Mastre, Albert E. (1886-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 may 12 p. 6

Birth date: 1889 Sep 6

text of obituary:

ALBERT E. MASTRE

Albert E. Mastre was born at Grafton, North Dakota on September 6, 1889. Here he received his education and grew to manhood. His father, being a minister, was often called away from home on ministerial duties and it was necessary for Albert as the eldest son to assume the greater responsibility at home.

At the age of 28 years he felt the need of a Savior in his life. He was converted and upon the confession of his faith was baptized into the church of God in Christ, Mennonite in May 1917 by Bro. F. C. Fricke.

On January 16, 1921, be was united in holy matrimony to Bessie Litwiller. This union was blessed with seven children, two sons and five daughters. They mutually shared joys and sorrows for over 28 years, but only too soon has it ended with his death.

The family lived in North Dakota for about 18 years, and then due to his physical condition moved to Kansas, which seemed to help his bronchial asthma. The last few years he had been declining as other complications set in so that he was almost continually under medical care. He spent several months at Hot Springs, New Mexico, also at Phoenix, Arizona and in various clinics and hospitals. He received relief from these various places but no cure.

On March 4 he entered the Halstead Clinic. We never thought when we took him there that he would never return home again. He received the best of medical care but it was of no avail as he passed quietly away on April 20, 1949, at 6:25 in the evening at the age of 59 years, seven months and 14 days.

His life was not without struggles but it was his desire to live for his Master and to do the Lord's will. He was a loving and caring husband and also a loving father to the children. This will be remembered of him in our family circle even though his eyes are closed and his lips silent. Even though his life was not without fault he was always willing to again correct and confess his mistakes. He made special preparation the last weeks and said he felt the Lord heard and answered his prayers, that he felt at peace and Heaven's door was open for him. So even though our hearts bleed and our teardrops flow, we tender him the rest promised the faithful and hope to meet him some day.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his deeply bereaved companion; two sons, Orval and Percy; five daughters, May (Mrs. Willard Holdeman), Betty (Mrs. Jake Koehn), Rose (Mrs. Alfred Koehn), Carabel (Mrs. Glenn Unruh), and Lois of the home; one daughter-in-law, four sons-in-law; 10 grandchildren; his aged mother, Mrs. I. N. Mastre; one brother, Clifford; and three sisters, with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and three brothers.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, April 24, at the Lone Tree Mennonite church near Galva, Kansas, with Rev. Jesse Johnson in charge. Interment was made in the nearby cemetery.