Keiser, John Wesley (1868-1930)

The Mennonite obituary: 1930 Apr 16 p. 2

Birth date: 1868 Apr 27

text of obituary:

John W. Keiser

Wayland, Iowa, March 27. — John Wesley Keiser was born near Peru, Indiana, April 27, 1868. He was the third child of Alpha and Melissa (Fuller) Keiser. This was his father's second marriage. His father being unable to properly care for the four boys, they were placed in homes in the community. Later John found his way into the home of Stephen Miller near Goshen, Indiana where he grew to manhood. After this he made many friends in different Mennonite communities of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa.

When a young man he accepted Christ as his Saviour and has baptized and received into the Mennonite church near Kalona, Iowa, in which faith he died.

On October 22, 1902 he was united in marriage with Elvina Gingerich of Eagle Grove, Iowa. This union was blest with five children; Orie M., Goshen, Ind.; Harley F. of Wayland, Iowa; Emmert L., Manson, Mrs. E. W. McClure of Rockwell City, Iowa and Ruth at home.

For some time it was known that he had a weak heart but his death came very suddenly and unexpectedly as he dropped dead while a work at his home near Wayland, Iowa, March 11, 1930, at the age of 61 years, 10 months and 14 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and five children, three brothers, three grandchildren and many acquaintances and friends.

The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at the Sugar Creek church conducted by Ellis Zook and Daniel Graber assisted by J. L. Hershberger of Kalona, Iowa and Abner G. Yoder of Parnell, Iowa. Text used: Mar. 12: 34-37; Rev. 11:12. — Wayland News.