Springer, Benjamin W. (1879-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Feb 24 p. 8

Birth date: 1879 Feb 14

text of obituary:

BENJAMIN W. SPRINGER

Benjamin W. Springer, a resident of Hamilton county, Neb. for many years, died suddenly at his home in Aurora, Neb., Wednesday, January 19, at the age of 75 years, 11 months and five days. Mr. Springer had been in poor health for several years and death resulted from a heart condition.

He was born near Gridley, Ill., on Feb. 14, 1879, the son o Christian and Anna Springer, immigrants from France who settled in Livingston county, Ill.

In 1881 he moved with his parents to Seward, Neb. where they lived until 1905, then moved to Hamilton county where he had since lived.

He had been a devout Christian since boyhood and was a loyal member of the Pleasant View Mennonite church.

On Jan. 26, 1904, he was married to Barbara Steider of Metamora, Ill.

In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Nellie Hawthorne, of Giltner and Misses Margaret and Grace Springer of Los Angeles, Calif.

Also surviving are six grandchildren — Roger, Larry, Richard, Billy, Carol and Nancy Hawthorne, and six great-grandchildren.

He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. Alma Zimmerman, Mrs. Will Oswald, of Aurora, and Mrs. Dave Bachman of Roanoke, Ill.

He will long be remembered as a loving husband and father by his family, and a kind and helping friend by his many acquaintances throughout the community.

Memorial services were held at Pleasant View church Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. Herbert Roszhart officiated. Paul Springer and Rev. Roszhart, accompanied by Mrs. Earl Oswald, sang, “Abide With me,” and “Near to The Heart of God.”

Pallbearers were four grandsons — Roger, Larry, Richard and Billy Hawthorne — and two nephews, Harvey and Ralph Springer. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Out of town relatives present included Mr. and Mrs. Dave Bachman, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bachman, Rudy Bachman, Sam Steider, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Beer, Mrs. Wm. Raber, Mrs. Anna Zimmerman, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rediger and Jack Springer, all of Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Steider, of Shickley; Mr. and Mrs. Dave Steider of Geneva; Mr. and Mrs. John Meyers of Milford , Don Wilson of Omaha; Richard Hawthorne of Minneapolis; and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hawthorne of Atkinson.