Krabill, Joseph R. (1869-1925)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1925 Nov 3 p. 4

Birth date: 1869 Jan 9

text of obituary:

IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH R. KRABILL

Wadsworth, Ohio
______

In the passing of Joseph R. Krabill, the Church and the community feels keenly the loss of a highly honored man; the Krabill home a beloved father and husband. The purpose of this account is to emphasize those qualities of character of the one who is now in the great Spirit world, which are often omitted in relating facts in an obituary. The following gives in a brief way the thoughts of the writer as he thinks of him:

The deceased lived the abundant life. He lived freely and energetically. Always active in worthy endeavors. He had no time for vanity and idleness. When health began to fail and he was compelled to be less industrious, it was a real cross to him. He loved work and service.

Brother Krabill was deeply serious. He was truly religious. While he enjoyed life to the fullest extent, his whole attitude seemed to say that one receives the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment in life just insofar as he takes the great essentials of life seriously. This seriousness is the natural result of his deeply religious nature, his faith in God and his trust in the Master. He was always actively engaged in the work of the Church. Seldom is a business man so wrapped up with church life. When he was not in his pew on Sabbath morning it was because he had not just an excuse for not being in attendance, but because he had a real reason. Unfortunately this cannot be said of all business men in our beautiful village. Indeed, our village would be even more beautiful if this were true.

While living in Sterling he served as one of the officials on the Church council in the Mennonite Church of that place. Since 1914 he, with his family, lived in Wadsworth, being engaged in business and for the most part as a grocer. But he was never too busy to serve as teacher in the local Mennonite Sunday school, the last few years being leader of the Senior Ladies’ class and functioning as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. When health permitted, he was faithful in attendance at the Thursday evening Prayer and Bible Study service. He was actively engaged in the Senior Christian Endeavor work, always bearing his share of the load and sometimes more than his share. This he did without the least complaint, for he always wanted to see the work of the Lord prosper.

When, after a lingering illness, lasting over a period of several months, due to heart trouble, he realized that the end was near, he made a complete resignation, that final preparation which all must make. He called each member of the family to his bedside and admonished them to be loyal and true to God and to the Savior, who meant so much to him. He told them not to weep when he is gone for all is well with him, that his Savior has prepared a place for him. A few days later he passed peacefully to the great beyond.

The following are a few chronological facts connected with his life story:

Joseph R. Krabill was born near Montbelaird, France, January 9, 1869. In May of 1880 he came to this country with his parents and located on a farm near Sterling, O. In April, 1893, he was united in marriage to Ida A. Rich. To this union were born four children, Melvin, Verna, Vida and Paul. He united with the Mennonite Church in 1893 and remained a faithful and inspiring member throughout his life. The deceased leaves his wife, four children and one grandson, Rodger Krabill, all of whom live in Wadsworth, with the exception of the older daughter, Verna, of Washington, Ill.

Funeral services were held at the late home on Highland avenue, Wadsworth, where many relatives and friends gathered, among whom were many prominent business men of the village. The service was conducted by his pastor. Floral tributes were profuse. Burial was made in the Woodlawn cemetery.

— Wadsworth Messenger.

The Mennonite obituary: 1925 Oct 22 p. 7