Nachtigal, Abraham B. (1891-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Mar 24 p. 8

Birth date: 1891 Feb 16

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM B. NACHTIGAL

Abraham B. Nachtigal, our loving husband and father, the son of Andrew and Anna Nachtigal, was born on Feb. 16, 1891, on a farm in Hamilton county, Neb. Here he spent his childhood days, attended a country school and grew to manhood, spending the major part of his life near the town of Henderson, Neb.

When our father reached the age of 18, he recognized his lost condition and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. On Sept. 3, 1911, he was baptized by the Elder John Kliewer upon the confession of his faith in Christ. He united with the Mennonite Brethren church for fellowship. He remained a faithful member of this church throughout his life, serving the Lord and the church in such capacities as he was called upon. For 11 years he served faithfully as an usher in the church. This meant much to him because he did it as unto the Lord.

On Feb. 19, 1914, he was united with Lydia Heiser Nachtigal in holy matrimony. This union which lasted 41 years and 16 days, was blessed with three children, two sons and one daughter. The first years of married life were spent on a farm near Henderson, Neb. Besides working as a farmer, our father also shared in the business world by selling farm equipment.

About 10 years ago we left our native state and moved to California to make our home in Reedley. After this we spent some time in San Jose, Calif. and then moved back to Reedley again.

About three years ago we established our home in Fresno, Calif. However, after finishing our house, father became ill with an ailment that was to destroy his earthly temple. During the last six months he suffered much, spending the last three months in the community hospital in Fresno. It was in this school of suffering that our father was drawn very close to his precious Saviour and it gave him an opportunity to give a glowing testimony to the faithfulness of God. He spoke to souls about his Saviour's love, and the nurses identified him in the hospital as "that Christian man." The Lord favored him through graciously giving him a vision and our father had a great longing to depart and be with the Lord.

Saturday morning, March 5, at about 7:10 the time of his departure arrived. He quietly slipped into the Great Beyond to join his parents, three grandchildren and other loved ones who had preceded him in death. He reached the age of 64 years and 16 days.

Those who remain to mourn his departure in a special way are: his wife, Mrs. Lydia Heiser Nachtigal of 2989 Hammond St., Fresno, Calif., two sons, Elmer and Alfred of Fresno, one daughter, Rubena, Mrs. Karl Schmidt, who with her husband and daughter Caria are stationed in Germany; three brothers, Andrew of Tulsa, Okla., Henry of Henderson, Neb., Benjamin of Buhler, Kansas; two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Regier of Henderson, Neb., and Mrs. Tena Kliewer of Hampton, Neb.; and seven grandchildren.

We mourn his departure but rejoice in the wonderful testimony that he has left us. We await a reunion with him in the Great Beyond.

— The Family