Leppke, Abram (1903-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Nov 26 p. 8

Birth date: 1903 Sep 6

text of obituary:

ABRAM LEPPKE

Abram Leppke, was born on Sept. 6, 1903, near Hillsboro, Kansas. When he was about five years old his parents, Peter and Helena Wiens Leppke, moved to Fairview, Okla. Here he received his elementary education.

When our father was 15 years old he moved with his parents to Reedley, Calif. arriving there 41 years ago, Nov. 12, 1918. It was at Reedley during the well known tent meetings held by Rev. Erickson that he recognized his lost condition and came to the Lord Jesus Christ and found peace and rest for his soul. On May 11, 1919, he was baptized upon his confession of faith and united with the Mennonite Brethren church for fellowship.

On Jan. 23, 1929, he was united in holy matrimony with Marie Mack. This union, which lasted 30 years, nine months and 16 days, was blessed with two children, Larry, at present a student in Tabor college at Hillsboro, Kansas, and Shirley, a junior in Immanuel academy at Reedley.

Our father had a special love for the work of the church. For years he served as one of the leading singers in the bass section of the church choir as well as the male chorus. He served with special numbers at many of the church activities, and was the song director of the mid-week Bible study service.

About 12 years ago the church recognized in him the qualities of a deacon and through an election he was called into this important service. On Jan. 21, 1951, he was ordained into this office and served faithfully to the last Sunday when he assisted in serving the communion. He gave himself sacrificially in visiting the sick, helping the needy, and assisting in all church services. He has also served as Sunday school superintendent for a number of years.

Our first home was in Reedley. In 1941, we moved to a farm and engaged in farming. For about 10 years our father worked for the Texaco Oil company in Reedley, and also served for four years on the maintenance crew at the local high school. He was church minded but also civic minded and thus had a host of friends.

Our father enjoyed almost perfect health all of his life. Only in the last week did he have a few symptoms of some apparent trouble. However, this did not seem serious. His church called upon him to serve as a delegate to the Pacific District Conference in San Jose. Sunday night, Nov. 8, about midnight he complained of pain. In a few moments early on Nov. 9, 1959, he was called to enter the portals beyond this world. He reached the age of 56 years, two months, and three days.

Among those who mourn at his passing are: his wife, Mrs. Marie Leppke of Reedley; one son, Larry Leppke; one daughter, Shirley Leppke; two sisters, Leah, Mrs. George Klassen of Kingsburg, Calif., and Martha, Mrs. Siemens of Fresno, three brothers, Corney, Dan, and Solomon, all of Reedley; four aunts, eight brothers-in-law, and nine sisters-in-law.

Besides these there are many nephews and nieces as well as many other relatives and friends.

His parents preceded him in death, both passing away in 1942 within a period of three months. One sister and one brother also passed away in infancy.

The memorial service was held at the Mennonite Brethren church of Reedley on Nov. 12, 1959, with Rev. Dan Friesen, Rev. H. R. Wiens and Rev. J. B. Toews officiating. — The Family.