Sommerfeld, Henry H. (1871-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Aug 3 p. 8

Birth date: 1871 Jul 7

text of obituary:

HENRY H. SOMMERFELD

Henry H. Sommerfeld, eldest son of Heinrich and Anna Schroeder Sommerfeld, was born July 7, 1871, in the village of Alexanderwohl, South Russia. At the age of three years, he and the family with a large group of Mennonites migrated to America.

The Sommerfeld family located first in Marion county, Kansas, and later moved to McPherson county where he grew to manhood. The last 18 years of his life were spent in Harvey county. He resided on a farm near Hesston until he retired three years ago. He was united in marriage August 20, 1895, to Elva Smith of Ashland, Ohio, who survives him.

To this union were born five sons and two daughters: Percy H., who passed away at the age of 21; Hattie E., at home; Charles John of Canton, Anna M. (Mrs. Goerge [sic'George] Chapple) of Newton; Menno W. of Hesston, George R. of Halstead, and Edwin M. of Moundridge. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 1 son-in-law and 4 daughters-in-law, 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

At the age of 23 he was baptized and received as a member of the Spring Valley Mennonite Church near Canton, Kansas. Since his residence in Harvey county he was a member of the Pennsylvania church. He was a man of few words but of strong Christian principles, a faithful church attendant and a liberal supporter of the work.

He was industrious and hard working and scarcely knew what sickness was until about three years ago when he became afflicted with shaking palsy.

Ten days ago he was taken to Bethel hospital where he quietly passed away June 30, at the age o 72 years, 11 months and 23 days.

Funeral services were conducted at the home in Hesston by Dr. Fred Brenneman and at the Pennsylvania church by Rev. Earl Buckwalter, assisted by Rev. Owen Hershberger. Text, I Peter 1:3, 4. A mixed octet sang favorite numbers.

Casket bearers were six nephews, Harold, Clarence, Lester and Charles Sommerfeld; Otto Buller and John Pankratz. Interment was at the Spring Valley cemetery near Canton where a short service was conducted by Rev. Charles Diener.