Lichti, John K. (1863-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1863 Nov 27

text of obituary:

REV. JOHN K. LICHTI

Rev. John K. Lichti of 931 'O' St., Sanger, Calif., son of John and Christena [sic Christina] Becker Lichti, was born in Kuesselhof, Ramsan, Germany on Nov. 27, 1863. on August 24, 1958 at 9:15 a. m. he went to be with his heavenly Father, whom he served and worshipped through Jesus Christ. He attained the age of 94 years and nine months.

At the age of 14 he was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. He came to America with his brother Ernest in 1800 and settled at Halstead, Kansas.

On April 23, 1898, he entered holy wedlock with Marie Schroeder at Halstead, Rev. C. E. Krehbiel officiating. They made their livelihood through farming. Two years later they moved to Paso Robles, Calif. where they also farmed.

On Dec. 7, 1901, he was ordained to the Christian ministry by Elder Jacob Hege and served as lay minister in the Mennonite church until 1913. From 1913-1920 he served as pastor of the Mennonite Church at Fairmead, Calif. From 1922-1938 they lived at Upland, where he assisted in the pastoral work of the church. He had a great love and loyalty to Christ and the church. He worked hard to provide for the family and to serve the church. He spent much of his free time in reading.

In 1938 they retired and moved to Sanger and joined the First Mennonite church of Reedley. On Jan. 4, 1939, this marriage was terminated when Mother Lichti passed away. After this he made his home with his daughter Helen, who cared for him the rest of his days. During his last years he needed extra care and others of the family came to give their time and love.

During these many years, strong family ties were developed and the family of nine is deeply grateful for the heritage they received from their departed parents.

Those children who cherish this memory are Elizabeth, Christine (Mrs. Griffith), and Helen, Mrs. Anderson, all of Sanger; Henry of Fresno; John of Templeton; Marie, Mrs. Clyde White of Sacramento; Otto of Los Angeles; Anna, Mrs. Gerhard Penner of Beatrice, Nebr.; and Martha, Mrs. Clair Leinniger of San Martin, Calif.

His survivors also include one sister, Elise, Mrs. Hertzler of Germany and Chris of Paso Robles; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14).

Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p. m. Aug. 27 at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley, with Rev. Aaron Epp officiating. Burial was made in the Reedley cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Sep 23 p. 589