeral director in charge of arrangements.

Dearest mother, since you've left us
How we miss your face so dear;
Often while our hearts are bleeding
We should call thee to our side.
But, we know that God has called you
And with Him now you abide.
When the day is just beginning,
That is when we miss your face.
It was then we gathered 'round you
And learned of God's redeeming grace.
We are glad we had you mother.
but when God calls we cannot stay
Here on earth with those who love us
E're our spirits have flown away
So dear mother, as we journey
May our lives some soul inspire,
May we all be true to Jesus
Till we hear God say, "Come Higher".

— Children and Grandchildren