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Unruh, Benjamin H. (1856-1936)
Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1936 Jun 23 p. 14
Birth date: 1856 Sep 16
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1936 Jun 17 p. 5
text of obituary:
. . .
— Ben H. Unruh of Galva, who had been confined at the Bethel Hospital here for nearly a week, died last Sunday afternoon at one o'clock. he was in his 78th year. He leaves a large family, most of whom have already established their own homes, and many friends to mourn his passing away. A son, Prof. H. H. Unruh and wife from Pratt had remained here in Newton hoping for his recovery. Funeral services are to be held at the Emanuel Mennonite church north of Moundridge at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1936 Jun 24 p. 2
text of obituary:
Benjamin H. Unruh, son of Heinrich D. and Maria (Becker) Unruh was born September 16, 1856, in Poland, Russia, in the village of Antinofka located in the state of Wolhynien. He was baptized March 16, 1874.
In the year 1874, he together with his parents, his brothers and sisters became a member of the large party of emigrants who left Russia to come to America in search of religious freedom and to avoid the rigorous military training required by the Russian government.
Immediately upon their arrival in America they proceeded to Kansas. Shortly after their arrival in Kansas his parents settled on a farm on Section 27, Lone Tree township, McPherson county, where the ruins of the old family home may be seen today.
On March 24, 1878, he was married to Helena Wedel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Wedel, who resided as neighbors to the family. Rev. Jacob Stucky officiated at the marriage. Immediately following their marriage they settled on a farm adjoining that of his parents and where he resided until his death, thus having lived continuously on the same farm for 58 years.
To this union there were born 7 children. He and his wife were permitted to share together the joys and the sorrows of life for 40 years, 8 months and 28 days when on December 22, 1918, the wife and mother departed from this life. Following her death he remained a widower for 17 years, 5 months, and 22 days, and continued to live on his farm, most of the time by himself, until 1932 when he sold most of his personal belongings and his son John and his family moved in with him. Since the departure of his wife he experienced many trials and tribulations, most of which he took graciously and very frequently said, "If it is God's will I am ready and yearn to follow her in death", this desire now having been fulfilled.
About five years ago he suffered a severe heart attack and was then entered at the Halstead Hospital for treatment. He recovered rather rapidly from this attack and soon was again permitted to return to his home. On several occasions since then it was necessary for him to enter the hospital for treatment. This last year he had been failing rather rapidly and again entered Bethel Hospital, Newton, Kansas, on Saturday evening, June 6, and peacefully departed from this life on Sunday, June 14, at 1 p. m. The members of the family kept constant vigil at the bedside during his last illness and death.
He attained the age of 79 years, 8 months and 28 days.
Surviving him are 6 children, who together with their families mourn his departure; 1 daughter, Karolina, having preceded her parents in death at the age of 3. The children are: Mary (Mrs. Tob. Decker) Durham, Kansas; David B; Peter B; John B; Lena (Mrs. Frank Rudiger) all of Galva, Kansas, and Herman B. of Pratt, Kansas. In addition to his immediate family there mourn his death, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. Two grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild preceded him in death.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible". — 1 Corinthians 9, 24-25.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, June 17, at the Emmanuel church. Rev. H. H. Schmidt, pastor of the Friedenstal church at Tampa, Kansas, spoke on 1 Thess. 4, 13-18 and led in prayer. In the church hymn No. 563 from the Gesangbuch was sung by the congregation. Rev. P. P. Wedel read Ps. 27 and led in prayer inthe English language. Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff read the obituary in the English and German language. Song by a quartet: "There is no Death There". English sermon by Rev. P. P. Wedel, 1 Kings 2, 1-5. Song by a quarter: "We Shall See the King of Glory". Sermon in the German language and prayer by Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff. Closing hymn was selected from Gesangbuch No. 564. At the cemetery a quartet sang a suitable selection, while Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff read the committal service and led in prayer.
