Jantzen, William (1895-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Oct 15 p. 3

Birth date: 1895 Mar 14

text of obituary:

William Jantzen

William Jantzen, born March 14, 1895, at Okeene, Okla., was the son of John and Susie Ratzlaff Jantzen. In early manhood he studied the catechism and was baptized and became a member of the Lutheran church in Okeene, Okla., although not fully realizing the importance of the step he was taking at the time.

He lived with his parents until 1914, when he moved to Watova, Okla., to an unimproved farm owned by his father. Here he became acquainted with Katie Buller, whom he married May 14, 1915. They labored together side by side and stood by each other in sickness and in health, sharing joys and sorrows, which brought them nearer to the Lord. Here at Watova he also joined the Mennonite church. After 12 years they with their family moved to near Fairview, Okla.

The family spent 12 years on a farm near Okeene, Okla. Here he felt his need of a Saviour and began searching the Scriptures and definitely accepted the Lord in 12934. In a quiet way he has served his Savior faithfully. At this time he and his wife joined the Mennonite Church at Orienta, Okla. Being quite a distance from the home church the family worshiped with the M. B. church at Okeene, Okla., where many blessing, [sic] were received.

In 1939 he purchased a farm two miles east of Ringwood, Okla., when he moved and lived until he passed away Sept. 25, 1942, 6 P. M. He reached the age of 47 years, 6 months and 11 days.

Of late he had not been feeling very well as he felt dizziness coming on once in a while.

On Friday morning he had helped as usual with the chores but after milking one cow he felt a dizziness, coming on. He said he would go into the house and go to bed. His condition became more serious and was taken to the doctors. Here he told his sons, "The Lord has Called me Home quick."

He regained consciousness to know — his family as they gathered around him for the last time.

He leaves to morn [sic] his early departure his beloved wif [sic], Katie Jantzen, 4 sons: Lloyd of Okeene, Jake, Arnold and Earl of the home; 2 daughters: Edna (Mrs. Leonard Eck) of Ringwood and Pearl of the home; 2 grandchildren; Julie Marie Eck and Billie Joe Jantzen, 9 brothers, 4 sisters, 23 nieces, 27 nephews and many other friends and relatives.