Staufer, John (1866-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 May 6 p. 9

Birth date: 1866 Jul 14

text of obituary:

JOHN STAUFER

John Staufer, son of Jacob Staufer and Dorothea Krehbiel Staufer, was born on July 14, 1866, on a farm near Donnellson, Iowa, where he spent his boyhood days. He had three brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.

Upon the confession of his faith, he was baptized and joined the Zion Mennonite church of Donnellson, of which Rev. Christian Schowalter was the pastor.

In 1894 he came to Oklahoma to establish his home. On Jan. 16, 1898, he and Lizzie Schnebele were united in marriage at the Zion Mennonite church in Donnellson, Iowa. To this union were born seven children: Marie, who preceded him in death by two weeks, Leona, Anna, Milton, Freda, and twin daughters, who died in infancy.

He was a charter member of the Deer Creek Mennonite church, which was organized on August 17, 1899. For many years he served as deacon, and the interest of the church was close to his heart. He did much to promote mission work and Christian education.

He shared the joys and responsibilities of his home with his wife and family for more than 56 years. In the last years of his life, his health failed and in January 1954 he became ill with the flu, from which effects he never recovered. He passed away at the Blackwell, Okla. General hospital, where he spent the last five weeks of his life. He reached the age of 87 years, nine months, and 10 days.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Lizzie; his children, Leona and her husband, Elmer Lichti, of Deer Creek; Anna and Milton of Deer Creek; Freda and her husband, Edward Uhren, of Norwich, Kansas; a son-in-law, Rev. P. K. Regier of Moundridge, Kansas; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were held in the Deer Creek Mennonite church on Tuesday, April 27, with Rev. P. J. Boehr of Enid, Okla. officiating.