Slonaker, Louis (1854-1939)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 [sic 1939] Feb 8 p. 5

Birth date: 1854 Mar 5

text of obituary:

Louis Slonaker

At 9:10 on Tuesday evening, January 17, the Savior's summons came to the home of Louis Slonaker and beckoned him from his earthly home to the more beautiful and eternal home not made by human hands, where he is now with his Lord and loved ones gone on before.

Louis Slonaker, youngest son of Chris and Marion Slonaker, was born on March 5, 1854, in Switzerland, near Chaux-de-fords [sic La Chaux-de-Fonds] and departed this life January 17 at the age of 84 years, 10 months and 12 days.

On Easter Sunday, 1879, upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he was baptized by Rev. David Ummel, and united with the Mennonite church of that place.

On March 30, 1873, he came to Pulaski, Iowa, with his parents.

On December 1, 1881, he was united in marriage to Mary Ummel. To this union were born 8 children, 2 sons and 6 daughters. he was preceded in death by his father, mother, one sister, Mrs. Anna Amstutz, two brothers, Chris and Fred, one son and one daughter who died in infancy.

He is survived by his devoted companion and the following children: Mrs. D. C. Cowles and Mrs. E. M. Cowles of Pulaski; Edward H. of Lancaster, Missouri; Mrs. Addie Foster of Milton; Mrs. W. C. Clayton of Douds; and Mrs. R. G. Hagler of Milton; 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. On December 1, 1938, they were permitted to enjoy the festivities of their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary.

Grandpa Slonaker, as he was often called, was a man of unfailing generosity and integrity in all dealings. He was a kind, loving husband and father, his first thoughts being the consideration of his family and his friends, who were numbered by all who knew him.

Every Sunday found him in his accustomed pew of the church he loved so well, unless unavoidable circumstances prevented. He was not merely a nominally professed member but an active, faithful, and zealous member, fiving [sic] freely of his time, his labor and his purse to its activities and its maintenance. At the time of his passing he was the oldest member in this church in point of membership as well as years of life.

His last sickness was of ten days duration. His loving companion and all of his children were with him to administer to his comfort. When his spirit took its flight, all who were at his bedside were prvileged [sic] to see the eyes, which had been closed for four days, open, and his face illuminate with a saintly smile. Without a struggle his soul departed. Thus a faithful Christian, a devoted father, a friendly neighbor and a loyal citizen has passed on to the city of God.

"He has taken his long journey
On that beautiful ship called Rest
Away from the earthly temple,
To a home of eternal rest.
We have only your memory, dear Father,
To treasure our whole life through,
But its sweetness will last forever
As we cherish our memory of you."

A large audience of neighbors and friends were present at the funeral services which were held at the Mennonite church, three miles south and west of Pulaski, on Thursday, January 19, at 1:30 p.m., Rev. W. W. Miller of Pulaski officiating.

The pallbearers were Victor Cowles, Lowell Wagler, Carl Casady, Gyle Slonaker, Phil Sherman, and Cleo Payne, all grandsons of the deceased.

A quartet composed of Harold Baughman, Forest Hartzler, Victor Swartzendruber, and Alvin Baughman sang "Sitting at the feet of Jesus" and "Will the Circle be Unbroken." Albert and Dewey Grim sang "Sunrise Tomorrow" with Mrs. Forrest Hartzler as pianist. Interment was tin the cemetry [sic] west of Pulaski.

Friends and relatives from a distance attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mosimann, Meadows, Illinois; Hollis Burns and Mrs. Ann Shrevers, Des Moines, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Davis, Mediapolis, Iowa.